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Chairman of committee for The Run, Raja Segaran (center) with Aaron Goh (left) the Co-chairman of The Run and Dato Paduka Alimin (right) the Advisor of The Run. Image courtesy of Wardi Buntar, The Brunei Times.

Guess what? There will be finisher medals presented for those running 21KM, 12KM and 5KM (within a qualifying time) in the upcoming The Run while the finisher medals for the 2KM fun run, 2KM special need and 2KM wheelchair for The Run.

I’m not sure yet as what the qualifying time is for the respective categories. I shall update you again once I have more news on this.

Another announcement I would like to share is to remind you guys of the deadline for the registration of The Run. It’s gonna be epic as it will be the final run before Ramadhan starts. By the way, the deadline for The Run is 8th June (today) or if the participants reaches 4,000.

Come and show your support for The Run where it is organised by Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hjh Mayram. For more info, you can visit http://www.therun.com.bn/ and the website is pretty comprehensive.

The finisher medals for The Run

The finisher medals for The Run

There’s also the Corporate registration. Click image to find out more.

In conjunction with the worldwide launching of Colonel Sander’s autobiography and cookbook on 5th June, KFC is organizing a cooking competition jointly with Sultan Saiful Rizal Technical College and Jen Studio, and managed by Trinity Advertising and Event Management. The cooking competition, known as KFC Home Chef Challenge will be based on the Colonel’s own recipe in the book. From the list of 33 recipes, we know that we just have to make a great cooking contest out of it and we have shortlisted to about twenty over that is suitable for the contest.” says Jonathan Bong, Senior Marketing Manager, KFC. There’s dessert such as upside down peach cobbler or main course such as meat loaf to breakfast such as The Colonel’s Special Omelet to name a few great recipe.

With the fully equipped Kitchen facilities that Sultan Saiful Rizal Technical College currently has, this competition will differ from any others in many ways. “We are thrilled when KFC approached us to jointly organize the KFC Home Chef Challenge because we have plans to organize a similar competition to motivate our students for better performance”, says Sheikh Lukman, Deputy Principal, Sultan Saiful Rizal Technical College. “A 1976 survey ranked Colonel Sanders as the second most recognizable celebrity in the world. Paying tribute to Colonel Sanders being an Original Celebrity Chef, Jen Studio is looking forward to capture all the exciting moments in where participants compete to be the KFC Home Chef of the year” says Jerome Wong of Jen Studio.

The launch of the KFC Chef Challenge. Registration starts on 8th June.

Registration for the KFC Home Chef Challenge starts from 8th June until 20th June 2012 and entry forms are available at all KFC outlets and also available for download at KFC Brunei’s facebook. Registration fee is B$10. All entry forms must be submitted to KFC Head Office at Gadong Central Outlet before 20th June 2012. First 50 registrations will also receive a goody bag. Audition round will be held on 24th June from 2 – 5pm at KFC’s Gadong Central outlet. Participants will present their dishes which is home prepared. The competing dishes for the Audition rounds will be announced on KFC Brunei’s facebook on 8th June 2012. Only shortlisted participants will be notified to advance to the semi finals and the finals which will take place on the same day at 8th July at Sultan Saiful Rizal Technical College. For more info, please log on to KFC Brunei’s facebook. Interested participants are encouraged to download and try out the recipes prior to the competition.

The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) together with the committee steering the Brunei International Airport expansion project has included the construction of a new surau (prayer hall) as part of its plan.

“It is progressing and we have already appointed an architect (for it),” Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong told The Brunei Times in a brief exchange yesterday.

He added the surau will be completed in line with the time frame of the airport’s expansions. Drawings are currently being done on building the surau, and noted its construction will follow the time-table for the entire expansion project. “There is a sequence (we have to follow), but this (building the surau) is incorporated in the plan,” he said.

The new look of the departure/arrival hall at the Brunei International Airport. Taken from BEDB website.

The new surau is a quick response to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah last month when the monarch queried about the location of the current surau situated at the corner of the airport’s basement floor.

The completion of the airport expansion project by the end of 2014 will enable Brunei to become a logistics hub, said the monarch in a previous report, and is set to be one of the top strategic infrastructure developments in the Asia Pacific region. A surau should not be an afterthought, but the centrepiece of the facility, he added.

“When planes land, people should already be able to see the surau which will definitely have the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) characteristics,” the monarch said. “Our religion encourages us to materialise the symbol of Islam with a landmark and not hide it from plain sight,” said His Majesty. Rachel Thien of The Brunei Times.

The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) organized a post implementation of ICT Accredited Business (ICTAB) industry dialogue on Monday (4th June) at the Seri Kerna Hall, Block B13, AITI Building. The objectives of the dialogue were, among others, to share and update on the progress of ICTAB implementation as well as to gather constructive inputs from the industry players on the overall initiative.

The dialogue, chaired by Haji Yahkup bin Haji Menudin, the Chief Executive of AITI, was attended by more than fifty (50) representatives from the ICT industry. ICTAB is aimed at ICT businesses to be accredited as a pre-requisite before participating in any Government ICT tenders. This is to ensure that the projects are carried out successfully by qualified, competent and financially sound local vendors. With effect from 1st September 2011, ICTAB has became a mandatory requirement for vendors when participating in Government ICT projects or tenders.

In his opening remarks, Haji Yahkup stated that it is timely that this industry dialogue on post-implementation of ICTAB is held as the initiative has been operationalised for the past nine (9) months. He further added that the dialogue would be essential to gather the feedback for necessary review and fine tunning of ICTAB in the near future. A few examples of the feedback received are being considered. These are; extending ICTAB implementation for ICT projects in the private sector, reviewing the range of project cost that can be participated for the ICTAB classes and minimum percentage of local ICT skilled workforce for each respective class.

Since August last year, AITI has granted to date a total of fifty five (55) local ICT businesses with the five (5) different classes of ICTAB. To be qualified in either one of the five (5) ICTAB Classes, applicants should fulfill the following requirements:

Amongst the criteria that will be assessed by the Accreditation of ICT Businesses Committee (AIBC), chaired by AITI with members from Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Communications and the e-Government National Centre (EGNC), shall include the applicants’ financial capability, local ownership structure, availability of local ICT skilled manpower, overall workforce size, financial health, management structure, and track record.

The dialogue session also saw a briefing on the pilot proposal for iKHLAS Accounting System, a joint initiative by AITI and BAG Networks Sdn Bhd for the AITI Accredited Business (AAB) Status businesses. This program seeks participation from interested ICT businesses to trial the iKHLAS Accounting System at a subsidised cost for a maximum period of twelve (12) months.

Further queries on ICTAB and the iKHLAS pilot program can be addressed to AITI’s ICT Industry Development Group at 2323232 (during office hours) or email at itidg@aiti.gov.bn.

Do register your application through YEG(a)energy(dot)gov(dot)bn

Now there are more job opportunities if you are searching for one and thanks to the Energy Division to make this possible as an outlet for those who are unemployed and who knows you will be eligible in the field of Petroleum, Gas, Electricity, Policy, Planning and Legal, Coal, Hydrogen, Transport, Education & Research and many more.

This invitation is for a meeting session with Minister of Energy YB Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammade Yasmin Hj Umar and this will give a chance to explore apprenticeship opportunities in the Energy Industry.

The event will take place at 9am at Hua Ho Manggis Ballroom on Tuesday, 12th June 2012.

Check out the awesome promotion for Discover Brunei

From MeSixty to Chatworthy and now Discover Brunei.. This is the latest app developed by MeSixty where it gives you an interactive guide to know more about Brunei through real people’s social network photos and tips posted in Brunei. Currently Discover Brunei is only available for iPad version and it’s FREE and you can stand a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to Brunei worth over USD 10,000!!! Now that’s a good catch indeed!!

The iPad app was launched yesterday as mobile app developer MeSixty announced the release of Discover Brunei on iPad, the official Brunei Tourism application with real social media integration.

Get a local perspective by viewing points of interest through the Instagram photos taken there and go a step further by chatting to the authors of the posts or by sharing those posts with your friends on Chatworthy for iPad (A free Chat application made by MeSixty). While professional photos are great for seeing sights at their best, you can find much more valuable information by asking local people or friends who have been there and seeing what they thought was worth capturing.

The Discover Brunei app also gives you a fun way to learn about Bruneian culture through its interactive content. Tapping on the different gongs of the local “Gulingtangan” instrument will let you hear how they sound and swiping across the image lets you see a full 360 degree view of them. You can also learn useful phrases and tips, tapping to hear what they sound like in Malay, the local language. Hundreds of high quality photos complement in-depth write ups about locations such as ecotourism resorts, golden palaces and local markets.

MeSixty is also giving you the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to Brunei worth over US$10,000! The prize includes return flights for two, 3 nights stay at a luxury hotel, 2 nights stay at the Ulu Ulu rainforest resort, a personal tour guide with a chauffeur driven car and US$1,500 cash! Everything you see inside the Discover Brunei app could be yours to experience. Download the app to find out more and to enter the competition for free.

Keeran Janin of MeSixty during the launch of Discover Brunei. Image courtesy of Brian Koh.

A quick pitstop at OldTown at LCCT with my buddies yesterday before heading to Ipoh on the road

As I’ve mentioned before, I will be away for a week and I’m currently now in Ipoh town and this is my 2nd visit here and I’m loving the company here so far. I’m sharing my room with Vinod from Singapore and I’ve learnt so much from this chap about how much illusion I’ve been living in and thinking what I thought was real and genuine. Deep stuff, aye? I’m beginning to find out more about my well being subconsciously. This week is definitely gonna be a fulfilling one and I’m already missing my other friends back home…

I will be in Ipoh till tomorrow before heading off to Penang on a road trip. So that should be another fun adventure. So peeps, before I sign off, what are the few things you done that creates great meaning to you personally?

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri PengiranAnak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah lifting the Women’s Ivy League Netball Trophy after her team Net A narrowly beat NN Speed 9-8 in the finals

Nurul Hamizah Hamdani played the role of the heroine.

The goal attack (GA) hit the game-winner to lift Angel Net A to the title of the Women’s Ivy League Netball Charity Tournament 2012 after a 9-8 victory over NN Speed at the Multipurpose Hall of theHassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last Sunday.

Lacing up for the winners was Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri PengiranAnak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.

Angel Net A had won their first meeting with an 11-10 scoreline during the group stages and the final proved to be just as competitive.

The high-intensity match-up saw both teams playing good defence and it was Angel Net A that led 5-4 after the first 10-minute half. The game looked like it was going to slip away for NN Speed when they trailed 7-5 with under five minutes to play but kept their fighting spirit.

The game had gone down to the wire with NN Speed tying the scores at 8-8 with just a minute left in regulation. Angel Net A would push the ball up quickly on the attack and in the dying seconds of the match, NN Speed were called for an obstruction.

Despite the buzzer having gone, Nurul Hamizah stepped up to sink the game-winning basket sending the crowd into frenzy for the climax.

“I’m proud of the girls because despite being the exam period, they have given their time for training. It must have been difficult for them but they delivered. We would also like to thank their parents for their support and sacrifices as well,” said Rosni Hj Yahya, the manager-cum-coach of Angel Net A, in an interview with The Brunei Times after the win.

Angel Net A booked their berth in the final after they defeated Angel Net B 9-2 in the semi-finals. On the other hand, NN Speed entered the final after dismissing Revival NC 11-5 in their last-four matchup. Text and images courtesy of Yee Chun Leong.

Angel Net team are champions

The champions for the Men’s Netball division

Donations to Pusat Ehsan raised from the event

Donations to KACA raised from the event

Group photo of the Top 3 winners. Click to enlarge.

Jacky and Ai Lin were there during my Ipoh/Penang trip back in 2011. Now I will be back again to meet up with my buddies. Ain’t life just beautiful? 😀

Hey peeps…. I will be away again for a week for a retreat with my buddies.. well, unfortunately not all my close ones could make it but the current company is still an awesome bunch!! So I will warn you guys of my lack of updates for Brunei in the next week or so. But if you wanna share some pictures or updates on Brunei, feel free to drop me an email ranoadidas(a)gmail.com and hopefully I won’t miss your email.

Penang will be another awesome trip because I miss the lovely food there. Yuuummmm *non nom nom* I won’t be carrying my SLR this time round but with my handy S100 which I haven’t been playing around with it for a few months and of course, with my trusted 4s which still take great photos.

I shall be back on the 13th of June and have a nice week, guys!!!

My friend Michelle Kho won’t be joining for the Penang trip.. This was taken back during our trip last year and I can’t remember the name of this restaurant which has an interesting nostalgic interior.

I’m hoping to bump into a cendol stall at Penang this time round

Penang laksa *nom nom nom*

This time Yvonne won’t be following us. This was also taken last year during our Penang trip

The starting line before the flag off. All images courtesy of Snr Pablo.

The cyclists during the event

Both them did the run and cycling

Other participants that day during the event

He had a cramp but he was fine soon after 🙂

The aerobics to warm up the event for the finale of Sukan Ria which took place at Tasek Lama

The closing ceremony of the “Inter-Company Sukan Ria 2012” organised by the Labour Department took place at the Tasek Lama Recreational Park in the capital last Sunday.

The hiking event was joined by some 1,000 participants who were divided into two categories.

The first category was the ‘Hiking Event’ for both men and women for about 4.2 kilometres and the second category was the ‘Inter-company hiking fun-rides’ where a different route was allocated.

Present as the guest of honour and to present the awards and certificates to the winners was the Acting Home Affairs Minister Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Mohd Yussof.

The Sukan Ria consisted of sports such as futsal, badminton, basketball, netball, bowling and hiking.

BSP won the Team Category for Bowling for Sukan Ria

HSBC won Netball for Sukan Ria

The Basketball team that won the tournament

The winner for the Men’s Hiking 4.2km route

The winner for the Women’s Hiking 4.2km route

The winner for the Men’s Double badminton

QAF Group were champions for Team Badminton

QAF champions for futsal in Sukan Ria

The lucky draw for Sukan Ria

The organisers, Sunlit Advertising, for Sukan Ria

The Brunei Times interviewed some of the winners during the event.

Siti Aishah Abdullah from the Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) Sdn Bhd team said that she was ecstatic to win third place in the “Category B Inter-Company Kingston Bowling Tournament”.

“We just felt excited when we won, it was a really good tournament with everything going smoothly,” said Siti. Her team mates Salleh, Faizal and Pg Saufi hoped to join again for the next tournament if given a chance.

From the Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP) Team who were champions of the “Category B Inter-Company Kingston Bowling Tournament”, team member Ak Ady Fadhli Pg Omar explained that this was the first tournament BSP has joined which was officially organised by the Labour Department.

“On behalf of the BSP team, it has been a great honour to be part of the competition and Alhamdulilah, winning the tournament,” said Ak Ady.

A special gift presentation was also awarded to Hj Salim Ranggas, as he was the oldest participant at 80 years of age to join.

“I’m here with my family under the Yellow Pages Company and I just think that it will be fun to join in the festivities,” said Hj Salim.

The Sukan Ria aims to strengthen friendship ties between companies and employees in private companies as well as to show strong cooperation and strengthen the harmony between employers and their employees. Text courtesy of Wardi Buntar, The Brunei Times. Images courtesy of Sunlit Advertising.

Sunlit Advertising representatives for badminton two weeks ago

Sunlit Advertising competed against Labour Department

b.mobile competed against Royal Brunei

b.mobile competed against Royal Brunei

Hui Chiet and Gavin Chai were unable to win in their match and lost to Labour Department 3-2 in aggregate

There was great support from the crowd too

Professional gaming gear by steelseries

Chairman of committee for The Run, Raja Segaran (center) with Aaron Goh (left) the Co-chairman of The Run and Dato Paduka Alimin (right) the Advisor of The Run. Image courtesy of Wardi Buntar, The Brunei Times.

Guess what? There will be finisher medals presented for those running 21KM, 12KM and 5KM (within a qualifying time) in the upcoming The Run while the finisher medals for the 2KM fun run, 2KM special need and 2KM wheelchair for The Run.

I’m not sure yet as what the qualifying time is for the respective categories. I shall update you again once I have more news on this.

Another announcement I would like to share is to remind you guys of the deadline for the registration of The Run. It’s gonna be epic as it will be the final run before Ramadhan starts. By the way, the deadline for The Run is 8th June or if the participants reaches 4,000.

Come and show your support for The Run where it is organised by Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hjh Mayram. For more info, you can visit http://www.therun.com.bn/ and the website is pretty comprehensive.

The finisher medals for The Run

The finisher medals for The Run

There’s also the Corporate registration. Click image to find out more.

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Collect this now from KFC Brunei

Big fans of Upin and Ipin are in for a treat; KFC Brunei is offering figurines of the popular twins for a limited time only. Four figures are available, each with its own unique design, and will be available to customers on a weekly basis.

The first edition was the Playful Upin figurine which was the first batch, then the Happy Ipin which released last week and this week, the Defender Upin will be available from June 3; and the last figurine; Striker Ipin will be available from June 12.

The Upin and Ipin figurines will come for free with any Chicky combo meal priced at $6 for Chicky Club members and $6.50 for non members. Chicky club members can also purchase the figurines with any other chicken product purchase for only $3, whereas for non-members they are available at $3.50.

Will touch rugby generate more interest in Brunei?

It’s good thing to see a different type of sports being introduced in Brunei and yes, there’s something for the ladies too when it comes to rugby.. Don’t get me wrong but rugby is, of course, a very physical sport and what is new now is “Touch Rugby” where it’s less physical than the actual rugby.

It reminds me of playing “carah duduk” where you have to sit down when being tagged. So this is how touch rugby is in a way. Once the offense team is being tagged six times, then the possession changes to the opposition. Hence, there’s no physical tackle of some sort and it’s very unlikey you will get injured unless it’s an accidental clash or getting leg cramps or such.

The interest have shown some positive signs especially among the ladies and according to Nadiah, there was a surge of last minute registration before the tournament and this shows how much interest there is on touch rugby among the women.

She scored a try for her team yesterday

It’s all about teamwork and communication too

One of the players being carried back to the tent

Yes, there were bound to have collisions among players

She scored one of the fastest try right after the whistle

There was also the men’s category

YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Munim presented The Baiduri Masters 2012 Gross Champion Trophy to Khairul Kamis. He also earned himself the “Green Jacket” of The Baiduri Masters 2012 event.

Khairul Kamis shot a 72 (one over par) as he beat 11 other players to win this year’s edition of The Baiduri Masters 2012. He hit a 74 during his qualifying round and he was ranked 5th before the final round. His closest competitor was Pg Adam Pg Atan who came 2nd in the tournament.

Defending champion Carlos Miguel E Ochoa failed to make the cut for the finals. He did have some consolation prizes – 3rd runner up trophy for Men’s Division “B” Nett and a hi-fi set from the lucky draw prizes.

For your info, there was a total of 931 registration for The Baiduri Masters 2012 which was held over six days of tournament (two weekends). The prize presentation was held at Hua Ho Manggis Ballroom. The guest of honour was YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Mumin.

Mr. Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank thanked all the event partners, sponsors and participants for their continous support. He said that the main aim of the event is to raise funds for the local charities. He mentioned of a new record achieved last year were the “green jacket” was won by a young golfer from The Philippines, Carlos Miguel Eleazar Ochoa while this year, he was proud to announce that The Baiduri Masters event was featured in a regional golf magazine, Par Golf.

Around $55,000 was donated to several charity organizations – Special Education, under the Ministry of Education, Child Development Centre, under the Ministry of Health, pediatric Haemoto-Oncology Centre, Learning Ladders Society, SMARTER Brunei and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Maryam.

By the way, no one won any hole-in-one prizes.

Defending champion Carlos Miguel Eleazar almost missed the cut though his 12th position is not safe considering there is one qualifying round left for the Baiduri Masters 2012. He scored a gross of 75 yesterday and today he will compete again today to make sure he scores better than a 75.

He was in the same team with Edwin Liew who scored a 76 and apparently, their game was slightly affected by a small commotion by one of the participants who screamed to get attention of other players to hurry with the game. This unnecessary commotion would have affected player’s concentration and mentality of his or her game.

I’m surprised to see Seruji Hj Setia missing the cut with a previous gross score of 76 on Day 1 of The Baiduri Masters 2012. I’m not sure if he actually played on different days to better his score but it will be rare to see that Seruji not competing for the “green jacket”.

It looks like the Top 5 players are safe to make the cut despite with a day left to play unless. Pg Adam Pg Atan leads the pack in the leader board but it all counts for nothing come Sunday as the Top 12 players will compete for the “Green Jacket”. There is a lot of familiar names in the Top 12 but it will be interesting to see if there will be changes to the Top 12 tomorrow.

Gross Leader Board: Top 12 Players (Day 4)

1) Gross 70 – Pg Adam Pg Atan
2) Gross 71 – Hj Shahminan Hj Damit
3) Gross 72 – Majid Ahmad
4) Gross 73 – Suhaimi Ibrahim
5) Gross 74 – Khairul Kamis
6) Gross 74 – Hj Arfian Hj Abd Kadir
7) Gross 74 – Mohd Zainul Amir Abdullah
8) Gross 74 – Wan Man Wan Hil
9) Gross 74 – Muhd Hariz Hasim
10) Gross 75 – Dennis Koh
11) Gross 75 – Hj Aziz Kassim
12) Gross 75 – Carlos Miguel Eleazar

Pg Adam Pg Atan is the current leader in Day 4

Mohd Zainul Amir Abdullah is still in the run for the Top 12

The Baiduri Masters 2012 continues this weekend with a total of 154 players who played today. An overall of 840 players have played so far.

By end of play on 03 June 2012, 12 players from RBA Golf Club will qualify in the final round which will be played on Sunday morning to vie for the title champion. Players will be grouped into 3 flights in accordance with their scores and tee off flight by flight starting at 7.00 a.m. The lowest gross scores will tee-off last.

To enable players to keep abreast with the results, a leader board will be set up this Sunday at the VIP Room on the first floor of RBA Golf Club where scores will be displayed as they become available. On the final day (Sunday), all nett results will be displayed on the scoreboard by 2 p.m.

The prize presentation ceremony will be held at the Hua Ho Manggis Ballroom on Sunday, 03 June starting at 7.00 p.m. The programme will include presentation of donations to charity bodies and lucky draws. All players are invited to attend.

Besides the title champion, also up for grabs are three luxury cars and two cash prizes put up as hole-in-one prizes. The luxury cars are Porsche Boxster, BMW 520, and Mini Cooper. The two cash prizes are B$20,000 each. In the tournament’s 17 year history, only one person has managed to strike a hole-in-one two years ago and took home a BMW 730Li.

The Baiduri Masters is organized by Baiduri Bank Group, with the support of their event partners QAF Auto Sdn Bhd, QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd, QAF Transport Sdn Bhd, QAF Brunei, Ben Foods (B) Sdn Bhd, RBA Golf Club Sdn Bhd, and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

Defending champion Carlos just managed to squeeze into the Top 12 and he will be playing today to see if he can improve his standings

Seruji Hj Setia dropped out of the Top 12. He was ranked 8th on the 3rd Day with a gross of 76.

So far 273 golfers participated in the first two days of The Baiduri Masters 2012 tournament and the standings for the top 3 positions in the ranking haven’t changed 1) Majid Ahmad 2) Suhaimi Ibrahim 3) Pg Adam Pg Atan. Seruji former Baiduri Masters champion slid to 6th place and he is still eligible for the cut for the final round of The Baiduri Masters 2012. Another former champion Wan Man Wan Hil scored a 74 and he is ranked 4th in the leader board.

With two more rounds left before the final cut, anything can happen in the leader board standing. Today (Sunday), more golfers will be vying for the Top 12 spot of The Baiduri Masters 2012.The tournament is held over this weekend and will continue over next weekend. A total of five prizes are up for grabs as hole-in-one prizes.

Besides the Porsche Boxster, BMW 520, and Mini Cooper, golfers also stand a chance to win two cash prizes of $20,000 each. In addition, there will be novelty prizes for nearest to pin at all Par 3 over the six-day event, as well as attractive charity draw prizes.

Proceeds from the Baiduri Masters will be channeled to a number of local charities and welfare bodies that provide help and support for individuals with special needs.

The public, which includes non-Baiduri customers, can still register to take part in any of the days still remaining, on a first-come first-served basis. They can also play more than once to increase their chances of winning.

Gross Leader Board: Top 12 Players (Day 2)

1) Gross 72 – Majid Ahmad
2) Gross 73 – Suhaimi Ibrahim
3) Gross 73 – Pg Adam Pg Atan
4) Gross 74 – Wan Man Wan Hil
5) Gross 76 – Lim Chai Hock
6) Gross 76 – Seruji Hj Setia
7) Gross 76 – Pg Darul Ehsan
8) Gross 76 – Khairul Kamis
9) Gross 78 – Hj Momin Sawal
10) Gross 78 – Simon Newn
11) Gross 78 – Azaman Mohd Daud
12) Gross 78 – Mohd Ali Tuah

Wan Man Wan Hil, former champion of The Baiduri Masters, shot a 74 and ranked 4th in the standings

Khairul Khamis also squeezed in the Top 12 but it remains to be seen if his 8th place won’t be overtaken by the next session

Majid Ahmad topped Friday’s lead in the 1st Day of The Baiduri Masters 2012 event while former champion Seruji Hj Setia scored 4 strokes behind with a 76 while leader Majid Ahmad scored a 72. Suhaimi Ibrahim and Pg Adam socred a 73 each. A junior player Young Ren Wee hit a 79.

The standings will change every session of The Baiduri Masters 2012 but it’s safe to say that Majid Ahmad, Suhaimi and Pg Adam secured berth in the final round of golf tournament unless the next four days produced some miracle results from other players. Brunei’s top player Seruji Hj Setia might miss that cut depending on other results.

Majid Ahmad finished top spot in the 1st day of the Gross Leader Board. He is most likely to secure the cut off for the Green Jacket of The Baiduri Masters 2012.

Pg Adam finished Top 3 and his place in the final cut will depend on other players on the different sessions of The Baiduri Masters 2012

The helpers of The Baiduri Masters 2012 and making sure the tournament runs smoothly. A big appreciation towards them.

Gross Leader Board: Top 12 Players (Day 1)

1) Gross 72 – Majid Ahmad
2) Gross 73 – Suhaimi Ibrahim
3) Gross 73 – Pg Adam Pg Atan
4) Gross 76 – Lim Chai Hock
5) Gross 76 – Seruji Hj Setia
6) Gross 78 – Hj Momim Sawal
7) Gross 79 – Yunos Abdullah
8) Gross 79 – Young Ren Wee
9) Gross 80 – Suhaimei Besar
10) Gross 80 – Hj Yussop Daud
11) Gross 80 – Pg Hj Ali Hj Samsudin
12) Gross 80 – Lt Col Hj Abd Rahman

The tournament is held over this weekend and will continue over next weekend. A total of five prizes are up for grabs as hole-in-one prizes.

Besides the Porsche Boxster, BMW 520, and Mini Cooper, golfers also stand a chance to win two cash prizes of $20,000 each. In addition, there will be novelty prizes for nearest to pin at all Par 3 over the six-day event, as well as attractive charity draw prizes.

Proceeds from the Baiduri Masters will be channeled to a number of local charities and welfare bodies that provide help and support for individuals with special needs.

The public, which includes non-Baiduri customers, can still register to take part in any of the days still remaining, on a first-come first-served basis. They can also play more than once to increase their chances of winning.

The hole-in-one prizes for The Baiduri Masters 2012. No one has won it on the 1st day of The Baiduri Masters 2012.

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Defending champion Carlos Miguel Eleazar almost missed the cut though his 12th position is not safe considering there is one qualifying round left for the Baiduri Masters 2012. He scored a gross of 75 yesterday and today he will compete again today to make sure he scores better than a 75.

He was in the same team with Edwin Liew who scored a 76 and apparently, their game was slightly affected by a small commotion by one of the participants who screamed to get attention of other players to hurry with the game. This unnecessary commotion would have affected player’s concentration and mentality of his or her game.

I’m surprised to see Seruji Hj Setia missing the cut with a previous gross score of 76 on Day 1 of The Baiduri Masters 2012. I’m not sure if he actually played on different days to better his score but it will be rare to see that Seruji not competing for the “green jacket”.

It looks like the Top 5 players are safe to make the cut despite with a day left to play unless. Pg Adam Pg Atan leads the pack in the leader board but it all counts for nothing come Sunday as the Top 12 players will compete for the “Green Jacket”. There is a lot of familiar names in the Top 12 but it will be interesting to see if there will be changes to the Top 12 tomorrow.

Gross Leader Board: Top 12 Players (Day 4)

1) Gross 70 – Pg Adam Pg Atan
2) Gross 71 – Hj Shahminan Hj Damit
3) Gross 72 – Majid Ahmad
4) Gross 73 – Suhaimi Ibrahim
5) Gross 74 – Khairul Kamis
6) Gross 74 – Hj Arfian Hj Abd Kadir
7) Gross 74 – Mohd Zainul Amir Abdullah
8) Gross 74 – Wan Man Wan Hil
9) Gross 74 – Muhd Hariz Hasim
10) Gross 75 – Dennis Koh
11) Gross 75 – Hj Aziz Kassim
12) Gross 75 – Carlos Miguel Eleazar

Pg Adam Pg Atan is the current leader in Day 4

Mohd Zainul Amir Abdullah is still in the run for the Top 12

The Baiduri Masters 2012 continues this weekend with a total of 154 players who played today. An overall of 840 players have played so far.

By end of play on 03 June 2012, 12 players from RBA Golf Club will qualify in the final round which will be played on Sunday morning to vie for the title champion. Players will be grouped into 3 flights in accordance with their scores and tee off flight by flight starting at 7.00 a.m. The lowest gross scores will tee-off last.

To enable players to keep abreast with the results, a leader board will be set up this Sunday at the VIP Room on the first floor of RBA Golf Club where scores will be displayed as they become available. On the final day (Sunday), all nett results will be displayed on the scoreboard by 2 p.m.

The prize presentation ceremony will be held at the Hua Ho Manggis Ballroom on Sunday, 03 June starting at 7.00 p.m. The programme will include presentation of donations to charity bodies and lucky draws. All players are invited to attend.

Besides the title champion, also up for grabs are three luxury cars and two cash prizes put up as hole-in-one prizes. The luxury cars are Porsche Boxster, BMW 520, and Mini Cooper. The two cash prizes are B$20,000 each. In the tournament’s 17 year history, only one person has managed to strike a hole-in-one two years ago and took home a BMW 730Li.

The Baiduri Masters is organized by Baiduri Bank Group, with the support of their event partners QAF Auto Sdn Bhd, QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd, QAF Transport Sdn Bhd, QAF Brunei, Ben Foods (B) Sdn Bhd, RBA Golf Club Sdn Bhd, and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

Defending champion Carlos just managed to squeeze into the Top 12 and he will be playing today to see if he can improve his standings

Seruji Hj Setia dropped out of the Top 12. He was ranked 8th on the 3rd Day with a gross of 76.

NAD’S V8 defeated Spitfire 22-9 in the final to be crowned champions of the Men’s Ivy League Netball Charity Tournament 2012 at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex in Berakas yesterday.

“They did very well in the game. They played with amazing team spirit and teamwork,” said Nad’s V8 team manager Shariff Yusoff.

“I am very happy with their performance today and I think the team captain Ramdani Jamanji played very well in the game,” he said.

Nad’s V8 went undefeated throughout the tournament and consequently topped Group B after winning all five of their group matches.

They went on to win the semifinal match, beating Nad’s Star 18-3 to book a place in the championship game against Spitfire who defeated Matrix B 12-10 in the other semi-final.

Matrix B edged Nad’s Star 18-17 to take the third place in the competition. A total of 12 teams took part in the tournament and were divided into two groups.

Strangers, BMJ, Nad’s Star, BSRC, Matrix B and JBCE Buttowski were in group A.

Group B, meanwhile, comprised Emerald Ahiz, F 19, Matrix A, Nextz, Nad’s v8 and Spitfire.

The Women’s category will be held this Sunday at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex. Present as the guest of honour to grace the event was Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin.

The tournament’s proceeds will go to the Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and the Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA). Courtesy of The Brunei Times.

Beginning today, fans of KFC’s Facebook® Pages around the world can access exclusive content for free from the soon-to-be-released book, “Colonel Harland Sanders: The Autobiography of the Original Celebrity Chef.” The original manuscript, written by the Colonel himself in 1966 and discovered by accident more than 40 years later, is being launched exclusively on Facebook. The entire book can be downloaded for free at https://www.facebook.com/KFCBrunei beginning Tuesday, June 5th. It is not available in book stores or via online book sellers.

“What’s most amazing about the book is that while it was written nearly a half-century ago, both the insightful life lessons and the delicious recipes remain relevant today,” said Jonathan Bong, Senior Marketing Manager, KFC Brunei. “Because of that, our goal is to share the autobiography with as many people as possible, free of charge. We couldn’t think of a better way to do that than via Facebook.”

Free content available beginning today includes: a Foreword written by KFC’s first franchisee Pete Harman, an introduction written by Colonel Sanders, and the first chapter. Also available are four recipes selected from among the 33 never-before-seen recipes featured in the book: Potato Pancakes, The Colonel’s Special Omelet, Hush Puppies, and Upside-Down Peach Cobbler.

The autobiography provides an authentic look into the life of one of the world’s legendary entrepreneurs and is centered on his passion for food, hard work and the importance of home-style country cooking.

“The only thing keeping this book from being a best-seller is that we’re not selling them,” Jonathan Bong said of the free download.

This will be launched exclusively on Facebook. Click on image to enter Facebook

Full Autobiography and Cookbook Available June 5

In November, 2011, KFC announced that the manuscript had been discovered in the company’s archives and it quickly made worldwide news. The world was fascinated by the idea that the man who perfected one of the world’s most famous recipes had also penned a book featuring his life story and some of his favorite recipes.

The book contains 33 never-before-published recipes, dozens of rare historic photos and countless amazing stories told firsthand by the man who lived those stories. Beginning Tuesday, June 5th, the entire book can be downloaded free of charge, but only via KFC Brunei’s Facebook Page.

For more information about “The Autobiography of the Original Celebrity Chef,” visit https://www.facebook.com/KFCBrunei.

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There’s another Fun Run event happening in mid-June and this is the time to mingle with QS or Quantity Surveyors. There are three types of categories.

$10 students
$20 2.5km run
$20 Overtime Run (5km)

There are prizes to be won as well for the runners such as the Funniest Run and the Funniest Dress. But in the end of the day, this is about having fun at Tasek Lama as well as raising funds for a good cause (SMARTER Brunei and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ammerah Al-Hajjah Maryam).

There’s also a student category (Treasure Hunt) as part of the programme. All you have to do is “spot them” and ask them a question and you will receive a token in exchange. There is a mystery prize too for the most tokens. Ok, I’m not sure how the mechanics work but I shall share with you more information when the time is near.

You can collect registration at LAH Consultants, 1st Floor, Unit 10, Block D, Kiarong Complex. Call 242 8131 for more details.

Rememeber the huge craze on Panini football stickers? Well, it’s back again and I haven’t started the so called “craze” moment yet as I’m preparing for my one week trip next week. But for those interested, you can start buying your sticker album now and you can win awesome prizes for participating in the promotion conducted by Panini (Brunei) and managed by Adison Marketing.

There are three categories where you can win prizes :-

1) Guess & Win – The participants who can guessed the right answer as who will win Euro 2012, then you will get a chance win $100 gift vouchers (to 30 winners) of Cosmo Beauty.
2) 100% completion of Euro 2012 Sticker Album – For every 100% completion of stikcer album, you will receive a PUMA FC jacket.
3) Stick & Win (at least 80% completion) – You could win a Niko D90 or the new iPad or Samsung Galaxy Note if you have at least 80% completion of the Euro 2012 sticker album.

I will let you know of any gathering for sticker exchange soon and it’s quite popular among the local community. During the World Cup 2010, there were a few meeting points such as Mamih Cafe and Foodzone Food Court to name a few. Good luck to all the collectors and let the fun begin!!!

Now the Panini official sticker album is available in many department stores, book shops and convenient shops

Look at the number of stickers I had to go through then back in June 2010

Khai (right) is also another avid collector of Panini stickers. Taken back in June 2010.

The great turnout two years ago at Mamih Cafe Mata-Mata Complex

The committee of “The Run” holding the poster with the management of The Orchid Garden Hotel this morning

Orchid Garden Hotel (OGH) continues to support initiatives aimed at reaching out to the wider community, following its appointment as the official hotel partner for the Pusat Ehsan Charity Run 2012.

‘The Run’ is scheduled to be held on July 8 at the BSB Waterfront in the capital. In conjunction with the event, Orchid Garden Hotel (OGH) will be offering its hospitality package for a 2 days 1 night room stay for Two (2) persons. The specific package is valid for check in on the 7th July 2012 only. It includes complimentary transportation to and from the venue, a “carbo-loading” buffet dinner before the run and many more to ease the guests stay and their preparations for their run.

This package is available for everyone and interested overseas participants can even go online to the Hotels website and make an instant room reservation. “We always try and do our part in supporting the community and work with Pusat Ehsan on an annual basis. As the official Hotel, we will also be supporting the event by sending some of our staff to participate in different categories of the run itself. We will also be giving away vouchers to every participant and if they redeem their vouchers at our F&B outlets, part of the proceeds will be donated to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al- Hajjah Maryam” – Shamsul Bahrin Pehin Dato Dr Hj Ahmad (General Manager, Orchid Garden Hotel).

For more details and further enquiries please do contact our Sales & Marketing Department 233 5544 or email to reservations@orchidgarden.brunei.com

For your info, the registration will be closed on 8th June 2012 and the limit of the participants is only 4,000 and therefore, should the number reach by 4,000 then the registration will be closed even before the closing date which is 8th of June.

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Birthday boy Adam with Syahreen and Qilah

Last day is Monday

For those who wants to experience a different concept of fine dining, then you should try their current theme “EPICURE” which is hosted at Spaghettini at The Empire Hotel & Country Club. The exclusive dining promotion will be ongoing until the 4th June.

Chef Torsten and Chef Ajoy have paired together to create a rare opportunity for epicureans what can be described as a great “harmony of flavours”. They have worked for a few months to create the dishes exclusively for “EPICURE”. The ingredients are imported hence you will be able to experience a unique taste without compromising the traditional feel and they also have added some innovative touches by creating an 8 course menu.

The menu features first class ingredients such as Osietra Caviar, Foie Gras, Fresh Morels, Maine Lobster, Blackmore Wagyu Beef and Black Summer Truffle.

So make your bookings at Spaghettini and the promotion will end on 4th June. Just to let you know that “EPICURE” is limited to 40 seats per night and it’s BND 99 per person. For reservations, please call 241 7700.

By the way, I just rang Spaghettini at 10:15am today and these are the updates – Saturday is fully booked. Sunday still have over 20 pax slots left and also the final day, Monday, have over 20 pax slots left. As you know the maximum capacity is 40 pax per night. So grab this opportunity while you can.

The 8 set menu for EPICURE

For starters before our meals were being served

Soup with duck

This I really like – Foie Gras

This is not really for me but it’s more of a diluting the taste for the next dish. Rock Oyster Sorbet. As Anakbrunei said, it’s pretty challenging for this particular dish. I agree.

The waiters explaining the types of dishes being served

Lobster Cannelloni – I like this too

The main event of the main course – Need I say more. Wagyu beef, tender and medium 😀

Great selection of desserts too. I was practically full before the final dish

Even my beautiful friends tried out EPICURE during their ladies’ night out. I have to say half of the room are people I know *lol*

Chef Ajoy and Chef Torsten, the mastermind behind EPICURE

Now Malaysia Airlines have their first Airbus A380

Malaysia’s first Airbus A380 the new flagship aircraft and pride of Malaysia Airlines, touched down at KL International Airport (KLIA) at 3:35pm on 30th May 2012.

The first of the six A380 ordered by Malaysia Airlines, departed on its maiden journey from Toulouse, France on Tuesday and arrived safely on schedule in KLIA.

The aircraft was commanded by a team of technical crew comprising Captain Norshid Ali, Captain Mohd Seth Mohd Ariff, Captain Joseph Emuang Jr and Captain Sumar Lee Hashim Lee. Also on board, was a delegation comprising representatives of Airbus and senior Malaysia Airlines executives led by its Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya.

Malaysia Airlines is the eighth operator of this super-jumbo and the first in the world to receive the aircraft for training purposes before returning to Toulouse for final touches.

Malaysia Airlines’ A380 has a seat configuration of 494 comprising 8 First Class and 350 Economy Class seats on the main deck and 66 Business Class and 70 Economy Class seats on the upper deck. The national carrier will commence thrice weekly commercial operations of the A380 on the Kuala Lumpur-London-Kuala Lumpur route effective 1 July 2012. Daily A380 operations on this route will start from 25 August 2012 when the second aircraft joins the national carrier’s fleet. Courtesy of Malaysia Airlines.