Three times a winner!

VIVA Bahrain proved that good things really do come in threes and small packages as they celebrated their three-year anniversary with three-days of activities, thanking customers for their continuous support with an array of gifts and special offers.

The telecom provider kick-started the weekend offering free, unlimited ‘Viva-to-Viva’ calls and SMS’ and visitors to its retail outlets at Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall were treated to their own mementoes of the anniversary with a caricaturist, silhouette artist or a photo booth snap.

“The events and surprises VIVA organised to celebrate our third anniversary with the wider community of Bahrain were a big thank you to everyone. We are grateful for the support extended by the people of Bahrain, which has helped us achieve our success to date,” said Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, Viva’s Chief Executive Officer.

“There is no doubt about the key role our customers have played in helping us reach our milestones and we hope everyone had a great time, like us.

“We have accomplished so much in the last three years. We still have more to accomplish and 2013 promises to be another year of evolution and growth for us.”

Other shoppers tweeted for a gift at the first-of-its-kind, specially-designed gift machine located in Seef Mall and Bahrain City Center, where they were awarded prizes, including top-ups.

Viva also staged an all-day children’s festival at Amwaj Lagoon featuring a giant play area with a bouncy castle and face painting.

However, the highlight of the event, another first in Bahrain … was the ‘Viva Thank You Van’, which acted like a traveling vending machine surprising the public at different locations across the kingdom with a variety of toys, electronic gadgets, mobile phones and top-ups. The colourful van, which attracted large crowds, was spotted at Amwaj Islands, the Royal Golf Club, VIVA Karting Track, as well as in Adliya, at Al A’ali Shopping Complex, Seef Mall, Enma Mall, Le Chocolat, Saar, Budaiya, Isa Town and Manama.

GulfWeekly joined in the fun at Riffa Views where golfers of all ages popped out of the bunkers and sped across the greens to take home a special gift.

After the van parked alongside a line of golf carts, all it took was one individual to push the button and out dropped a gift. Customers could not see who was in the van or what they would receive.

Ramil Rotairo, 42, the assistant golf operations manager, from East Riffa, received a touch-screen phone. He said: “I have never seen anything like this before, not even back home in the Philippines. I think Viva is great with its promotions and it’s very interactive. I didn’t expect this and I’m so happy!”

Golf buddies from Riffa Views, Saud Al Sharif, 13, a student at Naseem International School, and Ali Vabtain, eight, a student from Riffa Views School, both squealed with happiness when they picked up prizes.

Saud said: “I was so excited to get the skateboard. I was putting with my friend and was told to come and see the van. What a surprise. Happy Anniversary Viva!”

St Christopher’s School teacher Danielle Sheppard, 38, from Saar, shrieked with delight when she pushed the button and out dropped an iPhone 4. She said: “At first sight I thought the van was funky. I have never seen one before and I think it’s awesome.  How amazing is this? You push a button and get an iPhone 4! Thank you so much Viva, you have made my day … and my week!”

Among the many highpoints for the telecom operator since its launch has been to successfully test and showcase the state-of-the-art 4G/LTE network and enter into key strategic partnerships with English Premiership giants Manchester United, as well as sponsoring the Bahrain Football Association’s First Division, the VIVA Karting Track at the Bahrain International Circuit and competitions at the Royal Golf Club.