National Geographic Store @ Lot 10

With regards to my previous blog post, this is the answer to the equation. The National Geographic Store. It was launched last week and it is the third Asian retail store in Asia and first in Malaysia. Strategically located in the heart of KL, the new flagship store is at Lot 10. I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to witness something this big. So a big shoutout to my good friend Marcky.

First impression when I got to the place; a sense of relaxation. It doesn't feel stiff even though we're there for something rather formal. Food and drinks were served by the waiters while waiting for our VIP guests.

Tan Sri quenching his thirst

Not soon after, the man who we all have been waiting for arrived; Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, Managing Director, YTL Group Of Companies.

Photograph courtesy of Bonnie Yap and Ogilvy.

With Tan Sri were also 2  honored guests; Mr. Pere Matamales ( CEO of Worldwide Retail Store S.L  ) and Mr. Alex Dotti ( Senior Vice President of Worldwide Retail Store ).

My belogings were on the table and when the guests of honor arrived, I was hastily trying to move my things away. Guessed what happened? He, Mr. Alex said "No problem, you can sit here...enjoy yourself". He then grabbed a chair from a nearby table and sat next to Mr Pere.

Although these guys were in suits, there wasn't a sense of formality. They were so laid back that you can just speak to them, not as a high profile person but as a friend. It wasn't a "Q and A session". They are here to just TALK. There were no reporters, no TV crew but just us Bloggers.

Well, may be just 1 video camera man

Tan Sri spoke about his passion towards bringing National Geographic to the people. He explained that it's not about the store or products sold but it is about what knowledge can be passed down to future generations. We might not be "greenagers" but we are bloggers, a new channel of communication in this current society and as I'm blogging this, I feel a sense of joy being able to share this experience.

Part of the program of the night was also to introduce a project by National Geographic called The Genographic Project.

Lots of flashes going on and I was hoping he would look at my camera. Oh Well.

What is this project about? In brief, it can trace your ancestry roots back to thousands of years ago. How cool is that? So now one can do this experiment at the comfort of their own home.

Tan Sri showing us the components that comes in the kit

Of course, it wasn't a one way communication. Tan Sri then selected a lucky candidate as a guinea pig.

Josh Lim from Advertlets was the lucky chap

Below are some step by step guide on how to use the Genographic Project Kit.

First you swab against the wall of your cheeks. Tan Sri giving some pointers on some sweet spots


For some reason, I guess it worked

In the kit is also a capsule for you to er..."store" your DNA sample


After swabbing, insert the tube into the capsule


Make sure its all the way in

For your information, the kit comes with TWO sets of everything. Since no one else wanted to volunteer, Josh proceeded with round 2 of DNA sampling

Not even the ice cold Estrella Damm, a popular Spanish Catalan pilsener brewed can affect the DNA sampling. Josh rinsed his mouth with some beer before the 2nd swab


On a much serious note, Josh explaining to the camera about the Genographic Project


The final swab


So there you have it, The Genographic Project


I manage to catch this shot of Tan Sri's child like expression. I'm sure his is very happy from all of our enthusiasm for this Genographic Project.

In a spontaneous gesture, Tan Sri decided to give EVERY blogger a genographic project kit. Clearly a man who wants to inspire and share the knowledge with everyone present; which would also mean a wider audience through bloggers.

1Malaysia! Spot me? Photograph courtesy of Bonnie Yap and Ogilvy.

As my regular visitors know, I love to take pictures food. So without further ado, here comes the food section. The National Geographic store has their own in-store cafe. This is the FIRST National Geographic cafe in Asia. The cafe is managed by "Angie The Great", one of Tan Sri's most entrusted friend.

Here is Angie explaining to us about some of the food served by the cafe, which made Tan Sri drooling over his imagination while Mr. Pete looks on. Yes, the food is THAT good.

If you're there for a drink, make sure you try their signature Sangria and of course, the earlier mentioned Estrella Damm. As you know, National Geographic is always about world cultrures and sharing knowledge, the cafe is no different. They served food in a traditional way of the Spanish people; Pinchos.

A wide variety of "Pinchos inspired" food

Surely, this needs no introduction; Satay


Meals are not boring when you can spice things up with the unconventional way. Otak-otak pinchos style


Satay inspired cherry tomatoes


That's Marcky doing some promotional cam whoring pose with Estrella


Next up, they have cheese with some sweet jam like toppings

Mushroom bruschetta which tasted extremely delicious. Definitely a must try!

Thank you YTL Corporation for making this possible. For bringing National Geography closer to our homeland. I'm sure, we as Malaysian are proud to be part of this in one way or another.

Bloggers

Take a few minutes and reflect back. What can one do to contribute to National Geographic? How can one share this experience? How does one let people know about this?

No, its not about buying eco-friendly clothes

It's not about buying educational books


It's not about buying souvenirs


or toys


Most importantly...

What can YOU do?

Sometimes, we are all so stuck up in this fast pace and hectic world and we don't bother thinking about, LIFE. Its more than just going green or buying an eco-friendly grocery bag. Sometimes all that is needed is a little passing on. So please, pass the word around.

Thank you