I’m currently in KL right now attending the World Bloggers and Social Media Summit 2012. I believe I’m the only Bruneian here *wuwu* and I didn’t bump into familiar faces that I knew regionally from previous events. The topics and the content were pretty relevant and I learnt some new along the way.

I won’t be updating much news for today as my schedule is pretty tight. I shall be posting more on my findings from #msmw2012 event. Apparently Singapore is having one too but I shall go for 2013 edition. How I wish my #SocMed buddies are here too.

This is what I always pre-order on @AirAsia.. Always yummy and consistent in taste

AirAsia have a big sale coming up by midnight. Click image to enter site

My access to #msmw2012. Thank you, Norman!!

The panelists of bloggers on music, food and travel

@altimet talks about comparative pricing on digital music using mineral water and tap water as illustration

One of the audience asking questions to the panelists

When I arrived KL, my first thought was her… My third love *LOL*

They serve this in Malaysia and Singapore too apparently

The power of influence through @AidaSue @jojo_struys and @Karrotgold

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A new product, Dermagic, was unveiled yesterday by Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza at Paloma, The Mall. It’s the first ever Magical Cream with the power to virtually uplift your mood and unveil a more youthful, fairer and happier you. Dermagic will also make you beautiful inside out. Dermagic is one of the latest product from SimplySiti cosmetic line.

Around 30 lucky customers were treated to a special photo session and all the customers apparently bought SimplySiti product the day before the launch. This was made possible by Paloma, the official distributor for SimplySiti in Brunei Darussalam.

According to the management, most of the customers of SimplySiti are Malays and the prices are quite competitive as well as compared to neighbouring countries. Congratulations once more to Dato Siti Nurhaliza on the latest product Dermagic. She did hint that she will be launching her fragrance in April if all goes according to plan.

I had a feeling DPMM FC will be punished for squandering golden chances in the 2nd half and I was spot on. DPMM FC’s import players Basiru Osman and Rodigro Gral could have extended DPMM FC’s lead but their finishing touches let them down. Perhaps the best culprit was Gral when he was just 6 yards from the goal line but his point-blank shot deflected for a corner instead.

In football, 90% of the time it’s about result and the 2-2 score line didn’t reflect DPMM FC’s performance. It took them a while to gel as a team and they showed major improvement in the 2nd half. The only set back is that they are still suspectible at the back. Both goals conceded were from close range.

How did our DPMM FC imports fared? Ivan Jerkovic is superb in midfield and it’s good that DPMM FC re-signed him back. Tales Dos Santos is effective in aerial situations but his defence line conceded two sloppy goals. He also need great support from his team mates. I’m particularly impressed with Basiru Osman because of his pace and work rate. He had numerous scoring opportunities though some were half-chances. Osman was almost punished last night for losing possession while show boating football skills. Tampines Rover counter attacked and almost scored from that situation. Well, I’m pretty sure Osman will learn his lessons for that little episode that could have been avoided.

As for Rodrigo Gral, he had great touches on the ball. However, in my opinion, he seemed to struggle with the pace of the game. He needs to step up his game and he should have buried a sitter which could have put DPMM FC 3-1 ahead.

A good result for both sides nonetheless. Simunic will be slightly disappointed of the two coaches because DPMM FC was just minutes away from claiming 3 points before Tampines Rover Jamil Ali smashed in the equaliser.

After two years of absence, DPMM FC played fairly well in their first competitive match and they are ready for the S.League season. Welcome back, DPMM FC!!

It’s good to have Jerkovic back in DPMM FC. A vital backbone to the midfield area

An exciting forward Basiru Osman and he could be one of DPMM FC’s best signings

The men in uniform enjoying the match as well

Despite the rain, DPMM FC fans still watched under the rain

DPMM FC supporters waiting till the final whistle

Good luck to DPMM FC in their next match

The shop just opened a few months ago and the product, Dermalogica, they brought in is highly recommended. The product itself came about in 1986 and now Dermalogica has a cult following. Not only they have good packaging and marketing hype, they produce results. Isn’t that what most customers want? :))

So you want to look youthful? you want to protect your skin from being damage? Dermalogica has the right product for your needs. I can name you a few products they have – Skin Prep Scrub, Pure Night, Multivitamin Power Firm, Ultracalming Cleanser, Antioxidant Hydramist, Chromawhite Trx Regimen and etc.

So if you have encounter problems with acne or dry skin or even the sun ray, you can call the skin therapists from Dermalogist Beauty Therapy 234 2928 or 871 6680and yes, consultation is FREE too.

Promotion for 2012 One Year Anniversary

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Block B, Unit 26, 1^st Floor,
Serusop Complex, KG Delima Satu,
BB4713 Jalan Muara
Bandar Seri Begawan
Negara Brunei Darussalam

The products from Dermalogica. Find out which one suits you

Get your skin analysed and try their facial treatment at special discounts

It’s open from Monday to Saturday

I just heard the news on the internet and it’s a trending topic now. This is one of the first albums I bought when I started listening to music. Still one of the best tracks – Wanna Dance with Somebody.

The rivalry just took another level after the handshake incident. Suarez’s refusal handshake was retaliated by Evra as he dragged Suarez’s arm. I remember the incident when Wayne Bridge refused to shake hands with John Terry but that didn’t blow out of proprotion. Evra’s celebration after the match was seen as provocative to Liverpool players and Sir Alex did admit that he shouldn’t have done that. Lots of talking points in this match and off-field incidents. Suarez didn’t show professionalism and same could be said of Evra. This could have been avoid by the respective managers by having mutual consent not to allow Suarez and Evra to shake hands in the first place to avoid further damage.

It was my first time witnessing how a couple registered at the Court. I always hear of my friends being registered but never saw the process. For one, it’s pretty straight forward and it’s nothing like the Malays’ version of “Nikah”. When I say straight forward, I’m talking about timing factor.

Apparently the wait was longer than the registering process *lol*. I turned up at the Court by 3:10pm and left by 4:30pm which includes taking photos. A normal “Nikah” will take at least 2 hours before completion while the process of Nikah itself will last half an hour based on my coverage experience.

Anyway, I attended Lisa and Shawn’s “registering ceremonial” at the Court yesterday and I feel honoured to be part of Lisa’s entourage that day. This is because during registering, it’s customary not to bring the whole bunch of your family or friends (or Facebook buddies). That one you save it for the big wedding dinner/reception.

The solemnization process took place at the Marriage Registrar’s office and all their guests managed to fit in the room and it was nice of the Marriage Registrar to invite the rest in the room to witness the solemnization. Apparently the use of camera and video camera are permitted during the ceremony too. However, confetti and petals are not permitted in the building or the pavement outside.

Congratulations once more to Lisa and Shawn on their solemnization. If you are curious of what is required to be “registered”, you can click here.

With Lisa’s colleagues who dropped by

Taken inside the Magistrate Registrar’s office

Lisa and Shawn exchanging marriage declaration

Lisa and Shawn exchanging rings

Shawn and Lisa with the Magistrate Registrar

Lisa and Shawn are officially married

The expressive family and friends of Lisa and Shawn

Christine, Shawn, Lisa and Jessie

All part of the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games, a flag raising to mark 200 Days-to-Go till the Paralympics and a 1948 Olympic torch relay, with the original 1948 torch, was held this morning Saturday, 11 February here in Bandar Seri Begawan. These events are organised in collaboration with the British High Commission, the Ministry Culture Youth and Sports, the Brunei National Olympic Council, and Jerudong International School – who brought the 1948 Olympic Torch to Brunei. The Relay will begin at 0730hrs outside the ground floor of Yayasan Complex, where the British High Commission flag poles are located.

The purpose of these two back-to-back events is to use the original 1948 Olympic torch as a symbol for peace, to generate excitement and promote involvement in sport amongst young people in Brunei, and to recall the Olympic ideals of friendship, respect, excellence, determination, inspiration, courage and equality.

Additionally, this date will mark exactly 200 days-to-go until the Paralympics. The British High Commission is marking this milestone with a flag-raising carried out by Brunei Paralympian and the Hon. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. The UK has committed itself to staging the most accessible Olympic and Paralympics Games ever. It’s determined to use the Games to help change the way the world views disability and encourage a more open and inclusive society. Hosting the Paralympics in 2012 will be particularly significant for the UK as the country that founded the Paralympic movement in 1948, putting disability sport on the map.

After the flag-raising, the 1948 torch relay will begin. British High Commissioner, HE Rob Fenn and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, will run with friends and colleagues, including from the Brunei National Olympic Council and Heads of Diplomatic Missions. The torch will pass through five checkpoints, with Standard Chartered Bank and International School Brunei (ISB) at checkpoint one, followed by students from Chung Hwa Middle School and SR Sungai Siamas at checkpoint two, St George’s and St Andrew’s school students at checkpoint three, SR Pusar Ulak and SR Mabohai at checkpoint four, and finishing with Jerudong International School (JIS) students with Brunei para-athletes at checkpoint five.

Standard Chartered Bank has kindly sponsored the ‘1948 Olympic Torch Run Brunei’ T-shirts and are very excited to be involved. Royal Brunei Airlines sponsored Chris and Sonia McGeorge’s return flight from London to Bandar Seri Begawan.

Commander Collins ran with the torch in 1948 and bequeathed the torch to Loughborough College when he died. It was kept in a filing cabinet for 60 years. When Chris arrived in 2008, someone gave him the torch and told him that he was now the custodian of the torch. He and Sonia decided to take it out of the filing cabinet and use it as part of a programme from Loughborough College to promote sports, health and fitness and the Olympic values amongst school students and young people.

Members of the public are welcome to line the route and cheer on the torch bearers as they run around the capital city, passing some of Brunei’s famous landmarks such as Kampong Ayer and the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. Text courtesy of the British High Commission and images courtesy of Anakbrunei.com.bn

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There are many headlines about the tropical storm Washi that struck the Philippines in Decemvber 2011. Yesterday, I attended a press conference organised by the Filipino Association Brunei (FAB) and managed by Prismworks Event Management with the support of the Philippines Embassy in Brunei Darussalam.

The press conference was to highlight the upcoming charity events – Golf Tournament (25th and 26th Feb) and Charity Dinner Concert (26th Feb). Present during the press conference was Minister and Charge d’ Affaires from the Philippines, Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat. Also present were the President of the Filipino Association Brunei, Edel Bartholomew and Jeffery E Cadayong, Operations Head of Prismworks Event Management.

The charity golf tournament will be held on February 24 and 25 at the Jerudong Park Country Club (JPCC) golf course. The categories for golfers are: the men’s open (A, B,C division), the VIP category, and the ladies category. Registration fee is fixed at $110 and all the proceeds will be donated towards Washi humanitarian fund.

Let’s not forget also the charity dinner concert on Sunday 26th February at Centrepoint Grand Ballroom where the ticket will cost $50 per person inclusive of dinner. The celebrity will be Filipino crooner Richard Poon and there will be some opening acts by local artistes too.

Those who wish to participate in the golf tournament, or/and attend the charity dinner can contact 7169286 (for those in Brunei-Muara) or 8775112 / 8789344 (for those in Kuala Belait).

Jeffery E Cadayong, Operations Head of Prismworks Event Management, Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat, Minister and Charge d’ Affaires from the Philippines and Edel Bartholomew, President of the Filipino Association Brunei at the press conference

Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat with the organisers of the Golf and Dinner event this February

Zatty Joanda of The Brunei Times interviewing Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat, Minister and Charge d’ Affaires from the Philippines

Some of the photos that will be exhibited during the charity dinner

Some of the photos that will be exhibited during the charity dinner

Did you know that more than 1.5 million people are affected from storm Washi? More than 1,200 lost their lives. More than 50,000 houses damaged and it was reported that the cost of damages is approximately BND 50 million.

The priorty needs are such as Meals-Ready-To-Eat, Non-food items (blankets, folding beds), temporary shelters, generators and school supplies for children.

The Humanitarian Fund for Victims of Tropical Storm Washi-Philippines was established in Brunei with the consent of His Majesty the Sultan and was launched on 04 January 2012 by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hajji Hazair Hajji Abdullah,in his capacity as Chair of the Humanitarian Fund National Committee

It aims to alleviate the suffering of the Washi-ravaged Philippines and fund collections for three months (from 04 January to 03 April 2012) to allow the public to donate money and various organizations to raise funds through charitable activities.

There’s a CLEARANCE SALES at Lawa LAwa ClothesBuffet until Sunday, 12th February where you can enjoy up to 70% discount on selected items. There’s also the BUY ONE FREE ONE ♥ attires ♥ bags ♥ belts ♥ accessories ♥

There is 30% discounts for new arrival and there is also the budget corner ($10 & $15 only). So grab those offers and bring ur friends and come and visit them at Batu Bersurat (same building as Shikai Restaurant).

Loyalty members are entitled to free scarf for $50 above. LAWA LAWA is at Batu Bersurat behind TOP HAPPY STAR 🙂 It’s only half unit store with GREEN DISPLAY WINDOW. Shop operates from 9:30am – 8:30pm. Monday is OFF DAY.

Datuk Siti Nurhaliza will be appearing at Paloma, The Mall, this Sunday 12th February at 12pm

McDonald’s are proud to present to 4 superheroes from Power Ranger series and 4 classic dolls from Madame Alexander collection. Power Rangers Superhero action series are Gold Ranger, Megazord, Blue Ranger and Red Ranger while from Madame Alexander Fairytale Classics are Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood.

There’s something for everyone whether you’re looking forward to having loads of fun playing with them or you just love collecting toys. They are available with McDonald’s Happy Meal which consist of either beef burger or cheese burger, or 4 pcs chicken nugget or 1 pc chicken with side of French Fries or fruit cup and 1 soft drink.

But hurry, they are available for limited time only and while stock last. So head down to McDonald’s which is located in Gadong or call 244 9669 for delivery (terms and conditions apply). Courtesy of McDonald’s.

THE committee of the sixth Chinese New Year celebration get-together had nothing but praise and thanksgiving to His Majesty, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the Royal Family for attending the function.

Chairman Lim Han Chiong of the Chinese New Year 2012 Get-together Committee said every year, the Chinese community prepares “something special” for the event with His Majesty and the Royal Family, “because this is a good opportunity for the Chinese community to get together with His Majesty.”

“This is also a time to have a close relationship with the Royal Family, with the Brunei’s Chinese community coming from all the four districts,” he told The Brunei Times during the event at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas. “It is such an honour and privilege for us in Brunei to be able to invite our Sultan and the Royal family to celebrate the Chinese New Year with us,” Lim said, adding the committee would plan to make the event even more spectacular next year. Click here to read more. Text courtesy of The Brunei Times.

If you think the year is getting on slowly, our February dining promotions will have you so busy, you’ll wonder if you’ve got enough time to fit everything in! Lobby Lounge will spoil you with a Cupcake High Tea fiesta this month, on the 10th to 12th February for just B$30 for two person. Make your bookings today at 241 7700.

You may have heard of Lili Yong who is well known for her shop, Lilli Lingerie, located at Kiulap. She has now expanded her business at The Airport Mall but her new shop is targeting more of the teenagers according to Lili. If you need expert advice of wearing undergarments, then Lili Yong is the best person to ask.

Two weekends ago, Lili Yong officially opened her new outlet called Intimate Secrets and the prices are quite affordable especially for teenagers. Congratulations to Lili on the second outlet and all the best. Keep up the great work!!

For more stories, you can click here and here.

Lili Yong (right) with her staff at Intimate Secrets

Lili Yong’s family and relatives came for the official opening of Intimate Secret

Steven Goh and Caitlyn came to support too. By the way, this is Lily’s adorable daughter

Lili speaking to a Borneo Bulletin reporter

The Magic Clip comes in handy I heard *lol*

This could do some magic and as it’s written – “Problem Solved”

One of the best sellers because of its price and quality

RA says today is the result time and I can notice from the Twitter and Facebook feeds that they congratulating one another for his/her O and A level results. I never actually have my Os because I left for Australia during my high school years. Nonetheless I still feel the sense of anticipation from others on how they fare in their papers. This is what I missed about student life and the pressure is different once you start working.

Few years ago, results were accessible online and I was also one of the bloggers that posted O and A level results for the convenience of students and parents. However, that idea didn’t materialise the following years as Ministry of Education have created a mobile system where parents will be notified through means of SMS. I remember the fee was chargeable at $3 and I played the “Robin Hood” role but it didn’t last long. Anyway, congratulations to those who earned their Os and their As and for those who didn’t, it’s not the end of the road and I that I can assure you :)).

Anyway, below are images taken in the past few days. Enjoy!!!

It was my parents’ wedding anniversary. May Allah bless both of you

Mardhiah bte Abdul Matadinata won the grand prize of BND 1,000 for the design cover of 2012 Brunei Telephone Directory

MASwings cake was presented during the inaugural flight from KK and Kuching on the 1st February. Check out deals below

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I had lunch with CYZL last week at Lau Di Fang and I still saw people ordering the Kuey Teaw Penyet *awesome*

I had a tooth extraction at Koo Dental. I’m never a big fan of dental check-up. I recommend you this place to get your teeth clean or fixed

During my short trip to KK, I stayed over at Ming Garden. This hotel is quite popular among Bruneians and I will share more about it soon

I came across this news at The Brunei Times. I saw my friend’s name Hj Disdy whom I made acquaintance with back in my Brisbane years. It’s good to see his name being praised and he’s a top bloke too. Keep it up!

When’s the tart coming, KFC? Nonetheless I love the new promotional product, Chewy Cheese and it also helps to swallow down the huge Zell-V pill I’ve been taking *lol*

After months of absence, finally….. the yam flavour is back at Swensen’s. Can you just tell from the authentic smile from my friend who really loves the yam at Swensen’s? Another highly recommended ice-cream

Great idea for The Brunei Times to come up with the iPad apps but the slow loading could be a major turn off. I’m waiting for the latest version (if they are planning to)

Check out the Premium and Silver Package from b.mobile

Another great event organised by Projekbrunei and @Bruneitweet (well, it’s the same person) and it happened last Thursday at Each-a-cup at The Airport Mall. Over 100 people turned up for the event and it was a great mingling session, judging from the pictures. I wasn’t present then because of my overseas assignment. This won’t be the last of events as they will be more events for #TweetUpBn in the near future. Kudos to @bruneitweet.

Images courtesy of @anakbrunei and @marul69 and for more postings and pictures, you can click here and here.

Delwin Keasberry aka @bruneitweet being interviewed by Nadz.

From @UBDFM and it’s been a while since I caught you guys

Picture taken by @marul69

Birthday celebrant Jerry

Jerry is always surrounded by ladies *lol*

Kiss-Jerry game for both male and female

Winnie had her opportunity

So did Clovis *lol*

RA says I’m falling behind in my “things-to-do” list and they just keep on piling and piling. The more I catch up, the more they keep on piling. The key component that I’m missing right now is a competent PA who can make my workload less of a burden (time wise). Then again, a PA is something I’ve not thought of before and plus the trust factor always bothers me. This is perhaps the biggest obstacle I’m facing for the past few months – FEAR – but it’s all good. At least I’m aware of the situation and make that conscious choice and face the music. Just a matter of time 🙂

I’m planning my trip for the upcoming Social Media Week in Kuala Lumpur next week and I haven’t book my flight and accomodation (typical me *lol*). Looking at the programs, this would definitely benefit in what I do. Apparently there’s also an Award ceremony for bloggers and social media icons known as World Bloggers and Social Media Awards 2012 and perhaps this is a total different ball game than that of Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards. The categories are very defined and there are tons of categories. Click here to find out more. I wonder if Brunei will do something for Social Media Week but then again, it’s up to us to take the initiative.

My topic on babies and infants have been voiced as well through social media and all do agree with my stance that they don’t belong to the cinemas. They shouldn’t be exposed to loud volumes, graphic scenes and further more the dark environment that will make one whine or cry because of fear. Toddlers will also disrupt the peace of cinema goers when they start whining or crying for attention. I seriously don’t know how to lobby for this cause but my tweeting (and thanks for the those who retweet) and blogging about it, I hope the message gets across to parents and families who are probably not aware of the disadvantages for babies and also for the sake of movie goers.

Recently, I downloaded The Matrix on iTunes and I’m loving Apple TV where I can watch my shows on TV instead of my Macbook. That movie certainly reminded me a lot about fear and how you can make that simple choice to make a difference by taking that path you choose. I can relate to Neo in The Matrix where he chose the Red pill instead of the Blue one and all this while I know which pill I have been taking. My friend did comment that maybe if I was to take the other pill it would have been more of an illusion (not a reality). You might have a point but I know the other pill would make me overcome my fear and move forward. Lots of talking points this 🙂 and I really love The Matrix, my top 10 movies of all time.

Yesterday I’ve spent at least an hour watching all the Superbowl commercials online *lol* Did you know it costs like a $1 million for a 30-sec commercial placement during Superbowl? And there were more than 300 commercials being played throughout the whole event. Amazing!!! But sadly to say that not all commercials are as creative or humourous as expectations now are pretty high from consumers. The best commercials for me was the M&M’s and Best Buy (where they managed to include the founder of instagram). Oh yea, Madonna was the highlight for the half-time show though she was lip-synching. It was definitely better than my favourite group Black Eye Peas who performed terribly last time round. And congratulations to the NY Giants for winning the Superbowl. Fantastic final.

By the way, before I end my entry, I would like to say kudos to the JPD and the Royal Brunei Police Force for the placement of the cones at the 3-lane Kiulap roundabout. I know a few of my friends are culprit for using the outer lane just to save time. So just to let you know that the cones are pretty effective measure to deter “roundabout (innocent) abusers” *lol* It’s a good idea to leave the cones for quite sometime to educate the public on the right usage of the 3-lane roundabout. I can feel those smiling faces for those who take advantage of the outer lane. Awww stop blushing 😀

The roundabout cones are there to make sure road users don’t abuse the lanes

Congratulations on Engagement Salwa Khair Tarif & Hassanol Fikri Sudin. Photo taken by Shabey

DPMM FC is ready to rock (gegar) the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium this Sunday, 12th February. The match was slated for 9th February but it was rescheduled to Sunday instead. Last Saturday, DPMM FC had to go through a fitness test where all S-League players had to pass the fitness test mark of 13.1 and 8 players failed to pass the fitness test.

Two players of the eight players are notable key players according to coach Simunic. They are left back Yusof Mohd Salleh and right back Shahrulrizal Hj Abd Rahman. The coach was still very happy considering that DPMM FC players have not played competitive football for more than two years. Nonetheless there is another fitness test this Friday and hope that both players will be able to pass the fitness test.

The eight players include defender Suhaime Md Yussof, Ampuan Mohd Nurul Azami Ampuan Hussin, midfielders Abang Norsilmy Abang Hj Taha, Mohd Hanafizal Helman Hanafiah and striker Md Zulremi Hj Zaini and Brazilian striker Rodrigo Gral. Let’s hope all DPMM FC players will be available for Simunic’s disposal after Friday’s fitness test.

As for the fans, the tickets will be only available for sale on 12th February from 9am at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium. The match will be between DPMM FC and defending champions Tampines Rover at 8pm this Sunday. Ironically DPMM FC’s last match in the S-League was against Tampines Rover.

The DPMM FC quartet who will be featured this Sunday against Tampines Rover. They are also wearing the new DPMM FC kit for the S-League. Image taken from Sairol’s Facebook.

The home and away DPMM FC Jersey for 2012. The home jersey is sold out and the new stock will be arriving at FES Retro Times Square. The away jersey is still available in all sizes. I will be running a quiz on Twitter @ranoadidas so you can stand a chance to win the jerseys. Around 80 plus home jerseys were sold within 3 days. Amazing!!

Though the official home jersey is sold out, FES Retro still have stock for DPMM home supporters top

This is for DPMM FC away supporters top and it is also available at FES Retro

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Viral Factor. Ah, another eye candy movie for the ladies.. I’m not a big fan of Jay Chou when it comes to his HK movies.. Why? Because he seriously needs some acting lessons (Don’t scream at me, ladies). Slam Dunk and Initial D were pretty disappointing too and prior to the movie, I didn’t know he was the main star in Viral Factor until I saw the trailers while getting my tickets.

Sometimes people complain that there is less action in movies nowadays. This movie won’t disappoint if you are seeking this kind of genre. However, I’m sorry to say that the action scenes are a total mess.. In fact, there are just too many that I was turned off at one stage. The pacing is poor indeed. The only good point was that the film was most shot in Kuala Lumpur and it didn’t seem to “Malaysia-like” apart from branding positioning by AirAsia and The Pavilion.

Jay Chou miserably failed to change my mindset of his movies. I’m sure your fans will think otherwise. Verdict: 5/10.

War Horse. As I quoted on my status on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, the horse “Joey” is the main star of the movie and it was another great direction by Steven Spielberg. It’s a journey of horse that when through different episodes during the 1st World War. I’ve always love Steven’s work though Tin Tin didn’t appeal to me as much.

I’m not sure if War Horse will be everyone’s cup of tea (or popcorn movie) but there are one or two good massages from my experience yesterday while watching this. I read on The Empire magazine that there are lot of tear jerking moments but surprisingly I didn’t feel that much but nonetheless it’s still a crowd pleaser and mind you, this is a 140-minute film.

Did you know War Horse is one of the nominated films for Oscars 2012? This movie is inspiring at some points but I expected more perhaps. Verdict: 7/10.

Haywire. It’s another Steven Soderbergh movie. He’s well-known for Traffic and Ocean’s Eleven trilogy and his previous hit was Contagion. I caught this during my short trip to KK with De No. I’m actually drawn by the lead role played by Gina Carano (Mallory) because of her physical on-screen presence.. But I have to say her acting was kinda cheesy though she made it up with her dynamic fighting skills especially her hand-to-hand combat (thumbs up).

If you have seen Salt (Angelina Jolie), this is another similar movie of this genre. This movie does has its style and this something different coming from Steven Soderbergh. If I was to compare with Kill Bill, Uma Thurman still gets the nod for me. Lots of room for improvement for Gina especially in the acting department. Otherwise this is an okay movie. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Verdict: 6.5/10.

Ah Beng: 3 Wishes. Oh my…. I wonder how much this movie made in Malaysia? I totally enjoyed Nasi Lemak 2.0 and I had similar expectations for Ah Beng. However, after I saw the trailers of Ah Beng a week before, I was totally turned off. I still ended up watching because Cuterabbit asked me to tag along with her friends.

Having lowered my expectations, I knew it was still gonna be a torture that lasted less than two hours. Humour was flat and the moral of the story was totally misaligned though I know what the massage they were trying to portray. End of the day, everything about the movie didn’t have any plus points that I want to talk about. This was perhaps the worst movie I’ve seen this year and in many months. I’m not sure if it is a politically driven movie as the Prime Minister of Malaysia went to the official premiere of Ah Beng. Verdict: 3/10.

The Great Magician. I had high expectations watching this movie because Tony Leung is inside. The movie started great as I would expected it to be. Well, I even thought it was a serious movie to begin with especially with the presence of Tony Leung whom to me is in the A-list actors. I was expecting in the lines of The Prestige or The Illusionist but nowhere close. Only a quarter through the movie I realised it’s more of a comedy and that totally ruined my movie experience.

The script was pretty mediocre and the movie seemed to lost its magic along the way. Even the dual-relationship of Liu Yin the beautiful captive of the General was so messed up, I couldn’t be bothered to know what happen next. Sorry, Tony.. This movie was a letdown though I still have my good share of laughs. Verdict: 5/10.

The Grey. Ah, this movie scored well in RottenTomatoes and I was planning to catch this movie nonetheless. Sometimes it’s good not to watch a trailer or read the movie info and enjoy that element of surprise. And surprised I was. Liam Neeson is superb once more and he played his role to (almost) perfection. I’ve always admired his onscreen presence and he is probably one of the most under-rated actors in Hollywood.

I have to say it’s not advisable to catch this movie if you planning to fly the next day. Well, I did *lol* and that shook me up a bit. The opening scene caught me off guard (quite frightening) and the movie was all about survival. Many have mixed reviews about the ending (I won’t spoil it for you) but I was quite moved by the last three minutes of the movie. There are many talking points in The Grey and we can emulate that into our everyday life as well. Not advisable for young children though. Verdict: 7/10.

This was taken at Golden Screen Cinema at Suria Sabah. The ticket counter person can refuse issuance of movie tickets if he/she is still underaged

I recently watched two movies at the Golden Screen Cinema at Suria Sabah and 1 Borneo. I came across the label over the ticket counter (see picture above). But I’m not sure if such rules are being enforced where the ushers will have the right to stop underaged children from watching movies that have “18” rating. This doesn’t really apply to Brunei but this is a debatable topic nonetheless.

Sometimes it’s good to have such rules so it makes easier for parents to control watch their kids are watching. This also eliminates the awkwardness where kids will be watching inappropriate material in the presence of their parents. I know back in the old days, my mom will ask us to shut our eyes *lol* These days it’s hard to monitor or keep an eye on children especially in movies. I remember watching Twilight: Breaking Dawn I and there were little kids (behind me) who had to watch the endless kissing scenes with the presence of their parents. Awkward, aye?

I’m also against families bringing babies/infants to the cinema. Why oh why? This happened yesterday when I caught War Horse and the baby (behind me) was playing with a plastic bag for five minutes, ruining my concentration of the movie and sometimes the baby will whine or cry which can be a turn off for me and other cinema goers. In my opinion, a cinema is not an environment for infants and it’s the responsibility and common sense of parents not to bring their baby/babies to cinemas. To me, this can be annoying than a phone that rings randomly.

Anyway, back to my first topic on age restriction, do you think such rule should be implemented? This is indeed an interesting thought for the viewers and also cinema operators.

Image courtesy of @douglaswray of Instagram