Sunday Lifestyle

Oktoberfest celebrates its 76th at Sofitel Plaza

The Philippine Star

September 14, 2014 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - “Ein Prosit… Ein Prosit!” It’s how Germans raise a toast to happy days, so get ready to join the most authentic German beer festival in the Philippines, the 76th Oktoberfest on Oct. 17-18 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s Harbor Garden Tent.

Guaranteed to make you sing and dance all night long is the world famous original Hofbräuhaus band and show by the legendary Hofbräuhaus in Munich, founded by the Duke of Bavaria in 1589. Welcome for the first time in the Philippines also Lissie, the internationally acclaimed female yodeler. Experience an authentic Oktoberfest with musicians playing cowbells, doing the traditional folk dance of Bavarian Schuhplattler, and unleashing the unique sounds of the gigantic Alps Horn and Goaßlschnalzer — with men cracking their whips in tune to Bavarian music.

The Harbor Garden Tent will be converted into an authentic Biergärten or beer garden with Oktoberfest tables and benches. Ladies in dirndl and gentlemen in their Lederhosen add to the spirit of Oktoberfest.

“The Sofitel Philippine Plaza is delighted to continue to be the home of Oktoberfest for the next four years. Through the years, we have seen how Oktoberfest has helped promote camaraderie among the Filipinos and Germans and we are extremely pleased to have contributed to this. The German-Filipino community can expect more excitement and thrills at every Oktoberfest at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza,” says Adam Laker, Sofitel Philippine Plaza general manager.

“Ever since its founding in 1906, the German Club Manila has helped the poor and underprivileged, supported victims of natural calamities and stood by the Filipinos in times of persecution and war. This strong commitment towards the Philippines and its people is being upheld and further intensified to this date by the Club’s over 500 members. As in all our events, a considerable part of the proceeds of the Oktoberfest will go to our charity projects,” says Per-Andre Hoffmann, German Club Manila president.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza master chefs will be preparing a sumptuous Bavarian spread from fresh roasted pork knuckles, laugen rolls, grilled German sausages and mouth-watering pastries paired with refreshing, ice-cold free-flowing San Miguel beer for all to enjoy. Dance to traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest music, German party music and international hits.

Last year, over 4,000 guests got caught up in the Oktoberfest fever where more than 30,000 liters of beer, 1,000 kilos of German sausages, 300 kilos of pork knuckles and 250 kilos of sauerkraut were consumed in a span of two days.

After an evening of festivities, enjoy a restful sleep at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila with our special Oktoberfest room packages.

Adding excitement to this year’s grand celebration is the raffle draw with over a million worth of prizes. Proceeds go to the German Club’s welfare projects.

Oktoberfest is brought to you by San Miguel Brewery Inc., Visa International and Coca Cola FEMSA, DB Schenker, Air Berlin by Etihad and Mhe Demag. Other sponsors include Canon, Isochem Pharma, Bosch, BDO, Thai Airways, Mighty Corporation, Argonauta, Seda Hotels and Puma.

Media sponsors include ANC, BusinessWorld, Fox International Channels, Philippine STAR, PDI, Metro Society and Rogue.

Tickets start from P3,300 (non-members rate) and P3,200 (members rate) with a discounted rate of P3,250 for groups starting from 20-40 people.

For inquiries, call the German Club Manila at 818-4236 for entry and raffle tickets, or Sofitel Philippine Plaza at 832-6988 and 551-5555 ext. 6988 (for room reservation) or email reservations@germanclub.ph; h6308-fb2@sofitel.com.