Editor’s Note – August 2016


In the blink of an eye it’s already August. You know when they say that time passes really fast when you’re having fun? Guess I’ve really been enjoying what I do because of the fast-paced and dynamic lifestyle of digital media. Over the past few months, we (Malaysia’s Hottest Bloggers that is) have worked with some top brands including BALL Watch, Fujifilm, Calvin Klein, Haagen Dazs, Motorola, Logitech, Chili’s, as well as some new clients like Atria Shopping Gallery.
As the market continues to soften and consumer spending drops, many brands have cut their advertising spend and chosen to advertise in more cost-effective media. As such, many top-level lifestyle brands have chosen us to reach their target consumers. We at Malaysia’s Hottest Bloggers provide attractive and cost-effective advertising solutions which reach your target audience without burning a hole in your advertising budget.
For more info, email my MHB Account Manager Elaine Tan at elaine@myhotbloggers.com
 
Speaking of digital advertising, I recently noticed an alcohol brand trying to highlight how their brand pairs well with food. They tried to do this by engaging some food bloggers to blog about it as well as highlight it on their social media. Only problem is…those who know these bloggers personally know that some of them don’t drink. Hence…it would be like me promoting sanitary pads or disposable baby diapers = totally IRRELEVANT to my lifestyle.
(But Tim, you’ve written about Smile Makers before…isn’t that for female use? Hello? Guys can use it on their partners during foreplay!)
Now some of you might say, hey the agency/ brand is just using the blogger’s blog/ social media as an advertising platform. Sure I know that concept. However there are so many other bloggers out there who are more suitable to this (and I don’t mean me, although I am suitable for it but that’s besides the point). Those that actually drink and know how to appreciate their drinks. Wouldn’t they be more suitable influencers for the campaign?
My point is, some of the so-called “digital agencies” in the industry really don’t know nuts about digital media. They just simply use Google to search for some bloggers/ influencers then engage them, taking their clients along for a ride. It doesn’t mean that just because the agency is good at say creative work or PR or even media buy means they are well-versed with the digital media industry. Quite the contrary sometimes as these traditional agencies are good in – traditional media (no surprise there) but not necessarily digital media.
I mean, what were they thinking? Did the conversation go something like this?
Brand: We want to engage some bloggers to promote ABC product.
So called digital agency: Sure we can find some for you!
Brand: Do they drink ABC product?
So called digital agency: Doesn’t matter if they don’t drink! We’ll just use their blogs/ social media to promote ABC product. No one will ever know.
Brand: OK let’s do it! Here’s the budget.
*Agency laughs their way to the bank*
 
I can just imagine the scenario, and I’ve actually sat through meetings where clients ask for the most ridiculous things with the agency agreeing to them, or the agency proposing ridiculous things and the client agreeing with them. Oh dear…whatever happened to common sense these days?
Rather sad but in reality, some clients really don’t mind being taken along for a ride as long as the marketers/ brand managers can show their management what they’ve done. A pity though as it’s really a waste of money and I highly doubt there will be any traction or impact. If the main objective is for thematic purposes, well I really won’t recommend that as it won’t make a difference on sales and sales is really what is needed during these turbulent economic times. Gone are the days where brands would blow millions on thematic advertising in traditional media and not even blink an eye. Oh wait…some brands are still doing that. Well I’ll save that topic for another day.
 
Anyway to a totally different topic but one that is my favourite – FOOD.

I’m quite a big fan of the food at Naughty Nuri’s so I was quite thrilled to be invited over for the launch of their new weekend brunch buffet at the Naughty Nuri’s outlet in KL Life Centre.

Salad section
Ais kacang
Selection of kueh mueh
 
Here’s a look at the brunch menu:
Naughty Nuri’s Signature Grill

Naughty Nuri’s 1995 Signature BBQ Spare Ribs
Naughty Nuri’s BBQ Pork Loin
Naughty Nuri’s BBQ Satay Lilit
Naughty Nuri’s Spicy BBQ Pork Ribs

Star Item (limited to 1 portion per person)

Flamed glazed iberico
Bali Guling
Ayam Penyet
Pork Ribs Curry
Roast Pork Rendang

Tapas Menu

Naughty Cripsy Belly
Ballinese Cripsy Cumi-Cumi
Knuckle On Fire
Ayam On OW-SOME!!!!

Indonesian Local Cuisine

Indonesia Style Mee Goreng
Indonesia Style Nasi Goreng
Balinese Spiced “Sop Buntut”

Sides

Grilled Corn On The Cob
Mashed Potatoes
Red Hot Chili Pepper Truffle Fries
Horny sweet potato BAAM!!!

Appetizer & Dessert

Selection of Salad from the Salad Bar
Ice Kacang, Kuih Nyonya, Pisang Goreng

 
Naughty Nuri’s Spicy BBQ Pork Ribs – the best known dish at Naughty Nuri’s is given a spicy BBQ twist!
Naughty Nuri’s BBQ Satay Lilit
Naughty Nuri’s BBQ Pork Loin – surprisingly tender and flavourful!
Flamed glazed iberico
Flambeed with bourbon!
Bali Guling – totally love the crispy skin!
Ayam Penyet
Pork Ribs Curry – Nice and spicy. This would be great with rice!
Roast Pork Rendang – nice spices in the rendang. Would be totally awesome with rice (something I’m trying not to eat).
Knuckle On Fire – order this if you like collagen
Red Hot Chili Pepper Truffle Fries I really love this! Crispy when hot and with that love truffle fragrance! Goes perfectly with a cold beer!
 
The buffet happens every Sunday, from 11.00am to 3.00pm and is priced at: 
Adult: RM65++
Buffet with Beer:  RM100++
Buffet with Wine: RM120++
Child (below 12 years old): RM32++
Senior Citizens (60 years old and above): RM32++
 
Naughty Nuri’s Life Centre is located at:
Lot G-05, Life Centre,
20 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 
50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
 
Telephone: (019)3007221
Online Reservations: TableApp
Facebook: @NNLifeCentre
Instagram: @NaughyNurisKL
 
Canon EOS M10
The photos above were shot with the Canon EOS M10.
For more info, head over to http://www.canon.com.my/personal/products/compact-cameras/eos-m/eos-m10-kit-i
 
 atre Pop Up Store launch at Pavilion KL

The fair ran from 14 to 24 July 2016. There are lots of different products for consumers including beauty products, apparel, bags, stationary, and food by 34 brands all the way from Japan.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     With Miko Wong and Ee Fee       
For more info, head over to:
https://m.facebook.com/Atre-Pop-Up-Store-123141038112747/ or http://cam.atre.co.jp/KL/
 
And if you’re looking for a nice place to bring your date for a nice romantic dinner, you can consider Tanzini at GTower Kuala Lumpur.

                        

 
Read my full review here – https://timchew.net/2016/07/18/romantic-dining-restaurants-tanzini-at-g-tower/
 
Fujifilm X-A2
Photos from the atre pop up store launch and the Tanzini review were shot with the Fujifilm X-A2.
More info at http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_a2/