Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is the world's largest celebration of Bavarian culture highlighting its music, food, dance, and of course, its beer. This year marks its 187th celebration, from 17 September to 3 October. Germans from around the world celebrate this festival and share their culture with people from every country, fostering goodwill, friendship, and fellowship.

In the Philippines, some Rotary Clubs from four Districts will hold an Oktoberfest at the Solaire Tent on Thursday, 13 October, spearheaded by Governor Johnny Yu of District 3780 in partnership with Districts 3810, 3830, 3820, and the Intercountry Committee Germany — Philippines and the German Club. The objective is to raise funds for the Rotary Stop Polio Campaign and the PREPR (Philippine Rotary in Emergency Preparedness and Response) Foundation that actively aids during disasters nationwide.

The Rotary committee is composed of Governor Johnny Yu ably assisted by Julius Chanco, past president of Rotary Club of Bagong Silangan, and Joji Coloma of RC University District of Quezon City who is Public Image officer of PREPR Foundation. This event is in partnership with the Intercountry Committee of Germany- Philippines of Rotary District 3810 headed by Chairman Gunter Matchuck assisted by Bing N. Carrion, this columnist, as treasurer and Public Image Chair who is Charter President of Rotary Club Manila Supreme 198. Together with the German Club represented by Tobias Rast, they see the presence of over a thousand Rotarians and friends to get together to celebrate Oktoberfest for a good cause.

The Intercountry Committee first begun in 1931 when Rotarians in France and Germany organized a small group with the objective of fostering better relations between the people of these neighboring nations. Since that time, Rotarians throughout Europe have led the way in creating intercountry committees to encourage contacts between Rotarians and Rotary Clubs across international boundaries.
The ICC also provides Rotarians and their clubs the means to fulfill the responsibilities of the fourth Avenue of Service, which is fostering international understanding, goodwill, and peace. The ICC coordinates its efforts and projects with respective governors to ensure open communication bringing about effective results of their international service projects.

This Oktoberfest project is one good example of the coordinated efforts between Rotary Districts, the German Club, and the Intercountry Committee Germany — Philippines.

We encourage everyone to participate in this festival and be immersed in the German culture of enjoying life through camaraderie brought about by authentic German cuisine, a German band flown in for this event, and the famous German beer which will flow the whole night. At the same time, your participation will enable Rotary to raise funds for good causes giving more meaning to our lives.
For more information visit solaireresort.com/oktoberfest.