Excitement was palpable with nominees carefully, though not entirely successfully, trying to suppress their nervousness ahead of the Big Reveal at Saturday’s Gala Event.
Friday evening saw the tribes, ERA and Aïda, “uniting” for one magic evening. We all joined forces and ascended on the Valley of the Waves, morphing into Hawaiians, complete with names changed, and adorned with a lei (Hawaiian flower necklace - pronounced “lay”, any pun unintended, take note), behaviour followed suit. For one night, we were on an island... no political, economical or social woes existed. With the band playing, the fun never stopped. Rivalry and competition however is the Nature of the Beast and had the evening been a contest in Revelry it would have been very hard to pick the winning Brand. Let us just say that both sides were committed to “fight them on the beaches” (Apologies, Sir Winston ) and as in the property market, ERA and Aïda were worthy opponents.
Enjoying a delicious braai with your feet in the sand must rate with the best of all possible culinary experiences.
From the Valley of the Waves, the stalwarts moved to the Shebeen (the name is self explanatory as to the nature of the establishment). There it emerged that some of our colleagues have pretty special superpowers... Wessel and Marnus are two such names that spring to mind. Strong, Stronger, Wessel...Tough, tougher, Marnus... Penny & Helène, ERA’s doyennes of Real Estate, proved they have the moves...like Jagger!! You go, Girls! We all want to be you when we grow up!!
Others may have very promising alternative career opportunities should they be interested as exotic or not so exotic dancers. Rock on, Bongi!!! Be it as it may, the Sun never set and the party rolled on.
Saturday morning saw the wise Hawaiians who saw it fit to get some sleep, morphing back into their own bodies, all bright and bushy tailed whilst the wild Hawaiians had outer body experiences and concluded that water, after all, is not an overrated drink.
From the Valley of the Waves, the stalwarts moved to the Shebeen (the name is self explanatory as to the nature of the establishment). There it emerged that some of our colleagues have pretty special superpowers... Wessel and Marnus are two such names that spring to mind. Strong, Stronger, Wessel...Tough, tougher, Marnus... Penny & Helène, ERA’s doyennes of Real Estate, proved they have the moves...like Jagger!! You go, Girls! We all want to be you when we grow up!!
Others may have very promising alternative career opportunities should they be interested as exotic or not so exotic dancers. Rock on, Bongi!!! Be it as it may, the Sun never set and the party rolled on.
Saturday morning saw the wise Hawaiians who saw it fit to get some sleep, morphing back into their own bodies, all bright and bushy tailed whilst the wild Hawaiians had outer body experiences and concluded that water, after all, is not an overrated drink.
Everybody did whatever floated his or her boat (of course some punctured their boats the night before and they therefore did nothing). Those who took their kids could enjoy precious family time, whether indulging in the many activities on offer or just lazing around at the pool.
Early evening on Saturday, our beautifully dressed, carefully coiffed guests of honour (i.e. each and every Attendee), were welcomed at our AWARDS venue for the Real Show to start.
Arlené and Jenny had outdone themselves in decorating the venue with flair, pizzaz, elegance and that “je ne sai quo” that is ERA SA style. The arrangements were immaculate and Stefan, with his inimitable charisma and charm, proceeded to hand out the prizes to our Winners.
Once again, it emerged that there are those with Superpowers in our midst...Jacques, Mara, Mary, Marnus, Charmaine, Thys... to name but a few of our Winners. With our Winners announced, dinner followed, a true Feast in every way. Those who were not ready to be put in traction after Friday’s frivolity, were back on the dance floor for more. Others favoured the photo booth, to capture
memories of a night to remember in Big Apple Style.
It is all too easy to get caught up in the Moment and forget that the moment is actually the culmination of a year of back breaking hard work and constant and consistent endeavour and discipline. For this reason, all the more, the moment should be grasped, celebrated and never ever forgotten. We at ERA SA is immensely proud of and grateful to all our nominees, winners and indeed every attendee.
Accept our heartfelt Thank You for taking the time and trouble to join us for our 2015 National Awards. We look forward to seeing you all and many more of our network at the 2016 AWARDS event.
Kindest Regards,
Berna Daly
