In San Miguel Oktoberfest, there are plenty of beers, bites, and beats for everyone.
Words Jin Hernandez
Photo courtesy of San Miguel Oktoberfest
October 27, 2026
San Miguel Oktoberfest kicked off last September 26 in Okada Manila, where everyone got a taste of various beers, delectable bites, and rocking beats.
Throughout the night, everyone got a chance to drink whatever appeals to them such as beer slushies, beer mixes, and specially-crafted beers that are indeed lined up by many.
Along with beers, delicious bites are also available from cheesy and savory offerings of pizza, popcorn, and the likes to a sweet treat like churros to get in between the drinking.
Most of all, the band line up is solid having appealed to all generations from the legendary rock band, The Dawn to the band behind hits like “Raining in Manila,” Lola Amour.
Music for everyone regardless of age
Whether a person is a fan of club mixes, jazz saxophones, new wave music, or modern rock, Oktoberfest has something for everyone in between beers.
The night started with San Mig Light DJ Champion, Chelsea Yu’s set that combined modern beats, drums, and the violin that introduced a unique sound while people were settling in and figuring out what to drink or eat first.
It was then followed by professional saxophonist, Vince Lahorra, for a more serene part of the night that became something of a pregame before the ceremonial toast.
Following the celebratory toast led by executives from San Miguel Brewery and Okada Manila along with San Miguel Beermen players, the night intensified with Progeny that brought nostalgia to the audience through their renditions of 1980s tunes.
Freestyle then gave a variety of anthems familiar to many, notably “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang” and “Before I Let You Go” that the audience seemed to know their way around, actively becoming the band’s bandmates for a little while.
The night had even bursted with more energy as The Dawn took centerstage, singing classic Filipino rock anthems from their new wave song “Enveloped Ideas” to what the crowd had been anticipating for most, their hit song “Salamat”.
Jett Pangan, lead vocalist of The Dawn, then stated mid-set, “Mabuhay ang OPM!”, perfectly encapsulating the essence of events like San Miguel Oktoberfest that brings Filipino bands to the forefront alongside their beers that are also undeniably part of the Filipino pride.
The night concluded with the two bands that a lot of the youth in the crowd were most looking forward to, which were Lola Amour and December Avenue.
From Lola Amour’s hit “Raining in Manila" to their cover of Kitchie Nadal’s “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin,” the band’s musical genius through their use of diverse musical instruments drew the audience closer despite standing for hours at this point.
Concluding the most interesting night comes December Avenue with their hit songs like “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig” that left the audience smiling ear-to-ear as they exit the venue.
Celebrating Oktoberfest the Filipino way
Oktoberfest originated from Munich, Germany that typically lasts from mid-September to the first Sunday of October. But in the Philippines, it is held by the San Miguel Corporation and lasts from the end of September up to the end of October.
May it be for the specialty beers or the line up of music, the people have come to a place that makes Oktoberfest a Filipino experience that draws crowds from different age groups to celebrate a memorable night.
San Miguel Oktoberfest will also be coming to Batangas in October 3, Tuguegarao in October 10, Pampanga in October 17, and in Manila, Iloilo, and Agusan Del Sur at October 24.
For more information, visit their official social media pages: San Miguel Oktoberfest on Facebook and (@sanmigueloktoberfest) on Instagram.
