Oktoberfest 2013 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

I've always wanted to know what it's like to celebrate Oktoberfest in Germany. For some, it might just be about drinking limitless beers but for me, it's more on celebrating something that is part of their culture. Other than being famous as a beer-drinkers heaven, let me share some facts and figures about this event (to get you in the mood for this event):

Oktoberfest Trivia
Oktoberfest started when Bavarian crown prince Ludwig married princess Therese, a German princess. The celebration ended with a horse race and the decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest. To the locals, it's known as "die Wiesn"
* Oktoberfest starts in September and lasts for about 16~19 days
* An estimated 6 million people attend the Oktoberfest festivities around the world
* Maß (German) means one liter mug
* A beer maid should carry 10 beer-filled mugs at a time
* Oktoberfestherzen (Gingerbread Cookie Hearts) is the most popular gift to be given and received during this festive season

The Oktoberfestherzen

Sofitel Oktoberfest 2012 Trivia
* Sofitel served 28,548 Maß beer in a span of 2 days
* 3,000 people celebrated Oktoberfest in Sofitel last 2012
* 950kgs of various kinds of sausages were consumed in a span of 2 days
* 200kgs of Sauerkraut were consumed in the same number of days

Having asked attendees of the previous Oktoberfest, they were pretty much saying one and the same thing. "Indescribable". The actual celebration and festivities made some feel closer to home and for locals, it's like bringing the German culture closer to the Philippines.

Oktoberfest 2013 - What to expect
Last September 18, 2013, we were lucky to be invited to a special press preview of the upcoming 2013 Oktoberfest to be held here in Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Comparing it to the press events the previous years, this year was something else. They made us feel what it's like to be in the actual Oktoberfest and I tell you, it's different when you just hear them saying what's going to happen and when you are actually getting a feel of the actual event! It makes you not want to miss it!

The Food
Let me give you an idea which of all these food selections are the best. When you're attending this years Oktoberfest 2013 in Sofitel, make sure to not forget to eat the following:
*Goulash Soup (Not in photo)
*Parma Ham
*Obatzda white with bread
*Cheese Krainer
*Hungarian
*Bratwurst Ring
*Weisswurst
*The dessert with the strawberry on top

Basically, ALL their sausage offerings were very good! If you are a sausage lover, do not miss this event! Also, the goulash soup is as authentic as it can be, made by the German Club chefs! The obatzda white tasted like humus at first but you'll realize after a while that this is way better! It has a certain touch of spiciness that gives you more appetite to eat plus it's cheesy!

Cucumber Salad with Oil / Capers / Pickles

Potato Salad with Smoked Sausage and Onions / Black Forest Ham

Potato Salad with Tuna Flakes / Parma Ham

Obatzda White and Obatzda Red with Paprika

Selection of breads

Cheese Krainer / Hungarian 

Bratwurst Ring / Weisswurst

Chicken from the Rotisserie

Whole ham with beer sauce

Crispy Pata

Dessert Station

Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce

The Drinks
Oktoberfest without beer won't be Oktoberfest. In the Philippines, they have a lot of variations but this one in Sofitel is the most authentic it can get. The German Club is also hosting an Oktoberfest party in Cebu! Get in touch with them. (German Club contact number below this post)

The Activities
Singing, dancing, more singing dancing, raffle (more than 4 million worth they say) and unlimited free flowing beer and food! Uploaded an Instagram video as the they showed as a sneak peak of how fun it will be during the actual event. And by the way, the music will be from Bavarian Sound Express, all the way from Munich!

The Sponsors
Not only are they part of the celebration. Some of them will also be giving away prizes! Some of the prizes are: Airfare to Germany via Etihad, A weekend drive using a Mercedes Benz with overnight stay in Baguio, digital cameras from Canon, iPads from Mac, laptops, Levis jean, Puma shirt and others.

Oktoberfest 2013 Ticket Information

When? October 18 to 19, 2013
Where? Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila (Harbor Garden Tent)

More info? Check out the following sites:
http://www.germanclub.ph/oktoberfest-info.html#
http://www.sofitelmanila.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/358216330977272/

For ticket sales, you can also email the German Club at germanclub@germanclub.ph
or call 818-4236

For room reservations, call Sofitel Manila at 551-5555 ext 1991 to 1994
or email them at h6308@sofitel.com (Discounted rates for Oktoberfest ticket holders)

See you there!

Cheftonio
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