Milo mania at Plaza Singapura thanks to Nathan Hartono
Hundreds queue for drink dispensed in support of local singer Nathan Hartono
Milo Mania was in full effect at Plaza Singapura yesterday and thousands of Singaporeans have local singer Nathan Hartono to thank.
It was his now-famous line in a The Straits Times interview last week - "If I win, I will rent a fleet of Milo vans and treat everybody to Milo peng (iced Milo)" - that summoned the first Milo van treat for thousands of Singaporeans yesterday between 11am and 8pm.
Hartono, 25, had made the promise ahead of his performance in popular Chinese singing television contest Sing! China final, which was aired last night.
NATHAN HARTONO ON SING! CHINA FINAL: 'I WAS SMILING LIKE CRAZY'
In response, Nestle Singapore posted on Facebook on Oct 1: "Nathan, win or lose, Milo will support you all the way! No need to rent, also can. Just tell us where, we bring the van".
True to its promise, it revealed on Thursday that it would mobilise vans in certain locations across Singapore, starting with the central district location of Plaza Singapura.
By 1pm yesterday, the first five dispensers were empty and an estimated 2,500 cups of Milo peng had been given out.
Mr Chow Phee Chat, director of marketing communications and corporate affairs of Nestle Singapore, said that they had expected to "distribute approximately 15,000 cups of Milo" from the van yesterday.
The supply was also replenished every three hours, he said.
Still wondering where the other locations will be?
He said: "We are currently firming up the upcoming locations - one each in the North, South, East and West districts of Singapore - and hope to have Nathan's inputs on the mobilisation of our vans."
The lunchtime crowd at the mall's outdoor plaza meant that the queue grew quickly, with more than 100 people standing in line.
GREAT
"I think this is a great initiative because we have come together to celebrate the Singaporean spirit," said Singapore Management University law student Dhiraj Chainani, 19.
"This year has been a great year for Singapore, from the Olympics all the way to this Sing! China competition."
While most were aware that the move was in support of Hartono's stint in Sing! China, others were simply happy to show their young children the classic Milo vans that often make appearances at school sports events.
Madam Kit Ooi, 34, brought along her five-year-old son Brandon to score their free cups of Milo.
She added with a laugh: "Of course we support Nathan Hartono. Then we get more free Milo, right?"
I think this is a great initiative because we have come together to celebrate the Singaporean spirit.
- Law student Dhiraj Chainani
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
