By ANTONETTE R. VALDEZ
Celebrate the month of October the Germans’ way as Mandarin Oriental hosts “Oktoberfest 2004” at the NBC Tent in The Fort Bonifacio Global City, Makati City on Oct. 1 and 2.
TV host and society columnist Johnny Litton will host this much–celebrated annual event which originated in Munich, Germany in 1810 during the wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. King Maximillain, father of Prince Ludwig was overjoyed by the occasion that he prepared a wedding reception for the couple inclusive of horse races, drinking, eating, and dancing.
The festivity turned out to be a success thus prompting King Maximillian to make it a yearly celebration for the month of October.
Sticking to the original concept of the ‘Oktoberfest’ (minus the horse races), Mandarin Oriental makes sure its 4th Oktoberfest produces total fun, entertainment and a gustatory journey with authentic German dishes, barrels of beer and the Bavarian Sound Express.
Performing in this two–night celebration is the eleven–man band Bavarian Sound Express led by Robert Bimbrier. Having performed for Mandarin’s ‘Oktoberfest’ these past three years, the Bavarian Sound Express is popularly known for their authentic “oompapa” music which Bimbrier defines as “music created by wind instruments like trombone, trumpets and some drums. Music that you can march to, waltz to, and dance to.”
Although the “oompapa” sound best describes traditional German songs, the Bavarian Sound Express is a well–rounded group that also plays American dancing music. Comprised of men in their early 20s and late 30s, the Bavarian makes sure the young and old alike can relate to their songs.
“The Bavarian Sound Express is going to play 50 percent of traditional songs and 50 percent modern so everyone gets his and her share of entertainment. In the early evening of Oct. 1 and 2, you’ll be hearing a lot of traditional German songs but later on, you’ll notice their transition to modern and more danceable tunes,” says David Thomas, director for food and beverage of Mandarin Oriental, Manila.
Thomas adds German dishes will complement Bavarian’s non-stop performance. To be served in abundance on the buffet tables are Metzgerein (assorted cold cuts with pickles and mustard), Raeucheerein (assorted seafood platter with dill sauce and horseradish), boiled beef with green sauce, fresh salads like German sausage salad, German potato, Cucumber salad in dill paprika salad, Sauerbraten (beef braised in sweet and sour sauce), Smoked porkloin with mashed potato and caraway jus Weisswurste (veal sausages) and more appetizing platters.
Thomas furthers, “We’re also serving a wide array of beer such as San Miguel Draft Beer, German Schnapps, Jagermeister, and so many others. We also have non–alcoholic beverages for the children. This party is really meant for everybody.”
Mandarin Oriental’s “Oktoberfest 2004” is supported by Lufthansa German Airlines, Siemens, Lifestyle Network, ANC Channel, SMART Infinity, Audi, San Miguel, and NBC.
