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Archive for November, 2016

Thank you, The Brunei Times

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in lifestyle, Social News

 


The reason behind the closure of The Brunei Times. This is still a surreal feeling.
 


This is where the printing is being done for The Brunei Times. Colleagues gathered around past midnight to witness the final print of today’s The Brunei Times. Click image to enlarge.
 

So many things that went through my mind and the feeling was just surreal, even now. The fact that The Brunei Times printed its final edition today 7th November 2016 has put almost the whole nation to state of sombreness and sadness. The Brunei Times began its journey since 1st July 2006 as it was launched at The Mall, Gadong. Now that’s almost 20 years in the making before the Board of Directors had to make an abrupt decision in shutting down its publication.

Yes, it is very sudden and it was more like a 48 hour notice given to roughly 130 staff working under The Brunei Times flagship. Such move is unprecedented and for a national paper to shut down in short span of time gave them less allowance for be ready for the reality check. There were no rumours circulating prior to the shut down. No subtle hints at all. I remembered one scene though that a friend from TBT rushed out from a wedding dinner that haven’t begun because he had to rush back to TBT’s office for urgent matters.

I had my fair share of reporting for The Brunei Times. I used to contribute articles to The Brunei Times in the early days. Some Home News and mostly Sports section. I would say that I really enjoyed the relationship I have with The Brunei Times and visited their office a couple of times.

There are many people I want to thank for during The Brunei Times’ era. There are just so many that it won’t be fair if I miss out anyone in particular. You know who you are and I deeply empathise what you are feeling or going through right now. I’ve never seen the over pouring of love and support for the staff of The Brunei Times especially on my social media news feed.

My thoughts are all of you and thank you for the wonderful memories you have given to the Brunei community. You have touched other lives with your news reporting and inspiring stories (People, Line of Duty) and we as the community appreciate what you have contributed. The one thing I observed from this closure is the unity among the staff and management of The Brunei Times. It’s a never ending journey as it will open new doors of opportunities. Some images taken by a few TBT reporters.

 

 


Yesterday’s headline was the most shocking news of 2016 and I just couldn’t comprehend the situation given
 


Will this be the last time we see this machine put to use? 🙁
 


Thank you The Brunei Times for your contribution and efforts
 

 

 


AJ, thank you so much for your help in these years and I truly appreciate the little things you have shown in your line of work
 

 


This was back in July 1, 2010 when The Brunei Times introduced a compact version and I was so kiasu that I headed to The Brunei Times office to grab the first copy that entered the office.
 

 


TBT photographers and videographer holding the final edition, fresh of the print earlier this morning
 

National Youth Day 2016

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in lifestyle, Social News

 


His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the recent Youth Day 2016 at International Convention Centre
 


With YEAB

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam presented four awards to excellent youths and a non-governmental organisation at the 11th National Youth Day celebration at the International Convention Centre.

The presentation of the youth awards recognises and gives appreciation to the youth movements in Brunei, in support for the monarch’s titah and desire to encourage the youth in building and maintaining the spirit of volunteerism among the community.

The monarch was accompanied by HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

 


With the Brunei Toastmasters
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baiduri launches Green Festival

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in lifestyle, Social News

 


Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman as the guest of honour at Baiduri Green Festival 2016
 


Pierre Imhof, the CEO of Baiduri Bank, delivering his welcoming remarks
 

The Baiduri Green Festival kicked off yesterday with the opening ceremony launched by the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre last night.

Pierre Imhof, the CEO of Baiduri Bank, said in his welcoming speech that this event aims at promoting the awareness of healthy lifestyle as well as supporting the local SMEs in Brunei Darussalam. You will see sense a holistic approach from Baiduri in creating this event.

So what can you expect from this event? It’s definitely recommended for families and friends. There will be flower crown workshops be conduced by The Collective and a football clinic by DPMM FC. On top of that, you seek for financial wellness, Baiduri Bank will also assist you on that.

Don’t forget that there will be some local artists being lined up for the event such as Aziz Harun and Eia to name a few. It’s open from 10am to 10pm today and tomorrow. For updates, you can follow @baiduribank on Instagram.

 

 


It’s Zumba time
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baiduri Green Festival

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in lifestyle, Social News

 

Come and experience a fun-filled weekend beginning this Friday at a Baiduri Bank festival that is centred on living holistically.

The Green Festival will be held at Jerudong Park Amphitheatre and compasses financial, physical, social and emotional well-being aspects through a line-up of vendors, activities, live music and food.

This was mentioned at a media lunch hosted by the bank yesterday at The Energy Kitchen, Kiulap, to promote the upcoming festival.
Baiduri Bank’s Marketing Senior Officer Wajihah Abas said the three-day festival will run from 2pm to 10pm on Friday and 10am to 10pm over the weekend.

“During this time you can expect live music by local artistes, special offers by Baiduri Bank Group, games, activities such as special workshops and clinics as well as a variety of vendors selling products ranging from healthy food and beverages, fitness and eco-lifestyle,” she said.

There will be plenty to keep you and the kids entertained with an interesting line-up of activities such as a unique twist on basketball, outdoor bowling, colouring activities, crossword puzzles, giant ball games and more, including a football clinic by DPMM FC, flower crown making workshop by The Collective and a natural beauty workshop by Aloha Nature House Brunei.

 

 

 

Also don’t forget to catch live performances by local artistes Aziz Harun, Nabeela Fadzil, Method Six, Do It Good Records and more.
Entrance is free for everyone and visitors will receive a redemption card upon entry, where they can redeem free gifts upon collecting 10 stamps from visiting the different booths or taking part in games and activities.

Visitors can also take part in the slogan contest, where forms can be obtained during the day, and write in not more than 15 words about the importance of early financial planning.

The five best entries will be selected after the end of the event, and winners will receive prizes, which includes a grand prize of a trip for two to Bali, which includes accommodation at Novotel Nusa Dua.

For further information about ‘The Green Festival’, Baiduri’s 24-hour call centre is always ready to answer your calls on all things related to the bank at 2449666. Text courtesy of Azmi Zainal of The Brunei Times.

 


A little special table for our RIPAS hospital children cancer ward fundraiser. Image courtesy of Make A Book Brunei Facebook Page
 


One of the set up for this weekend. Image courtesy of Make A Book Brunei Facebook Page.
 

Dr. Strange

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in movies, lifestyle, Social News

 


Dr. Strange was strangely entertaining
 

Dr. Strange. There are so many things I wanna talk about the latest Marvel flick. Something different from the typical superhero movies be Marvel or DC. At the beginning, I was skeptical how Dr. Strange will turn out after watching the first trailer. Can the audience accept this? Or will it be too “mystical” for some? I found it to be very entertaining and hell yeah, I was engaged from beginning to the end.

The audience have become so accustomed to super heroes with super powers. Now you bring magic powers in the equation and this is something refreshing to our eyes. Call it weird but I still came out satisfied and fulfilled. Even my peers had similar comments that Dr. Strange was well crafted Marvel movie.

The Good. I can relate this to Inception, the first movie that caught many eyes when it came to the special effects. It explored further and it may be confusing in the beginning but the visuals made sense after a set piece or so. It was a “trippy” ride and I still could follow the logic and especially the plot.

Cumberbatch was well suited for this role and I can’t wait for the sequel. This movie is such a great teaser for future Dr. Strange movies. The movie also failed not to cast some humour (spells) to make this mystical movie light hearted. For the visuals alone, this latest Marvel movie is worth the trip and I love the final confrontation scene. Ingenious.

The Bad. Sometimes I wonder how it will fit to the Marvel Universe when Dr. Strange meets up with The Avengers and other Marvel Super Heroes. I can become philosophical when there’s a mismatch of super powers or super natural stuff. For instance, Suicide Squad vs a Supernatural villain which was a total mismatch.

It can be confusing for some when it comes to the twisting digital kaleidoscope. Young adults will appreciate the artistry but children might get lost in translation. I also wished they could have a better score to suit the theme of the movie.

Verdict: Totally love this movie. I had so much fun and I caught it twice already. Just imagine a mash up of Matrix and Inception but I rather you experience it for yourself on a trippy ride. Score: 8.5/10

 

 


Pranika gave it a thumbs up even before watching the movie. Magical indeed.
 


Both Jerry and Laurence loved it and to top it off, they caught me snoring for 3 seconds :p
 

Flavours of USA

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in lifestyle, food, Social News

 

 

3 more days left. You can have the opportunity to enjoy the Flavours of USA which will end on 5th November. Head down to Tasek Brasserie and feel the spirit of US as the US election is just near the corner.

the Flavours of the USA promotion is available at the hotel’s all day dining restaurant Tasek Brasserie from 6.30pm to 10pm.

For your info, the buffet is priced at BND 39 adult and BND 19 children (4-11 yrs) and the spread is pretty good too. You will get the see the different names being given to the dishes and it relates to the menu being served in the US.

The menu collection originated from the well known dishes along Route 66.

For Baiduri Card holders, you can enjoy special discounts (20%). So head down to Tasek Brasserie or call 224 4272 ext 8872.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact RA

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Contact: +6738677773

About RA

A blogger since 2002, using platforms from blogspot, joomla and now currently wordpress. A readership that stands on average of 20,000 visits per month. Also on active on social media platform on IG, Facebook and Snapchat (@ranoadidas)

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