FUTURE STARS AT EXPO WP

Winter is fast approaching and gloomy days lie ahead but the weather this weekend was really great. Starting Friday, the indoor soccer tournament took off with a blast, with major impetus from two new sponsors. EXPO WP is destined to become "the destination" for indoor soccer leading up to the Soccer World Cup and beyond. It's needless to say that even though Capetonians are more laid-back than their northern cousins, but they are definitely more hyped up about the Soccer World Cup. Inside EXPO WP main hall and outside you can constantly hear the sounds of the vuvuselas being blown, at times it sounds like a vuvusela sound-off, with many shoppers strolling the isles, clothed in Bafana Bafana colours and I have even seen some with a plastic Soccer World Cup helmets on their heads.

Besides the indoor soccer, virtually every weekend is filled with entertainment, with numerous singers gracing the EXPO WP stage with melodious songs and music. Just last weekend, Gino and Kaashief from Tica the Salsa Band, blew everyone away with musica en Español but this Sunday it was Megan's turn, to wow the audience and she did a really good job at that. The applause was phenomenal which in my opinion was rightly deserved. Megan very closely mimicked Whitney's singing with the song she sang.

Megan in her element, capturing the moment on stage.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at Expo WP 

Megan is young, pretty and very talented, with a voice of an "angel". Ye' ye' you might say, what an exaggerated claim, but you don't have to take my word for it, lets rather just look at the facts since I'm not the only one of that opinion. Megan attended an audition and was unanimously selected by a panel of 5 judges to represent South Africa at the launch of the Soccer World Cup and to sing at the opening. She was selected as the solo finalist from amongst 77 participants, all of whom auditioned for the part, but Megan came out tops. What an achievement, no? Yep, now you have to agree with me about her "angelic" voice. Yes (airpunch)! Megan will be making regular visits to EXPO WP to entertain the crowd, so if you would like to hear an angel sing, do come along to EXPO WP every weekend. Should you see her on National Television then at least you can say that you already heard and saw her before at EXPO WP. Megan is going to be a sensation but even before she becomes famous, many a fan has already requested to have a photo taken with her.

Megan posing with her fans.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at Expo WP

Megan posing with friends.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at Expo WP

Another singer who entertained the crowd at EXPO WP was young Cole. He is ten years old, sings like an adult with the moves of Michael Jackson and the songs to match. The first time I heard him, was when he sang "Ben" and he really did justice to the song. Apparently he sings numerous songs from various eras and Cole is a real joy to listen to. I've even heard a "lady at the EXPO" exclaiming "I want to take him home with me". That certainly has the makings of fame!

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at Expo WP

With all this excitement in the exhibition area, there was a Kareoke taking place in the food court, whilst shoppers were eating at their tables. Everyone was thrilled, and many a shopper part-took in the singing. EXPO WP really has it all, from GOOD FOOD to entertainment, to clothing, to photographs, to art, to curios and much, much more.

MOTHER'S DAY AT EXPO WP

MOTHER'S DAY, BIRTHDAY WISHES
Today, the weather wasn't on its best behavior, it was raining cats and dogs but inside EXPO WP most of the ladies walking about, were very comfortable, totally unconcerned with the weather conditions outside, all of them enjoying "Mother's Day". Yes, "Mother's day" is upon us once again and even though we do celebrate this occasion just for one day, each and every year, everyone knows full-well that  "Everyday is Mother's Day". This is exactly what the punchline of EXPO WP's advertising leaflet flaunted for "Mother's Day", promoting a special "Mother's Day" buffet, flanked by free gifts and spot prizes for "Lucky Moms" . Virtually everyone present  were exchanging mother day messages or rather mother's day messages and several sons and daughters were reciting mother day poems to their mothers.

Here we have an in-studio photograph of four generations posing, a mother sitting in the middle, with her mom on her right, and her mom's mom on her left.  Mother with daughter - a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, what a sight to see on  "Mother's day".

 Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

As part of "Mother's Day" celebrations, 10 Ladies were selected at random as they entered the EXPO and was offered a make-over each. These make-overs were essentially  hair touch-ups and a facial and a clothing item or two donated by a generous sponsor. These are just two of the "Lucky Ladies" who won a make-over each, and partook in mothers day pictures at studio photoshoot afterwards. Quanita's Hair Studio sponsored the 10 make-overs, Ming's sponsored 2 meal vouchers and management sponsored  2 breakfasts in Stellenbosch, but the grand prize of the day was "a one week getaway for 2 worth R5000.00".  Numerous other clothing vendors sponsored clothing items for the 10 winners and the first 100 ladies who arrived at the EXPO, each received a cup-cake and a chocolate from the "Ladies of the Expo".

  Before & After photographs of two lucky ladies!

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

Those who really wanted to spoil their Moms for a day, were lining up to buy them gifts, EXPO WP had the best gift ideas ranging from Knitwear to African Design Clothing, to  Manicures and Pedicures, to Indian Head Massage and Bra Clips, to Fashion clothing and Ladies Leather Handbags, to  Gold, Silver & Costume Jewelry, to Abayahs  and  High Fashion Ladies Shoes & Boots, to Scarves and Salaah apparel, to Rakams  and Hair extensions, to Towels and Linen, to Cutlery and Crockery even Tupperware, to Leather Wallets and Purses, to mention but a few.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

In the minor hall at EXPO WP there were foot massages, back and shoulders massages and head massages and various other therapies taking place, with Holistic therapists from Holistic Cove and RA's Wellness Therapies giving moms a treat. Quanita's hairstylists were in full form and instantly transformed many a  Cinderella to  Princess.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

Alongside them,  a new washing powder called TRI-AQUA, was launched  by Carlin who also vends a special BRA-CLIP. Ladies in general were chuffed about this nifty little gadget and were lining up to purchase at least one but more often two. The Washing powder sales took off like a rocket and within no time dozens of ladies were browsing the stalls with boxes of  TRI-AQUA clutched close to there hearts.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

The table decorations looked lovely with a full set of highly polished stainless steel cutlery with fluted glassware, beside a  colour scheme of pink and white, with all the hostesses dressed in cerise and black. It looked like a masked ball or rather a fairy tale come to life, with bouquets abound.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

There were flower bouquets, fruit, dried fruit and nut bouquets and chocolate & sweet baskets lined up on the tables along one side of the hall, but within a meter or so the long line shiny Stainless Steel Bain Mari's were filled with foods for the Buffet hosted by the "Ladies of the EXPO".

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

There were hundreds of smiling faces, some with hair do's others showing lots and lots of “bling”, all of them completely happy, that they were being spoilt.  The foods were exquisite and the menu was fit for a king. There was lots of  food for food lovers and it looked like every one was having lunch at EXPO WP. The courses were Mutton curry with roti, Butternut soup, Roast Chicken and Roast Beef, White, Yellow & Savoury Rice, Baby Potatoes, Mixed Vegatables, Various Salads and Lasagne and lot more food than I can mention. The puddings were devine, and the milk tart wonderful, with lots of cup cakes covered in icing to match the pink and white colour scheme and plenty of  juice and coffee. Not only was the foods colourful but also very tasty.

The food at the "Mother's Day" celebration  wasn't the only attraction at the EXPO today. San Mari of the popular soapie 7de Laan was in attendance to take photographs alongside those mothers or fans who wanted a photograph by which to remember this "Mother's Day". PhotoJani  Photographic Studio was revamped in readiness for San Mari and ROTANA ANTIQUES supplied a two seater Antique Lounge for San Mari and subject to pose on for their portraits. Many of the vendors presented her with gifts but I  distinctly remember two, Biltong Box gave her a Basket of Biltong and Sadiqua's presented her with a “pinafore”.

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

But the men were not left out of the "Mother's Day" celebration. San Mari unveiled the latest Lexus IS-F on her arrival, she started the car and revved it, thrilling the men present, lighting up their faces with smiles and throwing them all into a bable with one another, many speculating ownership. Many dads and husbands posed for photos inside the Lexus, hoping to drive this luxury beast one day.  The car was beautiful and the posh interior had clean lines with plush leather and it was very spacious, but that was secondary to its 311kW 5.0-litre V8 engine, making the Lexus the new "Road Warrior."

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

The  plasma screen built into the dash board flashed in unison with the audio system which was blaringly loud, inciting the fascinated husbands and dads to dance. There was supposed to be a car sound-off for husbands, dads and sons as well but due to the rain the event was postponed . This would have been  the second sound-off to take place at EXPO WP. I remember the last one, many dudes blew there speakers in the  competition and some dude with the smallest speakers walked away with the biggest prize.

Inside the main hall, San Mari trilled her fans and answered some of  their questions and thereafter the Spanish Salsa Band "Tica" was in attendance. They are "La mejor orquesta de salsa en esta cuidad". I simply loved them, the main singer Gino was really good, with excellent Spanish pronunciation, I could swear that he was a Spanish native, if I didn't know any better. But Kashief their guitarist was "mas excellente" and made his guitar do things I'm certain it doesn't always do. Ole, Tica, Ole!

Photographs courtesy of PhotoJani Photographic Studios at the EXPO stall C49

It was really refreshing to see so many people completely un-phazed by the bad weather, but I suppose its because  EXPO WP is the biggest “Indoor Market” in the Western Cape where shoppers and vendors can trade without getting cold or wet.  "Mother's Day" at EXPO WP will certainly be remembered by many for many years to come, as the place with a difference, from which to buy that special mothers day gift or those special mothers day gifts, birthday gift or that wedding present or just that thank-you gift. But for the tourists there is Art, Craft, Curios and genuine South African cuisine and so much more. A special courier service is available to tourist who buy larger than life artifacts, they will oversee the transport of such goods to their respective country, quickly, efficiently and fully insured.

EXPO WP ADVERTISING BOOKLET

Friday eve was a superb Kareoke evening once again, with the regulars singing and entertaining those too self-conscious to sing. Some of the regulars were absent, since they went to Port Elizabeth for the event hosted by Miller's Media and Entertainment, but regardless of this, the Kareoke continued until the early hours of Saturday morning. Unfortunately, I was away for the daylight hours of Saturday but Radio station "Voice of the Cape" broadcast live for 3 hours at EXPO WP on Sunday afternoon with people and cars being the order of the day. VOC is a popular CAPE TOWN based radio station of community interest which share the EXPO WP demographic, that ran an advertising stint to popularize EXPO WP as the "Tourism and Traders market of choice".

Even though flea market browsing appeals to many, there is always the need to advertise in order to have a constant flow of shoppers in the stalls, thus it was decided to produce a booklet with collective vendor advertising to be distributed at two other local flea markets. The distributed booklets produced immediate results, ROTANA ANTIQUES sold some of their Egyptian furniture within hours of distribution, to clients who frequent these flea markets who especially came to EXPO WP because of this specific ad. PhotoJani also received a printing enquiry from the distribution of the booklets. As the old saying goes, "It Pays to Advertise".

I saw numerous people walking about in the main hall at EXPO WP with these advertising booklets in hand within hours of distribution. But unfortunately for them, they did not drop the Lucky Prize strip on the back cover of the booklet into the collection boxes at the entrances. This Prize in fact is a weekend getaway for two, which will be drawn on Sunday the 30th May. So for those who would like to stand a chance of winning this prize, they needs to do their bit. One could say, in order to win the "Lottery", one at least need to buy a ticket. So, go-on, fill in your phone number and drop the strip in the box.

This Saturday, even more people visited EXPO WP armed with their copy of the advertising booklet in hand. Many of them were just browsing, and it appeared that the recession is affecting everyone. It was very evident that shoppers have money but they are not speeding it as readily as vendors would like them to. Many shoppers were fascinated by the procession of coons that passed through all the isles blasting them with the sounds of the trumpets, trombones, bugles, clarinets, symbols, drums, tambourines and music in general.

However, there were approximately 75 vendors who contributed to the success of this booklet amongst whom are AFRASIA, and HIMALAYA, both of whom sell "powerful and potent African medicine". HOLISTIC COVE and RA's WELLNESS THERAPIES specialize in Holistic massages and HARA's HOLISTIC STORE  sells the "Nose Bidet" as discussed on Oprah.

Leather Goods are very popular as EXPO WP and range from Leather Hats & Caps to Jackets made of Cow hide. You can even get school shoes, sandals, leather belts and high fashion ladies handbags all made of Genuine Leather. BRAINY BRATS sells Educational books which is an absolute must for your kids or your sisters kids, or even the kid next door. For everyone else who love reading, YOUR BOOK has reading material for you at bargain prices. There are art shops, craft shops, cosmetic and Jewelry shops, clothing shops and cell phone shops. But these are not the only stores with marvelous goods, there are many more, so do yourself a favour and come visit EXPO WP when you come to CAPE TOWN.