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Yasmine to take Brunei by storm
The talk of the town – Liyana Yus who plays the main lead as Yasmine
The hype is just getting bigger and bigger. It’s like a dream come true for many and I felt surreal that fact that Yasmine is a locally produced movie in Brunei but has that global feel. I was lucky enough to witness behind-the-scene moments of Yasmine during the 5 week production. I never knew that how much can involved by just doing a 10 second scene alone and hence it does make sense on whether the dollars and cents are really spent. If I’m not mistaken, the cost of the movie runs at roughly USD 2 million and that’s considered a great deal.
Yesterday I had the privilege to attend the media screening of Yasmine the movie and it was considered the first screening ever in Brunei for movie reviewers and the press. I won’t say share much in-depth review of the movie just yet as I will save it for The Popcorn Panel soon. So stay tune for that.
The press screening was held at Times Cineplex @ The Empire at Screen 1 and present were Datin Paduka Hjh Adina, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, the members of the media and social media, the Indonesian press, the cast and crew of Yasmine.
The Premier Gala Night will be held today at Times Cineplex @ The Empire but if you want to catch the first actual show, you can catch sneaks tomorrow (Sunday) at the Mall Cineplex at 3pm screening. The official launch date for Yasmine is 21st August 2014.
I am very happy for Siti Kamaluddin and her brother Din Kamaluddin, the producer, for giving a new breath into our creativity industry that we have the talents but we also have to take the first initiative and be proactive, rather than wait. The journey began years back when Siti Kamaluddin and Man Ching (action choreography director) met up and shared ideas on making a locally made movie. One thing led to another and of course, financing this project is not an easy task. Knocking on doors was one of the options and they landed a BEDB Grant to kick things off and from there, they were many stakeholders from the government agencies that came in to support.
I’m also quite happy for both local stars Liyana Yus and Nadiah Wahid as they both shined on screen. This is already considered a great first impression and both stars have such raw talent at a very young age. So peeps, do pen your date on the 21st August or if you want to catch the sneaks, it will be at 3pm Sunday, The Mall Cineplex. or you can catch at 3:30pm at Times Cineplex (Times Square). The prices will be at normal weekend prices. They just announced it and tickets are still available.
I can’t wait for the Gala Night tonight and this will be my second viewing. A full review on my post as well as on The Popcorn Panel. For now, I highly recommend you to catch Yasmine and see what our local talents are capable of pulling off in the creative and entertainment industry.
After the press screening of Yasmine yesterday at Times Cineplex @ The Empire
Another photo opportunity with the star of Yasmine
With the crew of Yasmine (from Origins Film)
Press conference with the cast and crew of Yasmine at Brunei Hotel
The seatings for Sunday screening of Yasmine at Times Cineplex (Times Square). Click image and select Sunday.
The seatings for Sunday screening of Yasmine at The Mall Cineplex. Click image and select Sunday.
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Wake me up
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I can’t believe it that it’s now available in Burger King in Brunei 😀
BURGER KING® Brunei introduces the BK Rendang Deluxe and BK Crispy Chicken Rendang limited only to the Hari Raya season.
The new Rendang sauce, unique to Burger King® comes with a spicy flavor that is in-tune with the festive season. Operations Manager, Saiful Zamhor noted that the selection of Rendang burgers will only be available for a limited time only.
“The Rendang sauce will blend well with local taste-buds as it is a flavour that can be easily accepted by Bruneians. We also offer in both proteins, chicken and beef, hopefully to cater to everyone,” said Saiful.
To cool off after a spicy Rendang meal, Burger King® Brunei is also now offering two dessert options, which is the Sundae Cone for a great value of $1.00 only. Should customers want something with more flavours and textures, the Hershey’s ® Sundae Pie, a product exclusive to Burger King worldwide is also made available and have been receiving great feedback from patron
“The Hershey’s ® Sundae Pie is really a unique product. As mentioned, Burger King® is the only brand in the world that has these pies, and they are a great addition to our snack and dessert’s selection where customers can enjoy at any time of the day,” said Saiful.
As for the Sundae Cups with Strawberry, Chocolate and Caramel toppings, those will be available in the coming weeks, whilst the Taro Pie, another unique product will be available in September.
“This will also be tied in with the launch of our extended range of coffee selection, making us the only Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in Brunei that offers bean-to-cup coffee,” said Saiful.
All this will be in conjunction with Burger King® Brunei’s second outlet, located at the arrival hall of Brunei International Airport.
“We were looking at an opening in Q2 2014, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, we have pushed back the opening to Q3 2014, so customers can expect the opening to be somewhere in September,” said Saiful. He added: “We are working closely with authorities from the Department of Civil Aviation and we think it is the beginning of a great working relationship between the airport and ourselves.”
The response to Burger King has been extremely positive, which has prompted the brand to quickly expand with two more branches, with the third being in the Belait district with a target opening date in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Burger King – Hershey’s Sundae Pie
Burger King – $1 Ice-cream sundae cone
Ms Nancy Ferriman, L’Occitane General Manager for South East Asia for L’Occitane, Ms Sally Lam, CEO of Livewelle Ventures, owner of the Brunei Franchise for L’Occitane and Mr Pierre Imhof, President of the French Brunei Business Association and also CEO of Baiduri Bank. Image courtesy of Mabohai Shopping Complex.
L’Occitane, the latest international brand to be launched in Brunei Darussalam, held its Grand Opening ceremony on 11th August 2014 at the Mabohai Shopping Complex.
The Chief Guest was the President of the French Brunei Business Association and also CEO of Baiduri Bank, Mr Pierre Imhof. Mr Imhof delivered a warm speech welcoming L’Occitane into the business scene. Mr. Imhof launched his speech by admiring the colour and floral and herbal scents which radiated from the L’Occitane store. He congratulated L’Occitane for their opening and wished them success in their endeavours.
Ms Sally Lam, CEO of Livewelle Ventures, owner of the Brunei Franchise for L’Occitane took the guests on a journey of how L’Occitane originated in 1976 from the vision and passion of Olivier Baussan, founder of the company which grew into a world renowned establishment through their natural, traceable and active ingredients and products. Ms Lam expressed her delight in bringing the brand to Brunei Darussalam and thanked the guests for attending today’s Grand Opening ceremony.
Attending on behalf of L’Occitane is their General Manager for South East Asia, Ms Nancy Ferriman, who said how delighted L’Occitane is to bring a little piece of the sunshine and beauty of the Provence region to Brunei through their Brunei store. She encouraged the guests to try L’Occitane’s beautiful products and mentioned that a special men’s range is also available under their Verdon, L’Occitan and Verbena products using organic peppermint essential oil, lavender mixed with a peppery and nutmeggy wood scent, and organic verbena & lemony oils.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests and the public were invited to tour the shop to view, test and buy L’Occitane’s wonderful products. Several guests enjoyed taking photographs with their friends and of themselves against a large photo backdrop depicting a lavender field in full bloom in the South of France. There was also a product sampling booth where guests were invited to try L’Occitane’s Best Sellers; Immortelle Divine Cream and Almond Milk Concentrate.
In conjunction with their Grand Opening, L’Occitane in partnership with Baiduri Bank Bhd, is offering Baiduri Bank’s Infinite and Platinum Card holders a B$10 Cash Voucher & a VIP Card with minimum purchase of B$100 nett. This limited offer is valid until 10th September 2014.
L’OCCITANE offers a variety of personal care products, including face, body and hair care, and fragrances using ingredients gathered in the south of France and around the Mediterranean. Renowned for its high-quality, effective and natural beauty products, L’OCCITANE is anchored in Provence, France, where the fragrant fields of Lavender are a constant reminder of the natural richness of this region.
The first L’OCCITANE store opened in 1981, in Provence. In 2013, L’OCCITANE had a presence in over 90 countries, with over 2,200 stores.
The Complex Manager of Mabohai Shopping Complex, Ms Yee-Man Cheng said:
“With the debut of L’Occitane in Brunei Darussalam at the Mabohai Shopping Complex, we are delighted to welcome them as our newest tenant, occupying a prime unit on the first floor of the complex. L’Occitane’s products are renowned internationally for their high quality beauty products and fragrances, developed following the principles of phytotherapy and aromatherapy. We are especially proud that L’Occitane has decided to open their first store with us and we wish them success in their business venture.”
Mr Pierre Imhof, President of the French Brunei Business Association and also CEO of Baiduri Bank delivering his welcoming remarks
Ms Sally Lam, CEO of Livewelle Ventures, owner of the Brunei Franchise for L’Occitane delivering her welcoming remarks
Guest trying out the products
Check out L’Occitane’s products
Guest trying out the products
L’Occitane is located on 1st floor of Mabohai Shopping Complex
Listen on our podcast review of The Expendables 3 with special guest Tiffany Yong on the Popcorn Panel
Wu Chun, owner of Fitness Zone and Claudio Abitante, Managing Director of Foodpanda Brunei exchanging documents for an interesting partnership between the two companies.
Last week, Foodpanda, the first food delivery service in Brunei, is now bringing healthy eating and convenience to households in Brunei with their new tie up with The Energy Kitchen & Fitness Zone. After a very successful launch, Foodpanda is very keen to add new restaurants and to expand to more areas in Brunei.
“We are constantly looking to bring greater variety of food to customers and healthy eating is definitely the upcoming trend everywhere around the world nowadays.” says Claudio Abitante, MD foodpanda.com.bn. “We hope of having healthy food and incorporating healthy living to Brunei. ” he adds.
The Energy Kitchen hopes to bring the concept of healthy eating to Bruneians, by encouraging them to “Join the EAT SMART Revolution” and “Enjoy Real Food”. They aim to prove that healthy food can taste good with flavorsome dishes like Baked Sweet Potato Wedges, Superfood Salad, The Energy Burger, Salmon Soba, etc, making it easier for Bruneians to get a healthy meal.
“We have always envisioned people having healthier alternatives to whatever that is available out there – now working with foodpanda – healthy meals are much more easily accessible to everyone out there and everyone should try to eat a balance diet and have an active lifestyle in order to achieve a good quality of life!” says Wu Chun, Owner of The Energy Kitchen & Fitness Zone. “We think this will be a very meaningful partnership between Finess Zone, The Energy Kitchen and Foodpanda”.
Established less than a month ago, Foodpanda Brunei is fast becoming a household name in Brunei as a new way to order and enjoy food. Currently with more than 20 restaurants, foodpanda is not charging a delivery fee for most restaurants to enable Bruneians to try out their service.
“I think this would really suit a busy person such as myself who sometimes finds it very difficult to find healthy food – sometimes I even miss my meals due to my busy schedule! Well, not any more with foodpanda and The Energy Kitchen. Now, i can really nourish my body with superfood with the help of The Energy Kitchen ” says Jamillah, a local health enthusiast.Fitness Zone, the biggest health club in Brunei will come in as the official health partner with Food panda.
Order a minimum of $15 from food panda and customers will receive a 1 week membership to this international standard health club. According to Wu Chun, ” This collaboration is in line with Fitness Zone CSR project to encourage Bruneians to stay an active lifestyle and enjoy the many good things life can bring to you when you are fit and healthy!”
From the overwhelming response to their launch, foodpanda.com.bn are now looking to aggressively grow by expanding to other parts of Brunei and adding in more restaurants to their list. Besides delivery, foodpanda.com.bn also offers take-away and pre-order options. Customers can skip queues and order food on the go or pre-order meals from their favorite restaurants. Currently delivery orders are taken via their website and mobile application on iOS, Google Play and Windows
Store.
For more information, please call Fitness Zone at 2233338 and The Energy Kitchen at 2233323 or visit our website www.fitnesszone.com.bn or facebook – FitnesszoneBrunei.
The cute Foodpanda balls
One of the healthy dishes from Energy Kitchen
The signing ceremony between Wu Chun and Claudio Abitante
Wu Chun with the Brunei team of Foodpanda
Now isn’t this an awesome deal? They just received additional fundings and this time, in the figure of USD 60 million in a new financing from a group of investors including existing backer Rocket Internet AG.
Did you know that Foodpanda is only two years old? It’s amazing how they have created such a phenomena in the past years or so. Amazing indeed! They are quite big in other countries and Brunei just launched the Foodpanda services a few weeks ago and the orders have steadily increased, considering its smaller market size as compared to other countries.
The additional funds will help Foodpanda to penetrate to other markets in Asian, Africa, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Latin America.
According to the news online, there are other major players such as GrubHub, Just-Eat and Delivery Hero that also provide similar services. For your info, Brunei also have their own home-grown food delivery service app and it’s called Food Fuel created by a start-up company DotRoot Technologies.
Screenshot taken on Reuters’ news on Foodpanda. Click to read more.
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Steady is fast
The linesman must have picked some poses from Ronaldo
The first loss has been forgotten. Last night, Brunei bagged another impressive win against Singapore 3-1. That makes it two impressive wins in a row. Previously they have beaten Indonesia with the same score line. The two wins combined with the first loss (to Cambodia) have put Brunei Darussalam U-21 in a potential semi-final berth. They will have to gain maximum points against Vietnam (Friday) and Malaysia (Monday) to make the top two in the Group B.
It was a heavy downpour and I was surprised that the match went as scheduled. Normally in this kind of weather, the match commissioner will safe approach to delay the match slightly until the pitch condition is playable. Of course, the rain made it more interesting and with the challenge of the rain, it could be anybody’s game. It’s how you go through that challenges will make you a stronger team.
Brunei U-21 team wasted no chance as they scored in the first minute of the match after some clumsy defending by the Singaporean U-21 team. Yes, Adi Said has been the focal point of the first two matches. However, this match belonged to his team mate Abdul Azim Abdul Rashid scored in the first minute and also in the 68th minute. Adi Said also earned his place in the score sheet as he crafted another wonderful goal late in the first half. He had plenty of chances but it was his finishing that led him down.
Brunei could have put the game beyond doubt if they had taken their chances on the spot. Singapore had a great opportunities and it would have made a difference if they had scored first.
The result means that Brunei will need to beat Vietnam and Malaysia and hope other results will go their way.
This was my first HBT football coverage and sadly, I won’t be able to watch the semis and the finals as I will be outstation once again.
Brunei will take on Vietnam this Friday at 8:15 (kick-off) at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium. The host nation will look into getting full points of Vietnam. This will be a tough match and it could be anybody’ game right now. Good luck, Brunei U-21 team.
The match steward braving the rain and also making sure that there won’t be any friction or riot especially emotional driven matches
It was such a turn out despite the heavy rain. Awesome!!
Can you imagine being soaked and drenched under the rain?
Fans will be fans and they are pretty sporting
The rain didn’t dampen their spirt after all
The hero of the night – Azim Rashid
Rain or shine, they made sure of their consideration
It’s never easy to take photos under the rain. My hats off to you guys out there.
Poor, Dean Kassim. His Canon EOS 5D Mark III couldn’t function and it must have been due to the train
The manager and head coach were in humour mode despite the loss
The management of Brunei U-21 was impressed with the outing last night and team manager was in high confidence and he hopes for more points in the next two matches
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The Ice Breaker
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joining the crowd during the match between Indonesia and Brunei at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night. Picture: BT/Faiq Airudin
It’s good to know that His Majesty the Sultan walked section of the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium from the VVIP area and it was a great reception from the sections of the crowd as they sang birthday songs to His Majesty. I have hardly seen His Majesty walking through different sections of the stadium and I wasn’t fortunate enough to be witness it. So the pictures that I’m posting are from @faiqairudin who had nice momentary shots of our Monarch.
The match between Brunei and Indonesia lived up to its expectation and it was a much needed win for Brunei as they lost their first match against Cambodia on the opening night. It was such a brilliant effort by Adi Said who scored a hat trick two nights ago and he just keeps on improving from time to time. Though he is listed as over-aged player, he seems to be an instrumental player for Brunei U-21 team. I’m just afraid that the U-21 team will rely too much on Adi Said’s services. That makes it 5 goals in 3 matches for Adi Said if you count the previous goals he scored for DPMM FC a week ago. There was an injury scare for Adi prior to the tournament but he managed to recover in time for the tournament.
Brunei will next play Singapore (Wednesday) and Vietnam (Friday). So do come in throngs and support Brunei and hope for a place in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014. I shall be back for official duty coverage for the next two games before I head off flying again.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (C) and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (L), the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at Prime Minister’s Office accompanied by HRH Prince `Abdul Malik (R centre) personally greeted the crowd during the match between Indonesia and Brunei at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, yesterday. Picture:BT/Faiq Airudin
Listen to my take on the late Robin Williams on The Popcorn Panel as a bonus episode
One of the best scenes from Good Will Hunting starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon
Do drop by Sin Hup Huat for more inquiries and I have been using Michelin brand for many years too. Follow them on instagram @sinhuphuat or Facebook SHHCO for more updates.
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB)’s new ambassador Wu Chun and Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of RB during the press conference.
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) held a press conference on 8th August 2014 to announce Wu Chun as the national carrier’s new international brand ambassador.
“Wu Chun’s celebrity status in our regional markets, together with his renowned images as a family man makes him the ideal choice to represent the RB brand. His popularity will serve to better introduce RB and destination Brunei in the all-important China market and across Asia. RB is looking forward to a year of strategic marketing activities and exploring more collaboration in the future with Wu Chun in his ambassadorial role,” said Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of RB.
According to Wu Chun. “I was introduced to RB’s brand attributes: authentic, gracious, delightful and optimistic; which I find fitting for my image as a family man, entrepreneur and a celebrity. As a Bruneian, to say that I am delighted to be linked to the RB brand is an understatement.”
He begins his tenure as RB’s international brand ambassador with an official signing ceremony to be held on 21st August 2014 in Shanghai to kick-start the campaign and activities.
Azaraimy of Borneo Bulletin asking a question
Dermot Mannion and Wu Chun carrying an RB model aircraft scale
Group photo with RB’s associates
Check out RB’s Facebook Page. Click image.
By the way, awesome deals to Singapore via RB
Hj Sulaiman the winner of the Grand Prize of KIA’s Hari Raya promotion
KIA car owner Hj Sulaiman Abdul Rahman walked away with $10,000 as the Grand Prize winner of Kia’s Hari Raya Promotion draw. This was part of the Korean Brand’s Hari Raya promotions, and Open House celebration.
Meanwhile, second and third prize winners, Alinayati Hj Perudin and Hj Amit Omar, received $5,000 and $3,000 respectively while another 15 lucky individuals went home with $500 each.
A total of 50 shortlisted customers out of the 800 who had purchased Kia cars between May 1 to July 31 were invited to the double celebration event, which saw representatives of various financial institutions, including Baiduri Finance and BIBD At-Tamwil Berhad draw names of winners.
Also present at the event were Grand Motors Managing Director, Frankie Ho, Grand Motors Executive Director, Hj Shaiful Rizal Pehin Dato Dr Hj Ahmad, Kia Sales Manager, Jacqueline Koh as well as the representatives from Baiduri Finance and BIBD At-Tamwil Berhad.
Alinayati Hj Perudin the runner up of KIA’s Hari Raya promotion
Hj Amit Omar the 2nd-runner up of KIA’s Hari Raya promotion
The crowd waiting for the KIA Hari Raya promotion draw last week
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RIP Williams
The news from Times.com today
It’s such a sad news when we hear celebrities pass away and today was another tragedy that one of the Hollywood icons Robin Williams passed away and it was reported that it could be related to suicide.
But it was noted by his publicist that Robin Williams have been battling severe depression as of late. It’s just tragic to listen to human beings taking their lives away as there is so much the world can give but they chose a different path instead, a darker one.
I remember watching the television hit series Mork and Mindy and I am pretty sure that not most of you have heard of this series because it was back in the early 80s which rose him to fame. I believe he was one of the few actors that made it through the big screen after successful outings in TV series.
I would say that I caught at least 60-70% of his movies and the best one that really touched my heart was his performance at Good Will Hunting which starred him and Matt Damon. I highly recommend that you watch this movie alone for his stunning performance. Of course, he was awesome in Dead Poets Society as well.
I will definitely miss his charming humour on screen. You can read more of his filmography here. May he rest in peace.
Robin Williams starring in Good Will Hunting
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Majaldotcom
Check out our podcast review of another Michael Bay produced movie – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
Check out the video of the opening ceremony of Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam launched the Fifth Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Tournament last Saturday.
Held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, His Majesty was joined by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.
Greeting His Majesty upon arrival at the stadium was His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, the president of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC); the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah; and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam launched the Fifth Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Tournament. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.
It’s not a great start for Brunei Darussalam in the opening of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014. They have lost their opening match against Cambodia with a 1-0 score line. According to national football coach Kwon Oh-son of Brunei U-21, they lost on skills and not luck. The dressing room’s confidence is not high due to the loss in the first game. You can read more of the article here from The Brunei Times.
Even my friends shared how Brunei didn’t shine on the opening match. The other down side is that the U-21 players are not fully fit as they have a few injured players taken off during the loss to Cambodia. Maybe the friendly match against Sabah was a bit too close to the tournament as some of the players are recovering from minor injuries sustained during the friendly matches.
Now they will have a huge task against Indonesia, a late entry into the tournament, and Indonesia will want to avenge their defeat in the finals back in 2012 where they lost 2-0 to defending champions Brunei. Well, in football, anything can happen and the ball is round. All Brunei need is just a win under their belt especially in the beginning of the tournament to boost their confidence.
I’m still optimistic that Brunei has a 50/50 chance of making the cut but they can’t afford to slip more after the loss.
Brunei will take on Indonesia tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, Monday 11th August. I expect a feisty affair as both teams are favourites to get past the group stage. Good luck!! Note: I won’t be covering this match as I am still outstation.
You can follow official updates from their official website – hassanalbolkiahtrophy.gov.bn
Team Cambodia during the opening ceremony. Image taken by @zackhardie14
It was good to see Adi Said back in the match as he was doubtful before the tournament. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times
The t-shirt for HBT 2014 available
Wristband perhaps from Armtrix Enterprise
You can buy some of the merchandise at the national stadium
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Das Auto revisited
Super fun. Though I had to be separated from the media and blogger buddies after 72 hours together, it was a fun experience nonetheless. A great company and an awesome host made the trip more fulfilling than it already was. Thank you, firstly to @volkswagenbrunei (Maju Motors Sdn Bhd) for flying us all over to Singapore and also to Volkswagen Singapore for taking care of us and feeding us well too. Not forgetting my amazing stay at Grand Hyatt in Singapore too.
The main reason why we are in Singapore is to test drive some of the cars that have been waves in Singapore and of course, in Brunei. It’s amazing the growth of Brunei with regards to Volkswagen models and there have been a major increase in terms of sales and growth alone in Brunei market in the past four months. In fact, what Brunei is experiencing was what Singapore experience a few years ago when VW suddenly became a popular brand in the Singapore market.
For this post, I will feature Volkswagen main showroom on Alexandra Road, Singapore. Now this is what I call a showroom. It’s like a one-stop centre and once you enter, you can feel that inviting feeling especially for customers and there was already a sitting area (plenty) just after you enter the showroom.
I was also amazed by the number of collections of merchandise under the Volkswagen brand. I managed to purchase some stuff for my friends who requested for it. We had a mini tour and thank you, Colin Yong, senior manager of Public Relations for Volkswagen Singapore, for the tour and also for taking care of us by the time we reached Singapore until departure.
We were also welcomed by Steffen Schwarz, Managing Director of Volkswagen Singapore, and he has done a brilliant job in positioning VW as one of the reputable brand in Singapore and he also has helped to push Brunei market to where it is now. Maju Motors Sdn Bhd have been achieving new milestones in terms of sales of units and they managed to record a consistent number of sales since May 2014 to July 2014, selling 100 units on each month. That’s an amazing feat for Brunei market.
Colin Wong then showed us three video presentations on the Tiguan TSI, Polo and finally the Golf R. So far, Brunei will be launching the Tiguan TSI by end of August while the Golf R have been sold out from the 1st two shipments but you will be able to order on the 3rd shipment. The Golf R is expected to make its way to Brunei by end of September.
I will share more of the experience of the Volkswagen cars in my next post and for now, just see some of the pictures taken during our short trip to the Volkswagen Showroom on Alexandra Road.
You can visit their website at volkswagen.com.sg for more details and for this weekend, Volkswagen is having great deals for Volkswagen pre-owned vehicles specially for the National Day weekend!! So for the Singaporeans out there, do drop by their showroom at Alexandra & Das WeltAuto Showroom from 10am to 6pm.
Check out the pre-owned Volkswagen at Volkswagen Singapore showroom this weekend. Great deals, indeed!
I miss these guys already. Thank you to the media buddies for making it fun.
Being briefed by Ammirul of Volkswagen Brunei before handing over to Volkswagen Singapore
Steffen Schwarz, Managing Director of Volkswagen Singapore giving a few welcoming remarks and the status of Volkswagen in Asia-Pacific.
He talked about Brunei’s recent roadshow at The Mall, Gadong.
Great numbers from Maju Motors. Impressive indeed.
The amazing Golf Polo which I shall talk more about later on
Are you a GTI fan? This is taken at the Volkswagen Singapore Showroom.
Check out the merchandise from Volkswagen. Many reasons to visit their showroom.
The merchandise section.
One of the pre-owned golf cars and they did a great job in making it look new
Another pre-owned Golf car
A cool gimmick for customers to play around with
The ladies also don’t want to miss out the photo booth
Dinner being hosted by Volkswagen Singapore at Carousel a few nights ago. Yummm!!!
Thank you Volkswagen Singapore for hosting dinner
My first car that I test drove a few days ago. More report on that on my next post on my driving experience on Volkswagen cars as well as driving in Singapore 😀
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Das Auto
RA says the hardest part is to get the ball rolling. The momentum hasn’t been great. Blog wise I mean. The same goes for jogging. Once you take that mini-break, it’s hard to get the rhythm back but it does take one small step and eventually and gradually, you will be back in shape in no time.
The same goes for blogging. Blogging for 11 years already a milestone. I have lost that essence of what my real blog is all about. For those who have read my pieces before (before as in 8 to 9 years ago), the content was purely based on my thoughts and also my personal diary of the things that I do with my daily life and my social network of friends.
At present, it’s a different ball game. 70 to 80 percent of my content is based on social events and happenings in Brunei and outside Brunei that can be related to my readers. I probably would say 95% of the time that is that case because I hardly pour any thoughts like I use to and even the “Ugly Truth” segments haven’t been prominent enough to make up that remaining 5%.
I recently stumbled upon the Bru Blah Blah blogspot and it has been a while since I read blog different blog contents other than the familiar ones we know. I find this blog quite hilarious as they are quite sharp in pointing of observations in our Brunei culture on the things we normally do. I recommend you to get the blog out. These are the kinds of contents that I kinda miss and crave for at times. One blog that came to mind was the classic “Memoirs of a Poklen” and that has some excellent writing with a blend of humour too.
These days, because of the rise of social networks, the number of bloggers have decreased tremendously. Once, we had like more than 1,000 blogs based on the listed ones on Simpur Nation. Now, I can count on my finger tips on the number of active bloggers in Brunei. Ok, maybe slightly more than 10 and that’s a huge difference compared to a 1,000 back in 2005/2006.
I’m currently outstation and we just completed our overseas assignment on the recent Volkswagen test drive and the best part was that we were given the opportunity to drive on Singapore road which I never had the chance to do before in my whole entire life despite the country being my second home.
So a big shout out to Volkswagen Singapore and @volkswagenbrunei (Maju Motors) for making this trip an enjoyable experience and guys, do stay tune to our full report on our experience of the Golf cars that we drove yesterday. For now, you can check out the hashtags #volkswagenbrunei #vwbrunei for updates on your recent test drive sessions.
Though it was a short trip, we had fun driving the different models of the Golf and of course, we had fun among each other’s company. Image courtesy of AnakBrunei
Our dinner was held at Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts and thank you Volkswagen Singapore for hosting and treating us to a great dinner.
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I lost count
Acer Liquid Smartphones
Sales at Icon Design Store
Click image to enter Peugeot Brunei’s website
Click image to enter Citroën Brunei
Today will be an interesting session as Volkswagen Singapore will allow us to experience some of the Volkswagen models on Singapore road. I would say this will be one “sakai” moment for me since I never really driven in the city of Singapore. Being it my second home, I frequent its public transport more and yes, if I were to drive, I would definitely lose my sense of direction.
I shall be updating more on the our driving experience with Volkswagen models (cars I meant). Have a great Tuesday, peeps!! Do follow me on instagram @ranoadidas for updates and also @volkswagenbrunei and their official hashtag #volkswagenbrunei #vwbrunei for our live updates in Singapore 😀
Ammirul of Maju Motors with members of the media from local print newspapers and bloggers at Brunei International Airport
More new products coming soon from BruneiHalal
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Moura’s goal deprived DPMM FC three points
If DPMM FC just disciplined themselves late in the game to hold the game, it would have been a great three point effort match especially coming back from behind and furthermore, they played at their home. In the dying minutes, Geison Moura broke the hearts of DPMM FC as he scored the equalizer right after a great throw-in effort by the visitors. The match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw but the first half was kinda forgettable indeed. DPMM FC were toothless upfront and they didn’t look as hungry as they were during the training I observed a couple of days ago.
After the break, Hougang United FC drew first blood through Nurhilmi Jasni in the 53rd minute, right off a counter attack and caught DPMM FC’s defence napping. It was definitely a wake up call for DPMM FC after the visitors scored. Before the goal, DPMM FC looked more dangerous in attack and they could have broke the deadlock earlier on. Roberto’s close range shot drove over the bar in the 51st minute and that miss proved costly as the visitors scored immediately from a run of play.
DPMM FC’s Maudadi had a great performance on the field in the first half before being replaced by the star of the evening, Adi Said who scored a brace. In the 75th minute, Adi Said benefited from a corner as his header went past the keeper with ease in the 75th minute. However, it was his second goal that was a piece of magic. He collected a pass of his teammate and he made a rasping drive past the keeper from a diagonal angle. As you know, he was not certain to play for DPMM FC as he is listed for the upcoming Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy. It was good that he was made available for this game and that made a lot of difference when both Donovan and Rodrigo couldn’t find the net.
Rodrigo could have made it 3-1 late in the game. It could be even contender for goal of the season. He flicked an incoming pass with the side of his boots and then volleyed a dipping shot from 30 yards that rattled the bar to the relieve of Hougang’s keeper. Even I couldn’t believe that wasn’t a goal. That would have put the game in the bag with a valuable three points for the home side.
Shahrazen also had one or two efforts that would add more cushion on the lead. In the end, Geison Moura’s goal overshadowed Adi Said’s heroics as a super sub and DPMM FC had to settle for a point.
The result meant that DPMM FC are now one point ahead of Tampines Rovers FC in the S•League. With three games left in the second round, DPMM FC must focus on their training as they have a three week break before the league commence.
Roy O’Donovan was just unlucky not to get a goal or two
Adi Said scored two goals but wasn’t enough to steal all three points
A minor scuffle that could have gone bad
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