We barely survived our first time at Sake Manila—we had no idea how to navigate the event! This survival guide is based on that initial experience, with tips to help you make the most of the second edition.
ABOUT SAKE MANILA
SAKE MANILA 2025 isn’t just an event — it’s an experience that celebrates craftsmanship, culture, and connection.
The Philippines’ premier celebration of Japanese beverages and culture makes its highly
anticipated return on May 23, 2025, at the iconic Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila.
Now in its second year, SAKE MANILA continues to be a gateway to Japan’s finest beverages and timeless traditions — offering a night of discovery, flavor, and cultural immersion that brings Japan closer to the heart of Manila.
Reserve your spot today at www.sakemanila.ph
Sake Manila features over 200 premium labels of sake, shochu, whisky, gin, beer, and wine — direct from Japan’s most celebrated brewers and distillers. The allure of the event is that you get to meet the makers — engage with master brewers, brand ambassadors, and industry
experts as they share the artistry behind every bottle.
Opening Ceremonies
Be sure to arrive early—you won’t want to miss the Iconic Tuna Parade, a mesmerizing culinary spectacle where master chefs skillfully carve fresh tuna in a time-honored Japanese tradition. Stay to experience the Cultural Showcases, featuring the powerful rhythms of Taiko drums, the graceful melodies of the Koto, and contemporary beats from live DJs.
Eat First Pair with Sake
The Japanese cuisine from Okada Manila was a delightful complement to the sake offerings—well-balanced and thoughtfully prepared. I recommend starting with the sushi and fresh sashimi, especially the salmon and tuna, which pair beautifully with lighter sakes. The salmon sashimi tends to sell out quickly, so be sure to indulge early.
As the evening unfolds, savor a variety of dishes such as yakiniku, tonkatsu, Japanese curry, and a curated selection of cheeses. Enjoy small bites between tastings to cleanse the palate and enhance the experience. For those exploring a broader range of spirits, consider beginning with craft beers, moving on to sake and shochu, and concluding with a fine whisky.
Know the Basics
I enjoy starting with a horizontal tasting of premium sakes—sampling different breweries side by side—before moving into a vertical tasting to explore the depth and nuance of a particular maker, especially if one stands out.
Be sure to seek out Junmai Daiginjo crafted from Yamadanishiki rice—a hallmark of excellence in sake brewing.
- Junmai: Pure rice sake, made with only rice, water, koji, and yeast—no added alcohol.
- Daiginjo: A super-premium grade, with rice polished to at least 50% of its original size or less.
- Yamadanishiki Rice: Renowned as the most prized variety for sake production, known for its elegance and depth.
Start with the Favorite Sakes
Dassai (Yamaguchi Prefecture): Known for their 23% polished Junmai Daiginjo and premium sake. They also have an entry-level sparkling sake.
Tatsuriki (Hyogo Prefecture): Made from Yamada Nishiki rice, polished to 50% or less. Hyogo is famous for the finest Yamadanishiki rice.
Hakkaisan Brewery (Niigata Prefecture): They serve the legendary 8-year snow-aged sake, “Snow White.”
New Sake Brewery
I’m excited to meet the new Sake brewers joining this year, especially TATENOKAWA, and to explore their full lineup. At the Sake Manila 2025 press conference, their sake stood out as our favorite among all those featured.
TATENOKAWA SO SEIRYU JUNMAI DAIGINJO
TATENOKAWA JUNMAI 33 KYURYU
Drink Lots of Water
Be sure to try the premium water available between sake tastings—it enhances the experience and helps cleanse the palate. Aim to drink an equal amount of water with every glass of sake or alcoholic beverage to stay balanced and refreshed throughout the event.
Other Notable Sakes:
Hakushika (Hyogo Prefecture)
Kozaemon (Gifu Prefecture)
Takara Mio Sparkling (Kyoto Prefecture)
Try Shochu
We love the Shochu from Mitsukoshi Fresh.
Mori Izo Shochu is also quite good.
Final Thoughts
We love Sake Manila for its intimate atmosphere, spacious layout, and the gentle buzz you get from sake—far less intense than most distilled spirits. I enjoy the geeky passion surrounding this celebrated Japanese drink, especially when paired with delicious Japanese food. While there aren’t many tables available—aside from those reserved for VIPs and senior citizens—the event feels like one big party, where you can meet fellow enthusiasts or reconnect with old friends at similar life stages.
Best to go with close friends and family who loves Japanese culture — See you at Sake Manila!
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. Our Awesome Planet is a media partner of Sake Manila 2025.
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