Tax Free Asia Pacific Exhibition

I went missing for a week, neglected my blog and lost sleep over the two exhibitions which was held back to back in 2 different countries! Lucky, I was still alive and kicking so that you guys can see what's cooking in Singapore on the 12th to 15th.

I stayed at Swissotel The Stamford (tall building) that cost $S400 a night!

It was Fidani's debut at the Tax Free exhibition and everything has to be perfect from stand to publicity. This year has been a challenge to me as I have never before handled such a big project (2 projects to be exact) where I have to organise and execute the plans from filling up the never-ending forms (each exhibition has a set of more than 20 pages of forms), working with the ID for the stand design, decide what product to exhibit, invitation of customers to writing press releases. These of course do not include the contingency plans that I have to prepare just in case of emergencies. Life for me during April & May was crazeee. Anyone that asked me out for lunch was turned down because I don't even have the chance to eat.

THE STAND

Front View

Side View

Fidani Display

I must say that the design was quite impressive. The money spent was worth it. A stand like this easily cost RM100k for the set-up and another RM20k for stand space. All the stands at the exhibition namely Bacardi, Diego, Toblerone, Mars and MNG were all nicely built. If I count the number of exhibitors who actually took the standard shell scheme booth, I can tell you that it's less than my 10 fingers. This is what you call an exhibition of international standards and due to the nature of duty free business, everything has to be done in class. I am loving the exhibition already.

THE PEOPLE

3rd from left is Albert Chiang (Boss of Bonia)

With Boss, and Dato Gary Thanasan (publisher of KLIA Times)

With Kevin, interested agent for Dubai

With a potential client from Middle East

With Carolina, she's responsible for the optical brand of B+D. She gave me a pair of sunglasses worth $S100. So sweet of her.

With my GM, Amy (I took over her job), and my colleague Daphne

My boss actually instructed us to take a picture of every client or important people we met at the stand! Maybe he wanted them to be documented so that we won't forget their looks! haha...

THE PRESS

Chef Amer being interviewed

Melody interviewing me for The Moodie Report.

The editor of Gulf-Africa also did a short write up for Fidani. Read the article here. There were quite a few interviews and after attending to all of them, I can actually repeat the whole introduction thing for Fidani like a broken record. We were a good story for them because this is our first time exhibiting here and it's always interesting to read something about a new kid on the block. It's time to bring Fidani out of Malaysia.

THE FREEBIES

Well, at the end of the exhibition, it has been a tradition to exchange goods or simply just to give away the exhibits because sending all the goods back to one own's country is not cost effective. Often, the charges for the freight is more than what the goods are worth except for some exceptions like jeweleries, liquor and expensive products. Even when it comes to liquor, throughout the show it has been free flow and on the last day, some of brands do give away bottles of them but no one wanted it due to customs check and heavy baggage. I had a bottle of Stella beer on the last day and it tasted great. This is the exhibition where you can drink and take, while smelling the nice fragrances from perfume stands and get free chocolates.

Not wanting to loose out in the freebies scouting, I walked around to see what can be exchanged with chocolates. Before the last day, one of our manager has already helped us get bags and bags of chocolates from Hersheys, Mars, Toblerone and other brands. There were also free umbrellas, giant Chupa Chups and also bags given away.

Warning: The following pictures can be disturbing and don't watch if you have a faint heart. Don't get the wrong impression of me. I am NOT REALLY a freebie queen. Haha...

Disturbing and alarming? Those are just the chocolates and I have a few more things that I didn't show which includes the cosmetics from Clarins, VMW, Givenchy, Loreal and Jenifer Lopez & Swiss Army perfumes, a pair of sunglasses from B+D, a carton of cigarettes, some mini cigars and some T-shirts. I know, I know.....I can't help but take them all home and share it with my family, friends and colleagues. When I board AirAsia (sadly, my company only allowed us to fly AirAsia for destinations that it covers), my check in luggage was already 15kg and I had to carry more than 8kg of chocolates in my land luggage. My arm almost break.

Overall, it had been an enjoying show. Now back to reality, I have to send emails to everyone thanking them for visiting and also to follow up on the inquiries. I hated the following part the most! I have to write a report too on both the exhibitions and the returns of investment which will determine the participation in the coming exhibitions. Haih.....

Angels please come to my rescue

Bacardi Razz Launch Party

A black bat enclaved in a red bubble,

It's red, it's new, it's raunchy,
I smelled the sweet raspberry in a bottle,
It's a taste of Bacardi Razz.

I was invited by Amy who works at Bacardi-Martini to have a taste of Bacardi Razz at Bar Celona (Sunway Pyramid) on Friday. It was the launching party of Bacardi Flavors range and since dunno-how-long-ago, Bacardi had launched Bacardi Limon, Bacardi Apple and this year, Bacardi Razz. This new Bacardi carries the flavor of fresh Raspberries and thus the colour red and name.

Bacardi Razz


Yummy fresh air-flown raspberries

I asked my youngest sister and her boyfriend Calvin to tag along since she always complain how I get to go to all the glitzy parties while she sulked at billion of numbers in the office. Calvin's summer holiday here was timely and "useful" because we appointed him as our driver and as a reward, he will be given unlimited booze for that night. Haha....

Me and Yiling

Yiling & Calvin

It was not free flow for the whole bar but only at the VIP area that we were sitting at. The sad thing is that the VIP area is towards the back of the bar and it's not that happening compared to the front where the DJ console is positioned. Did I forget to mention that Bar Celona has sexy bartenders that are dressed in skimpy top and ultra-short skirts with high boots? They too will dance on the bar-top, giving "ample view" to those who stand at the bar counter. No prize for guessing what you can see underneath.

Me, Alicia and Amy

Me with a glass of Bacardi Razz and a raspberry

The Crowd & the VIP tables

Bacardi Models (haha)


Me, Yiling & Calvin

When the clock strikes 12am, the MC called for 5 couples to take part in a game. The couples have to watch a video clip of Bacardi and then emulate the actions in the video in their dances. The video clip was played 5 times and then the couples have to strut their stuff. Watch the video here:

The winner takes home 3 bottles of Bacardi and the others take home 2 bottles. Bar Celona is running a promotion of 2 bottles of Bacardi at RM480 which is a good deal because a bottle of it cost RM299 at Bambo9.

I kept on drinking till 1am. Honestly, I think Bacardi Razz is a bit too mild for me. So I had Bacardi Apple halfway through. The fresh raspberries are specially air-flown for this event and we had a great time munching on the berries. I wanted to leave but I was determined to stay until they announced the lucky draw winners for the 2 iPod Classic 80GB which are up for grabs for the night.

Hmm..must be us winning the iPods

The night came, the MC called out 2 names and no on went to claim the prize so another two more names are drawn. They announced the first name, a guy went up to collect the prize. I was heartbroken because I thought if he would have left, they could draw another name. The second name was announced. I was ecstatic and I couldn't believe my ears. The MC called for Lim Ai-ling (Eiling), and I am very certain that is my name because most of the people call me ai-ling instead of ee-ling.

Haha..It's actually me

I ran to the stage and they told me that they need my IC for verification, so I ran back to my seat and take my purse along. To win the iPod, I need to answer one very (damn) simple question "name another flavor of Bacardi besides Razz". Ceh, Bacardi Apple la! And I took the iPod home. So simple. I still couldn't believe my luck. Was never that lucky. I should have sense my luck coming that day because I have a discussion with my boss, and didn't get any scolding from him! Gosh, I must watch out for this kinda sign next time so that I can buy a lottery.

Lucky B*tch

Ooh, it was a good choice coming to this party. Calvin kept on hassling me to give him the iPod since I already have a iPod mini. No way.... after all, you didn't help me mop the floor yet! You can read my sis's post here.

Love you Bacardi....

Bermuda & Onion

This post has nothing to do with the Bermudas that you're wearing right now or does it have anything to do with the onions you're using to cook your meal.

It is merely a name of the outlet we (my sister, my boyfriend and me) patroned on Monday night. Monday was a public holiday, and it's the perfect day to eat out in KL. The dinner spot was chosen by my sis (after reading KY's blog) and it's her treat since it is a celebration of her getting 1st Class, a Leadership Award and also valedictorian this coming July graduation ceremony. ok, let's not elaborate on her success because I hate to feel belittled. We'll move on to the food...

The Starters

Proscuitto & Melone (Parma ham with rock melon) - Double Thumbs Up

Ladies Finger with Tomato - Good match

Bread with cucumber yogurt dip - (tasted better with Balsamic Vinegar + Olive oil)

The Drink

Sangria (with diced green apples) - sufficient alcohol taste


Did you know that they have Happy Hours from 3pm - 6pm on weekdays and 12noon - 6.30pm on weekends where they have the Buy 1 get 1 Free Sangria Promotion.
At RM47 a jug, it's heaven.



The Main Courses

B&O for two (pork ribs, pork loins, pork belly and sausages) - Thumbs Up

This is strictly for sharing because the portion is big and if you can't make up your mind, this is the platter to order since it has everything! A good combination platter. Absolutely sumptuous.


Wild Boar Fettucine - Nicely done and unique



The Atmosphere

It's nice to sit outside if the weather is not too hot or if you want a puff.


The inside is cosy and the fan lighting is really unique. However, I still prefer the ambiance in ElCerdo. This outlet is not so romantic but more for a get together. However, the service was good and they are all so attentive and polite.

The Camwhores

My youngest sister and I


Me with my favourite dish - Parma Ham with Rock Melon


The Dessert

The Tiramisu was heavenly. the texture and taste was just right and I love it!



The Verdict

It's really a good place for good porky delights. Will definitely be coming back. Pricing wise is a bit over the average pricing but slightly cheaper than El Cerdo. You can also read KYspeaks for his review and pricing. For three of us, we spent about RM230 but it was satisfying.

My Sister's Post

Note: KY, if you're reading this, please set a date for ElCerdo.


Bermuda & Onion is located at Changkat Bukit Bintang, nearby Jalan Alor

Address:
no. 41 Changkat Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2145 8333

[Disclaimer: This is strictly my honest opinion and tastes vary with tastebuds. Please do not even waste your time trying to sue me because just like my sister, we ain't rich! Thnx]

Gulf-Africa Duty Free & Travel Retailing

How could Man U win the Champions League? How come? What is this John Terry doing?

$!@#$&%&*
&%@#&!*#!
@!*@&%$!&


I was partly sober and happy this morning. Was sober because I went home quite late and then I can feel my stomach feeling uneasy due to all the alcohol and lack of sleep as well as work stress. Was having a discussion with the boss this morning which was supposed to be 11am but then I had to wait till 1pm to see him due to his problem with time management. He scheduled the same meeting time with someone else and I had to wait. This is not a new thing to me. I've been used to it, been used to it...

So, the happy thing was, I received a copy of the e-newsletter from the editor of Gulf-Africa Duty Free and Travel Retailing Magazine on the short article on Fidani. I was interviewed by the editor previously in the Tax Free Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore. Hehe... my first step to stardom. Oops, I forgot to mention that I was in the news too in 9tv and tv3. I'll post the clip once I got it from the press.

To read the full article, click here.

Lucky I look good inside the picture. I was so worried that it was a horrible picture of me! Haha..I know, vain pot. But it was nice lah, pheewww....

Anyone wants my autograph?

Money Gone

You know in chinese, there's always a saying that goes "if small fortune don't leak, big fortune won't come" and I think it's true in many ways. If you don't take out your money to invest, you'll never be able to enjoy the returns.

In my case, it was a slip of my mind, or so I say not my lucky day after all getting my cherry popped for sending my car for a car wash. Never in my life I send my car for a wash and now TOTO have to do this to me!

I would have won the first prize if I bought my car number the reverse side. I can't believe that the number 3636 would appear on Sunday, 1st prize somemore hor and also in TOTO. When I buy numbers, I usually buy TOTO because I like the jackpots they have like the Mega TOTO or 6/49 TOTO. Well, chinese saying also goes, if there're too many if(s), there'll be no beggars. But seriously lo, IF I would bet at least RM1 in it, I would have won a few thousand and my coming trip to Australia might be paid for by TOTO.

Don't panic, I told myself because after all, there's still the RM14million jackpot waiting for me. IF I do strike the jackpot, I'll call the office the next day and tell them I'm taking 1 month unpaid leave (not so stupid to quit yet) and then buy myself a whatever-expensive-sports-car and cruise the city. Then, I'll hold big parties with all the free booze and free puff for all my blog readers and friends and.... Ok, stop dreaming. My sister always call me the gambler, but I am not hooked to it la. One month also never buy once, called a gambler meh? I only get excited and over spent at 4D shops when there's an occassion or mood to dream about striking the jackpot.

Went to Vintry's at Jaya33 yesterday night with my ex/colleagues for a drink and get together starting with a bottle of white to red and then champagne. Had about 5 sticks yesterday from Pall Mall to Dunhill to cigar. I am strictly not addicted. It was just for fun trying to learn how to form a certain shape from the puff. Left the place at 2am, the latest ever, at a restaurant. Will do a review there next time provided they give me free meals. Oh not to mention the orgasmic kwai fei lychee cheese cake with extra kwai fei liquor!

1st Ever Car Wash

I've never in my life experience the joy of car wash. What's so special about paying someone to wash your car while you stand in the shade and watch them? Well, I must say that sometimes I do have the urge of asking someone to wash my car but waiting in line for my car to be washed was a hassle. If I can stand and wait for 20 minutes, I would have washed it myself.

So, I have been washing my car for over 7 years ever since I first started driving in Form 5 and just months ago, my youngest sis discovered the joy of sending the car to someone else to wash. She was so excited and she told me that I should do the same. To save money, send your car to wash once a month! Well, it's been 1 month since I washed the car due to lack of time and laziness because every time I try to wash it, I think of the rain pouring and it's a waste of time and energy.




Yesterday, when I sent my sis to pick up her car from the car service centre, I finally agreed to have my car washed by someone else. I stood there watching and waiting for them to finish the Proton Iswara before proceeding to my car. The wait was bearable and it was a joy to see them washing the car so thoroughly. I don't even scrub the tyre rims when I wash the car. I also don't vacuum very often.




Paying the price of RM13 is certainly worth it. It was really a big car and I usually have to use a chair to clean the roof but these guys, they just climb onto my tyres! Now I know... I was so happy that I gave them RM15 and asked them to keep the change! My cherry popped for the car wash. Damn, I should archive all the cherries popped.