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BB turns 60  

Reggie See, General Manager of Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, in his welcoming remarks at the 60th anniversary event this afternoon. Image courtesy of Vincent Pao.

Borneo Bulletin has turned 60 and it’s the only newspaper that has lasted quite long in Brunei Darussalam. Who doesn’t know Borneo Bulletin? It’s one of the strongest brand in the Sultanate and perhaps the most read newspaper publication. The circulation is in the region of 20,000 at least on weekdays and higher on weekends.

Wednesdays and Saturdays are always popular because of the opinion sections where the public can express their thoughts on certain issues and hoping the relevant parties will reply accordingly on the next opportunity.

Because of their high circulation, their advertisement costs are higher than other publications and it has always been the preferred choice because of the reach it has. If I’m not mistaken, a full colour advertisement on Borneo Bulletin will cost in the region of BND 4,000 or lesser depending on the frequency. A quarter page in black and white will costs in the region of BND 400 and of course, the rates are more expensive on weekends (Do correct me if I’m wrong).

One of the respected person I have engaged with from Borneo Bulletin was Rex deSilva who left the company a few years ago. He was the Editor in Chief of Borneo Bulletin and he was one of the most beloved individual and he was working in BB for 21 years before heading to the States. His influence has definitely shaped where Borneo Bulletin is right now.

Reggie See, the General Manager of Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, is now spear heading Borneo Bulletin under Brunei Press Sdn Bhd to greater heights as he aims at giving back more to the community with their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

I have an avid reader of Borneo Bulletin and I have established great relationship with my media friends who have helped me along the way too. I would like to acknowledge the media people that has assisted me along the way too – Aziz Idris, Dean Kassim, Lyna Mohd, Rokiah, James Kon, Hakim Hayat, Bahyiah Bakir, Azaraimy, Danial, Syazwani, Fadhil Yunus, Azrol Azmi, Fadley Faisal and a few more that I can’t think of. Thank you so much and I am very appreciative of your help.

Keep on growing, Borneo Bulletin and let’s continue the great friendship we have between each other and help spread the news to the eyes of the public for the good and the better of our community. Happy 60 😀

Below are pictures taken from my friends’ instagram on their event this afternoon, held at the Indera Samudra Hall, The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

Vincent Pao and Reggie See posing for the camera 

Representatives from Royal Brunei Technical Services. Image courtesy of @amar606 

Representatives from Baiduri Bank. Image courtesy of @maurina 

Representatives from JPMC. Image courtesy of @akdanny2821 

Reggie See with the media from Borneo Bulletin. Image courtesy of @hkmhyt 

The entertainer of the day – Fakhrul Razi. Image courtesy of @hkmhyt 

The Big 60. Image courtesy of @siews 

Representatives from Interhouse Company with Puan Hazizah, Deputy General Manager of Brunei Press and David Chen. Image courtesy of @siews 

Gerry Sim of HSBC. Image courtesy of @gerrysim71 

Representatives from DST. Image courtesy of @donajohan 

Fakhrul Razi and his band. Image courtesy of @fakhrul_razi_ 

My suckmed buddies were there. Image courtesy of @maurina 

Goodies from the event. Image courtesy of Vincent Pao. 

A great moment picture here in today’s Borneo Bulletin. The Prime Minister of Timor Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao serving drinks to guests even to the Minister. What a humble guy 🙂

 

Need for Speed  

I love Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad. However, I couldn’t picture him leading a role just yet on the big screen. His role as the protagonist in Need For Speed is questionable. Is he really a hero after the two hour ordeal that I had to go through? Plot wise, this is nothing interesting and for many, they won’t care much about the plot as they have something to look forward to and that is fast, beautiful cars which ain’t a selling point for me.

The plus points for me was the camera style and technique on the car chase sequences. I would say that some of the scenes were slightly better than Fast and the Furious series. Maybe the director attempted to bring more realism with great score and sound editing along with it. Do listen to my podcast on the popcorn panel and yes, I have another quiz too but you have to answer them on my instagram handle to be eligible for the grand prize.

So far the reviews have been favourable among my peers. But an eight will be too high for my liking. Movie has many flaws to make this a classic. I still prefer the FF series. Verdict: 7/10 @abbylmf 6.8 Rottentomatoes 23%

Check out the podcast review for Need for Speed

  

 

UBD Film Festival 2014 

 

I’m kinda excited for this event as I’m a movie buff and also my interest in film making is kinda high. This is the first time that UBD will be hosting a Film Festival that will feature some of the students’ modules of short films as well as some of the local house production short films. The actual event will be on the 19th and 20th of April which will take place at the Core, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The tickets are free but the seats are limited over the two day period.

Last night, I was being interviewed by the marketing committee of UBD Film Festival 2014 and I’m honoured to be part of their project. They also interviewed some local videographers and creative directors where Elizabeth Sim was the host for the TV show format interview. Well, why I was chosen was because of my own going podcast on movie reviews on Sound Cloud – The Popcorn Panel.

Ironically, I interviewed the director of marketing, UBD Film Festival 2014, Efah, and you will be able to catch the interview soon on the Popcorn Panel. Good luck to you guys and I can see how much effort have been invested in this event. So peeps, don’t forget to catch UBD Film Festival 2014 on 19th and 20th April at the Core, UBD.

UBD Film Festival 2014 are also running a short film submissions from the public and you can check out their terms and conditions on their website and you can also download the form if you are interested. Who knows your short film will be shortlisted and be shown during the said event. You can also follow them on instagram @filmfestivalubd2014

You can be part of the UBD Film Festival 2014

The marketing team of the UBD Film Festival 2014 documenting the interviews

A young talented videographer being interviewed

Behind the scenes

Make up before the shoot

Testing before the shoot

The form for those interested to feature your short films
 

Amazing trailer  

Check out the first official trailer for Yasmine the movie

It was great to see the 30 second trailer of the much anticipated first featured film produced by a Bruneian entitled “YASMINE”. You may have heard about the movie on my older posts back last year and now it’s getting very close to reality that Yasmine the movie will be hit theaters and the producers have announced that the movie will be released by August 2014. Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia will be the first countries to release the movie though Yasmine will make its private screening at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (24-27th March) and Festival De Cannes: Marche Du Film (14-24th May).

As you can see that the Brunei’s film industry is still in its infant stage. So it’s great to see Origin Films taking a huge risk in creating this film which costs quite a huge sum of money. With the support of the Brunei Economic Development Board and the ministries involved in funding the project, Origin Films is confident that the Yasmine will translate not just exposure but also into box office success with Indonesia being the major market.

I have never been so excited about a local featured film for such a long time. The trailer itself have already raised my expectations on Yasmine and I have observed behind-the-scenes moments of Yasmine especially during shooting and I learnt so much about film making and I’m beginning to appreciate the efforts of even those who had minor roles in the film production.

Yesterday the media and bloggers were invited by Origins Film where Siti Kamaluddin, the director, introduced to the guests of the teaser trailer for Yasmine. She’s the lady behind the project with the help of Din Kamaluddin (producer), Chan Man Ching (stunt coordinator, action choreographer) as Action Director, Salman Aristo as Screenplay writer (Ayat-Ayat Cinta, Sang Penari), Cesa David Lukmansyah as Film Editor (Rumah di Seribu Ombak), Khikmawan Santosa as the Sound Designer, Aghi Narottama as the Music Director and Nidji, the composer and original songs on the soundtrack for Yasmine.

In attendance were representatives from Brunei Economic Development Board (LEAP Grant division), Baiduri Bank and Times Cineplex who were also impressed with the teaser trailer. Yasmine is very likely to be shown exclusively at Times Cineplex by August 2014. I shall keep you guys in the loop when the release date gets closer.

You can see some of the details of Yasmine the movie at their website yasminethemovie.com and you can also follow them on Twitter and instagram @yasminthemovie for updates. The web portal was also launched yesterday to give more hype on the movie before its release.

I shall be posting more behind-the-scene pictures in a few weeks’ time. Congratulations to Siti and her team on their tirelessly effort in producing a locally made film. You have my full support definitely.

Siti Kamaluddin, director of Yasmine and founder of Origin Films with her crew involved in the Yasmine project 

Associates from the Brunei Economic Development Board were present 

Members of the local media were also present 

Siti Kamaluddin engaging with the guests about the latest development from the movieThe cast from Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia feature Liyana Yus from Brunei playing the lead role of Yasmine. From Indonesia we see leading man Reza Rahadian (Fahri – Yasmine’s Father), Agus Kuncoro (Jamal – Silat teacher), Dwi Sasono (Tong Lung – School Silat teacher), Arifin Putra (Fahri’s friend) as well as young actors Roy Sungkono and Mentari De Marelle. Actors from Malaysia involved in this film feature none other than Dian P Ramlee, Dato’ M. Nasir, Nabila Huda, Soo Wincci, Carmen Soo and Aryl Falak.

YASMINE is a beautifully choreographed story that inspires us to revisit our dreams. Action, comedy and drama come together powerfully in this unforgettable journey. YASMINE being the first international feature film from Brunei has gained the attention of the film world and many international media. YASMINE has been featured in the Monocle (British Magazine) and has had articles in The Guardian (British Newspaper) and many other newspapers both locally and around the region. YASMINE will be introduced to the international film industry by appearing at the film market in the Hong Kong International Film Festival (24 March – 7 April) and the Cannes Film Festival (14-25 May) this year.

 

Liyana Yus in her lead role as Yasmine 

Reza Rahadian, a well known Indonesian actor, playing as Yasmine’s father, Fahri 

  

 

Seats are secured 

I have been a big fan of purchasing movie tickets online. One reason – I don’t have to worry about my booked seats being taken because I paid for my seats and if I don’t turn up, then that’s my loss. I’ve always bought my tickets online whenever I’m in Singapore. For Brunei, the furthest we could do is book the seats online without online payment. This would mean that our seats won’t be guaranteed and according to Benny Ang, the General Manager of Times Cineplex, they can easily lose 60% from simply phone bookings, meaning the supposedly patrons didn’t show up for the selected movies they booked.

Today Times Cineplex have introduced online payment system for customers. I applaud such move and this will give movie goers a piece of mind especially me when it comes to securing your seats at Times Cineplex. You will need your Debit and Credit Card for sure and there won’t be a surcharge or booking fee when using the card. So that’s great news for movie goers. This online payment systems is only available for Times Cineplex.

“Ever since we opened nearly a year and a half ago, we have always maintained that we will continue to try and provide the very best for our customers”, said Benny Ang.

“We are delighted that this online booking facility is the first of its kind in Brunei for cinemas in that there is no pressure on the customer to come and collect their tickets at a stipulated time before the show.”

“They can book, choose their seats, pay for it all from their own home. They just have to remember their booking number to collect their tickets when they come.”

Of course, the phone booking still exists which is the usual bookings being done if you are not physically over the Times Cineplex counter. But then, you will have to be early before the movie starts to get hold of your movie tickets or you will risk your seats to those walk-in customers.

Benny also highlighted that there won’t be any refund when you buy it online but you will be able to replace your ticket with other schedules or movies of your preference if you happen to change your mind. This is a fair enough deal indeed.

So do follow the steps below or you can go straight to tutorial [click here].

Now you can pay your movie tickets online. Check out their website by clicking this image. 

For new users, you will need a sign up first 

Choose what movies you want to watch 

You can choose for adults and/or kids 

The payment gateway is made possible by Baiduri Bank 

You will get this e-voucher in your email. So all you need to do is tell your Confirmation number over at the counter to claim your tickets 😀

Did you know that you can already purchase tickets for Captain America: Winter Soldier online at Times Cineplex. You can try out the payment online for the upcoming blockbuster which will only be screening by Thursday, 27th March. So now you can purchase your seats online with a piece of mind and collect your tickets even 5 minutes before your show. Of course, I won’t recommend you to do that since you will still have to queue up and the queues tend to get longer especially with blockbuster movies showing on the opening weekend.

Times Cineplex is also running a special gimmicks where customers can get a Free exclusive set of Captain America Metallic Foil stickers for every four tickets purchased per customer. This offer while stocks last but for those buying tickets online, you will have to physically go to the counter to collect the stickers as they are based on first come, first serve as in ticket collections. I will be catching Captain America in Singapore 😀

Now you can purchase Captain America tickets at Times Cineplex website  

Get these special set of Captain America Metallic Foil stickers for every 4 tickets purchased of Captain America movie tickets 

  

Sam the Inventorbot  

The animation was based on an android who invents gadgets at amazing speeds, and is hunted by a villain who wants to abuse its ability. “Sam the Inventorbot” is created by Hj Khairul Azhar Hj Rosli, founder of Cinematicpro.

Last year he won himself first place in the AITI Next Innovation and Multimedia Award for Sustainable ICT Industry (ANIMASI) Pro-Digital Animation Challenge which also secured him a BND 35,000 development of ICT and Digital Media Industries grant from AITI. You can check out the Proof of Concept Trailer for Sam, the Inventorbot, a 3D animated series.

Hj Khairul thanked his team members involved in the project, AITI, BEDB, iCentre and all the professionals from Autodesk. He also thanked the consultant, gigglegarage and his production partners, tribeaudio and Banshee creative.

Click image to view the trailer 

  

I Love Brunei  

This is another videography competition organised by The Brunei Times. Show your love for Brunei Darusalam in moving images and join The Brunei Times video competition in conjunction with Brunei’s 30th National Day celebrations. he competition, themed “Brunei Through My Viewfinder”, is open to ALL RESIDENTS.
The competition consists of Category ‘A’ (25 years old & above) and Category ‘B’ (Below 25 years old).

Click on this WEBSITE to register for the competition and find out more TERMS AND CONDITIONS on this SITE. The closing date for this competition is April 30, 2014 at 1500 hours.

The prizes are pretty attractive too. For Category A, winner can win a savings account sponsored by Baiduri Bank worth BND 7,000 and Dell Notebook sponsored by Netcom Computer House and Crystal Trophy sponsored by Mahkota Crystal Sdn Bhd. For Category B, winner can win a savings account sponsored by Baiduri Bank worth BND 3,000 and Dell Notebook sponsored by Netcom Computer House and Crystal Trophy sponsored by Mahkota Crystal Sdn Bhd.

Another way to showcase your videography talents.

Do join the competition and showcase your talents