Nokia had a teaser setup at Pavilion, KL with the cryptic message “Be here – 090109 @ 7 PM”. It’s the launch of their newest phone, the XpressMusic 5800 and I got the invite last week. I didn’t think I could make it, coz I had something going on at 5 pm, but I managed to hitch a ride with Horng and got there before it started.
This is Reta – bumped into her while registering as a Nokia Insider at the booth. She was there as Media. I first met her way back in 2005.
There was ample time for camwhoring since the event didn’t start at 7 pm sharp. L-R: Reta, Suanie, the thorn amongst roses, Erna. Fate had me running into Erna at the worst possible place. Hush Erna. 😉
This is Huei Juin, who works just beside my condo! Huei, we go dinner next week k?
The Nokia 5800 XPM launch started off with a bang, with confetti flying all over the place followed by a wonderful performance by a troupe playing with various ad hoc percussion instruments like steel buckets, tins and so forth. It’s different and energetic and had the crowd dancing along to the beats.
Vlasta Berka, the GM of Nokia Malaysia himself went on stage to introduce the features of the new Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. It retails at RM 1,499 and features a 3.2″ touchscreen with vibrating feedback. It also comes with a 3.2 MP camera. However, the best thing about this deal is that Nokia is giving away 1,000 DRM free songs for free with the phone!
Nokia events are very, very well organized and they treat the guests well. The representatives invited the media to Michelangelo’s and I ended up going with them coz I saw Reta and Huei. I didn’t realize they were there as media.
I spotted Kevin and sat next to him for 15 minutes before Suanie called me and asked me where the hell I was. I said I’m in Michelangelo’s. She told me everyone was at La Bodega. Oops…
It turns out the Nokia Insiders (bloggers) were scheduled to be at La Bodega instead. The press conference for media was at Michelangelo’s. Oh well, best of both worlds. Heh!
Nokia was kind enough to provide us with free flow beer, drinks and tapas throughout the night. The event was really very well organized, and they made sure we were all well fed and not in danger of dying from thirst.
There was also a huge platter of seafood paella for each table and the staff made sure that plate after plate of tapas came in quick succession.
Whenever a significant amount of bloggers congregate, camwhoring sessions are inevitable. Cindy Tey – I have made it a point to take a photo with her in every event that we meet. 😉
This is Ee Von from Text100.
I attempt to self-camwhore with a dSLR. I can’t do it, it’s too heavy. I noticed Jamie can do it like a pro though, and so can Yee Hou.
Jamie! I swear, she looks just like someone in the film industry, but I can’t recall whom. Check out the tabula rasa pass and the guy behind us.
Zoe! I need an external flash for my dSLR, I don’t think the built in one is up to the task.
Nokia gave us each a goodie bag with stickers, a rain poncho, a zip up pouch that I can use as a toiletries bag while traveling and a metal box with a heart shaped item inside.
It’s a 2 GB USB drive with a lanyard!
Best schwag ever. =D
Thanks to David Lian of Text100 for getting me the invite. Cheers!
P/S – I am proud to announce that I did not break my New Year’s resolution. There were jugs and jugs of beer and most of the people around me were indulging, much to my chagrin. I wasn’t tempted though and I swear to God, my lips never touched a drop of the amber fluid during the event. I drank six glasses of OJ instead. 🙂
