How to survive Oktoberfest in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – For the last 75 years, the largest beer festival in the world has also been celebrated in the Philippines. But where did it all begin?

Oktoberfest first started as a German tradition. Back in 1810, King Ludwig I of Bavaria invited the public to celebrate his marriage to Princess Theresia. It was not common practice back then but it sparked a trend. That snowballed into an annual festival celebrated around the world marked by beer drinking and merry making.

But the festival has also spread to countries that have adopted Oktoberfest as an occasion to drink beer, play music and have a good time. This includes the Philippines, of course.

Oktoberfest Pinoy style

We Filipinos like to put our own twist to things.

This year, expect something new as San Miguel Brewery Inc. holds this year’s Oktoberfest in Greenfield District Central Park on Friday, September 12 with simultaneous runs in One Mango Avenue, Cebu City and Laguna Central Greenfield City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on September 19. Festival goers will enjoy their ice cold beers  while listening to a mash up of legendary rock bands, club DJs, mainstream OPM bands and up and coming university bands play.

Of course, we can’t let you celebrate Oktoberfest without a survival guide, can we? Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent festival-goer, here are some tips to make your Oktoberfest experience one for the books:

1.   Go early

So what if you’re the first one there? They may call you an eager beaver but beating the Friday traffic and the long lines are way better than spending half of your night waiting to get in or get your beer.

 2.   Pace yourself

Ice cold San Miguel beer makes gulping one glass after the other very tempting. But since you’re outdoors and amongst a large crowd, please be responsible and take it easy. It would be better to remember the things that happened that night, right?

3.   Go with your friends and make new ones

A festival is best enjoyed with friends but then again, every one who will be there loves the same things as you – beer, OPM music, and fun. So make it a night to remember by coming with your barkada and leaving with new found friends. 

4.   Dress the part

Your weather app might say there won’t be rain, but living in the Philippines, you should know how unpredictable the weather can get. So wear something versatile and, of course, comfortable. It is guaranteed that you will sweat after each set of your favorite band.

What else? There will be a beer shower in the coming SMB Oktoberfest so be prepared to get wet.

Don’t just focus on the OOTDs. For this festival, come in ready for battle. 

5.   Have fun and leave with new memories

Oktoberfest celebrations may end up a blur but remember that other people came for the same reason as you: to have fun. So mark your calendars and make sure you come with an open mind and the readiness to go all out.

What to expect

There’s more to experience at this year’s Oktoberfest. Though there won’t be waitresses dressed in Bavarian costumes and no all-you-can-eat German sausages, the experience will still be distinctly Filipino.

This year’s 12-hour Oktoberfest celebration will feature a beer shower, giant inflatable display, virtual sports game booths, and non-stop music performances.

SMB will also be serving all nine world-class beer brands.

The festival’s line up includes OPM icons Ely Buendia and Pepe Smith. Metal bands Slapshock, Greyhoundz, and Razorback will serve their usual kick together with 6Cyclemind and Rivermaya. To add to that, the country’s top DJs, namely Mars Miranda, Ace Ramos, and Deuce Manila will keep the party going with top university bands, including 2013 Muziklaban’s grand winner Manila Under Fire and this year’s Party All-Night DJ finalists.

Yolanda Moon, Techy Romantics, Taken by Cars, Flying Ipis, Banda ni Kleggy and Replay Band will have their debut in the country’s grandest Oktoberfest celebration as well.

Oktoberfest-themed pocket events in selected barangays across the country will also be held to make the event a nationwide tradition.

Tickets are priced at P300 (inclusive of five cups of assorted beers) for the Manila kick-off, and P50 (inclusive of one cup of Pale Pilsen) for regional runs. – Rappler.com

For more of San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest, visit the official Facebook page here.