IT'S October and for beer lovers and drinking buddies that means it’s the celebration of the largest beer festival in the world: Oktoberfest.
Due to the efforts of German Club Manila back in 1938, it has become a tradition for Filipinos to celebrate the Oktoberfest beer and music festival, usually organized by San Miguel Brewery (SMB), the makers of San Miguel Beer and other alcoholic beverages.
Oktoberfest first started as a German tradition, when King Ludwig I of Bavaria got married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810 and the king invited the citizens of Munich to attend the festivities to celebrate the royal event.
It then became an annual festival celebrated by beer drinking and merry making not only in Germany but also in other countries around the world.
San Miguel has lined up events for Oktoberfest this year nationwide and last October 6, Cagayan de Oro has been the venue for SMB's Salamusika, Salamat sa Musikang Pilipino, held at the Hugo Sky Lounge.
For beer lovers who were not able to attend the event, worry not as SMB has started its Freshness Overflow Buy 1 Take 1 Beer on all Fridays of September and October, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in participating bars in Cagayan de Oro.
Lifestyle District: Microphone Hero, Clar and Niks, Pistoleros Lifestyle, Zuris Crib, Wild Catch, Junno, Bistro de Paris, Fat Monk, Forth and Tay, Mykarellis, Royal Ember, For The Boys, Kenya, and Kardinal
Publo de Oro: De Kalsada Grill, Lights Bar, Bikes and Barrels Inc., Tagai Bai, Silver Rain, and Chimmy's Chicken & Beer
Cagayan Town Center: CTC Skybar, and Shave Bar
Corrales: Lokal Grill and Whatever KTB Bar, Jackals and BFB (Big Flat Bread)
NHA Kauswagan: Buko Bamboo, and Palochina Restobar
Centerpoint, Corrales: For The Boys Pub, Winghouse Sports Bar, Chix and Booze, Mary's Grill, Bad Burgers, Zuri's Crib, Probinseano, and Pistoleros Grill & Bar
Sportzone Complex Street: Autoporma Chill Corner, Eight Street, Subamos Restogrill, Nine High and Loretos
GC Building, Hayes Street: Haze Restobar, and For The Boys Tavern
LKKS Compound: Cusina de Oro, Ale Thaoke and Gerrys Grill
JR Borja Street: Rooftop Lounge Bar, and Slick Cafe
Upper Macasandig: High Ridge
Upper Taguanao: Ultrawinds
Indahag: Hugo Skye Lounge
Oktoberfest is not only a time to indulge in beer, but also to be merry and to enjoy life with friends, families and loved ones.