San Miguel’s legendary Oktoberfest returned in full swing as more than 8,000 revelers packed Okada Manila’s Crystal Pavilion for a two-night beer-fueled fiesta on Sept. 20 and 21.
Now on its 135th year, San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) revived the signature celebration that has long been hailed as the country’s biggest party, serving up specially crafted beers, gourmet food, and live performances from some of the Philippines’ biggest acts.
The festivities opened with a ceremonial toast led by SMB president Carlos M. Berba, San Miguel Pale Pilsen brand ambassador Coco Martin, and Okada Manila vice chairperson Takako Okada.
The kickoff served as the start of a nationwide series of Oktoberfest events, with upcoming stops at Paseo de Santa Rosa in Laguna on Oct. 18 and Queensland Manor in Cebu City on Oct. 31.
Guests were treated to complimentary samplers from San Miguel’s global beer portfolio alongside new brews such as India Pale Ale, Fruity Wheat Ale, Summer Ale, and Specialty Lager. Food pop-ups lined the venue, featuring Las Flores, Café Fleur by Chef Sau, Flipside Burgers, and Purefoods Deli. A new Draft Beer Mobile Bar Truck kept the drinks flowing, while partygoers snapped up limited-edition merchandise to take home.
The entertainment roster was a who’s who of OPM, with Rico Blanco, Lola Amour, December Avenue, Maki, Arthur Nery, Brownman Revival, The Dawn, Autotelic, The Juans, Over October, The Cohens, Paprika, DWATA, Carousel Casualties, It All Started in May, Magiliw Street, Sean Archer, Acapellago, DJ Chelsea, and DJ Rammy keeping the crowd on their feet.
Sports legends also joined the revelry: PBA All-Filipino Cup champions San Miguel Beermen mingled with fans, while billiards icons Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante played an exhibition match and challenged brave revelers at the pool tables.
Since 2005, San Miguel Oktoberfest has been recognized by the Department of Tourism as the Philippines’ largest fiesta.
Tickets are available at Ticket2Me.net for the next legs of the celebration — Santa Rosa on Oct. 18 featuring Rocksteddy, Sunkissed Lola, Progeny, The Collars, and Parisukat, and Cebu City on Oct. 31 with Urbandub, December Avenue, Missing Filemon, Nikolay, and Kuwako.
