Philippine Wine Merchants’ Sake Manila returns with beautiful brews, bold flavors, and big vibes at Okada Manila
If your idea of a perfect Friday night includes fine drinks, unforgettable food, and a heavy dose of culture—enveloped in one vibrant venue—mark your calendar now. Sake Manila, the Philippines’ ultimate celebration of Japanese beverages and tradition, is back for its second installment on May 23, 2025, and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and buzzier than before.
Hosted once again at the prestigious Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila, guests can look forward to a multisensory marvel of all-things Japan. Centuries-old tradition will meet cutting-edge cool, in a high-energy, high-flavor event, at one of one of Manila’s most sought-after destinations. With Sake Manila’s second sensational edition, PWM and Okada cement their partnership on this mission to elevate the sake scene in the Philippines—so much so that Mrs. Takako Okada herself, also in attendance at last year’s press conference and event, flew in from Japan for the recently concluded media briefing.
Whether you’re a sake connoisseur, a curious first-timer, or just out to get a feel of the festivity—Sake Manila 2025 is where you need to be.
Over 200 premium labels, poured to perfection
This year’s lineup features over 200 hand-picked bottles from Japan’s most revered sake breweries, shochu distillers, artisanal beer makers, and whisky houses. While sake is the main showcase of the night, you’ll also find rare Japanese gins, whiskies, craft beers, and even wine—some of which have never before been poured on Philippine soil.
Expect ultra-premium pours, limited-edition batches, and experimental infusions that stretch the boundaries of Japanese beverage craft.
“This event is about more than just tasting,” says Raymond Joseph, Director of Sales and Marketing at Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), the country’s foremost distributor of wines and spirits and organizer of the event. “This is about appreciating the culture behind the sake. This has been my passion project, together with my brothers, since 2006—this mission to elevate sake culture in the country. And we have traveled to so many breweries across the prefectures of Japan, to bring you the best sake selections,” he adds.
Meet the makers, sip the stories
Ever wanted to ask a sake master why your drink smells like fresh flowers or sweet honeydew melon? Or how shochu gets its smoky depth? Or how sparkling sake can taste so much like the best French champagne (no kidding!)? Or the nuances of Junmai, Ginjo, and Daiginjo? In true PWM style, the people behind the bottles will be there in person, at Sake Manila. PWM has always sought to educate a well as engage wines and spirits enthusiasts about their beloved bottles, blends, and brews—and what better way to do that than to meet the makers, themselves. Connect with the master brewers, brand ambassadors, and beverage artisans who have traveled from Japan to share not just their products, but the centuries-old philosophies and innovations behind them.
It’s your chance to drink deep, literally and figuratively! To sip and swap stories with the minds shaping Japan’s drinking culture—one small pour at a time.
Blade meets brilliance with the iconic Tuna Parade
Making a showing this year, as at last year’s gathering, is Sake Manila’s spectacular centerpiece: the Tuna Parade—an awe-inspiring demonstration of traditional Japanese knife work and artistry. Watch in amazement as Okada’s highly skilled chefs expertly carve a whole bluefin tuna into delicate sashimi, right before your eyes. And yes, you’ll get to try it, too—freshly sliced and served in a way that honors Japan’s culinary precision and reverence for quality.
Plus, you’re in for next-level sake and food pairings—curated bites meet curated brews in gastronomic grandeur that goes beyond Japanese fare. Think: luxurious, multi-genre food stations perfectly matched with the evening’s premium pours—even bigger than last year’s already sumptuous spread, according to Okada’s Chef Josef Teuschler, Executive Chef at Okada Manila. “Guests can definitely expect more this year,” shares Chef Josef. “The spread will be grander than last year, with more variety. And of course, the Tuna Parade is back—always a crowd favorite,” he reveals.
Raymond points out, as well, that “there are a number of misconceptions, when it comes to appreciating sake, and even when it comes to pairing sake with food. People think it’s sour or difficult to pair, but the reality is, when stored and served properly, sake is smooth and goes well with so many different cuisines.” When asked why sake pairs so perfectly with just about any kind of food, Raymond simply and lightheartedly says: “Because it’s rice!”
Raffles and revelry, on the road to kanpai
Sake Manila is way more than your average tasting event, as those who’ve attended any PWM affair would know. Beyond satisfying your palate, expect Sake Manila to thrill your senses with its immersive lineup of live performances. From the booming thunder of Taiko drums and the meditative melodies of the Koto (a Japanese plucked zither), to the live DJ set that’ll surely keep the energy surging well into the night, it will be an evening of excitement and epicurean elegance. The juxtaposition of ancient and modern sounds is no accident—it mirrors the philosophy of the event itself: a celebration of tradition through a contemporary lens.
Moreover, your ticket doesn’t just unlock a bevvy of top-shelf beverages, a fabulous feast of flavors, and and evening of edgy entertainment, it also gets you a shot at extravagant raffle prizes courtesy of the event’s generous sponsors and partners—including round trip tickets to Japan from Cathay Pacific.
And of course, there’s the unbeatable vibe: hundreds of enthusiasts under one roof, glasses in hand, toasting to the power of culture, craft, and connection. Last year’s sold-out event saw around 1,500 guests gather for gastronomy and great times. This year is poised to be even greater!
Plan your night: a recap of Sake Manila 2025 essentials
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Time: Starts at 6:00 PM
Venue: Grand Ballroom, Okada Manila
Tickets: Available now at www.sakemanila.ph
Tickets are limited and expected to sell out—fast. Sake Manila 2025 is your passport to indulgent exploration, minus the four-hour plane ride, where Tokyo’s spirit meets Manila’s heart. Come thirsty, leave inspired.
Kanpai—see you at Sake Manila!
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