We Are All Stars @ Singapore Blog Awards 2010

It was an afternoon to remember at Movida of St James Powerhouse when virtual virtuosos became real rock-stars. More than 100 bloggers, models, singers, friends, fans and followers of social media stardom congregated for Omy.sg’s Singapore Blog Awards 2010. As one of the judges for the awards, I had the privilege of evaluating the shortlisted finalists for two of the categories, and was blown over by the quality of the entries.

Looking around the hall, I had the following quick thoughts (being an insightful blogger – remember?) on what Singapore’s blogging scene has become:

– Bloggers are no longer just geeks, nerds or techies (just look at the photos and blogs below);

– Social media isn’t new media any longer, but is in fact a part of mainstream media. Conversely traditional media is also moving into new media;

– Anybody can be a social media celebrity/rock-star/”god” or “goddess” if he or she tries hard enough.

My heartiest congratulations to all the winners of the 13 categories as well as the hundred over finalists! Here’s a pictorial recap of an afternoon to remember.

These banners at the entrance of Movida listed down all the finalists of the award categories.

Crew from the Omy.sg video team interviewing larger-than-life Steven Lim and his coquettish coterie.

Sumptuous servings of food (prepared and served by students from EASB) helped to keep energy levels high…

…washed down with free flow of soft drinks and Tiger beer (courtesy of APB).

My colleague Karen Tang won a cool laptop bag by Fabrix during the bingo-like stage games.

These talented students from EASB pulled off some slick dance moves.

Silver Ang, a finalist of the Best Modelling Blog, brought us two songs. I heard that she is already signed on to greater mainstream stardom. Nice work!

Chim Kang, editor and bossman of Omy.sg, addressing the audience.

Here are the finalists for the best modelling blog (which seems to be the most high profile) parading in their Saturday best. Can you spot who the odd one out is?

Contestants for the best-dressed party goer include the hyper-energetic Steven Lim (doing a flip), Jayden Leif, Kanny Theng, and a guy with a bow tie and bermudas.

More entertainment provided by Kanny in a fluffy pink and white dress which seemed to defy gravity.

GOH Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for MCYS, flew back specially for this event. The winners’ trophies on the right were created by master artist Tan Swie Hian.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners. Finalists’ details (like cooking blogger tigerfish here) were flashed on the screen ala Oscar award style.

Catherine Ling of Camemberu fame won the best food blog award. Well done Catherine!

Violet Lim, another blogger whom I respect, won the most insightful blog for her matchmaking services. I think Mr Teo must be especially happy since that’s one of the KPIs for his Ministry!

A family portrait with all the brilliant winners of the blog awards, posing with the GOH, Mr Dennis Foo (owner of St James Powerhouse), Chim Kang and Swie Hian.

Ever the flamboyant showman, Steven surprised us when he popped over to ask for “I Like” stickers (inspired by Facebook). We gladly obliged, and Kevin quickly camwhored with him.

Unfortunately, our contributions weren’t enough for him. Here are the remaining candidates for the “most well liked” party attendee/blogger.

Bringing up the glitz, glamour, and “Boomz” factor were the infamous Ms Ris Low and two other model bloggers. Too bad Ris didn’t come dressed in a “leopard preenz bigini”!

Here’s what I brought back that day – the Fabrix laptop bag on the top left was a special gift for being a judge while the rest were found in the goodie bag. A fabulous end to a great event.

A special shout out to Alvin, Han Joo and the team at Omy.sg for putting together this wonderful celebration.