On September 20, 2024, Manila witnessed a groundbreaking gathering: the first-ever Sapporo Beerfest, tickets to which sold out in mere days. Organized by Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), the official and first distributor of the beer brand in the Philippines, in collaboration with Sapporo Premium Beer – Philippines, the enthralling event took place at the elegant epicurean establishment, Yawaragi at Okura Manila. This festival brought together beer enthusiasts and culinary adventurers for an evening that showcased the dynamic interplay of cultures, through the lens of Japanese brewing excellence.
“The Sapporo Beer Festival is something they have been doing in Hokkaido, for years. And now, we have it in Manila. This will be the first of many beerfests that we will be doing with Sapporo,” shared Raymond Lim Joseph, Director for Sales & Marketing at Philippine Wine Merchants. “In Japan, it usually takes place in July. Here, we decided to have it in September, because why wait for October,” Raymond quipped, referencing the popularity of the Oktoberfest in the Philippines.
A rich brewing heritage
Sapporo Beer, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered brands, carries a rich history that dates back over a hundred years, to its founding in 1876. Known for its commitment to quality, Sapporo has established itself as a symbol of both tradition and innovation in the brewing world. This hybrid approach results in a refreshing beer characterized by its crispness and slightly bitter finish, appealing to a broad spectrum of palates, including Filipino beer lovers. The beer’s origins reflect a fascinating blend of Japanese and German brewing techniques, illustrating a remarkable example of cultural confluence — throw Filipino hospitality into the mix, and you end up with a multicultural marvel, which was certainly evident at the Sapporo Beerfest.
The festival was a feast for the senses, featuring unlimited servings of three exceptional Sapporo varieties on tap: the original Sapporo Premium, known for its bright, crisp flavor and smooth finish; the rich and smooth Sapporo Black Brew, which offers a deeper malt character and a hint of sweetness; and the unique Half & Half, a delightful blend that combines the lightness of the Premium with the robust flavors of darker ales. Each beer was expertly paired with specific Japanese dishes: Sapporo Premium complemented fresh sashimi and delicate sushi rolls, Sapporo Black Brew paired beautifully with grilled meats like yakitori, and Half & Half was perfect with just about everything, from the more delicate dishes to the heartier fare. Guests were encouraged to explore the unique flavors and nuances of these iconic brews, each designed to enhance the culinary offerings from Yawaragi’s renowned Kisetsu Buffet.
Flavorful fare and fun-filled festivity
At the heart of the dining experience was the sushi and sashimi buffet, where the freshest ingredients were on full display. The sushi showcased the meticulous craftsmanship of the chefs, while the sashimi was sliced to perfection, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. The robatayaki station added a theatrical element to the evening, with chefs grilling skewered meats, seafood, and veggies right before the guests, infusing the air with enticing aromas. The combination of expertly paired dishes and exceptional beer created a truly delightful dining experience, evidenced by the sheer enjoyment of each attendee.
The ambiance of the Sapporo Beer Festival was electric. Aside from the gastronomic highlights, the event featured a lively mix of music, with DJs spinning tracks that encouraged guests to dance and mingle. With Japanese musicians, DJ Hidemi and Saxophonist Takumi on stage, joined later on by Filipino DJ Renee, the evening was fun-filled, festive, and fabulous. This supercharged atmosphere attracted a multicultural crowd, spanning generations and backgrounds, each sharing in the enjoyment of good food and great company. The gathering became a melting pot of cultures, as attendees bonded over their shared passion for ale, aliments, and amusement.
Cheers, to cross-cultural connections!
What makes Sapporo Beer particularly appealing to Filipinos is not just its topnotch quality but also its accessibility. The brand has established a strong presence in the Philippines, making it a familiar choice among beer enthusiasts. The festival showcased this popularity, as guests eagerly sampled the different varieties and engaged in lively discussions about their favorites.
As an event, the Sapporo Beer Festival exemplified the rich cross-cultural relations between Japan and the Philippines. It provided a platform for showcasing the shared love for culinary excellence and good company, reinforcing the ties that connect the two nations. Through this celebration, guests experienced the nuances of Japanese culture while enjoying the local warmth and hospitality that Filipinos are known for. Such events pave the way for deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions, as well as nurture a sense of community that goes beyond appreciation for great food and exceptional beer.
As an event, the Sapporo Beer Festival exemplified the rich cross-cultural relations between Japan and the Philippines. It provided a platform for showcasing the shared love for culinary excellence and good company, reinforcing the ties that connect the two nations.
Nurturing networking and community building
As the evening progressed, guests savored their beers while participating in engaging conversations that spanned various topics; this camaraderie highlighted the festival’s role as a networking opportunity, bringing together a distinguished audience of influencers, food and beverage professionals, and business leaders. Overall, the event served not only as a celebration of Sapporo Beer and Japanese gastronomy, but also as a platform for connections and collaborations among like-minded individuals.
The first Sapporo Beer Festival in Manila was not just about beer; it was a lively showcase of the connections that can be forged through shared experiences — with more on the way. As Raymond revealed: “We have a lot of exciting plans that we are working on with Sapporo. You definitely have something to look forward to, coming very soon!” By blending Japanese culinary traditions with local Filipino culture, the festival demonstrated the beauty of cultural exchange. It provided a space for people to celebrate not only the craftsmanship of Sapporo Beer but also their mutual appreciation of life’s lighter, more leisurely moments — with libations, laughter, and luscious cuisine at the heart of it all.
