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← Balita · Issue 4110 · 15 October 2026 Feature

Rotary Club of Manila Celebrates Oktoberfest 2026

On October 8, 2026, more than eighty Rotary Club of Manila members and spouses came to Solaire Ballroom in Parañaque for an authentic Bavarian evening with German Club Manila.

President Reginald T. Yu
Solaire's festive Oktoberfest display, with its wooden barrels, golden grasses, and brilliant flowers, welcomed our fellowship on October 8, 2026. In partnership with German Club Manila, the gathering brought the spirit of Munich to Parañaque for more than eighty members and spouses.
Solaire's festive Oktoberfest display, with its wooden barrels, golden grasses, and brilliant flowers, welcomed our fellowship on October 8, 2026. In partnership with German Club Manila, the gathering brought the spirit of Munich to Parañaque for more than eighty members and spouses.

More than 80 Rotary Club of Manila members and spouses gathered at the Solaire Ballroom for an Oktoberfest fellowship that brought Bavarian traditions, live entertainment, and spirited camaraderie to the club's annual celebration.

Held in partnership with German Club Manila, the gathering combined traditional food, beer, music, and festive customs in a setting designed to evoke the atmosphere of Munich's Oktoberfest. Fellowship Chairman Chris Tamesis and Past Sergeant-at-Arms Gunter Mastchuk earned recognition for their work in organizing the successful event and bringing members and their spouses together.

Beneath blue-and-white Bavarian banners, President Reggie Yu paused for a photo before joining an evening of friendship, music, and celebration.
Beneath blue-and-white Bavarian banners, President Reggie Yu paused for a photo before joining an evening of friendship, music, and celebration.

Blue-and-white draperies, Bavarian diamond patterns, and Oktoberfest banners transformed the ballroom into a festive gathering place. Long tables and wooden benches encouraged guests to share food and conversation, while traditional attire added color to the occasion. Members and spouses wearing lederhosen and dirndls mingled with guests in smart casual clothing and business jackets.

German Club Manila's participation helped give the celebration its authentic character. The partnership brought attention to the culinary offerings, musical entertainment, and customs associated with Oktoberfest, allowing participants to experience elements of the German tradition within Solaire's ballroom.

Dressed in traditional attire, the performers brought an unmistakable Oktoberfest spirit to Solaire, drawing our attention from lively conversations toward the irresistible rhythm. The singer, guitarist, and drummer gave our fellowship a soundtrack worthy of its cheerful company.
Dressed in traditional attire, the performers brought an unmistakable Oktoberfest spirit to Solaire, drawing our attention from lively conversations toward the irresistible rhythm. The singer, guitarist, and drummer gave our fellowship a soundtrack worthy of its cheerful company.

Around the tables, hearty Bavarian fare, pretzels, sharing boards, and mugs of amber beer provided the backdrop for an evening of fellowship. Guests moved between groups, greeted friends, and settled into conversations as the celebration gathered momentum.

The participation of members' spouses contributed to the welcoming atmosphere. Their presence broadened the gathering beyond the club's usual activities, creating opportunities for families and friends to reconnect and enjoy the occasion together.

Around this table, Oktoberfest became a celebration of the friendships that make Rotary fellowship special. I delighted in the easy conversation, generous platters, amber beer, and smiles shared by members and spouses beneath Solaire's Bavarian decorations.
Around this table, Oktoberfest became a celebration of the friendships that make Rotary fellowship special. I delighted in the easy conversation, generous platters, amber beer, and smiles shared by members and spouses beneath Solaire's Bavarian decorations.

A highlight of the evening was the entertainment provided by the 11-member Bavarian Sound Express, led by Klaus Weih. Dressed in traditional attire, the musicians brought energy to the stage and encouraged guests to join the festivities. Their performances supplied a lively soundtrack to the gathering, drawing applause and bringing participants onto the dance floor.

As the music continued, members and spouses joined in with raised hands, rhythmic steps, and enthusiastic smiles. Groups formed across the floor, while others watched, took photographs, or recorded moments on their phones.

Our table at Solaire became a welcoming corner of the Oktoberfest celebration, where conversation flowed easily and smiles arrived without prompting. Beneath Bavarian banners and blue lighting, we paused for this photograph, preserving a moment of companionship amid the ballroom's bustle.
Our table at Solaire became a welcoming corner of the Oktoberfest celebration, where conversation flowed easily and smiles arrived without prompting. Beneath Bavarian banners and blue lighting, we paused for this photograph, preserving a moment of companionship amid the ballroom's bustle.

The evening's photographs captured both formal group portraits and spontaneous expressions of enjoyment. Members stood shoulder to shoulder, raised their beer mugs, exchanged approving gestures, and posed with friends against the ballroom's Bavarian decorations. Candid images showed guests dancing and sharing playful moments, including a paper cup balanced on a participant's forehead.

The published program listed hosts Michael Scheile and Katharina Bandelow for the opening welcome. It also included remarks from German Club Manila President Eric M. Gottschalk, Solaire Vice President for Food and Beverage and Culinary Sebastian Kellerhoff, and German Ambassador Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke.

With hands raised and smiles brightening the ballroom, we surrendered happily to the music and the moment. Someone captured the merriment on a phone, while others simply danced, letting the evening carry them.
With hands raised and smiles brightening the ballroom, we surrendered happily to the music and the moment. Someone captured the merriment on a phone, while others simply danced, letting the evening carry them.

The traditional barrel tapping, accompanied by the announcement "O'zapft is!", formed part of the program's Oktoberfest customs. The schedule also included a beer drinking contest, raffle activities, and additional performances by the Bavarian Sound Express.

A charitable component appeared alongside the entertainment, with the program providing for a German Club welfare donation to Stepping Stone Education Philippines. Its inclusion connected the festivities with a spirit of generosity consistent with Rotary's commitment to service.

Our smiles and an arm around a shoulder captured the easy affection that makes fellowship memorable. Against Solaire's blue-and-white curtains, traditional Bavarian attire mingled comfortably with jackets and smiles, reflecting the evening's welcoming spirit.
Our smiles and an arm around a shoulder captured the easy affection that makes fellowship memorable. Against Solaire's blue-and-white curtains, traditional Bavarian attire mingled comfortably with jackets and smiles, reflecting the evening's welcoming spirit.

Tamesis and Mastchuk received particular appreciation for the planning and coordination behind the fellowship. Bringing together more than 80 members and spouses required advance arrangements, collaboration with partners, and attention to the needs of participants. Their efforts helped create an evening in which guests could readily take part in the celebration.

German Club Manila was likewise recognized for strengthening the event's connection to Bavarian culture, while Solaire provided the venue and hospitality that supported the gathering.

Four Rotarians, four mugs of amber beer, and a jubilant wave capture the spirited companionship of our Oktoberfest evening.
Four Rotarians, four mugs of amber beer, and a jubilant wave capture the spirited companionship of our Oktoberfest evening.

For the Rotary Club of Manila, the October 8 celebration offered an opportunity to strengthen friendships through shared experiences. The combination of traditional fare, live music, dancing, and welcoming company brought the spirit of Oktoberfest to Parañaque and gave members and spouses a memorable evening of fellowship.

Our table became a cheerful meeting place, with friends gathering on the benches and leaning in for this Oktoberfest photo. Pretzels and Bavarian patterns framed the scene, while the stage behind us kept the celebration lively.
Our table became a cheerful meeting place, with friends gathering on the benches and leaning in for this Oktoberfest photo. Pretzels and Bavarian patterns framed the scene, while the stage behind us kept the celebration lively.
From Balita Issue 4110 See this story as printed, pp. 16–25Read the whole issue

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