13 February, PENANG – It was a pleasant picture of pressmen across the mediascape enjoying a night of merrymaking, taking a break from their usual pursuit of news stories.
With pens and papers down, some 300 media members were busy engaging in incessant chatters and clinking wine glasses—a gathering of sorts for media practitioners—at the Media Appreciation Night hosted by premier lifestyle property developer Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O). The social event saw some 290 press members from the digital and print industry attending.
Guests were served with cocktails and canapes along the hallway before helping themselves to a sumptuous buffet spread featuring Thai style roasted chicken, salmon provencale, lamb osso bucco and famous street food like char koay teow, chicken and beef satay – the list goes on.
In his welcome speech, E&O group hospitality and lifestyle director Michael Saxon said the media was the vital bridge that connects the Group to a spectrum of target audiences.
“As we strive to continuously nurture this positive relationship with the media, E&O is extremely proud to be deeply connected with the past, present and future of Penang.
“We cherish our role as custodian of your beloved heritage landmark E&O Hotel and as a developer of exemplar living spaces such as the award-winning masterplanned Seri Tanjung Pinang development which is progressing from its first to second phase,” he said.
Adding excitement to the soiree was the Trivia Quiz which had the members of the media dashing to the stage to answer 20 questions on E&O.
Each correct answer earned them a red packet containing RM50 cash voucher sponsored by Straits Quay’s participating tenants The Shed, Real Food and Uncle Albert’s.
The Penang Minyi Diabolo Team later took to the stage to entertain the guests with the traditional Chinese performance by balancing not one, but three hourglass-shaped top and spinning on a string fastened at the end of two sticks.
The E&O Group also thoughtfully arranged a bouquet of flowers and Panpuri Organic Spa vouchers for journalist Lee Kah Li from China Press who is retiring after 47 years in the journalism industry.
Lee was later joined by media friends celebrating their birthday in the month of February to a cake cutting ceremony as the crowd sang them the Happy Birthday song.
A total of 58 lucky draw prizes including E&O Hotel stay vouchers, dining vouchers, Panpuri Organic Spa vouchers and exclusive souvenir sets were presented throughout the night.
Just when everybody thought the excitement was over, Saxon announced a special General Manager prize of a weekend stay in the Victory Annexe Corner Suite with three meals included for two.
Harian Metro bureau chief Saipul Mohd Adli, who was set to return to the Kuala Lumpur headquarters the next day, got himself a good farewell gift when he won the special draw.