Nokia Press Con

(Photos courtesy of www.swipesomegloss.com)

We arrived 810AM in Pasay A Room at Makati Shangri-la and as soon as we stepped in the room, we were asked to sign an Insurance form that covers us during the race.  Our measurements were taken.  Hair and make-up done.  A lot of waiting time and getting to know the other teams.  We only found out then that only 5 teams were taken from the 35 semi-finalists that had the interview.  We initially thought 10 teams.  The 5 other teams are celebrity-media paired participants, while we, the other half, were the “consumer” participants.  Some of the celebrities/media joining are Karylle, Andi Manzano, Geoff Eigenmann, and Alfred Vargas.  Pam Pastor and Kathy Moran from media, who were part too of the first installment, Soul of Manila.

Good thing I brought my laptop as I was able to burn some time.  We had breakfast of chili con carne and macaroni cheese quiche, mango muffins and brewed coffee.  I’ve never tasted quiche made that way –very interesting take on quiche.

Oh, and we were handed our N82 phone kits and they revealed that the phones were ours already.  I didn’t want to expect that they’d give us the N82, but Christian and I got one each.  We have 2 weeks to befriend the phone and bond with it.      

Around 11 AM, we were ushered to Circles where we were briefly welcomed and congratulated by Nokia’s brand manager.  Product orientation followed conducted by Nokia’s knowledgeable product manager.   Buffet lunch at Circles followed.   They asked us to change into our black Press Con shirts.  A few minutes later, we were outside Rizal ballroom getting instructed on blocking.  We are Team #2.  Rovilson hosted the Press Con.  Since he was hosting, Bubba had an idea to do the prominent jump mantra of Rovilson and Marc in Amazing Race Asia whenever they reach the pit stop.  They called our team.  The door opened.  We cheered and ran to the stage and did their famous mantra jumping in unison going 360 with two hands up.

It was pretty funny for us, but I’m not sure anybody else got it except for Rovilson.  Rovilson interviews us about our team name and history.  Audio Attack.  I said we’re into music.  Christian said he leaves the singing to me.  Then Rovilson put me on the spot and asked me give a sample.  WHAT THE HECK???  That totally rattled my noggins.  I was sputtering trying to get out of it.  He said ok, how about happy birthday.  I said, can I just rap?   

<Completely Deafening Silence> 

The next few minutes that followed were the most embarrassing moments in my life.  PERIOD.

 We went to our respective seats on stage.  Finally, all teams were introduced.  Then the press started asking a few questions.  15 minutes later, the press con concluded.  

Link: http://www.swipesomegloss.com/2008/03/16/girl-crush-alert-and-more/

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/387/08_0311-_Nokia_Soul_of_the_Night_Photo_Op

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/388/08_0314-_Behind_the_Scenes_Nokia_Press_Con