MANILA, Philippines — Let's face it. Filipino people just love to party. Merriment seems to be our middle name, as evident by the number of festivals we have throughout the year.
Throngs of people descend on the various festivals across the country in search of music, booze and what have you.
It is, therefore, not surprising that Filipinos have adopted Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival that originated in Munich, Germany, with so much fervor and enthusiasm. The Philippines has only celebrated it in the recent years, but its history runs deep.
In the early 19th century, when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, the citizens of Munich attended the festivities that commemorated the royal event. Held on the fields near the city gates, horse races marked the culmination of the royal celebration, which lasted for days. The races were so successful, it was decreed to hold it again the subsequent year. This was the beginning of the Oktoberfest tradition.
In the succeeding years, an agricultural show was held alongside the horse races. It aimed to boost the Bavarian agriculture. While the horse races are no longer held today, the agricultural show remains, happening every three years during Oktorberfest.
What was once the royal celebration evolved into something else. In 1818, amusements - carousel and swings - were introduced. People began lining up at small beer stands to quench their thirst. Soon, the number of small beer stands grew. In 1896, the beer stands became tents and halls, set up by enterprising landlords. Beer breweries also grew in numbers.
Among its many attractions, beer becomes the highlight of the Oktoberfest. It is a good excuse to swig steins or mass of good beer, enjoy sausages and pretzels, and what have you, while enjoying oompah bands and dressing in lederhosen. Every year, approximately six million liters of beer are consumed during the event.
This year, Filipinos get to experience the best Oktoberfest events. Here are some places to enjoy beer and join the fun.
Get drunk, be merry with international DJs
DJ Ummet Ozcan - Photo release
Dubbed Southeast Asia’s largest, first-of-its kind, state-of-the-art indoor beach club and night club, Cove Manila gears up for the party season, complete with the hottest music acts from around the world, great food, free-flowing drinks, and an unparalleled ambiance for the metro’s most discerning social butterflies and party-goers.
The night deepens with international DJs such as Los Angeles-based DJ and producer Valentino Khan, Dutch-Turkish DJ Ummet Ozcan, Italian record producer and DJ Nicola Fasano, and Las Vegas legend DJ Wellman.
The Cove Manila and Okada Manila hosted an authentic German Oktoberfest experience, in partnership with the iconic San Miguel Beer, complete with a pool-party ambiance, tents, amazing music from live bands, and authentic German food such as wursts, cheese, and roasts with traditional German sidings and condiments.
Icon with fruity twist
The Sherry Edition has the same quality of the Black Label, but with a fruity twist. Photo release
Over a century ago, a team of Johnnie Walker expert blenders tried to push the boundaries of taste and flavor to create the icon that is the Black Label. Its depth of character originates from more than 30 exceptional single malt and grain whiskies found in the four corners of Scotland.
Led by skilled Master Blender Chris Clark, the company has taken the iconic Black Label a step forward with its latest limited edition blend, the Black Label – Sherry Edition.
The Sherry Edition has the same quality of the Black Label, but with a fruity twist. A portion of the blend has been matured in former sherry casks, which gives it a rich, fruity, and more approachable flavor. The expression also uses malts Blair Athol, Cardhu, and Strathmill, resulting in a taste of complex fresh fruit with orchard character, sweet vanilla, and gentle smoke. It produces a smooth-sipping dark whisky with notes of sweet vanilla, smoke, raisins, and a warming finish of dark chocolate.
Available for only a limited time at S&R and major SM stores nationwide, this limited-edition fruity blend is best served in a cocktail: mixed with ginger ale and garnished with a fresh orange segment. Good when served in a highball glass topped with ice, soda, and orange slices; and also when served over ice with a dash of bitters and an orange citrus twist, the Sherry Cask is ideal for nights when in the mood to try something new and different.
German festival with Filipino touches
Beers and Thrills Festival - Photo release
As the world kicks off its Oktoberfest celebrations, Resorts World Manila adds a Filipino touch to this distinctly German festival with the first Beers and Thrills Festival.
Taking the Filipino’s fondness for beer, food, and entertainment, the festival aims to become a fun-filled combination of German traditions, American drinking games, and the Filipino spirit.
RWM and Newport Mall restaurants offer both beer lovers and gourmands with a lineup of innovative beer-match cuisines, beer-infused dishes, and world-class entertainment.
Beers and Thrills is a follow-up to RWM’s Truffle Festival last September, wherein participating restaurants from Impressions, Lumu Filipino Kitchen, UCC, Parmigiano, The Red Crab, Italianni's, and Mr Kurosawa presented truffle-infused cuisines especially prepared by chefs. The chefs engaged in a competition of culinary creativity using truffles, the so-called “diamond of the kitchen.”
Every September since 2015, the mall has been selecting a culinary gem to be feted in a month-long gastronomic festival that explores and expands the ways it can be enjoyed. The tradition got off to a sweet start with the Chocolate Festival. This was followed by the wildly popular Matcha Festival of 2016, and last year’s Coco Fest, which put Filipino flavors on center stage. — Video by EC Toledo IV
Oktoberfest with a Thai touch
Revamped Thai menu of Muang Thai - Photo release
A Thai restaurant in Diliman, Quezon City got a new and modern twist as it introduced new kinds of Thai delicacies.
Muang Thai, a 22-year-old restaurant, is inspired by the modernist haute cuisine movement in Bangkok, Thailand, which aims to satisfy all palates with dishes that deliver a modern twist to everyday Thai cravings.
“We travelled to Bangkok to really immerse ourselves in the culture and the cuisine, as we saw the opportunity to introduce a new kind of Thai to patrons in the industry. We hope that the new Muang Thai will be loved by both old and new patrons,” said Managing Director Regina Romero.
The revamped menu features classic Thai favorites and new dishes that have been meticulously developed by a young and talented team. The restaurant’s visitors can try dishes that include old-time favorites Spring Rolls, Som Tum, Tom Yum Goong, and Pad Thai, which can be enjoyed alongside new dishes like Satay Gai (Chicken Satay), Hor Mok (Steamed Scallop Cake), Mu Krob (Crispy Pork Belly), Yum Som O (Pomelo Salad), and Frozen Thai Milk Tea.
Enjoy Cebu lechon in Manila
The restaurant has its own lechon roasting pit. Philstar.com/Jan Milo Severo
When drinking beer, among the most favorite “pulutan” is “lechon” (roasted pig).
After 21 years, Cebu lechon has finally arrived in Manila as it open its first branch in the metropolis at Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Known for their spicy lechon, Rico’s Lechon has been awarded as the best of Cebu for many years. Now, craving for the best roasted pig does not need an airplane anymore for Metro Manila residents.
The restaurant is also the first Filipino brand in the roster of international restaurant brands operated by Meat Concept Corp.
“Twenty one years na siya sa Cebu. He is the one who created the spicy lechon. Ngayon, ang daming gumagaya, pero siyempre kung sino yung original siya ‘yung the best. Kaya ang tagline ni Rico’s Lechon ‘the best gyud’,” Meat Concepts Corp. president George Pua told Philstar.com.
Pua also revealed that Rico Dionson, the owner of the restaurant, already sold the brand, which is why the restaurant is now in Manila.
“Ayaw nila pumunta ng Manila, ayaw nila ipa-franchise, pero ito binenta nalang nila kasi hindi na nila kayang palakihin pa. The original family sold the whole Rico’s chain para mapalaki ang negosyo. Hindi na sila ang may-ari, pero tumutulong pa rin sila kasi pangalan nila ito,” Pua said.
The highlight of the restaurant’s first branch in Manila is the Roasting Pit, a room where one can view the lechon roasting at all times. That is how the lechon stays fresh when served.
“Syempre ang roasting pit bagong luto na lechon diretso na icho-chop tapos ilalagay na sa table mo. Walang travel time. Ang travel time is wala pang one minute from the roasting pit nasa chopping board na. So fresh siya,” Pua said.
When asked if the restaurant can adopt in the booming food business in the BGC district, Pua confidently said: “At the end of the day, kung sino ang masarap, ‘yun ang pupuntahan, so the people will be the judge.”
Burger comeback
Amazing Aloha Yumburger - Photo release
Beers and burgers also go well together. As such, leading Filipino fast food chain Jollibee brings back the Amazing Aloha Yumburger, made of lettuce, bacon, pineapple ring, cheese, beef patty, and honey mustard dressing.
Since its debut in 1996, the burger remained as among the fast food’s limited-time offers. Renowned chef Anthony Bourdain said back then that it was a “very tasty burger,” and featured it in his show.
A celebration of all things local
Showcasing the best of the Philippines, the SSI Group celebrates all things local—from local artisanal products to travel destinations—through “Tropicale,” a campaign that allows you to experience the best of what the Philippines has to offer all under one roof at Bonifacio Global City’s Central Square mall.
Until October 31, 2018, shoppers at the mall and select Bonifacio High Street stores are entitled to one raffle promo from participating stores. Getaway winners can spend a weekend at Lagen Island Resort nestled between a lush four-hectare forest and calm lagoon.
“Staying true to our Group’s thrust of bringing the best of the world to the Philippines, through Tropicale, we continue to be an avenue to bring the best of the Philippines to many,” said SSI Group President Anton Huang.
Tropicale also features Love Local at Central Square, which features a line-up of events for the whole family. Until October 21, Filipino artisanal market Lokalidad, which aims to entice Filipinos to passionately live and love local by supporting Pinoy products, will be showcasing the best of homegrown craftsmanship. Until October 7, Central Eats will offer selections that include fresh empanadas, specialty coffee, and other sweet treats. — Video by Erwin Cagadas Jr.
Moments to treasure with chocolate
Beer and chocolate moments
Oktoberfest or not, every day ushers in significant moments that make lives even more meaningful: the sweet reunion with an old friend, the much-awaited promotion, the romantic first kiss, the birth of a new family member. These are some of the many feel-good experiences that people can treasure.
What better way to appreciate and celebrate these moments than to capture and share them with the world. For the third year of its “moments” campaign, Jack ‘n Jill invites everyone to share life’s remarkable events with the “What’s Your Cloud 9 Moment?” online campaign.
To join, participants can simply upload on their Facebook account a photo or video of their “moment” with the hashtag #Cloud9Moment, for a chance to win gadgets and other prozes. The chocolate bars are known for their nougat, peanuts and caramel, available in variants such as white chocolate, Choco Fudge and Overload.
Cakes galore
Holiday cakes - Photo release
Christmas comes early at The Cravings Group launch of its Season of Giving through a wide variety of cakes, desserts, party trays, catering themes and gift options. On top of the list of the cakes are its Christmas-only special edition cakes such as Strawberry Shortcake, Avocado Mousse Cake and Naked Devil’s Food Cake.
The bakeshop offers items such as Ensaymada and Holiday Bars or Wicked’s desserts such as Cookie Shards, S’mores and Chocolate Barks.
“Christmas is not just about great food, but it is a holistic experience that should be enjoyed by and shared with family, friends and loved ones. We’re extremely happy that all three generations of our family are working the extra mile to provide the exceptional Christmas experience to our customers this year,” said Chief Executive Officer Badjie Guerrero-Trinidad.
BGC food trip
A bar in Arya Plaza
Located along the McKinley Parkway in Bonifacio Global City, Arya Plaza offers dishes from the restaurants in the compound: Savage, Fukudaya Japanese Dining, Lemuria Restaurant and Wine Bar, The Red Piano and Martin Place Social.
Savage is a restaurant that offers pre-industrial cooking method which uses imported oakwood that makes their dishes extra special. Among the best sellers in the restaurants are Devilled Eggs, Barramundi Arugula Reserver Lemon & Olive and Pork Belly Cola Pineapple.
Traditional Japanese cuisine modernized with the same umami flavor offers are in the Fukudaya Japanese Dining. For starters, Salmon Carpaccio with Sliced Radish Pickles and Shrimp Tempura Roll Sushi are the stars of the restaurant, while Australian Wagyu Steak in Garlic Sauce with Assorted Grilled Vegetables serves as main course.
French-Mediterranean style fine-dining Lemuria Restaurant and Wine Bar, touted as one of the most romantic restaurants in the metro, is also in the Arya Plaza. Braised Lamb And Apricot, Foie Gras Trio, Duck Leg Confit with Cassoulet brings French flavors to its patrons.
The Red Piano offers Carbonara and Clam Chowder made with main ingredients bought personally abroad by its owner Carlo Llave. The restaurant is ideal for people who want delectable dishes and a place to sing along with a pianist waiting for their song to be played. Other dishes include Osso Bucco, Boeuf Bourguignon and the giant pork chicharon prepared for 17 hours.
At the Martin Place Social, patrons can have cocktails paired with Australian-inspired cuisine such as Secret Fish Taco, Organic Grilled Chicken Breast and Mixed Wild Mushroom Bruschetta, to name a few.
Season of spirits
Photo shows (L-R) SM Hypermarket SVP for Merchandising Josie Tamayo, SM Supermarket Senior Assistant Vice President Leah Lee, SM Supermarket President Joey Mendoza, Future Trade International CEO James Duvivier, Moët Hennessy Philippines Inc. Managing Director Olga Azarcon, Hersonn Sy, Diageo Philippines General Manager Vanee Gosiengfiao, Blue Mountain President Antonio Villaseñor, Emperador Distillers Inc. President Winston Co, Philippine Wine Merchants President Ralph Joseph, and Premier Wine and Spirits Managing Director Robin Derrick Chua during the launch of the Tasting Corner at SM Hypermarket Mall of Asia.
With the Yuletide season is fast approaching, Filipinos are now preparing for the grandest time of the year as they look for premium liquor brands to serve in the special season.
Recently, Blue Mountain, exclusive supplier of all wines and spirits sold in SM stores, gave samples of big brands such as Hennessy VS Cognac, Johnnie Walker Black and Red Scotch Whisky, Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Fundador Double Light Brandy, Carlo Rossi and Los Cardos. The wines are sampled for free in SM Mall of Asia and are available at the Tasting Corner of SM stores.
For seafood lovers
Maine Lobster and Snow Crab - Photo release
Since it was founded in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida, restaurant chain Red Lobster now has over 745 restaurants in 11 countries, and will soon open at Conrad S Maison in Pasay under the Bistro Group.
The restaurant’s Director of Asia Operations Catherine Souders said they are thrilled to open in Manila.
“We have seen significant growth in the local economy and restaurant industry, especially with adventurous diners here who are looking to try something out of the ordinary,” she said.
When asked if the restaurant has a very good supply despite having almost 800 restaurants worldwide, Souders said they have a very sophisticated supply chain.
“We had been really partnered with suppliers to help us get the best quality product and help preserve our ocean. We’ve done a lot of work to ensure that are seafood are sustainably sourced so we know where it comes from and responsibly farm so we can ensure that there are seafood to generations to come,” she explained.
She is looking forward for the Filipinos to enjoy the restaurant dining experience.
Bistro President and Chief Operating Officer Jean Paul Manuud said Red Lobster is a valuable addition to their family.
“We have 16 concepts to date, ranging from home-grown to franchises of the big, international names in the industry such as TGIFridays, Italianni’s, Denny’s and Texas Roadhouse Grill. With Red Lobster, we are again set to offer something new to the Filipino diner, this time, with amazing, American-style seafood. We will be able to bring another level to this specialty segment, with offerings which were previously not available or hard to find in the country, such as Maine Lobster and Snow Crab.”
A 25-year-old bartender recently bagged the 23rd TGIFridays Shake, Rattle and Pour Bartender Competition championship and will represent the Philippines at the Asia-Pacific Barchamps to be held in Manila this October.
Ioanniesse Jara, from the restaurant chain’s Solenad branch, said he wanted to win so badly that he gave his all to win the competition.
“There is no such thing as difficult. It’s just a matter of how bad you want it,” he said.
If Jara also wins the Asia Pacific Barchamps, he will compete at the World Bartending Competition to be held in Dallas, Texas next year and will try to duplicate two Filipinos Rizza Umlas and Jholan Penafiel who already bagged the world championship in 2015 and 2017 respectively.
“I am indeed very happy with this win and doubly excited over the prospect of representing the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific Competition. I will give it everything I’ve got,” he said.
TGIFridays Glorietta branch bartenders John Jerick Galacia won first runner-up honors while was Marinel Paguia named 2nd runner-up.
Being a second timer to join the competition, Jara said he underwent rigorous training months before the competition to get in full shape.
“I underwent rigorous training, on and off the clock, months before the competition. It was surely difficult. But it didn’t matter really. It was supposed to be difficult because if it weren’t, everyone would win. Being a bartender brings with it every day challenges. Overcoming these challenges on a daily basis fulfills me mentally and emotionally,” he said.
Other contenders to the title who also showcased their talent and skills during the Freestyle Competition were Angela Louise Barican (Evia), John Paolo Catalan (Mall of Asia), Ralph Gerald Camus (Tomas Morato), Roby Keem Reyed (Alabang Town Center) and William Carlo Diaz (Bonifacio High Street).
Ioanniesse Jara - Photo release
Cookies and beer, anyone?
Philstar.com/File
Joining the classic vanilla and tiramisu, is the new Oreo Thins lemon cheesecake flavor, ideal for either high tea or Oktoberfest.
Since it was launched in 2017, this thinner version of the classic sandwich cookie is for easier snacking.
Celebrating friendships over beer, chocolate
Personalized packs designed by Filipina illustrator and calligraphist Louise Anne Dimagmaliw. Photo release
Major trips abroad, listening to tales of heartbreak, sharing the weirdest of memes, being the first to like on Instagram—we all express our friendship in the most colorful, personal ways. Whether you are twin souls, besties, #squadgoals or frenemies, friends are the family you choose.
Toblerone continues its special series of limited edition packs made specifically for the most memorable occasions. For Friendship Day last July 15, the brand released four personalized packs designed by Filipina illustrator and calligraphist Louise Anne Dimagmaliw. The packs used colorful animal-themed illustrations to depict thoughtful statements about friendship.
Oktoberfest served extra cold
DJ Tony Toni
Since its launch in Manila last 2016, international premium beer Heineken has been constantly bringing about innovation to the local beer scene. In one jam-packed night, the city turned green as the brand introduces the new Extra Cold and celebrated the Star Serve Finals.
Recently, in one party at one of the most high-energy clubs in Manila, Black Market, the brand introduced Extra Cold, with temperature ranging from -3 °C to +1 °C, ideal for city dwellers to beat the heat. Its lower temperature allows it to remain refreshing.
The night was made even cooler by Sam YG, Issa Pressman, Rocco Nacino, and many other celebrities spotted in the crowd. Likewise, finalists of the Star Serve program, a global draught beer quality program to optimize the draught beer drinking experience worldwide, get to showcase their draught serving skills in the national finals, in their quest for a place in the global finals which will be held in Amsterdam later this year.
It’s a wine world
World of Wine Fair - Photo release
The grand atrium of Shangri-La Plaza turned as a large gathering of wines from all over the world as Rustan’s celebrates World of Wine Fair recently.
Featuring premium wines sourced directly from estates and sold at exclusive rates, the event boasted selections from eight different winemaking countries, including Italy, France, USA, Chile, Argentina, and more.
“We are very excited to bring back World of Wine for its second year. Marketplace is passionate about giving our shoppers the platform to enjoy wine culture at its finest, and that’s why we continue to bring the best wines and winemakers from all around the globe closer to their reach. This year, there is an even better selection of wines, more experts to learn from, and more exciting prizes and promos,” said Arleen Aldaba, Chief Executive Officer of Rustan Supercenters, Inc.
Fifteen international winemakers and wine experts were present at the fair, including Laurent Mery from Château Lamothe in France, Anthony Murphy from the Trentham winery in Australia, and Mark Davidson from the Tamburlaine winery in Australia.
Celebrate Oktoberfest with film, music
The Nespresso Vertical Shorts 2018 was a success, hitting its goal to bring to light the creative talent of a new generation of filmmakers and sharing with the world stories that champion one of our core values as Filipinos: “pagmamalasakit.”
Premiered during the Cinemalaya Film Festival season, the winning films hit home, as they highlighted empathy in their stories—whether for a loved one, for nature, or even for the dead.
“We wanted to create an avenue where the Filipino’s talent for storytelling can be celebrated and shared with everyone,” said Patrick Pesengco, Managing Director of NovateurCoffee Concepts Inc. “And these films, like a great cup of coffee, has become an all-sensory experience that allow you to reflect, think deep, and encourage others to do something different and amazing.”
A lot of shorts were sent in, but three stood out. Kevin Tuason and Jonel Revistual, first and second runners up, respectively, and Brian Spencer Reyes who won the best film, each showcased their talent and passion in three-minute vertical videos featuring compelling narratives that are close to their hearts; stories that touched everybody else’s.
With its first ever film competition proving to be a big win, the brand hopes to go further with its initiative to foster Filipino talent in filmmaking and continue to run the Nespresso Vertical Shorts in the coming years.
From October 11 to 13, and 18 to 20, BGC Arts Center presents “Pinoy Playlist 2018, Ito ay Atin, Sariling Atin,” its first annual music fest curated by Ryan Cayabyab, Moy Ortiz and Noel Ferrer.
The festival features performances from 6 p.m. to midnight, from various OPM (original Pinoy music) artists such as Shanti Dope, Gloc-9, Imago, Pedicab, Sandwich, Kiana Valenciano, Ben & Ben, 6CycleMind, and IV of Spades, among others. BGC Arts Center’s website lists the ticket prices and schedules.
Here are other Oktoberfest happenings all over the Philippines:
October 3- Oktoberfest Inuman Sessions (Red Ninja) - featuring Mayonnaise & Lions and Acrobats
October 6- Thunderbird Binangonan, Rizal, featuring Andrew E., Salbakuta, Basti Artadi, Truefaith, Sandwich, Pedicab
October 6- Thunderbird Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union, featuring The Dawn
October 6- One Sound Lite (Tiger 22 Radio) in Historia, Quezon City, featuring Leanne and Naara, DJ Kouta Kutsuma
October 6- One Sound Lite (Tiger 22 Radio) in Tent Five, Bacolod, featuring local artists, DJ Tsubasa
October 6- One Sound Lite (Tiger 22 Radio) in Hugo Bar, Cagayan de Oro, featuring local artists, DJ Cupcakes
October 10- Oktoberfest Inuman Sessions (Red Ninja) in The 70s Bistro, Quezon City, featuring Spongecola, Leanne and Naara
October 10- Oktoberfest Inuman Sessions (Red Ninja) in Main Street, Kapitolyo, featuring Hale and Coeli
October 12- Valle Verde Sponsorship in Pasig City
October 12- Manila Polo Club, Forbes Park, Makati City, featuring Rivermaya, The Ransom Collective, DJ Rammy Bitong
October 13- Oktoberfest in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, featuring Slapshock, The Dawn, Leanne and Naara
October 17- Inuman Sessions (Red Ninja) at Checkpoint Bar, Paranaque City, featuring Orange and Lemons and She's Only Sixteen
October 24- Inuman Sessions (Red Ninja) at Route 196, Quezon City, featuring Bullet Dumas and Tom's Story
October 24- Inuman Sessions (Red Ninja) in Social House, Makati City, featuring The Dawn and Keiko Necessario
October 27- Madfest in Circuit, Makati, featuring a mix of indie, dance group performances and bands
October 27- La Union Surfing Break in Urbiztondo, La Union
October 27- Pililla, Rizal, featuring Rivermaya