Why sake? In the past few years, Filipinos have come to know more about that revered rice-based beverage from Japan, which come with “diverse flavor characteristics depending on where it is made.

At the opening of a Japanese 5-star hotel in Manila in April 2022, Raymond Joseph, director of Sales and Marketing at Philippine Wine Merchants, gave DAILY TRIBUNE a brief glimpse into the magical world of sake.

At the time, this Japanese beverage enjoyed recognition among Filipinos but little else other than that it accompanied Japanese meals and had rituals attached to it.

Mr. Joseph’s enthusiasm that evening — when sake was showcased in the beverage buffet with accompanying stories behind every “Kampai!” — grew to become what we now known as the Sake Festival Manila.

And for its second salvo, the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila once again transformed into a vibrant cultural stage as Sake Manila 2025 delighted guests with an immersive journey through the tastes, traditions and talents of Japan. On its second year, the event has firmly established itself as the Philippines’ premier celebration of Japanese beverages and artistry — a must-attend on Manila’s lifestyle and culinary calendar.

Over 200 labels of Japanese craftsmanship

This year’s event showcased a stunning lineup of over 200 meticulously curated labels, featuring the very best of sake, shochu, Japanese whisky, gin, craft beer and fine wine. Whether guests were seasoned collectors or first-time tasters, each booth offered a gateway into the meticulous world of Japanese brewing and distilling — with experts and brewers on hand to guide the experience.

Beyond tastings, Sake Manila 2025 delivered a full-sensory celebration. The evening opened with a traditional tuna-cutting ceremony, a visual and culinary ritual that set the tone for an authentic Japanese journey.

Guests were swept into a cultural showcase of music, performance and artistry — from the rhythmic intensity of Taiko drummers to the elegance of Koto player Julia and the jazzy stylings of Japanese saxophonist Takumi. DJ Hideki and DJ Junoy added a modern Tokyo vibe, while Okada Manila’s entertainment ensemble brought theatrical polish to the night.

The heart behind the celebration

In one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, Raymond Joseph took to the stage to reflect on the journey that brought Sake Manila to life. He candidly shared the emotional challenges of mounting a large-scale cultural event, admitting he nearly stepped away.

“I almost wanted to quit. I just wanted to rest,” he revealed. “But I’ve been very encouraged. People — many of whom I don’t even know — have come up to me saying, ‘I’ve traveled all around the world, but even if I’m no longer living in the Philippines, I’ll still come back here every May just for Sake Manila.’ His message resonated deeply with the audience — and came with exciting news: he assured everyone that Sake Manila will return in 2026.

He was joined by his brothers, Ralph (president of PWM) and Ronnie (director of Operations), as well as Ms. Takako Okada, vice chairperson of Okada Manila, whose presence further underscored the event’s spirit of partnership, hospitality and cultural exchange.

The culinary journey continued with a menu crafted by Chef Josef Teuschler, culinary director of Okada Manila. Dishes were designed to complement the diverse selection of spirits, turning each pairing into a story of harmony and flavor.

The evening also featured a grand raffle, with prizes that thrilled and delighted.

Cultural movement

From rare sakes to soul-stirring stories, Sake Manila 2025 was more than an event — it was a cultural movement, a space where community, craft and culture intersect in the most unforgettable ways.

Mark your calendars, save the date and prepare your palate — Sake Manila 2026 is officially on the horizon.