Yelp East Bay's 2nd Annual Ol' Skool Prom
- Good for Kids:
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74 reviews for Yelp East Bay's 2nd Annual Ol' Skool Prom
74 reviews in English
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Review from David T.
Oakland, CA
8/4/2010
I know i'm a little late, but i fell off of yelp as soon as i heard Ligaya is gone.
Besides all that, this was a very fun event. One of the best event i attended to by yelp.
Everything about this event was fun; the theme, the photography, all the way to the hairdoo.
5 stars for another great event planned by Ligaya. -
Review from Badri N.
7/21/2010
I don't go to too many East Bay YEEs because driving up 880 is worse than being cast into the seventh circle of hell. But I was not going to miss this since this was the last YEE that Ligaya was going to throw as Yelp CM. And I wouldn't miss that for the world :)
Easy to find (especially with GPS, haha) - and lots of parking. I drove up with fellow Yelpers CeCe C (C^3) and Fraulein C. Allowed us to use the carpool lane FTW (though the construction on the Dumbarton bridge connector to I-880 is a MAJOR FAIL!!!!!)
This event was stocked up with food and drink. The rather novel difference was that there was also a cash bar for the real alcoholics (yes, me) to gravitate to if they chose. The highlight free drink of the night was the tequila - OMG, so good!!! I was told you can find it at Costco and can't believe I haven't done a Costco run yet. This was sipping tequila, not the kind you shoot (blehhhh!!!) and it was awesome!!!
Some great food choices though, as usual, I limited my caloric intake mainly to the liquid kind. But some pretty good looking sliders seemed pretty popular! Wish I had tried some in retrospect.
Loved the creative cupcakes. The Dim sum was an awesome touch and was quite popular!
They had the Flipbooks photographer again and as always, this was a blast. This is such a novel party idea - and thanks to Yelp for having them here on so many of these memorable occasions.
There was also a professional studio photographer on hand to take some really great shots of people dressed in their finest prom outfits. Another nice touch, something to remember and appreciate!
Hair stylists were on hand to help the ladies change into appropriate hair styles befitting the time of the prom. w00t! It was a blast to see familiar faces in really cool hairdos reminiscent of a different time and age! What a great idea!
Cigars with fellow Yelper Bobby L(orilla) sealed the deal for an already perfect evening as we enjoyed a couple of good stogies outside on the dock and watched the hair stylist work her magic on the lovely ladies. Another huge plus to an already enchanting evening!
And smoking cigars, we almost missed the burlesque show that was happening indoors!!! OMG!!! There are no words (and there are enough pictures) to describe this so I've leave it at this!!! O_O
Great DJ - had us going - especially Wanugee N. tearing it up to Sex Machine!! Oh my!! Had the ladies all excited there for a bit there W!! Way to go :)
Finally, as the evening, and my never ending review, draws to a close, I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge my dear friend Ligaya! This is the reason I waited so long to write this review (other than the fact that I'm a lazy SOB).
I wanted this review of Ligaya's last event as CM to be a little separate from the numerous 5 star reviews it would inevitably get. And I wanted it to be especially meaningful to me... as in, 200th review meaningful. I've been lucky to make many friends here on Yelp, few as awesome as the lovely Ligaya. Alway gracious, intelligent and savvy, always charismatic but yet so down to earth while being earth-shatteringly gorgeous, Ligaya is one of the most amazing women I've been fortunate to know through Yelp and I thank her for giving me the privilege of calling her a friend! While I'll really miss her as a CM, Yelp East Bay is in good, capable hands with her successor Monica. I do hope this means Ligaya can come out more and party with us during these events!
~ 5 unquestioned stars for a great event and a great person! Ligaya, thank you for everything you've done and I'm honored to dedicate my 200th review to you. I wish you great success in everything you do :)
# 200 -
Review from Keane L.
7/12/2010
This was a particularly meaningful event, seeing as I lost my job the day of the 1st Annual Ol' Skool Prom. Even more importantly, it was Ligaya's last official event and the passing of the metaphoric torch to Monica.
Five stars for Ligaya and five stars for Monica. Average it out, spin and shout, got you five stars. Asians can do math, baby.Listed in: Yelp Events!
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Review from Wanugee N.
Pleasant Hill, CA
5/29/2010 39 photos
This was a fantastic event, as always!
I knew that writing all those reviews and being an active and good citizen of Yelp would pay dividends as an Elite in free booze, free food, free parties, free dances, free DJ, Free stage entertainment, great people, what more could you ask for?
How about a HIgh School Prom retake, with less pimples?
All the Yelper geeks and nerds who didn't enjoy their awkward HS Prom, had a chance to redeem themselves with a do-over once again at this 2nd annual bash!
And all the party animals types, well, this was a party animals dream!
Led by the outgoing and beloved Papaya Ligaya, breaking loose with a new Do, with help from the beautiful Yelper Helper CMs Jessica and Connie, this was fantastic! Thanks for the Double Tree Berkeley Marina for hosting it the second time, and filling in as last minute food vendor substitute with great eats and spiked punch. Other drink and service vendors were stellar as always. And the price is always right!
The event was well balanced with fun, not too crowded, enough food/drink options (hey, you can always break out your own coin once in a while Yelper!) so everyone could try everything, with Prom Pic and fun Flipper book service. The raffle prizes were a great touch, and the Burlesque review was fun and naughty! You could even buy your own tassels!
As for the mystery around Wanugee, the IMOM
(no, not the Imam as in an Islamic cleric,
and no, not because he has become a Mom,
but as the "International Man Of Mystery")
he offered his own Ol' Skool entertainment and talent in busting a move without spilling the adult beverage refreshment that he paid for himself with his own hard earned money with this video evidence:
http://www.youtube.com...
Now that is talent, not to spill a drop during those gyrations! Shows a lot of experience, or a tightwad who doesn't want to waste a dear drop after paying cash!!!
Farewell Ligaya, we all love you and your events and hope to see you around, and welcome Monica, the new Philly, who has some big shoes to fill but I am sure can handle it.
(see pics!)Listed in: Wanugee! Yelpalicious, Wanugee! Berkeley
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Review from Peter L.
5/31/2010 2 photos
My high school prom was pretty fun, but this event was funner (oh, it's actually "more fun" for the grammar police, lol.). For such a big YEE, there sure were a lot of foods and drinks...even a couple of hours into it. Nay, there were desserts and drinks until the very end!
Not sure what goes on behind the scenes to organize a bigger than usual YEE such as this. But, with the added issue of vendors who had to back out, the event still went smoothly. Only a Yelp CM as Ligaya could pull it off! Thanks to Doubletree-Berkeley and the numerous vendors for giving us such a great time. Plus, thanks to the other CMs for your added contribution to the bash. Hence, five stars all the way!
While you may have left Yelp, Ligaya, hoping you are able to show up at more UYEs and DYLs. :D -
Review from ABBY A.
5/28/2010 8 photos
"BY THE TIME YOU'RE FINISHED IN HERE, 25 REVIEWS WILL HAVE BEEN WRITTEN ON YELP."
Those were the signs that were plastered inside the stalls of the ladies' bathroom. That's how much thought and details were put into this event.
From the moment I saw that arch of bright red balloons and the flow of those golden streams, I knew it was going to be another hell-of-a-Yelp-party! But not just ANY party--PROM! Who would have thunk it? "X" years later and we're going to prom with the extra fabulous students of Yelp University! And what better way to get the party started than SPIKED PUNCH.
After registering at the desk and getting our fame tags (oh and also snatching a couple Yelpsticks, hehehe), my stunning prom date and I made our way to the punch table where I mixed in an extra bottle of Grey Goose to get things crackin'. We then headed steeeee-raight for the food! Crispy won tons, deep fried whatchamacallits, pasta a la Alfredo lol, steamed pork buns, a carving station (mmm beef), ICE CREAM (thank you for complimentary tickets, Trevor!), wine, wine, more wine, cookies that make you happy, cookies that make you...that other "H" word that also ends with "Y" with an "ORN" in the middle, Cabernet Sauvignon SANGRIA, juice, am I forgetting something? OH YES howww can I forget--TEQUILAAAA!
(By the way I didn't really add the extra vodka in the punch, although I swore I saw Gil A. adding a bottle of...nevermind).
What I loved THEE BEST was the cutey-cute-cute picturebook! Sooo adorable, unique and cuuuute! What a great idea to have one of these at your next party instead a boring ol' photo booth. I loved how the pictures were ready so fast and our little mini-flipbook of us goofing off, twirling around and blowing kisses at the camera were in our palms in about 3 minutes. Superb!
I didn't get to see any of the performers because fellow Yelper Joy A. and I were too busy taking shots of Don Pilar aniejo, courtesy of his son (the guy with the curly hair and long name and his lovely partner).
I always enjoy getting to meet my Yelp friends, some who I feel like I've known since high school. Although I didn't get to run into some folks I was looking forward to see (Grace where were you?!), I got to meet new people who totally ROCK (like, really, did you guys see the rockstar in the gold tights? Dayammn!). Shout out to Eugene L., Peter L. and the dude in the baby blue tux!
Ms. Ligaya, you did a wonderful job! I'm sure a lot of fellas last night hated to see you go, but loooooved to watch you leave...you know what I'm sayin'? Haha! All in all it was a great night. It really does pay to be Elite! From San Francisco to the East Bay--I can only sum this event up in one word...
YEE!!!!!!!! -
Review from Justin N.
5/28/2010 1 photo
"Dude I don't have a buzz, not even tipsy. WTF is wrong with me? I better start hitting that wine..."
That right there pretty much sealed my fate. My "waking up at 11am feeling like I took a bat to the head" fate...
So damn fun, oh my god. Everyone was dressed to impress, I can't wait to see the official prom shots. And to those cup cake folks, it's like you read my mind with those vegan carrot cake bastards, I could have eaten them all night long. Wait, I think I did eat them all night long.
Wine, punch, burlesque, cup cakes, mini-hookahs, vodka, pictures.... all amazing, the best of times.
THANK YOU LIGAYA! You will certainly be missed as the official CM around these parts, that's for sure. Who ever takes up the post has some seriously big shoes to fill. (I mean that metaphorically, I'm not saying you have huge feet)
And thanks to everyone else who made the night such a blast!Listed in: Party time! Yelp events.
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Review from Joe B.
5/28/2010
Great food and drink, great entertainment, great photo opportunities with professional photographers, and an opportunity to get made up for the event AT the event at the Wak Shack's hair booth are just a few of the tried-and-true ingredients that make Yelp events such a success! Even though a few vendors we unable to make it, the event didn't hurt for food, drink, fun, and photo opportunties. Holding it at a hotel, especially one like the Marina Doubletree on the water, was genius - I had a few friends who stayed so they could get their drink on and not have to worry about driving home. The setting on the water was gorgeous, especially as the sun set. I just wish I could have stayed later and stayed over, but we had a friend visiting from out of town.
Copious amounts of wine, tasty desserts courtesy of Gelateria Naia, and enough food so that nobody got into serious trouble were all welcome. It was great to see lots of friends and acquaintances again, some I haven't seen in days, some weeks, some in months - it felt like the Yelp East Bay (and West Bay) society was re-forming, mixing together, only to emerge new and different each time. New friends were made, but it's sad to see Ligaya go - her energy was unique, infectious, and she really could light up the room! Ligaya, you will be missed, and Monica, welcome - looking forward to lots of great events!
It didn't hurt at all, though, that Jess and I incredibly, surprisingly, and inexplicably, were crowned Prom King and Queen. Thanks everyone - I'm glad there was no speech 'cause we were speechless! Looking forward to seeing you all often this summer. -
Review from Andrew T.
El Cerrito, CA
5/28/2010
Shit was seriously fun. We got there and hollered at the punch right away. People were saying it wasn't spiked, but I felt it. Ligs hooked us up and spiked it even more later on. After pre-drankin a lil at a couple hotel rooms, we made our way into the ballroom.
We were told to eat before the event because a couple sponsors had to back out, but damn there was a lot of food! I don't eat meat but I hollered at the pasta(which they made right in front of you) and hella cookies, including the afrodisiac ones :) I also scored the last cupcake, which was delicious.
And my favorite food of the night? How about 2 of my favorite things mixed in 1? Blue Bottle Coffee Gelato!
Drink-wise, there were plenty to go around. The aforementioned spiked-punch, tequilla(we took a few shots), wine, champagne, sangria, mojito, etc.
Super-sad to see Ligs go, but she went out with a bang. And I'm sure Monica will do a great job from here-on.
They had a great picture set-up where we took prom-like pics all night. And the flip-books have to be one of the greatest things I've ever seen!
Great to see everyone and all you guys looked amazing. One of the best Yelp events ever! -
Review from tinna h.
5/28/2010
I skipped out on my high school prom and waited to go to Ol' Skool Prom instead. I mean, clearly I made the right choice:
- hot date
- getting my hair did FOR FREE
- Action Flip Book of AWESOME!
- spiked punch, sangria, wine, tequila
- tassels + boobies
You wouldn't have found those at my high school prom!
But one thing remains true - awkward prom photos! My date made sure to perfect his Cialis face for that shot. Link to follow!
Thanks Yelp! Save travels, Ligaya! And welcome, Monica! :)Listed in: 2010 Yelp Events
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Review from Danny L.
6/1/2010
It seems like the only things I give 5 stars to these days are YEE's... But who can blame me when I have such a fabulous community manager like Ligaya ( who will be missed). You have created some VERY BIG shoes to fill.
I was very intoxicated during my high school prom so I don't remember much from it. But this event was off the hook. Some of the favorites that stand out:
FLIP BOOKS - these things were so freakin cool!
Sangria (the white one) - Oh my goodness, that was soooo tasty and addictive.
The spiked punch - which I didn't know was spiked until my wife told me after I downed a few glasses.
The food - Yum!
Blue Bottle ice cream - Liquid crack in ice cream form= DANGEROUS!
Way to go out with a bang Ligaya! -
Review from Alice A.
5/31/2010
Ligaya, I am grateful that you made it possible for me to scratch off PROM from my bucket list. It was exactly how I thought it was going to be minus (whew, sigh of relief!) awkward slow dance. We will miss you dearly, but hopefully you will still be around to join the party on occasion!
Doubletree Hotel was a perfect venue for this event. We even had the sun come out, despite the grim weather forecast. The food was really great! Thankfully my dress was made with stretchy material so I could stuff myself with all things decadent.
Although I didn't get to check out everything, several entertainment options made the evening pass way too quickly: the burlesque dancers, flip book video, prom photo shoot, hair stylin' stations, and dancing of course.
And my Yelp peeps, you are the best! It was nice to run into those I have met before and make new acquaintances. Despite my efforts to clean up (donning a dress and putting on makeup) I still got comments pertaining to my nerdiness. Oh well, what's a girl to do? Smile and dance, that's all! -
Review from Bill B.
5/27/2010
Yet another excellent event and proof that we (and Yelp) have been lucky to have Ligaya as our CM for so long. Big, warm welcome to our new CM, Monica S.!
I must give serious props to the Doubletree for stepping up last-minute with food. Thumbs down for the bartenders who were less-than-forthcoming about the fact that free vodka drinks were available, but thumbs up to the staff who heeded our calls for more "spike" in the spiked punch. The photobooth and flipbook stations were fun and moved quickly, ensuring that most everyone who wanted one got a turn. Check-in was smooth, but like last year, I never got a raffle ticket when I arrived and so felt a little out in the cold when the drawing occured. Hopefully by next year that glitch will get ironed out.
Entertainment felt like it could have been focused a little better. I would have enjoyed some more emphasis (and size) on the old prom pictures by Yelpers, perhaps with our names on them.
Of course, none of those concerns even come close to overhwelming the awesome amount of fun I had seeing so many friends, old and new, in beautiful and sometimes stunning outfits, catching up with people, and dancing away a major portion of the evening. Thank you Ligaya and all the rest of the Yelp staff who came out to help!Listed in: Elite and beyond
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Review from Eryka V.
Oakland, CA
6/2/2010
Spiked Punch
Flip Books that make you make out
Food galore to soak up the alchy
The DJ playing some back in the day hits
Boobs bouncin provided by the beautiful burlesque ladies
Pictures to get your glam on
Sangria refreshing the veins
Cookies with some aphrodisiac drizzled on top
Sexy pasties for the drunk lover's lady
Whiskey flavored gelato
The raza serving Don Pilar Tequila to warm up and get your swag on
A big ass shout out to the fine ladies of Rockwall for keeping the drunk lover addicted to their pours all night!!!
Ligaya of course your the ISH you already know this and so does everyone else, thanks for everything boo!
Good damn times with the FamBam! Shout outs to Megan for entertaining my lady with imaginary ________s ;-)
Thanks to all you sexy cats that voted for me as Prom King, now thasswassup YO!Listed in: The YELP life YO!
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Review from Angella S.
San Francisco, CA
5/28/2010
****Uh huh. It's my sh*z. All the girls, stomp your feet like thiz...****
Ol Skool Prom was serious 80s style fun. WAY? Way.
*Rock Wall Wine tasting: The most casual cool tasting I've ever
experienced...Headquartered in Alameda.
*Action Flip books: Flip your movie in 7 seconds.
*James and the Giant Cupcakes: Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes were bomb.
*The Cookie Department: Protein AND Coffee AND Sexy Cookies. All scrumptious. .
*The DJ flipped the script with James Brown, Lady Gaga, AND Bon Jovi.
So many other sponsors that I didn't have a chance to visit b/c I was too hopped up on vegan cupcakes and protein cookies.
THANK YOU DOUBLE TREE, YELP, and MISS LIGAYA FOR PUTTING ON A TOTALLY RAD EVENT.
Oh, I almost forgot...
*TASSELS, T*TS, AND TOBASCO SAUCE...WAY? Way. -
Review from Meg T.
5/28/2010 4 photos
So though I have been getting over a cold, I couldn't miss Prom, the sequel. Dum dum dum....
Minus the peach monstrosity from last year but it still counts ;)
Check in was a breeze, and I got in line for awesome prom pics with my plus one. This was later repeated when I dragged everyone I know and love to get a group picture. (We spelled out Yelp and we rock)
Unfortunately I'd had two glasses of punch before someone mentioned it was spiked... thanks guys... and then just decided to hell with it and kept drinking.
The flip books were the coolest idea I've ever seen. The guys were quick, funny and patient when it took us... what like five tries to get it right? Hey, drunkenness and directions are not good bedfellows.
Double kudos to the Doubletree for coming out with the food. The Dim Sum was extremely surprising and delicious. Five stars just for that.
I stuck to the punch so I didn't try any of the drinks but the cupcakes were tasty yum going down and the gelato was wonderful as always. Side note: I can never find the Whiskey flavor in house when I go to their stores.
The D.J. rocked it out, though I would've loved a little less 90's a little more bad 80's/70's and I was loving the fact that there was seating in the ballroom. Doubletree you always do it up right :)
Thank you to Ligaya for an awesome few years. You'll be very sorely missed!Listed in: Elite Event like what?!
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Review from Jenn N.
5/30/2010
My reaction when I found out that Ligaya was leaving?
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
It's tough not to feel like there's a hole in my little Yelp heart. I will miss Ligaya more than words can say. The only thing keeping me from rolling into some form of deep depression is the fact that I know we will keep in touch.
As we have all come to expect from an event coordinated by our Ligs, this event was extraordinary. There was plenty of space, plenty of seating, a huge dance floor and as always, the EB crew lit it up. The ladies at Rock Wall Winery were awesome. The guys at Action Flip books were so fun! They were patient, yet kept the line moving. I have had a blast showing it to everyone. The Burlesque ladies owned the stage.
So, a huge thank you again to the Doubletree, all the sponsers and to the beautiful Ligaya, Jessica P..and all of the other Yelp staff that pitched in. I had such a great time.
Congrats to our new royal court. Joe B, Jessica P, Eryka, Ieesha, Megan, Keane (yes, we have adopted him from SF)..am I missing anyone?
A big warm welcome to our new EB CM - Monica. I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Can't wait to make you an intimate part of our EB Yelp family. -
Review from Sergio G.
5/29/2010 9 photos
TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!!! Ligaya you ROCK!!!!!
It's as good as it gets!!!!!! I was so looking forward to this event that I had butterflies in my stomach when I got there. But after a few shots of tequila, a few glasses of that spiked punch, Vodka & Tonic, and Corona's, you could say I got rid of them butterflies.
I love my friends that I hang out with and they make me feel comfortable. I don't really go to many events but when I do it's totally cool.
I loved the music that they were playing and all of us ( Wanugee, Hannah, Darryl, Dennis, Susan, CeCe, Julie, Bobby, just make you have fun. Glad I saw my buddy from Sac CM Olivia & Jessica and of course Connie ) and the rest of the beautiful ladies that made the event a night to remember.
Sorry I missed my friends Michelle W, Karen Y and Grace L. :-(
Can't wait till next year. !!Listed in: Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Dru P.
5/29/2010
Ouch my head. When you play you pay and I played hard last night.
This was my first elite event and I think that Yelp put on a fantastic display of hospitality to its members. The location was gorgeous as was the crowd. I hate to see such a great diplomat like Ligaya leave us and I know she will be a valuable asset to wherever she goes. Best of luck to her and all of her future endeavors.
The food and beverage tables were a great assortment of treats and libations and were wonderfully diverse in their variety. I think I got to know the tequila sponsor a bit too well as my head was on fire when i woke up this morning. Look for good things to come with the Don Pilar brand, which has immediately established itself as one of my favorite agave based nectars.
Enjoying the reviews and talk on yelp has become one of my staple activities but being able to kick it and have some face time with the crew that puts so much valuable info into cyberspace is even more endearing.
Great to see so many familiar friends that I have come to love but even better to meet and chat up new personalities and broaden my friend base. I like to think that many of the folks that I am meeting with Yelp's assistance are destined to be lifelong pals.
Thanks to Yelp and the great people that make up our ranks. -
Review from Michelle W.
Union City, CA
5/27/2010
What a way to send us off, Ligaya!! Probably one of the best YEE bashes in a long while.
Not only was the music rockin old skool beats the entire night, but the photo booth and flip book station were huge hits. Good thing my +1 and I decided to get our flip book early before the line went past the pasta station.
Speaking of the pasta station, did anyone else totally LOVE the pesto sauce?! I'm so glad I didn't overstuff myself pre-yelp festivities. If I wasn't full from all the fried wontons, potstickers, beef sammies, cupcakes, gelato, & peanut butter toffee cookies, I would've kept going with that pasta. Favorite libation of the evening - cabernet sauvignon sangria from Vida Y Vino. I'm definitely ordering that the next time I visit that wine bar.
Overall, I had a wonderful time. The venue was super spacious, so it was nice not having to fight the crowd for food. There was surprisingly a LOT of food considering 2 vendors bailed last minute. Big thanks to Doubletree for doing such an awesome job hosting us...and SPECIAL THANKS again to Ligaya for throwing one hell of a party. We're truly going to miss you lady. -
Review from Dennis O.
5/28/2010 5 photos
Holy!
When Ligaya goes out, she goes out with a bang!
The Doubletree Hotel at the Berkeley Marina... Wow the food was just amazing. There was so much of it around and I probably went a couple times on the slider station. The meat was just perfect! Right combination of spices and it just oozes with juices. Let me upload a pic up here.
The beautiful ladies at the Rock Wall winery.. friendly and accommodating. We'll be visiting your tasting room soon!
Im actually amazed there wasn't a crowd trying to get in this event. Just the right number of people, everyone got a chance to have their pictures taken, hair styled, eat great food and drinks, line up for the flipbook thing and enjoyed themselves immensely!
Oh yeah I also won a bottle of premium tequila!
I'll update this some more as soon as I find my brain...
Pics: http://picasaweb.googl... (Includes a few NSFW pics from the Burlesque show)Listed in: 2010 Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Pam S.
6/4/2010
I'm not going to get into the history of my prom again, but will briefly remind you that it consisted of a yellow tooth, a crappy boyfriend, and my parents' divorce.
How could I top prom last year? I can't compare kiwis to kumquats, but I was again lucky to have the hottest date in the room. Even though last year's date was also in the room.
I had flown back from Canada the day before, and was exhausted after my first day back at work. I had also sprained my ankle, hadn't had a chance to try on my dress yet, and had managed to pack on 5 pounds.
Despite all that, I absolutely had to go, due to aforementioned hot date.
Arriving again, I ran immediately into Jessica. I gave my name, but didn't bother with nametag since I always end up losing them, and everyone should know who I am at this point anyway.
Look around for date. Date nowhere to be found. Date not answering texts. Bad date. Ask around- date is in the back bar area paying for drinks. Bad date, when there is free booze to be had.
We make our way into the room, and then manage to lose each other...but it happens when your date is in high demand.
Try the Don Pilar Tequila- holla! Do a little wine tasting. Check out the tasty dish serving the tasty cookies. Don't eat any food besides cookies and gelato (apparently I have already forgotten about he 5 pound weight gain). Take a bunch of pictures. Pose with a queen and some kings. Get a really cool flipbook.
Again, I had an amazing time. There really are no words to describe it...and if I write any more, I'll just get depressed again about Ligaya leaving.
Great seeing faces I know, and meeting new peeps. -
Review from Joy A.
5/28/2010 5 photos
YEE theme: AWESOME!!
Taking it back to the old school.... waaay back even! Some "way back" more than others. =)
Upon arrival @the parking lot, we encountered couples geared up in old-school prom attire. Fun! Unfortunately, my plus one & I were nicely dressed, but not as fun as the others. I loved seeing Yelpers decked out in fun, shiny dresses, big ruffles, polka dots, deep red & pink lipstick, pumped up & even crimped style up-do's, & fellas in their cool tux-EEE-dohs!
Once you check-in, stick that good 'ol label w/your full first name & 1st initial of your last name on yourself (aka "Joy A."), you are graced w/ a SPIKED bowl of red punch & vodka w/ slices of apples & strawberries. Yum!! You walk a few steps over & notice a set-up outdoor beauty salon, fully equipped w/ a nice set of Aqua Net galore & stylists. Fun!! A few steps further, you hit a room where you & your plus one can take memorable Prom photo ops!
The big room over is where more prom-type fun went down. From a cool DJ, stations of delectable dim sum, made-to-order pasta dishes, prime rib carving station, to desserts- bitesized cupcakes, gelato, & warm gooey cookies, & lastly the "libations" (love this word)- Don P. Tequilas (smooth), wine tastings (lovely Blanc), & mojitos and sangrias.
To think that would be enough. It wasn't. We were also spoiled w/ the cool & crazy antics of flipbooking- a 7 second skit captured in a cute little flipping minibook. Creative, clever, & fun! Raffles were also done. Cool prizes. Sigh, what more can you ask for?!
Awesome, awesome, awesome event!! I absolutely loved it. I am soooo glad I took the following day off from work to recuperate. Thank you to Yelp (Ligaya & Jessica, most especially), fellow Yelpers (hi), Doubletree (for the wonderful spread), and all the other AWESOME sponsors. Again, awesome!!Listed in: YEE Events
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Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2010 1 photo
I had a lot of fun reliving prom through the Yelp East Bay Ol' Skool Prom, I love the 80's!!
My prom date and I got into the groove and took BART over to the East Bay - boyyyyyeee - you should have seen the faces I got with my 3" sprayed bangs and awesome lace headband. Although I think that 80's fashion is still lingering and some people may have thought I was serious that night.
We took prom pics, both at home by the door and the professional ones at the event. The whole event was fun and I loved the 80's theme. It was fun seeing all my yelp friends, you guys make these events so fun and I can't wait for the next one.
We sampled everything, the punch, the wine, the tequilla, the sorbet, the food, the cookies. The mixture of beverages and even more later lead to a raging headache the next morning - as I had to go home like that on the morning commute (Walk of shame in 80's gear) - but that's my fault for over indulging. My roommate said I snuck in the door in the morning, looking just like I would have after prom.
I even grounded myself the next day, but the memories had at this event was worth it. Props to Ligaya for putting on a very fun and memorable event!!! -
Review from Jon W.
San Leandro, CA
5/28/2010 2 photos
It was Yelpalistic!! Hella funner than the real HS Prom back in the day, (from wat I remember of it). Great way to re-live it. Great finale for Ligaya. We will miss her awesome events.
Prime rib, cupcakes, tequila, spiked punch, wine, flip books, big hair, crazy outfits, AWESOME Yelpers.
Great reason to get all tux'd up and go dancing on a Thurs. Pretty cool winning the 2 night stay and dinner certificate too. -
Review from Bernadette R.
East Bay, CA
5/29/2010
First YEE ever and the five stars say it all.
Thanks Ligaya and Aaron for letting me +1 last minute...I'll miss ya Ligs as CM *MUAH* you sure do know how to go out with a bang!Listed in: Betta Get Yo Yelp On!
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Review from Tony A.
5/28/2010 5 photos
Wow! My first Yelp Elite party and the East Bay folks held nothing back when they "popped my cherry."
I arrived and began enjoying the samples of food right after walking in the door. First up were some tasty samples of Pork Buns, Pot Stickers, Shrimp Rolls and Fried Won Tons. The next station yielded "cooked to order" pasta dishes (which I'm sorry I didn't try). The next station was my favorite; the "slider "station hosted by the folks at the Doubletree Hotel. Soft mini burger buns, horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard and the show stopper, Prime Rib Baby! It was absolutely delicious. Cooked to a perfect medium and they weren't skimpy on the portions. I went back and saw these folks several times throughout the night.
Moving on, the folks from Gelateria Naia, The Cookie Department, James & the Giant Cupcake, Don Pilar Tequilia and Rock Wall Wines were on hand in full force showing off their stuff. I was a bit disappointed to hear Taste of Joy pulled out of the event. I was really looking forward to sampling their Bar-B-Q and Creole dishes.
I want to send a special shout out and thanks to the crew at Rock Wall Wines. Because of you, I woke up with a headache in the morning. But I ain't mad at ya. You ladies were great and so are your wines.
After the eating, drinking and socializing came the crowning of this year's East Bay Yelp King & Queen, some raffle prizes were given out and we were treated to one "mind blowing" burlesque show.
Dancing the night away to the tunes spun by the Quantum DJ's was the perfect end to this perfect night.
East Bay Yelp - Many thanks for letting me in your circle for the evening and treating me with kindness and respect as you took my virginity. Your my first, but you won't be my last. My only question is; now that you've had your way with me, are you going to call me? -
Review from CeCe C.
6/28/2010
Twas a lovely prom event in Berkeley at the Double Tree Hotel with the lovely Ligaya and Yelp friends!!! We will miss you Ligaya! I hope we'll do a 3rd Annual Prom theme again next year!! :)
I was stuffed with: cupcakes, dim sum, tequilla, sangria, cookies, and flip books, oh my!!
Hellos to: Badri N., Frau, Julie K., Dennis O. (congrats on the tequila!), Bobby L., Tracy T. and Danny P., Nadia L., Jackson, Chris T., Peter L., Darryl P., Kathy D., Wanugee N., Sergio G., and all the lovely Yelpers!!
YEE #16 and counting for 2010! :DListed in: yelp elite events
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Review from Emily J.
5/31/2010
Everything I was going to mention has already been thoroughly covered by fellow yelpers so I will simply say:
5 stars for another fabulous YEE.
5 gazillion stars for Ligaya.Listed in: Yelp Events
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Review from Lux K.
Oakland, CA
6/2/2010
Had a blast at the 2nd Annual Ol' Skool Prom seen some real cool folks and got wasted! It was almost like my senior prom back in high school, started the party in the parking lot with a bottle and ended it not remembering much.
The food was great the flipbooks were real cool and everyone seemed to be having a real good time. What more can you ask for? Didn't get to officially meet Monica the new CM but did take a group picture with her.
Message to Ligaya, whatever your next venture is i know your going to be awesome at it. Good luck with it and see you around buddy.
5 big stars for the event! -
Review from Susan C.
5/29/2010
My real high school senior prom sucked because of stupid angsty adolescent drama.
Thank you Yelp for making my perfect prom dreams come true!
Nuff said.Listed in: Why you should hang out with…
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Review from Erin S.
5/28/2010 1 photo
Prom, 1988: Ate at Benihana, our limo driver bailed on us, dropped a boom box on my toe, could barely walk, & parents wouldn't let me stay out all night.
Yelp Prom, 2010: Great food, spiked punch, funny photos (can't wait to see 'em), cool 20-30 somethings mingling, great outfits, a burlesque show, & home by 11 so I could get up for work today, surprisingly not hungover.
Prom is much better when you're an adult.Listed in: Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Amy J.
5/28/2010
The East Bay Yelp crew knows how to get down and party. Not only did everyone look stunning in their prom dress, retro threads, tuxes and suits, we even were treated to a Burlesque show.
I enjoyed the photobooth and the Action Flip Books immensely. I need to apologize to my fellow Yelpers for messing up the flow of the Action Flip Book line. I was overzealous with our poses. Kudos to Action Flip Books for being so patient with my group.
The food was plentiful and pretty tasty for the most part. I stuffed my face with dim sum portions, sliders (mmmm...TINY BURGERS), cookies from The Cookie Department (Hello Sexy Cookie), James and the Giant Cupcakes (Red Velvet and Lemon), candy and of course spiked punch that didn't taste spiked when I first tried it. Had I known there was wine though, I probably would've kept it classy but since I'm not good at mixing adult beverages, I stuck to the punch and Honest Tea for the night.
Did y'all see the cool new Yelp Swag on the tables? Beer cozies, sweat bands and bottle openers were just a few of the new things I spotted.
After seeing the fabulous hairstyles, I should've gotten a retro makeover but alas, I was too busy chatting it up with old and new Yelpers which is really what it's all about.
The CMs of the evening all looked fab as usual. Ligaya will truly be missed but I'm looking forward to Monica S's (our new EB CM) events in the future.
I think I made the right choice by going to this prom instead of my high school prom. Thank you Doubletree for letting us party and thank you Yelp for letting me be a part of it.Listed in: Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Bobby l.
6/4/2010
Dressed to impress: check
Beautiful girl on my arm: check
Great friends to hang out with: check
Prom pictures: check
Hotel to go back to: Priceless!
This is the first EB elite event I've been to, and we had such a great time. Entertainment, decor, and the vendors were all off the hook! -
Review from Chris T.
Hayward, CA
Updated - 6/14/2010 11 photos
Not sure if people already figured it out, but noticed a few reviews ask if anyone knew where the prom pictures were located... It was in Ligaya's last email/newsletter but any who:
Go here.
https://capturize.com/
Click on "Clients"
Click on "Yelp"
It should ask the name of the hotel we were in.
Type "Doubletree"
Browse and enjoy.Listed in: Ménage à Yelp
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/5/2010
What can I say that hasn't been already said? It was an awesome event, and quite the swan song for… Read more »
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Review from Theodore O.
Pacifica, CA
5/28/2010
Great food and great people.
Loved the cookies and the gelato. Tried one of those vapor sticks with mint in it - my breath was super fresh afterward! I tore a rug up on the dance floor and it really went off when "Poison" by Bell, Biv, Devoe came on....that girl is poison!
This was one of my first events and I hope to get invited back to more - I'll see you guys at the softball game on June 6th! -
Review from Anne K.
5/28/2010
Did you see Ligaya's hair? It was freaking awesome! She never ceases to amaze me. I am not surprised that she and her fabulous team pulled off another incredible event!
Having Wak Shack Salon's hair booth, responsible for Ligaya's hair and many other fine dos, definitely complimented prom's 80's theme (although credit should also be given to many fine Yelpers). Having my hair done was the major highlight of the evening for me. Michael, my hair-stylist, told me I "need" a crimping iron ... If only I had the talent, patience, and product he had to create the masterpiece I sported (which held up well throughout the night but also was pretty easy to tame at home). And if only I went to more 80's parties!
All put together there is nothing like a Yelp Elite party, which is why I keep coming. The nice selection of food, provided by Doubletree last minute [THANK YOU], was really good. The Pomegranate Blue Ade from Honest Tea was perfect, as I opted out of the selection of libations as usual. The apricot sorbetto from Gelateria Naia was delicious. And the lemon cupcake from James & the Giant Cupcake was absolutely divine!
The photobooth and flipbook stations were fun as they fostered lots of goofiness between Yelpers. The music provided by Quantum DJs was very dance-able and I enjoyed rocking out with various fabulously decked-out friends, whom as always really make the party! It was nice to see that some people took advantage of the deal on corsages and cheap hotel rooms.
The raffle was a nice touch and even though I didn't get a ticket at check-in, I did get one from Ligaya who made the rounds. All of the vendors were friendly and I'll check out their businesses individually. The entertainment was a little disappointing. It would have been nice to see more focus on the Yelper's prom pictures - as yes, I did wear part of my original prom dress even if my creativity was a bit bizarre ...
I am sad to see Ligaya leave her position as CM, but have no doubt that Monica S. will have her chance to put her stamp on the East Bay.Listed in: Great Yelp Events
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Review from Holly B.
Dublin, CA
6/3/2010 5 photos
I went to prom in 2000 and it was only OK. After all the anticipation and teenage angst all I really wanted to do was take a million funny pics in my pretty pink dress and then drink (Zima? Boones Farm? Store-brand vodka?) and be cool with my high school crush. But let me tell you it was a pretty tame night. We could not find any booze and I got shy on the pics when my date held my hand. haha!
Now THIS is the Prom I wished I had gone to, I hadn't even stepped inside the room yet and already I found a potent bowl of punch that I went back to all night with my prom dates Brian W. and Erin S. The cool photographer let us pose however we wanted and we laughed so hard at all the other posed pics and crazy 80s costumes. I loved the fact that these Yelp Elite parties are just for 21+ so that adult games can be played and F-bombs can be dropped for comical effect and we can all enjoy the hilarious burlesque taco maker.
Food was awesome! I thought the dim sum and meat station was just filling enough and we all scarfed down the little cupcakes- we even had one that tasted like a Snowball! In fact, we were too full to have one of everything and that punch kept calling our name. Kudos to the Prom Party Planners! -
Review from Caro S.
East Bay, CA
6/13/2010 1 photo
My first yelp elite event! I was like the new kid on the first day of school getting to meet all my cyber class mates for the first time.
I was nervous. Will they be as cool in person as their reviews are? Well the answer is YES! Especially Ligaya! That chick is bad-ass. I can't believe she is leaving. Tear!
I didn't check in at the table or anything I just put my name on a sticky and off we went to stand in line for our flip books, which turned out (pun intended) absolutely fabulous! Thank you flip book guys.
While standing in line we got down on the yummy dim-sum table provided by the Doubletree Hotel. We then sipped on some delish Don Pilar Tequila, and had some sexy cookies.
Over all the evening was an 80s-tastic blast. Thank you yelp elite east bay!!Listed in: Yelp it out!
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Review from carlo m.
Emeryville, CA
5/27/2010
Facebook is worth billions.. Pimpin our privacy for $$$. Why the hell can't they offer some free -ish?? A concert, a party... How bout free t-shirts??
Well Facebook and Marky boy, take a lesson from your fellow, more generous and appreciative http://dot.com cousin.. YELP!!!
Anyway.. Another fabolous event by the Yelp East Bay folks... 80's music, free food+drink+dessert, burlesque show, and that awesome pic book thangy!!!
I'm appreciative of a company that values the people that help built and maintain its content, and ever important cash flow.. Damn Facebook.. Get an effin clue!!!!!
Ligaya!! You'll b missed!! Love the hair :)
