Showcasing that merry-making and celebrating one’s achievements are just as important for the Pamilyang Valenzuelano, the City of Valenzuela brings home its three-day beer and music festival called “Oktoberfest” which was one of the lined-up events of the city’s 400th Founding Anniversary celebration, held at the grounds of CJ Santos Street, Barangay Malinta, October 20-22, 2023.

Oktoberfest is a grand beer and music festival that features a concert of several musical artists and rock bands alongside beer stations and food concessionaires that Valenzuelanos can enjoy. Filled with merriment and exciting performances, this event was also deemed special as it commemorates the city’s 400 years of history and progress. The festival was sponsored by San Miguel Brewery Inc. and ran for three days.

On the day of its grand opening, Mayor WES Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie-Natividad Borja, representatives from San Miguel Brewery Inc., Councilors; Gerald Galang, Louie Nolasco, Ghogo Deato-Lee, Jonjon Bartolome, Marlon Alejandrino, and other city officials spearheaded the ribbon-cutting ceremony which marked the beginning of the event. They also shared words of welcome to further rev up the excitement among Valenzuelanos.

A search for contestants for the Battle of the Bands and Rap Contest was held prior to Oktoberfest. On its first day, the finalists of the said contests gave their performances as well as other local rappers and the bands “Inner Core” and “The Big Thing”. Meanwhile, the second day featured a “Hip-hop Night” which was graced by special musical guests such as Karl Banayad, Salbakuta with the special participation of Axcel of Barakojuan and Cursebox, and Apekz with the special participation of Yung Bawal. Following the awarding of winners of the rap contest, rapper Nik Makino also took the stage for a groovy, pop-off rap performance. These invited guests were also the judges of the rap contest.

The last day of Oktoberfest is a night of rock. Finalists of the Battle of the Bands were narrowed down to three and only one was crowned as the champion of the said contest. Following this, several bands gave electrifying performances that Valenzuelanos jammed along with. Finishing strong, renowned Filipino rock bands Siakol and Join The Club put up an exhilarating rock concert as a grand finale of the event.

Streamed with lights and lined up with a variety of food booths and beer stations, the streets of CJ Santos were filled with life and energy of the Valenzuelanos. This year’s Oktoberfest is a toast to the city’s continuous growth and progress over the years — a definite milestone worth celebrating and sharing with one another.

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