Jason Gao 4/26/16 Jason Gao 4/26/16

Dos Equis Most Interesting Man Estate Auction

One man's mission to Mars has made Earth a lot less interesting. What do you say about a man who has lived through it all? If you haven't been living under a rock for the past decade, you will definitely have seen the Most Interesting in the World. Whether it's on TV or in internet memes, Jonathan Goldsmith has made sure that everyone stays thirsty. It’s impossible to forget a beer whose spokesperson is The Most Interesting Man in the World.

The marketing team at Dos Equis has always been on point with their ads starring this character, but sadly he will no longer be gracing our television screens and billboards. The Most Interesting Man in the World is planning to Stay Thirsty on a completely different world now, and is on his way to Mars. He’s not leaving the inhabitants of this planet empty handed, though. Us less-interesting individuals can bid on his items, many of which have been used in commercials, at Coveted Collection. Dos Equis is also offering fans an opportunity to win an all expense paid trip to Mexico. Now I’d say that’s something worth staying thirsty for!

In celebration of the iconic pitchman’s nine year tenure, Dos Equis held a press only estate auction at 632 on Hudson to bid a proper farewell. This immersive auction-themed event allowed friends of The Most Interesting Man to participate in interesting challenges, where attendees were rewarded with denominations of “Dositas,” which they then used to participate in the auctioning off of his Coveted Collection. The highest bidders at the auction took home items that belonged to The Most Interesting Man himself.

The auction had many of The Most Interesting Man’s items including a prized art piece, a leather elephant, and a huge shield-like crest. The night was full of fun festivities and the beautiful crowd were treated to endless Dos Equis and specially made cocktails.

The event was part of a series called the Coveted Collection Estate Auction Tour which started April 18th and is running through May 5 (Cinco de mayo). The tour will continue to make stops in Dallas, Austin, Houston;, Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

There are more than 25 other items up for auction on Dos Equis’ website, most of which have been prominently featured in those famous commercials. Items include the tuxedo the Most Interesting Man wore to his last Masquerade, his Spanish guitar and matching mariachi suit, and even his astronaut suit from his 2010 stratosphere jump.

To participate in that auction, fans must be at least 21 years old and live in the United States. The auction runs through June 30. Fans who visit Coveted Collection daily for bids and other activities will have more chances to win.

Two charitable projects will receive all proceeds from the auctions: The Impact Plan's mission to rehabilitate endangered animals in East Africa through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and The Impact Plan's continued mission to rebuild Himalayan villages in Nepal after the devastating earthquake in 2015.

Special Thanks to Edelman and Dos Equis.

Amios Amigo! and Stay Thirsty!

Jason Gao 4/14/16 Jason Gao 4/14/16

HOPPR by ABSOLUT Launch Party

The ABSOLUT brand has always been synonymous with magnificent parties. So it's only appropriate that they launched their own party mobile platform, which connects party-goers and throwers alike. Famous Instagram meme couple Elliot Tebele (FuckJerry) and Jessica Anteby (BeigeCardigan) hosted a launch party with DJ Vashtie spinning away.

How many times has this situation happened to you: It’s a casual night in NYC, and you are sitting at home pre-gaming with a couple of friends but there are no plans after? You guys want to go out but you do not want wander the streets. Don’t you just wish that you had someone to tell you all of the parties that are nearby? The extravagant party people at ABSOLUT have created a SOLUTion for this frustrating but common problem.

The cleverly named HOPPR is a new mobile platform that connects party throwers and party goers like never before. The digital program essentially works like Tinder, but instead of swiping for potential mates, you swipe for parties. To use HOPPR , simply log into your Facebook account and choose whether you want to host or attend a party. Then the party throwers can publicly invite party -goers to RSVP. All the attendees have to do is swipe right for the parties they want to attend, and if both are interested and mutually agree, then the address will be revealed. There's no need to fear being on the other side of the town either.

The GPS technology makes sure every party is nearby. If the relation to Tinder hasn't been obvious enough at this point, know the program also helps you make sure the parties have just the right amount of men and women, depending on your preference. Your special someone could be just a party away.

Press and media were invited for an early VIP preview of HOPPR. If this party was a sneak peak of what other HOPPR parties are like, then I will be using it every day. The festivities took place at Mr. Purple, one of my new favorite spots. Not only does this hotel bar have a breathtaking view of the city, but it also features an outdoor heated pool.

A fantastic ABSOLUT mixed open bar and Hors d'oeuvre style food kept all the guests very happy. After waiting for the press to settle down, the HOPPR marketing team introduced HOPPR on a more detailed level and stated that this program will evolve social interaction and the way people will party.

After the marketing presentation, the music got louder and the drinks got stronger. The rest of the guests were now allowed into the event, and the mingling of all the people really showed the potential HOPPR can have in this party-fiend society.

After socializing for a bit I found the hosts Jessica and Elliot sitting there staring at their phones. At first I assumed they were just updating Instagram for their combined following of ten million people, but they were checking out HOPPR.

FuckJerry and BeigeCardigan Photo credit: Joel W. Henderson

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to AbsolutHoppr.com on your mobile device and either host your own party, or check out what is going on tonight right here in NYC!

Special Thanks to ABSOLUT and Weber Shandwick

Jason Gao 4/6/16 Jason Gao 4/6/16

La Marca Prosecco Tower of Teacups High Tea

Whenever people go to The Glasshouses in Chelsea Towers, it’s usually for a glamorous event or an intimate evening. This night had both. Gilt City, the website offering exclusive local experiences, and La Marca Prosecco hosted The Tower of Teacups High Tea event, where exclusive guests were invited to an extravagant evening of traditional high tea and La Marca Prosecco with a stunning view of Manhattan.

My anticipation peaked when in the elevator going up to the event and I could already hear the music. The moment those elevators opened, my guest and I were greeted to an electric violinist who was playing the tunes of “Rather Be”. The beautiful violinist did a splendid job keeping the room entertained and upbeat the entire night.

If the music wasn’t good enough, the view of New York really made the night worthwhile. Being located in Chelsea Arts Tower meant I had unparalleled views of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan. We were there at the perfect time because we were able to see the skyline in the day, during sunset and at night when it was brightly lit up. There is no place I would rather mix high tea with happy hour!

Now this may seem like an odd concept, but La Marca Prosecco paired shockingly well with the array of high tea sandwiches and Macarons offered, among other foods available to nibble on. I guess that’s to be expected of something made in the Treviso region of Northern Italy and rated 90 points.

While sampling all these delicious flavors, the guests had a chance to win their own high tea service set featuring hand-blown crystal champagne flutes from Tiffany and Co. Even those who didn’t win were given a teacup-inspired gift bag to bring home, which definitely eased the sting. Megan Harlem (winner), whoever you are, I envy you.

Some memorable, sparkling aspects of the evening included the “sparkle bar”, where guests were given the opportunity to create their own wine charms using an assortment of rhinestones and other baubles. My plus one had a great time decorating her bottle with crowns and other designs.

My personal favorite part of the night was without a doubt the selfie stick with flying confetti. Every guest was able to take a picture while someone threw confetti in the air so it looked so much more magical. My plus one and I took a few of them and they were instantly printed, so we had a good laugh looking at them the next day.

Overall, a wonderful night

Special Thanks to Gilt City

Jason Gao 3/15/16 Jason Gao 3/15/16

Harper's BAZAAR Icons NYFW Party

New York Fashion Week always features great parties, and I was honored to be at one of the best ones. One of the most exclusive NYFW events was held at New York City's Plaza Hotel. Hostess Carine Rothfeld definitely knows how to throw a party. It was in celebration of Harper's Bazaar's "Icons" issue, and some of the most powerful people in every industry were in attendance. From fashion to business; and music, everybody who was somebody was present.

You know a party is good; when Katy Perry is performing. Katy debuted beautiful red hair, and had a short set performing five of her biggest hits.

Fashion "it" girls Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid were in attendance to support Carine Roitfeld.

My favorite model Rachel Hilbert was so sweet and obliged to entertain me with this picture. My roommate in college had pictures of her up on his wall, I knew he was crying somewhere.

The @thefatjewish is one of the funniest people on Instagram. This guy was nothing but class, and he has the naturally ability to be a great story teller. Earlier that day, the @thefatjewish had debuted his fashion line "Dad Fashion" and it stood out of from all the other shows due to its diversity of models combined with hilarity. Funny story: after posting this picture on instagram, @thefatjew actually liked it, and I had a spike in likes with over 200 more likes than I would usually receive, including a like from the Huffington Post.

Fashion designer Jason Wu looked like an Asian Gangster. I think we can pass for cousins, or maybe even brothers. I guess he is the more successful Jason in the family.

One of the most talented kid actresses. I was so happy to meet her because I watched her grow up as Sally Draper from Mad Men. She was so humble, and when I introduced myself to her; she went on and did the same. Never change, Sally Draper, never change.

The hostess with the most. A gracious lady with nothing but elegance and grace, and damn she knows how to throw one hell of a party.

This billionaire' and Patriots owner, was a funny man. I made a few jokes about deflate gate and he was totally cool with it. Stay classy Mr.Kraft.

Beautiful party girl Michelle Rodriguez lived up to her reputation and she was already in a different time zone when I met her and took this picture.

Even though I looked like an idiot here, I had to post it, right? I mean, how many chances do you get to meet the hottest model in the world? Exactly.

The night winding down

Overall, probably one of the best nights of my life.

Dos Equis Most Interesting Man Estate Auction

HOPPR by ABSOLUT Launch Party

La Marca Prosecco Tower of Teacups High Tea

Harper's BAZAAR Icons NYFW Party

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