Oktoberfest 2011 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza

So it's already October, and October + Beer + Beer Maiden means it's time for...? 

 OKTOBERFEST 2011 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza!!

The German Club Manila and Sofitel Philippine Plaza play hosts to the 73rd Oktoberfest Manila on October 20-23, 2011! Bring on the beers, bratwursts and Bavarian spirit at this four day fun and booze-filled extravaganza for those who want to celebrate the traditions, entertainment and Bavarian food and beverage spreads reminiscent of the classic German folk festival.

Sofitel Manila's General Manager, Goran Aleks, is actually a native of Munich, Germany so it is befitting that his hotel houses one of the highlights of German culture in the Philippines.

 

The president of the Manila chapter of The German Club, Michael Scheile, talks about how Oktoberfest originated in Munich, which is the world's largest fair with about 5 million people attending in Germany. The beerfest morphed from the wedding celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig, who later became King Ludwig I, to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen back in 1810. So, 200 years later, the party has gone worldwide and onto the shores of Manila.

The German embassy's commercial attache to the Philippines, Christof Wegner, talks about how celebrating this traditional Bavarian event brings homesick and longstaying Germans close to their roots, especially with a number of German firms opening up shop in the Philippines. Plus, the move from NBC Tent (the old venue) to Sofitel Manila was necessary because of the growing number of attendees the past years.

If you're not familiar with the people above, this guy (above) should be easy to recognize: He's the new Philippine Azkals' Football team coach, Hans Michael Weiss. Coach Weiss promised to drag Neil Etheridge and the Younghusbands to Oktoberfest. Girls, calm yourself down.

But enough talk, it's time to DRINK!

Aside from food & drink though, there will be raffles during the 4-day fest. Business Class tickets care of Etihad Airways, IPads and other goodies from the sponsors are just some of the items you can win.

What is Oktoberfest without the BEER? 

And overflowing beer there is! Since San Miguel Brewery is a major sponsor, you can guzzle all the San Mig Pilsen, Dry, Light, Premium and other variations of our famed local brew. A ticket to Oktoberfest also comes with a keepsake PINT mug (above) for you to lug around the Harbour Garden Tent and refill to your beer belly's delight.

The Harbour Garden Tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila will be decorated in the Bavarian colors of white and blue much like this spread above. Authentic Oktoberfest  tables & benches guarantee a festive beer garden fair setting.

For entertainment, Etihad Airways flew in The Bavarian Sound Express, a well-known musical ensemble from previous Oktoberfests in Manila, will keep guests singing and dancing all night long! Ladies in dirndls and gents in lederhosen strutting around the tent-turned-Oktoberfest village will add to the heart-pumping Oktoberfest vibe.

Enough about the seating arrangement, the most important part of Oktoberfest, aside from the beer, is the FOOD! Bavarian delights will make up the colorful culinary spread. 

Roasted Pork Knuckles

Grilled Sausages, bratwurst, knockwurst, bockwurst... all the wursts out there

More Sausages with Sauerkraut... I love sauerkraut!

Can I say, more sausages?

Roast Pork & Dumplings are other meaty offerings during the 4 day event. Pretzels are a handy way to drown the ice cold beer that's free-flowing for all to enjoy beginning at 630p from the 20th to the 24th.

 If you still can't get enough of the Oktoberfest fever, you can buy merchandise, souvenirs and goodies at the grand lobby of Sofitel Philippine Plaza from September 22 to October 23. If you don't want to get drunk but still want to try the traditional spread, an authentic Bavarian food festival will be celebrated at Spiral on October 10-23, with a menu specially prepared by Sofitel's Executive Chef Marko Rankel, who is also German.

Obviously, if you're going to attend Oktoberfest, you have to fix the driver situation, or stay the night at the Sofitel so you don't risk running yourself over going home. There will be special Oktoberfest rates for those attending the festival  and you can sleep soundly after an evening of debauchery and drinks with just an elevator ride to your room.

Check out Sofitel Philippine Plaza's Oktoberfest 2011 on Facebook.

Are you excited? I am!

Ticket rates are as follows:
German Club Member – Php 2,700
Walk- in/Non Member – Php  2,800
1 Table – Php  2,600
3 or more tables – Php 2,500
 * 1 Table = 20pax

All prices are net of taxes
There are special room rates for those who are buying tickets.

As of the moment, all ticket inquiries can be directed to the German Club at 817.3552 and 818.3552 or at germanclub@germanclub.ph until Oct. 6. On Oct. 7, Sofitel's Oktoberfest booth in the Lobby will start selling tickets from 10am to 10PM daily until Oct.23rd at 11:30am.

For ticket sales, please call the German Club Manila at (632) 817.3552 and 818.3552 or email at germanclub@germanclub.ph. For room reservations, please call (632) 551.5555 exts. 1991 to 1994 or email at room.reservations@sofitelmanila.com. For Spiral reservations, please call (632) 832.6988 or email at fbreservations@sofitelmanila.com.