Sabahan Bloggers Gathering 2008 (SBG08 Review)

I put the “O” in Blogger!

SBG Class of 2008

The Sabahan Bloggers Gathering 2008 is by far THE most exciting blogger event that I have ever experienced. The fun levels were so gaga that the nuttiness impacted all those who attended. Within an hour, the timidity and the ho-hum  blog address exchange (like most West Malaysians tend to do) were flung out the window. That was what I was hoping for, and the organizing team in KK pulled off a stupefying job, and the bloggers who attended made every minute count, especially towards the latter part of the night.

On Behalf, SBG Organizing Committee, the 1-minute Opening Speech

SBG 2008 Organizing Committee

We had a yobbo few months, trying to draw in sponsors, and through my friendship with Timothy of Nuffnang, who eventually roped in Exabytes, who more than just bestowed towards sponsoring the food for the first 100, they also divulged quite a number of lucky draw prizes and door gifts that made the event even more memorable. There were a number of sponsors for that night, but, nothing could take it away from the sheer commitment of Exabytes in putting one foot in Sabah, easily Malaysia’s most naturally beautiful state (and beautiful people too!).

Sabah – Land of Beauties

SBG – An Orgasmic Experience!

The organizing committee, comprising of Jacq, Dinoza, Wei Chuen, Julian, Fara, with Mel and myself supporting whenever possible, was a great ensemble, in tandem, though there were glitches and foilings, which are part and parcel of being in a team. SBG08 had clearly exceeded its high expectations, it knocked itself out of the ball park, dwarfing SBG07 in terms of attendance and fun, though SBG07 did have a cool venue (a cruise ship!).

The 3 Stooges – Papa Joneh, Me & Wei Chuen

Shortly after I arrived in KK on the day of the gathering, I printed 100 name cards to be disseminated among the bloggers. I met and greeted almost every one of them (before the night kicked off), passing name cards, cracking jokes, trying to do my bit to break the ice.

With Papa Joneh & Gaman (the most famous Sabahan blogger)

It was a top notch event, and I’m extremely happy to be a part of it, to play some role in its success. What started off as an idea in early 2007, is now bearing fruits. My dream of kickstarting a bloggers gathering in Sabah is now complete and I’m still contemplating on helping Sarawak next, but I don’t have ANY Sarawakian blogging connections. Hmmm…

The SBG 2008 – Sponsored by EXABYTES!

This event has contributed to the additional names on my Sabahan blogroll – Ben, Carol, Gaman, Joyce, Julian, Massy, Olie and Radzie. OLE!

Me & My Sabahan Beauty, Mel

Pendekar Hang Katak! Feel the Croak!

Singing Coconut vs Pendekar Hang Katak @ Cocoon (The After-Party)

Let me shave your head, Papa J!

Dinoza has created a Sabahan Bloggers Group @ Facebook, which I think is a great idea! For more photos of the SBG08, please visit the Facebook event page for links galore.

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Tags: bengodomon, bobidom, chegu carol, dinoza, emelda vincent, exabytes sponsor, gaman, imperial hotel bloggers night, jacq, joyce tuining, julian lee, kadazan bonita, massy, nuffnang tim, olie, olivia, radzie, sabah blogs, Sabah Comrades, sabahan, sabahan bloggers, sabahan bloggers gathering 2008, sbg08, sbg09, wei chuen