Brunei Darussalam hosted the Asia Mountain Bike (MTB) Series 2018 at the Berakas Forest Reserve Recreational Park last weekend. Registration for the race is open to all Asian riders (as per passport). Points are collected through a series of races hosted by different Asian countries sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Brunei is the eighth Asian country to host the Asian MTB Series this year that began in Philippines in March and will end in Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysia. Prior to Brunei, the race was held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. All races are sanctioned by the UCI or National Cycling Federation.

One of the aims of the race is to provide a platform for Asian riders to gain racing experience and UCI points while creating more arenas for mountain bike riders to compete.

The Brunei edition of the Asian MTB Series 2018 is co-organised by BDCF and Wonderworks Management Services in conjunction with the Brunei December Festival 2018.

One of the sponsors of the event was Peugeot (Brunei).

Mr. Santosh Kumar Sahoo, General Manager of Yashoda Hospital, Dr. (Prof) Balachandran Menon, Director of Liver Transplant of Yashoda Institute of Liver Transplant & Hepatobiliary Diseases, Dr. Kabeer Meera Saheeb, Medical Director of Jerudong Park Medical Centre and Mr. Varghese Paulose, Chief Operating Officer of Jerudong Park Medical Centre during the press conference on establishing organ transplant around in Borneo region

It is a great movement to announce, living donor liver transplantation facility is soon made available in Brunei Darussalam through Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) and Yashoda Hospitals, India.

As we all know Yashoda Hospitals is with one of best track record for best organ transplant program and since three decades, Yashoda Group of Hospitals has evolved as a centre of excellence in medicine providing the highest quality standards of medical treatment to patients. 

“This partnership will further improve the quality and effectiveness of health care for all Bruneians and make Brunei Darussalam among one of the medical tourism destination for quality patient care, we are committed to provide an optimal treatment and to ensure that all our patients have the most pleasant stay possible at JPMC.” said Mr. Varghese Paulose, Chief Operating Officer of JPMC. “JPMC provides the most effective health care services, as well as individual attention and personal dedication from doctors and staff who foster patient’s confidence and hope.” he added.

“This joint medical partnership will bring a team of highly trained specialists with many decades of combined experience and continues a tradition of excellence with leading-edge health care capabilities, a team of experienced professionals, a team approach to patient care designed for your comfort, hope and most important of all, healing.” said Dr. Kabeer Meera Saheeb, Medical Director of JPMC. “This joint venture involves local medical and nursing personals. There will be technology transfer over 5 years for the advancements of surgical intensive care, radiological and laboratory services.” added Dr. Kabeer.

The Liver Transplant facility at JPMC, the clinical pathway jointly offers by Yashoda Group of Hospitals, India and JPMC.

Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam will be involved actively in pre-operative evaluation and screening for liver transplants and post-operative management to improve health for successful liver transplant outcomes.    

The doctors from Yashoda Hospital, Jerudong Park Medical Centre and RIPAS hospital   coordinates the care for optimal pre and post-operative treatment. 

To support the transplant care, JPMC will have a transplant coordinator who will work closely with doctors, patients, relative and donor throughout transplant care.

“Adult patients with end-stage liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and acute fulminant hepatic failures and pediatric patients with congenital liver cirrhosis, biliary atresia, and metabolic liver diseases are all indications for liver transplantation. Whether or not recipients are good candidates for liver transplantation is determined by examining and analyzing each patient’s medical condition and characteristics.” said Dr. (Prof) Balachandran Menon, Director of Liver Transplant of Yashoda Institute of Liver Transplant & Hepatobiliary Diseases.

Dr Balachandran highlighted, “The liver is an organ that can be transplanted in part or in whole. Patients can receive a portion of the liver from family members. The donor’s remaining liver regenerates, allowing for the donor to lead a normal healthy life without risks. A donor and recipient must be of similar build and should have compatible blood types, and possibility for donation is determined after thorough examinations. A donor whose liver functions are normal and healthy is qualified as a donor candidate as long as the liver is without illness, infection and cancer.”

How long the patient’s need to be hospitalized

Patients will stay in the hospital for around three to five weeks after liver transplantation and will have regular outpatient visits after discharge. To prevent complications of organ transplantation, all patients must take an immunosuppressant drug every day.

My thoughts:

It’s pretty cool to see JPMC offering such services which will kick off hopefully in the first quarter of 2019. The specalists from Yashoda Group of Hospitals saw the opportunity to collaborate with JPMC and this will also help to bring international patients to Brunei waters which provides a great environment especially for recovery. It was also mentioned that the liver donor is ideally between the age of 18 to 50.

Did you know that our liver even cut in half can still grow in a whole liver overtime? Interesting. So it makes sense why liver can be transplanted to another person just as long as the liver has no complications.

Mingling with the doctors

Jonathan Chong, representative from ThunderX3 Brunei with Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive of Concepts Computer during the launch of the new models of the ThunderX3 chairs at Brilliance Hall, Concepts Computer earlier this morning

Check out the new ThunderX3 BC1 and BC3 gaming chairs at Concepts Computer. I just tried it and I am already thinking of investing on it after the renovation of my entertainment room is completed. These chairs are of great comfort and support and it’s not just ideal for gamers but even someone like me who spent hours in front of a desktop.

It has a minimalist style the can appeal to both working or gaming environment. They are equipped with high-end AIR Technology that helps to create better breathability and these chairs help to provide cool and refreshing experiences especially during long gaming experience, or in my case, surfing and youtubing haha.

Three colors are available for the ThunderX3 BC1 – Cyan on Black, Red on Black or all Black. These chairs are now priced at BND 230 as part of the Brunei salebration. The usual price was BND 275 and comes with a one-year warranty.

The newer models – ThunderX3 BC3 comes in two colours – Red and Cyan. These are priced at BND 330 and also comes with 1 year warranty. The usual price is BND 375. So it’s a great time to invest in these minimalist chairs which provide both comfort and experience.

Now here’s a special deal for all Rano360.com readers. All you have to do is mention my name and you will get BND 10 Concepts Computer voucher after purchasing either the ThunderX3 BC1 or the ThunderX3 BC3 chairs. Cool, aye? And the BND 10 voucher will have a validity of 30 days. So don’t be shy to mention my name “Ranoadidas” when you purchase these models.

According to Jonathan Chong, representative from ThunderX3 Brunei, his company is very pleased to be working alongside Concepts Computer especially with the wide variety of IT products and services provided. He believed Brunei gamers who require longer hours of practice can see the benefits of using ThunderX3 chairs.

A huge range of gaming chairs are also available at Concepts Computer including VertaGear, Noble, DXRacer, ThunderX3 and many other brands. There are even demo units on stand-by for walk-in customers who want to test the chairs before purchasing it.

For more info, you can call 223 3551/2/3 or visit their branch at Kiulap.

Check this out 😀

Picture opportunity with the members of the media

Introducing the cast of The Corny Collins Show

Audience members were dazzled as they were transported into the 60s during the matinee show of “The Corny Collins Show” (based on “Hairspray”). The show took place on Sunday, 9th of December at Dewan Auditorium, Bangunan Tambahan, Jabatan Penerangan, Airport Lama. The production was part of Brunei December Festival, with the support of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

“The Corny Collins Show” was also supported by Jabatan Penerangan, Jabatan Perdana Menteri; D’Music Motion Fitness Studios, CfBT Education Services, Lailatul Shazana’s Production House and Selera Alam.

The production was the ninth production by Seeds Brunei following, Seuss!’ is based on the world of Dr. Seuss, “SEEDS Wicked Witch”, “SEEDS’ Willy Wonka”, “Into The Woods” and “Oliver! The Musical”. Seeds Brunei is recognised as an educational society led by volunteers with the support of the department of schools, Ministry of Education and uses theatre and other creative activities as an educational tool for students in secondary schools and higher institutions.

“The Corny Collins Show” tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart in the 60’s who is on a mission to follow her dreams. You can’t stop the beat as she sets out to dance her way onto national TV with the nicest kids in town. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she will be using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heart-throb Link Larkin along the way!

Over 70 students and graduate youths were involved in the production from stage managing, costume and prop designing as well as in lighting, music and sound. Teachers from various schools, local talents and volunteers were also involved with the production.

The performance was a year-long process by Seeds Brunei in a series of workshops which emphasises the holistic acquisition of all dramatic skills, from cast to stage direction and costuming. In March 2018, Seeds held #Seeds9Refresh hosted by Sekolah Menengah Katok registration. Various workshops at Sekolah Menengah Menglait Gadong in April and cast auditions at iCentre in May.

Seeds9 Mini-Showcase at Dewan Setia Pahlawan MPRT (Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism was held in July 2018. This event was a preview and work-in-progress for what’s to come later this year. The final workshop in September 2018, Theatre Bootcamp, was held over the course of two days at Pusat Tingkatan Enam Sengkurong.

The final two shows will be held on the Monday, 10th December at 7pm and Tuesday, 11th December at 7pm. Tickets are $15 each. You can also check out their Facebook Page for updates

Some of the cast of The Corny Collins Show

At the Auditorium Hall at Info Department

Guests strolling in for the show yesterday

For those who’s not sure where the Info Department is

Suzuki staff posing with the ‘Feel The Extra 4 The Win’ banner at Suzuki Showroom at Gadong recently

After a successful year, Boustead Sdn Bhd has introduced a new promotion ‘Feel The Extra 4 The Win’ for their customers where he or she can stand a chance to win BND 8,000 cash voucher as the grand prize.

This was announced last Saturday at their Suzuki Showroom at Gadong. Oh yeah, by the way, Suzuki does have a showroom at Gadong and don’t be mistaken that it’s just selling accessories.

The promotion is from December 5, 2018 to January 31, 2019 and all you have to do is purchase any Suzuki models apart from the Suzuki Jimmy and Super Carry. The best part of this promotion is that if you add on accessories and such, it will increase your chances of winning the grand prize.

To make the draw more partial, there will be an internal draw, which will be open to the media, will be held in February 2019 at the Suzuki showroom in Gadong to select three customers who will compete in a fun challenge to determine the grand prize winner.

Fret not as there will be also consolation prizes – BND1,088 and BND888 cash vouchers for 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

There are certain models available for purchase – Swift, Ignis, Vitara, Ertiga and Celerio and they all come with their own range of accessories. The objective of this promotion is to offer an amazing experience when the driving the newly-purchased vehicle with the accessories fitted.

The details of the “FEEL the extra the WIN” can be acquired by contacting 245 3162/3 for showroom in Beribi or 242 1298 for showroom in Gadong and 333 4284 for Showroom in Kuala Belait. You can find out more on their instagram @suzuki_brunei and also at their Facebook Page.

Five stars for the Audi Q3 in Euro NCAP test

The new Audi Q3 offers bumper-to-bumper safety: The compact family SUV earned the top score of five stars in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), one of the most important automobile safety tests in Europe.

To get the highest rating of five stars, a car has to score in all key Euro NCAP criteria. The new Audi Q3 succeeded in doing so with flying colors – in the category adult occupant protection as well as for child safety, vulnerable road user protection and driver assistance systems. The actively supporting safety systems – which include automatic emergency braking for city traffic and for highways – are included in the overall NCAP assessment with a 40% weighting for adult occupant, 20% weighting for vulnerable road users and 20% weighting for safety assist.

The new Audi Q3 has these technologies on board. The safety systems Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front are standard equipment. The latter provides the driver with a visual, audible and haptic warning when critical situation involving pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles are detected via radar. It even initiates emergency braking if necessary. Also included as standard equipment is Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes Audi active lane assist is also standard. This system helps to prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally. The optional assistance package bundles the adaptive cruise assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition, parking system plus, high-beam assist and emergency assist.

The new Audi Q3 is also tops when it comes to passenger protection. Components made of hot-shaped steel form the backbone of the passenger cell. They are used primarily at the transition from the longitudinal members to the bulkhead, in the center tunnel, the sills, the A- and B-pillars, the roof frame and the rear longitudinal members. The hot-shaped components, which combine low weight with extreme strength, comprise 26% of the body by weight. Their combination lays the foundation for high crash safety and rigidity. 

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is supported by a consortium of European transport ministries, automobile clubs, insurance associations and research institutes. Twelve institutions from eight European countries are involved. Almost all new vehicles are tested and rated on their passive and active safety in the Euro NCAP. The program’s test requirements considerably exceed the applicable standards required under European legislation.

The Brunei representatives including the 10 lucky winners from Jati Transport Sdn Bhd during the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2018 in Kuala Lumpur recently

Posing with the GLC AMG 63

One of the lucky customers of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd was very grateful that the company hosted such event outside of Brunei Darussalam for their customers. Not just one or two customers but 10 lucky customers had the privilege to test drive different ranges of the Mercedes-Benz models on the famous Sepang International Circuit, Selangor, Malaysia recently.

This was also made possible by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia as the winners were able to participate in the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2018 in Kuala Lumpur.

Our Brunei representatives was grouped with the Philippines, Singapore and Bangladesh. All of us were treated to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and it truly fitted the occasion hosted by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

We were treated to a great hospitality team by MBM at the Paddock Club 1, maybe the best I’ve experience at Sepang International Circuit and we were given awesome Mercedes goodies. Let’s not forget the free flow of food and beverage during the whole day session.

Before experiencing the different rides on the different Mercedes-Benz models, the participants were greeted by Peter Hackett, MBM AMG Representative/Chief Driving Instructor/Australian Endurance Championship GT Race Driver and he gave a run down of the program and also a briefing on certain skills such as braking, wheels and most of important, safety in dangerous situations.

So which models did we drive? The C300, The A250, The CLS 450 and lastly, my favourite, The AMG C 43. Most of us were able to also drive the GLCs. The instructors were very accommodating and helped the participants to go through the activities – the Slalom course, the Race Start Simulation and the Drifting Session.

I actually enjoyed all the activities and especially the lapping sessions which took place after lunch. This meant we were able to drive the whole track of the Sepang International Circuit and we took turns to drive all the models prepared by MBM.

I didn’t try the Taxi Ride session where the instructors did a hot lap session so the participant got to experience how professional racers drive on the track.

The Brunei participants didn’t go empty handed as we walked with goodie bags and also certificate of participation. One Bruneian, Reuben Fang, was awarded the Best Male Driver by the organiser. Awesome, huh? Congratulations, buddy!!

I could tell that the Brunei group had fun during the one day event. They also took the opportunity to take photos with the newly launched AMG G 63 and also the AMG GLC 63 which were being displayed at the Sepang International Circuit.

Let’s hope this sort of event will be a yearly thing for Mercedes-Benz customers. I wonder what models will be introduced in the next driving event.

Customary group photo before the first session

Azlan Ahmad, founder of Mixmediaworx, receiving his certificate of participation

Another Bruneian receiving a certificate

Izah Azahari of Borneo Bulletin also enjoyed her session

Pg Abdullah posing for the camera

Reuben Fang the Best Male Driver

I loved the bean bags

Chilling at the hospitality section at Paddock Club 1

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450

The drifting session with the A200/A250. I kinda enjoyed this.

The ladies were excited for their sessions

Ready, Get Set, Go

I love the C 43 😀

I don’t mind this as my garage

Take your pick

Daniel and I chilling before the ride

Olala… The AMG GT C

This AMG can be a collateral for your new home

I don’t mind being caged with the Mercs

The Brunei Film Blitz is back with bigger and better opportunities for film enthusiasts in Brunei Darussalam. This year, the Brunei Film Blitz is hosting various events including Mark Shepherd Masterclasses, Power Up Workshops and Level Up International Screenings. All these are designed to support the local film culture and explore national identity through film.

This Sunday, 9th December 2018, the Brunei Film Blitz kicks off with a retrospective screening from the legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

The three films being screened are: Hidden Fortress 1958 (12:00pm), Yojimbo 1961 (3:00pm) and High and Low 1963 (7:30pm). A KINO Close Up: Akira Kurosawa Influences and Influencer will be held at 5:30pm consisting of a presentation discussing the cinematic relevance of Akira Kurosawa.

Akira Kurosawa was a Japanese film director and screenwriter, who directed 30 films in a career spanning 57 years. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema.

As the first Asian filmmaker to achieve international prominence, Kurosawa has naturally served as an inspiration for many notable Hollywood directors today. Oscar winning film director Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water, Pacific Rim) referred to Kurosawa “one of the essential masters”, citing Throne of Blood, High and Low and Ran as among his favorite films. Similarly, A-list film producer J.J. Abrams says he drew from Kurosawa while producing Star Wars: the Force Awakens.

In 1990, he accepted the Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement. Posthumously, he was named “Asian of the Century” in the “Arts, Literature, and Culture” category by AsianWeek magazine and CNN, cited there as being among the five people who most prominently contributed to the improvement of Asia in the 20th century. His career has been honored by many retrospectives, critical studies and biographies in both print and video, and by releases in many consumer media formats.

On Sunday, a retrospective will be held as part of the Brunei Film Blitz from 12 Noon. Reserve your seats today by logging into www.bruneifilmblitz.org or contact us on +673 8188777.

Synopsis for Brunei Film Blitz Kurosawa Screening

Title : Hidden Fortress (1958, Japan, Akira Kurosawa). George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977) is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining films ever made, a global phenomenon that shaped and defined modern Hollywood. But not many people realise that it was profoundly influenced by this classic samurai film. Not only are the two stories remarkably similar – with the assistance of two bickering peasants (robots), a samurai (Jedi knight) escorts a princess with hidden treasure (secret plans) through a landscape dominated by enemy forces and a powerful secret fortress (space station) – but Lucas also borrowed certain stylistic devices from Kurosawa’s classic! Once again, the great Toshiro Mifune delivers a masterful central performance and Akira Kurosawa directs with his usual consummate skill in this action classic. To be played at 12pm at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

Hidden Fortress (1958, Japan, Akira Kurosawa)

Title : Yojimbo (1961, Japan, Akira Kurosawa). A dishevelled ronin (masterless samurai) arrives in a run-down rural village dominated by two rival gangs and pits one against the other, setting them on a course of mutual self-destruction. This classic samurai film was later remade as an Italian Western (For a Fistful of Dollars, 1964, with Clint Eastwood) and an American gangster film (Last Man Standing, 1996, with Bruce Willis), demonstrating that in the end, it is both a universal story and a brilliant action film. With a superb and unconventional central performance by the great Toshiro Mifune, audacious widescreen compositions and an unexpected mix of violence and dark humour, this is one of the most memorable and influential Japanese films ever made. To be played at 3pm at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

Yojimbo (1961, Japan, Akira Kurosawa)

Title : KINO Close Up: Akira Kurosawa influences and influencer This presentation discusses the cinematic relevance of Akira Kurosawa. Open to all ages and film experience/interest levels. 5pm at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

Title : High and Low (1963, Japan, Akira Kurosawa). Although Kurosawa is best known for his period piece samurai films, he also directed just as many films set in contemporary Japan. This is one of the best: an incredibly tense crime thriller about a rich businessman held to ransom when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake, which, in its second half, unexpectedly morphs into a powerful drama about social injustice. This, then, is both a brilliant, stylistically audacious genre film and a brave and complex piece of social filmmaking with a strong moral message. It is all held together by Kurosawa’s usual deep respect for humanity and sense of justice – perfectly embodied by Toshiro Mifune’s riveting central performance. Another undoubted classic of world cinema. To be played at 7pm at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

High and Low (1963, Japan, Akira Kurosawa)

The Light Tunnel leading to “The Story of Lights” at Jerudong Park

Step into your favorite Aesop fables with ‘The Story of Lights’ at Jerudong Park held in conjunction with Brunei December Festival 2018. It’s the first time Brunei’s premier tourist destination has organized an outdoor light exhibition since re-launching in 2014.

‘The Story of Lights’ is held alongside other December activities organised inside Jerudong Park, which include Movie Nights, ‘Animals in the Park’ and Interactive Games.

For ‘The Story of Lights’ – visitors are greeted by a light tunnel which leads into an illuminated open book, setting the scene for the five Aesop fables depicted. The Lion and The Mouse, The Peacock and The Crane, The Tortoise and The Hare, The Ants and The Grasshopper and The Fox and The Goat.

The Aesop fables are scattered around the lagoon area, Double Carousel and Children’s ride area. As ‘The Story of Lights’ opening book reads, “It is important to keep alive the enriching habit of reading in order to gain the unfathomable treasure hiding and stored in the books which a person’s best friends do not deemed anything but always give knowledge and wisdom.”

‘The Story of Lights’ believes that ‘today’s readers will be tomorrow’s leaders’. Children are encouraged to read more, learn more, which will ultimately lead to better lives. Children at a very young age need to stimulate their imagination, explore and discover the magical world of books.

To enliven the holiday period visitors can also enjoy 30% off (terms and conditions apply) once they complete 10 questions from one of the interactive games – an activity booklet. Clues for the questions can be found all around JP. Vouchers are available from the ticketing counter once all 10 questions are answered correctly.

‘Animals in the Park’ is also back! This time with an expanded area for new animals such as black palm civets, geckos and a falcon. Not forgetting the reptiles, iguanas, tortoise, birds of prey and floppy-eared rabbits which are also on display.

JP Movie Night is held on the 8th, 22nd and 29th December. The movies are screened outdoors at the JP Colonnade. To enjoy your experience visitors are recommended to bring picnic mats or blankets to sit on. Find out what films are showing by following Jerudong Park on social media.

Visitors can get more out of Jerudong Park this December with Combo Deals. ‘Yellow’ Combo or the Entrance Combo deal is only $16 and includes, Interactive Games, ‘Animals in the Park’ and ‘The Story of Lights’. To enjoy all the rides, waterpark, ‘The Story of Lights’, ‘Animals in the Park’ and Interactive Games visitors can get the ‘Grey’ Combo Deal: $27 for local adults and $21 for local children.

Jerudong Park would also like to inform visitors who have purchased tickets before the December period to purchase top-up tickets to enjoy ‘The Story of Lights’ and ‘Animals in the Park’ in order to enter. For more updates follow Jerudong Park on social media on Instagram at Jerudong Park and on Facebook at Jerudong Park Playground.

Check out the illuminated open book concept feature Aesop fables

Every spot has a story behind it and children can learn messages from the short story series

The Animal in the Park area at Jerudong Park

Parrots at the “Animal in the Park” section

There’s an eagle at the “Animal in the Park” section

If you are interested to go for the Combo Grey package and ideal for families

Warehouse Clearance Sale by GrowTec Marketing Enterprise at their warehouse at Kg. Salar, Jalan Muara. Ends 18th December 2018

GrowTec Marketing Enterprise, the parent company of Mothercare Brunei and Bebeland is holding a Warehouse Clearance Sale from 28 November until 18 December from 9am – 7pm at Block 1-4 Higher Point Industrial Phase 1, Kampong Salar, Jalan Muara.

The sale which started recently offers up to 70% discount on various kids and baby products.

Among the big brands featured include Mothercare, Hauck, Graco, Joie, Nuby, TollyJoy, Babylove, Hasbro, Lego, Vtech, Hape, Barbie, Disney and more.

Promotions such as purchase with purchase and bundle sets are also offered. For more information, kindly call 239-3692 or 898-2811.

One of the first customers of the clearance sale

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