Marco Polo Plaza rolls out the barrel

When Cebu Marco Polo Plaza Hotel promised a fabulous party, it left no room for skeptics to wonder.

As it was declared, so it was done during the recent Oktoberfest celebrated at the property’s well-maintained outdoor gardens overlooking scenic Cebu.

On hand to merrily welcome the festive merrymakers was the hotel’s personable general manger Hans Hauri, ably assisted by hands-on public relations officer Yomi Verdan and the promising young sales and marketing executives, led by Javier Sala, Kaye Luym, and Marlou Abayon.

With their personalized beer mugs on hand, the guests gathered at the massive circus-size tent, ready to enjoy the evening’s much-talked-about festivities.

Eagerly waiting for the kegs to be tapped, the San Miguel beer just flowed and flowed as all smiles efficient waiters delivered pitcher after pitcher of much desired refreshing cold draft.

Several food stations strategically spread around presented an array of ham, a variety of cheeses, veal cooked in every imaginable way, and German sausages, and, lest we forget, the ever present sauerkraut, salads, and mashed potato.

Side by side was a large assortment of fine condiments that included relishes, pickles, cheese, and several mustards from Dijon to stone ground varieties.

As expected, the popular apple strudel was the favorite among the many cakes and pastries offered for dessert.

The highlight of the evening was the easy-to-love Bavarian Sound Express, flown in directly from Munich, that enthusiastically performed nonstop throughout the night. They had an extensive program from traditional German music that included the polkas to a medley of popular ’60s and ’70s tunes. Bandleader Robert Birnbrier was a sheer standout with his lively saxophone solos.

Director of sales and marketing Maris Mercado, front office manager Julie Najar, and purchasing manager Dottie Adlawan, together with the rest of the staff of the property by the hill, simply outdid themselves on the festive preparations that surpassed everyone’s expectations. The very pleased GM Hauri was all smiles throughout the evening.

Prost, cheers and mabuhay!