Oktoberfest, Cebuano-style
When one hears the word “Oktoberfest”, it is almost certain that only one image comes to mind — that’s beer, beer and more beer.
Marco Polo Plaza , the only five star hotel in Cebu City, presented a series of activities of camaraderie and fun that marked the grand annual German festival.
Dubbed Munchen Tine, the celebration for the 4th year in a row, and slowly becoming a tradition for Cebuanos and foreign residents, visitors and guests, opened with an exciting week of gastronomic delights at the popular Café Marco.
Guests of honor Dr. Franz Seidenschwarz, consul of Germany and Juvy Aban, assistant VP of Metrobank were assisted by hotel general manager Hans Hauri and guest chef Dietmar Dietrich, in the ceremonial cutting of the massive pretzels that marked the opening of the culinary journey.
Also present were Rey Villar, president of Asia Pacific Top Management International
Resources. Julie Najar, resident manager, Lynn Romero, sales and marketing director and competent PR ladies Belle Lumapas and Aileen Quijano.
Guest Chef Dietrich whipped up a storm of sumptuous dishes that showcased authentic German cuisine. Chef Dietrich comes with a wealth of experience, and has tended to the stoves of many of the finest establishments in Europe. An expert in the start-up of large-scale projects for the past 31 years in international hotel operations, he is currently the group executive chef of the Gustavian Country Farmers Delicatessen.
The culmination of the festivities was the weekend fellowship at the Grand Ballroom.
An extensive buffet included appetizers such as Brat herring with onion dressing, black forest ham with cantaloupe melon and assorted cold cuts, smoked meats and bacons. The carving station and show cooking had paprika and farmers meatloaf, pork knuckles and authentic German sausages. Among the delicious desserts were the black forest cake and strudels, both popular Bavarian specialties.
One of the highlights of the revelry was the first ever Keg-A-Lympics organized by the Gustavian Lifestyle Club which had guests grabbing beer kegs and testing their limits. Games included keg-a-thon, the keg-ath lon, the keg-lift, the ton-of-beer and the Atlas keg. Wonderful prizes awaited the winners.
Everyone danced to the up-beat tunes of what is known as “Oompah, oompah, pah” music with the Centerfold Band that featured singer Chris Ducker.
Another popular venue of choice for the Oktoberfest celebration was the Casino Español de Cebu. As in previous years, members were treated to an all-night al fresco merriment in the beautifully manicured garden area by the pool. Drink-all- you-can-beer, even strawberry-flavored, with platters of sausages grilled to sizzling perfection or steamed, simmered and steeped in sauce were presented at several food stations. Likewise, various German potato salads and sauerkraut were available in traditional styles. Club general manager Ed Tongco once more out-did himself in the preparations that provided authentic German delights for everyone to savor and enjoy.
Sing-along music was provided by the Rear Site and Sound Stream Bands. With the club’s outlets filled to capacity. A festive German ambience pervaded the entire evening.
