Oktoberfest 2013: Filipino, German communities in harmony

MANILA, Philippines – Sofitel Manila will host Oktoberfest on Oct 18 and 19 at their newly-renovated Harbor Garden Tent. This is the 4th year that the hotel will host celebrations spearheaded by the German Club of the Philippines, which has been organizing Oktoberfest festivities for 75 years.

In other countries around the world, Oktoberfest usually starts at the end of September and goes on for 16 to 19 days. Six million people around the world celebrate this German tradition that started in 1810 in Munich, Germany.

In the Philippines, The German Club keeps the traditon alive and puts the event together to help raise funds for their various social-civic projects. Oktoberfest 2013 is meant to foster the friendship between the German and Filipino communities.

“This year’s 75th anniversary of the German Club’s Oktoberfest will be a milestone not only for the German Club but also for the Club’s objectives of promoting the Philippines as [a] valuable destination for investment to German businesses,” said Oktoberfest chairman Michael Scheile.

In a press conference held at Sofitel Manila, members of the press got a small taste of the festivities that will take place. The Mindanao Ballroom was rearranged to fit the occasion, with picnic-style tables and benches. Each table had its own beer dispenser with mugs waiting to be filled. The Bavarian spread prepared for lunch was only a taste of what’s to come for the actual 75th Oktoberfest.

Here’s a glimpse at Oktoberfest 2013:

Fun facts about Oktoberfest 2013:

• 950 kg of German sausages, 260 kg of pork knuckles and 200 kg of Sauerkraut will be served
• To help wash all that down, organizers have ordered 28,500 liters of beer
• The Bavarian Express Band and The Bloomfields will be performing
• There will be raffle prizes to be given away, totaling over P4-M. Proceeds will go to the German Club’s welfare projects. 

– Rappler.com

For inquiries, please call The German Club Manila at 817-3552 or 818-4236, or Sofitel Philippine Plaza at 832-6988. Email germanclub@germanclub.ph or fbreservations@sofitelmanila.com. Visit www.sofitelmanila.com.

Giselle Töngi-Walters is the professional ‘slashie.’ Besides being mom to Sakura and Kenobi, she is also an all-around media personality. She is a model/product endorser/radio jock/writer/actor for film, TV, theater and producer for second generation Fil-Am content. Being part of the Rappler team is a way for her to utilize her academic and showbiz experience and hopefully make some sense beyond all the chismis.