Valenzuela City celebrated its 400th Founding Anniversary with a three-day beer and music festival called "Oktoberfest" which started last Friday and ends Sunday, 22 October with a line-up of events at CJ Santos Street, Barangay Malinta.
"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.
On the day of its grand opening, Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie-Natividad Borja. Councilor Gerald Galang, 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 will be crowned as champion.
Renowned Filipino rock bands Siakol and Join The Club are featured artists in the grand finale.
Streamed with lights and lined up with a variety of food booths and beer stations, the streets of CJ Santos were filled with the 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.
