Bigger, better and Bavarian to the core

Oktoberfest events make me remember the clinking of steins, the slicing of sausage, preying upon pretzels, and the wafting of 99 Luftballons from speakers courtesy of musicians in dirndl and lederhosen. Flash the message: time to open up one eager eye as the annual Oktoberfest festivities return to Newport World Resorts this October, with the 2024 edition promising to be grander and more authentic than ever.

From Oct. 24 to 26, starting at 6 p.m., the Hilton Manila Ballroom will be transformed into a lively Bavarian beer hall, decked out with traditional buntings, long communal tables, and lively checkered tablecloths. The entire Bavarian rhapsody right there as the beer machines spring to life. And the frothy foam shall overflow.

David Jorden, chief marketing officer of Newport World Resorts, explains, “At Newport World Resorts, we take pride in creating experiences that are as authentic as they are enjoyable. For our inaugural Oktoberfest event last year, the feedback was amazing. The idea for this year is, how can we make it more fun, more elevated, a little more authentic as well?” All the elements have to be in place, Jorden insists: from the beer partner (Weihenstephan Brewery, which is the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery) to the culinary commanders on the Oktoberfest frontlines.

“For this Oktoberfest, day one is already sold out.” And the other slots are selling very quickly as well. “The demand is there. And if we (stage the event) with authenticity (and combine it) with the real passion of the Filipino service culture… we just felt very confident in bringing it back.”

Austria’s renowned AnTon Showband is set to take the stage, playing groovy Oktoberfest hits to keep the crowd dancing and singing all night. The band’s return is a testament to its popularity at last year’s event, with a promise of new tunes to keep things fresh while retaining fan favorites on the set list.

Oktoberfest 2024 will also feature drinking contests and other interactive games, bringing an extra dose of excitement and spontaneity to the festivities. Whether you’re there to drink, dance or simply to soak in the Bavarian vibes — according to David — the atmosphere promises to be electric from start to finish.

What’s on the gustatory set list, aka the menu? German rye bread with flavorful dips, Munich-style sausage salad, pork bratwurst, frankfurters with sauerkraut, crispy pork knuckle, chicken schnitzel, and cheesy spaetzle. For dessert, enjoy baked apple tart and fluffy Kaiserschmarrn. And the pulutan that complements crisp sips of Oktoberfest juice is a bite (or 10) of German wurst. Plus, adds David, “you need some freshly baked pretzels.”

What about his beer of choice? The answer is a classic Pilsner. But then he also gravitates toward a smooth wheat beer and a rich stout. You can’t just stick to one. That’s how it is with us beer drinkers: the hankerings are many and our preferred brews are legion.

Helles bells today; Weizenbock to the future.

Early bird tickets are available until Sept. 30, priced at P4,900, after which the regular price of P5,400 will apply. Ticket holders can also take advantage of special accommodation rates at the Hilton Manila and Holiday Inn Express, turning their Oktoberfest experience into a full-fledged holiday. For information and ticket bookings, visit www.newportworldresorts.com/oktoberfest-2024 and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.