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www.wtzupcity.com
“I could see the recognition for their hardwork in the winner’s eyes.” mg rajamaniCkam ias
Also at Trivandrum and Chennai. Soon at Calicut Issue 9 Volume 2 NOV - DEC 2015
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WTZUPKOCHI
CITY AWARDS 2015 THE FIRST EVER AWARDS FOR KOCHI CONCLUDES WITH A STAR STUDDED NIGHT
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a star
studded night
The first ever, Autotree presents WtzupKochi City Awards powered by Renault. The first ever city awards for Kochi, WtzupKochi City Awards presented by Autotree and powered by Renault in association with Crowne Plaza and Lulu Connect took place at Crowne Plaza on November 25, 2015 with a star studded guest list coming together to celebrate Kochi and its many talents. The city awards is the first of its kind for Kochi and it was a venture to identify Kochi’s favorite spots and show off the best the city has to offer. The categories varied from favorite food joints, to shopping outlets and talents.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KOCHI
CELEBRATING KOCHI’S FAVORITES
The voting process of WtzupKochi City Awards was open to all, and over 60,000 Kochiites registered to choose their favorites. In a dazzling battle for the top position in twenty categories, nominees went head to head since September, 2015 to be chosen as Kochi’s Favorite through the WtzupCity.com website and mobile app. The first ever WtzupKochi City Awards presented by Autotree and powered by Renault in association with Crowne Plaza and Lulu Connect, sets a milestone in Kochi’s progress and was a grand event that paid tribute to the talents in the city. The sponsors of the event were Lulu Mall, Red FM, Indian Express, Media Box Office, Time Ads, One TV, Air Arabia and FWD Life. Many remarked after the event that this sort of venture gives the push required for everyone to better their performance. It was also a stage to appreciate the hardwork of many people who are from Kochi and those who have moved here to make it big. This is the first time that Kochiites have been appreciated in this way, and the goodwill was evident throughout the event with many touching moments and speeches. With an easy to use voting process and scintillating event, the WtzupKochi City Awards was a successful initiative.The annual awards will continue with the support it has garnered to keep celebrating the best of Kochi. The grand evening was graced with a fantastic audience who revelled in the one of a kind event. District Collector M.G Rajamanickam, IAS, along with Major Ravi, Beena Kannan, Sheela Kochouseph and Vijay Yesudas shared their perspectives on how Kochi is an uprising city and how WtzupKochi City Awards is a positive concept to celebrate Kochi. The first ever city awards was a grand success and it was attended by many celebrities like Tovino Thomas, Unni Mukundan, Sunny Wayne, Gregory, Ranjini Jose, Nikhil Menon, Ranjith Sankar, Mamas, Shritha Sivadas, Rejith Menon and Sanju among others who added to the glamor of the event. All the twenty winners including Dulquer Salmaan, Poornima Indrajith and Parvathy were awarded at this exciting and heartwarming event, accompanied by toe tapping numbers from the band, Vidwan led by Neha Nair. The first ever WtzupKochi City Awards was a time for celebration and appreciation, but the biggest winner of all was Kochi.
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PUBLICATION
Rajesh K Nair Marketing Manager
Printed & published by Jose Thomas Pattara, Muhamma, Alappuzha on behalf of Forward Media Private Limited, from Anand Buildings, NH Bypass Road, Near Oberon Mall, Cochin. The editor is Arun Balachandran. Printed at Five Star Offset Printers, Cochin-40. All photographs unless otherwise indicated, are used for illustrative purposes only. Readers are advised to cross check all data before acting on the same. Maria John Assistant Editor
Shalin Sebastian Layout & Design
Pankaj PS Creative Head
Sojan Sunny & Jithin Mohan Creative Team
Megha Menacherry Jinson Abraham Sebin Sunny Cheif Photographer Digital Coordinator Event Coordinator
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Arun Balachandran Director & CEO-FWD Media
Shritha Sivadas -Actor
Unni Mukundan- Actor
Shibu Philips Business Head- LuLu Mall
Parvathy- Actor
Major Ravi- Director
Celebrating Kochi’s Favorites
Mathew Antony Director- FWD Media
Abraham Tharakan Chief Editor- FWD Media
The WtzupKochi City Awards presented by Autotree and powered by Renault was a star studded event. The celebrations were in full swing with the excited winners, enigmatic presenters and the energetic music from Vidwan. There was a birthday girl in the house and Vijay Yesudas crooned the number while Poornima Indrajith was surprised with a cake with Beena Kannan, Parvathy, and Shritha Sivadas joining on stage. The event also screened two videos to celebrate Kochi, unveiled by the District Collector MG Rajamanickam, IAS. The latest edition of FWD Business magazine featuring Dr. Baju George, MD of SmartCity Dubai and CEO (Interim) of SmartCity Kochi was unveiled on this spectacular night by Preetha Mathews, Office Manager of SmartCity and the FWD Media team.
Poornima Indrajith Actor-turned-Entrepreneur
Venue: Crowne Plaza Photos: Manu V, Anjana Ranjan, Antony Joseph, Jenson
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Tovino Thomas- Actor
Beena Kannan- CEO & Lead Designer, Seematti
M G Rajamanickam IAS -Collector Kochi
Sheela Kochouseph Director- V star
Prof. Abhilash Nair IIM-K
Noufal Ahammed CEO- Autotree
Neha Nair Singer- Vidwan
Vijay Yesudas Playback Singer
Sandheep Jadhav Head (Ticketing)- Kerala Blasters FC
Anil Vijayan Manager- South India, Air Arabia
Mrs.Liju Sumesh Director- Paragon
Mamas Director
Launch of FWD Business Magazine
Sanjay Kaushik GM-Crowne Plaza
Thaha Shahir Kalliyath Director- Autotree
Tony Jose MD-Josco Group
Kiran M V MD- Chillax
Teddy Johns Red FM
Vidwan - The band
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Dulquer Salmaan won the award in a tough battle online against Nivin Pauly, Prithviraj and others. He was really excited that his favorite city had chosen him as their favorite actor. Dulquer received the award and certificate from Arun Balachandran, founder of FWD Media. “It is a special feeling to be voted as the favorite through an online poll. Kochi is my home. I was born here. Especially in this moment when I am doing Kochi based films and characters, this award is really special.”
DULQUER SALMAAN
KOCHI’S FAVORITE ACTOR
Parvathy was really excited to be voted as Kochi’s Favorite Actress. She received the trophy from young actor Unni Mukundan and the certificate from Noufal Ahammed, Director of Autotree. Parvathy remarked that, to win the award knowing that she has been voted by people, was truly an honor. “This was not just a film award, but to be among people who are making Kochi what it is these days, is a humbling appreciation. It is truly a great encouragement for me to do better.”
PARVATHY
KOCHI’S FAVORITE ACTRESS
Who doesn’t know how to rock with the fish in this city? Their tones of Nostalgia are all too familiar to us. Thaikkudam Bridge won the award for Kochi’s Favorite Music Band. This has been an eventful year for them with this award and the release of their album, Navarasam. Mithun, guitarist and Christin Jose, singer accepted the award and certificate for Thaikkudam Bridge from the multi talented Vijay Yesudas.
THAIKKUDAM BRIDGE 6
KOCHI’S FAVORITE BAND
A Mecca for Football is how people are addressing Kochi. In true sportsman spirit, the Kerala Blasters FC has persevered, whatever the outcome, to bring Kochi to the forefront and we have the highest game attendance in the country. Mr. Sandeep Jadhav, Ticketing Head for Kerala Blasters FC, received the award for Kochi’s Changemaker from actor Tovino Thomas and Thaha Shahir Kalliyath, Director of Autotree. Mr. Sandeep Jadhav thanked the fans for this award and their love for football.
KERALA BLASTERS
CHANGE MAKER OF KOCHI
Builders build more than buildings; they build dreams and also help us realize them. Nishad NP, Managing Director of Nucleus Properties accepted the award for Kochi’s Favorite Builder from District Collector MG Rajamanickam IAS and the certificate from Professor Abhilash Nair of IIM-K. Nishad NP was joined by Nucleus Properties Executive Directors Nazer NP and Nashid NP and they remarked about how Kochi has grown and an award like this is truly remarkable.
NUCLEUS PROPERTIES
KOCHI’S FAVORITE BUILDER
Corporate Social Responsibility is a way for companies to give back to society. Mr.Philipose received the award on behalf of Anna Group of Companies from Major Ravi and the certificate from Shibu Philips, Business Head of Lulu Mall. Being from the village of Kizhakkambalm, Anna Group started the Mission 20-20 in 2013 to see that the village would be the most developed in the country by the end of this decade and has now gone beyond just that. Their efforts have resulted in them being Kochi’s Favorite
ANNA GROUP
KOCHI’S FAVORITE CSR INITIATIVE
CSR Initiative.
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It was momentous indeed when Poornima Indrajith received the award for Kochi’s Favorite Boutique from actor Unni Mukundan and the certificate from Noufal Ahammed, Director of Autotree, on her birthday. She was inspired by the lead designer and CEO of Seematti, from a young age and through her modeling career and requested Beena Kannan to join her on stage as she recieved the award. “Pranaah was a small dream of mine. I am really happy to know that Kochi has so much love to give us. I will live up to your expectations” said Poornima Indrajith.
pranaah
KOCHI’S FAVORITE BOUTIQUE
Suraj Vaidhyan, MD of Syama Group of companies received the award on behalf of Gold’s Gym from Major Ravi and the certificate from Shibu Philip, Business Head of Lulu Mall. Gold’s Gym at Vyttila was started four years ago in Kochi and is part of an international chain of fitness centers founded in America in 1965. Mr. Vaidhyan expressed his appreciation for getting such an award in Kochi, his gratitude to his team and said they were looking forward to the awards next year.
gold’s gym
KOCHI’S FAVORITE GYM
Every fast city needs to slow down at times and Aroma Thai was voted as Kochi’s Favorite Spa. With a variety of services, the spa has been healing Kochi since its inception. To be awarded at such a great gathering was an honor for John George, Store Manager of Aroma Thai in Lulu Mall. This was a great motivation to get further, according to him. He received the award from Sheela Kochouseph, Director of V Star and the certificate from Teddy Johns of Red FM.
AROMA THAI 8
KOCHI’S FAVORITE SPA
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Brindhavan has been in operation for fourteen years now and the owner and MD Arun Reddy explained that none had noticed them till now at such a scale. He continued that this appreciation makes a huge difference to the all the winners. Mr.Arun Reddy accepted the award for Kochi’s Favorite Veg Restaurant from Sheela Kochouseph, Director of V Star and the certificate from Teddy Johns from Red FM.
BRINDHAVAN
KOCHI’S FAVORITE VEG RESTAURANT
Having the Meen Manga Curry and Appam at Paragon in Edappally is a must do for anyone who comes to Kochi. Mrs. Liju Sumesh, Director of Paragon and Mr.Sandeep, GM of Paragon Kochi, received the award from District Collector MG Rajamanickam IAS and the certificate from Professor Abhilash of IIM-K. Starting a restaurant in Kochi apart from its Calicut and Dubai ones was definitely momentous for Paragon and it goes to show how Kochi is indeed the place to be.
PARAGON
KOCHI’S FAVORITE NON VEG RESTAURANT
Mr.Nissar couldn’t be more enthusiastic. It was a heartwarming moment for all when he said that he had been running Adipoli Thattukada opposite Medical Trust Hospital for twenty five years and this was the first time he got recognition and this award was for everyone who has supported him. Mr. Nissar received the award from Major Ravi and the certificate from Sanjay Kaushik (South India Head- IHG Hotels and GM of Crowne Plaza, for Kochi’s Favorite Street Food Joint.
ADIPOLI THATTUKADA 10
KOCHI’S FAVORITE STREET FOOD JOINT
Mr. Tony Jose, MD and owner of Josco Group accepted the award for Tonico Cafe as Kochi’s Favorite Cafe. The outlet in Kakkanad is extremely popular for its ambience and stays open late into the night. He accepted the award from actor Tovino Thomas and the certificate from Thaha Shahir Kalliyath, Director of Autotree. Mr. Tony Jose remarked that the award was a unique concept and it was a great cause for Kochi to grow and aim to be the best.
TONICO CAFE
KOCHI’S FAVORITE CAFE
There are few places in Kochi that are open 24 hours and combined with its ambience, Chillax won the award for Kochi’s Favorite Hangout; be it the one on the NH47 Bye Pass or near Foreshore Road. Mr. Kiran MV Managing Director of Chillax, received the trophy from Director Mamas and the certificate from Mathew Antony, Director of FWD Media. Mr.Kiran MV said that it was a fantastic event and that he was overjoyed at receiving the award.
CHILLAX
KOCHI’S FAVORITE HANGOUT
Stating that this award was precious indeed, Mr.Sudheesh Nair accepted the award for Lulu Hypermarket as Kochi’s Favorite Shopping Experience from District Collector MG Rajamanickam IAS and the certificate from Professor Abhilash from IIM-K. If you need anything at all, most of Kochi heads to Lulu Hypermarket. With multiple brands and a wide range of products, Lulu Hypermarket has brought international standard to Kochi.
LULU HYPERMARKET
KOCHI’S FAVORITE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
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No wonder Kochiites are so stylish, since we have so many high standard salons in the city. Toni & Guy in Edappally won the award for Kochi’s Favorite Salon. With trained stylists to help you achieve the perfect look, Toni & Guy is part of an international chain of salons. Shyamal Romeo, Store Manager of Toni & Guy accepted the award from Unni Mukundan and the certificate from Noufal Ahammed, Director of Autotree.
TONI & GUY
KOCHI’S FAVORITE SALON
PVR Cinema at Lulu Mall was voted as Kochi’s Favorite Theater by a large margin. Settling down in the red seats with crunchy popcorn has become a weekend, if not weekday, routine for Kochiites. Manoj Kumar, Duty Manager of PVR Cinemas accepted the award from Director Mamas and the certificate from Mathew Antony, Director of FWD Media.
PVR CINEMAS
KOCHI’S FAVORITE THEATRE
Club ALR was voted as Kochi’s Favorite Gang. Auto Lounge Revolutionz is a group of bike and car enthusiasts based in the city. With numerous international car companies like Renault, Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes Benz and bike companies like DSK and Harley Davidson coming to Kochi, a gang like this celebrates Kochi’s love for super machines. The team accepted the award from Major Ravi and the certificate from Sanjay Kaushik, South India Head-IHG Hotels and GM- Crowne Plaza.
CLUB ALR 12
KOCHI’S FAVORITE GANG
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For retired Professor Aravindakshan, it was double dhamaka. The college he had studied and worked at had won and he was at the event representing the Panampilly Nagar Residents Welfare Association. He was truly happy to be appreciated for their efforts and this wanted them to get better. Professor Aravindakshan received the award from Beena Kannan, CEO and lead designer of Seematti and Mr.Chandrashekaran, Assistant General Manager (marketing)- Indian Express.
PANAMPILLY NAGAR
KOCHI’S FAVORITE RESIDENCE ASSOCIATION
Mrs.Beena NL, Principal of Maharaja’s College, accepted the award from Beena Kannan, CEO and Lead Designer- Seematti and the certificate from Mr.Chandrashekaran, Assistant General Manager(marketing)- Indian Express. It was a joyous moment for Mrs. Beena and she was honored to receive the award as they were voted to the top by Kochiites. Maharaja’s College was established in 1845 and is one of the iconic landmarks of Kochi. Its alumni include mega star Mammootty, Ashiq Abu, politician AK Antony and more.
MAHARAJA’S
KOCHI’S FAVORITE COLLEGE CAMPUS
The WtzupKochi City Awards is an annual event which is all about the excitement, energy, courage and dedication of Kochiites. With a single minded zeal to bring out the best of our not so ‘kochu’ Kochi, it not only has found Kochi’s favorites, but also has motivated and encouraged everyone to reach higher. The City Awards will be back with a bang next year, to celebrate our incredible city and promote the best of Kochi.
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the lucky voters
Roban Gilbert
In a dazzling battle for the top position in twenty categories, nominees went head to head since September, 2015 to be chosen as Kochi’s Favorite through the WtzupCity.com website and mobile app. The WtzupKochi City Awards also awarded voters who brought in the maximum referral voting through social media. If any friends or family went through their link to vote, they would earn points. The voters with the most referrals, Roban Gilbert and Shalin Sebastian, won flight tickets to UAE and received the tickets from Anil Vijayan, Manager South India Air Arabia.
Shalin Sebastian
OUR PARTNERS The WtzupKochi City Awards campaign was spread over three months. Various exciting enterprises came on board to support this one of a kind initiative for Kochi. Being the first ever city awards for Kochi, The first of its kind in the country, Autotree is a complete auto lifestyle retail chain conceptualised to cater to the ever growing Indian auto industry. With a host of over 250 international brands and the best of services all under one roof, Autotree redefines auto lifestyle with the latest and trendiest car accessories and auto lifesyle products.
KOCHI
The French based automobile company has been enjoying its run in the Indian market. The Renault Lodgy has received a positive response in the market and they are taking over the Indian city car market with the new Renault Kwid. Getting you the best of Kochi through events, happenings, eat outs, offers and more, WtzupKochi is a city based magazine for Kochi, by Kochi and of Kochi. It is a platform to celebrate the talents of the city through the web portal, mobile app and the print version available at all the leading hot spots in the city. Other sponsors are Crowne Plaza, Lulu Connect, Red FM, Lulu Mall, Indian Express, Time Ads, One TV, Air Arabia, Media Box Office and FWD Life.
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4th Anniversary of FWD Media
FWD Life celebrated its fourth anniversary at a starstudded event.The event featured the who’s who of the entertainment and business arena in Kerala. Special issue of FWD Life that featured Tovino on its cover was unveiled. Actors Unni Mukundan, Parvathy, Sunny Wayne, Gregory, Ranjini Jose and Sajjid Yahiya, added glamour to the event. Rafael Treuger, VP- Sales and Marketing, Renault India and Mahesh Kumar, Head and CEO Renault TVS, joined the celebrations. Rafael Treguer- VP- Sales & Marketing, Renault India Mahesh Kumar- Head and CEO, Renault TVS
Sunny Wayne Actor
Photos: Manu V, Anjana Ranjan, Antony Joseph, Jenson
Renjith Sankar Director
Gregory Actor
Ram Nair & Renjini Jose
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