Oktoberfest at Marco Polo

For the third consecutive year, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel recently hosted the fun-filled, full of surprises Oktoberfest that featured more than the usual brass band, The Bavarian Sound Express, flown in from Munich, Germany.

The two-day celebration held at the Grand Ballroom began with the time-honored traditional tapping of the keg of beer by hands-on General Manager Hans Hauri and President of Marco Polo Plaza Rey Villar. They were assisted by Cebu City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem and PAGCOR’s Jojo Beltran and Eric Levelo.

The country’s favorite San Miguel Beer continuously flowed as efficient and on the ball waiters delivered pitcher after pitcher of the cold draft.  

The different stations had several authentic German platters such as grilled smoked sausages, pork knuckles, assorted ham,  a selection of salads, baked potatoes and the all time favorite French fries.

An assortment of must-have condiments included pickles and relishes and a variety of mustards. The apple struddle topped with ice cream and black forest cakes were simply delicious.

There were lots of parlor games as well and, as expected, the beer drinking contest was one of the most popular.

Enjoying the evening were hoteliers, Fritz Kahler of Alegre Resort and his ultra feminine wife Cynthia, Hembler Mendoza of Waterfront Hotel Mactan, and Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa General Manager Harald Feuerstein.

Opting to go solo but having just as much fun were tour specialists Zenaida Chua of World Wide Travel, Ricky Tio of Cebu Holiday Tours, Nikita Osharov, Chief Executive officer of Pelagos Tours and Travel, and world class photographer and publisher of the much acclaimed Philippine guide books Daniel Carpentier. Joining them were airline top executives such as Bob Salazar of PAL, Vicky Hue of Cathay Pacific and Silkair’s Ajish Morris.

Always fun to have around were glam ladies Marguerite Lhuillier, Iris Arcenas, June Alegrado, Grace Colmenares, Lani Osmeña, Kate Anzani and Agnes Huettel.

The property’s Director of Sales and Marketing Lynn Romero, Banquet and Catering Manager Marwin Velicaria, Travel and Trade Manager Chino Quintana,  Banquet Sales Executive,  Portia Florenosa, Banquet Sales Coordinator, Venus Guilos , Events and Promotions Manager Carlo Borromeo, and PR Events and Promotions Coordinator, Margaret Pareja  simply outdid themselves on the festive  preparations.

True to form, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel once again, as expected, delighted everyone with their dressed-down, fun filled Oktoberfest.