When Hilton Manila GM John Lucas noticed, during the stein-holding contest held at the Grand Ballroom to launch the upcoming Oktoberfest 2023, that the four ladies onstage found it easier than the guys did to hold up a full mug of Bavarian beer for three minutes, he proposed that the ladies should hold out two steins — one in each hand — for the next round. One game contestant shrugged and said, “Easy, chug na lang.”
That’s the fun of beer flowing and games unfolding at Oktoberfest. Surprisingly, this year’s three-day event from Oct. 19-21 is the first authentic one held at Newport World Resorts — in previous years, notes Newport World Resorts director for corporate communications Joee Guilas, the event was devoted to October Fiesta, featuring local craft beers and breweries.
Which is also great, and you’ll find plenty of local beers on tap at Hilton Manila’s Grand Ballroom during Oktoberfest, but also taking center stage will be classic Bavarian draft beers such as Helles and lager, and high-quality special brews like Korbinian dark beer in bottles from the Weihenstephan Brewery, the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery, with “over 1,000 years in business,” according to Newport World Resorts’ chief marketing officer David Jorden.
And the food: German favorites prepared by NWR’s award-winning chefs, presented on family-style spreads including freshly baked Laugen pretzels, soft rolls, Munich-style sausage salad, bratwurst, sauerkraut and regional sausages; platters of pork knuckle and chicken schnitzel and, of course, baked apple strudel and shredded pancake served with vanilla ice cream and berry compote.
We got a glimpse — and a taste, and more than a few chugs — during the preview event. “For our very first Oktoberfest, we are more than delighted to deliver an epic party that evokes the thrilling spirit of Germany right here in the city,” said Jorden. “This festival marks the get-together of culinary masterminds and service excellence from the country’s pioneer integrated resort for an unparalleled authentic experience.”
Yup, authentic down to the lederhosen (leather trousers) worn by New World Resorts VP for F&B Operations Knut Becker and the colorful dirndl dress worn by hostess Eiffelene Howard. The hotel’s Grand Ballroom will be laid out with classic long benches and checkered tablecloths, and they’re flying in the world-renowned AnTon Showband all the way from Austria for all-night performances, plus the best Oktoberfest beats to make the ballroom stomp with excitement for this authentic German festival at Newport World Resorts.
Too early to think about October? Well, until Sept. 17, early birds can get a discount promo rate of P4,800 net per head for tickets (a P400 savings). The regular price of P5,200 net starts from Sept. 18 to Oct. 21.
For tickets and inquiries, contact the Newport World Resorts Sales Team at 0917-8728734 and 0917-8788568, or the Hilton Manila Sales Team at 0917-8486404 and 0917-8110731, or email hiltonmanila_events@hilton.com.
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Oktoberfest 2023 at Newport World Resorts will be held from Oct. 19-21. For more information, visit https://www.newportworldresorts.com/oktoberfest2023.