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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Beer night

Beer night

Published Oct 1, 2022 02:00 pm

The Czech Republic makes a toast to Octoberfest as well as to Czech Statehood Day

NA ZDRAVI! Guests enjoying the second Czech Beer Night

A short visit to Plzeň during the winter of 2018 was one of my most memorable trips while I was living in Berlin. Upon the invitation of Plzeň’s tourism office, I explored the city and immersed myself in the Czech Republic’s beer industry and drinking culture. The city, which dated back to the medieval ages, has always been the home of brewers. Its underground network of cellars were often used to store not only food but vats of beer as well.

Full disclosure: I did not drink beer before this trip. I wasn’t so fond of the taste as well as its distinct scent. That visit to Plzeň changed that, especially when we toured the Pilsner Urquell brewery and were given a glass each of the unfiltered, unpasteurized beer you can only get in the factory. We also got to bathe in beer at the Hotel Purkmistr and Spa. Did you know that beer can help clear the skin and promote hair growth? I didn’t before but bathing in beer while having a pint was really something for the books.

Nowadays, whenever I find myself being offered beer, I instantly crave a hearty plate of Svíčková, a traditional and highly popular Czech dish made out of marinated beef served with bread dumplings and cream sauce. That trip really cemented my love for the country which I’ve visited four times within three and a half years. There’s so much to love and enjoy in the Czech Republic, even beyond Prague.

KNOWN FAR AND WIDE Pilsner Urquell, Czech Republic's most well-known beer brand, was present at the event

On Sept. 23, Filipinos got a similar experience to mine without having to fly to Europe. This, as the Czech Embassy in the Philippines hosted the second Czech Beer Night. Coinciding with Czech Statehood Day, the event was held at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig. Hundreds of guests braved the rain and Friday traffic to celebrate the embassy’s biggest event of the year.

Present were members of the diplomatic community, public and private sectors, and other partners of the embassy who all got a taste of some of the Czech Republic’s finest beers and liquors. Pilsner Urquell, Velkopopovický Kozel, Rudolf Jelínek, and Whisky Trebitsch were all available for everyone to try.

Hundreds of guests braved the rain and Friday traffic to celebrate the embassy’s biggest event of the year.

“I am grateful to all of you for taking the time to celebrate with us tonight Czech Statehood Day in a manner that some of you might find unconventional,” Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jana Šedivá said with a smile during her speech.

The ambassador also talked about the Czech presidency of the Council of the European Union, which commenced in July of this year. She also touched on the aggression in Ukraine and its effects that are felt worldwide. “I would like to use this occasion and express our gratitude to the Philippines for its stand in this war on a fair and rightful side with us. We are grateful for your support,” she added.

CHEERS TO FRIENDSHIP DFA Undersecretary Jesus 'Gary' Domingo, Czech Ambassador Jana Šedivá and Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor Ledda

Also present at the event was Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Jesus Domingo, who recalled the shared history between the Czech Republic and the Philippines. The life-long friendship between Filipino hero Dr. Jose Rizal and Prague-born author and educator Ferdinand Blumentritt is one of the most popular examples of the Filipino-Czech connection. Their friendship sparked interest in each other’s cultures, paving the way to better understanding. Faith also connects Filipinos with the Czechs through strong devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Domingo also shared how both the Philippines and the Czech Republic are “advocates and passionate defenders of democracy.”

Senator Francis Tolentino, DFA assistant secretary for European affairs Jaime Victor Ledda, and officers from the Philippine National Police were also in attendance. Overflowing drinks and traditional Czech dishes were served as guests enjoyed performances. One of the Philippines’ most renowned classical musicians, Mary Louise Alcantara, sang Czech arias. Later, as the night progressed, the crowd partied with local band Chiquerella.

The second Czech Beer Night is the only Czech beer festival in the Philippines and guests were definitely happy to see it back after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic. The event also coincided with the commemoration of St. Wenceslaus, one of the most celebrated saints in the Czech Republic. Also known as Václav the Good, he is known as the defender of Czech sovereignty. He is also known for being the patron saint of beers as the protector of hop growers and brewers.

The embassy also shared how to this day, Czechs continue to honor St. Wenceslaus’ contribution to the country’s statehood and the beer manufacturing industry.  They also deemed it fitting that Czech Statehood Day and the commemoration of St. Wenceslaus “is marked by a festivity highlighting one of the country’s treasures.”

Na zdraví!

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