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You will be surprised that volunteering doesn’t really equate to a good thing unless you are aware if it leads to a good outcome. I do agree of d’ Arcy Lunn’s sharing about volunteering and he gives us a different perspective about volunteering and I would like to share with you guys.

But first, I would like to thank the Australian High Commission to Brunei Darussalam for the invitation yesterday at their residence where I had the opportunity to catch and understand d’ Arcy Lunn’s vision which is to see the world without extreme property “for everyone, everywhere and forever”. He is a teacher by profession from Australia. The best gift I’ve see in him is his passion to volunteer and he has been traveling to different countries (more than 60 countries) – including Krygyzstan, Arctic Canada and Africa.

So it’s good to him making his presence felt in Brunei especially to educational institution such as International School of Brunei where he had talks there yesterday. One of the reasons for his presence in Brunei is the current project initiated by ISB on Polio Points project. In a nutshell, this is a student rewards system supported by Standard Chartered Bank which translates effort and achievement into Polio vaccines for Pakistan.

The project was launched and patronized by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman in October 2012. ISB’s house points system encourages staff and students to be caring global citizens: every good deed and positive contribution by ISB primary and secondary students during lessons, sports competitions and various school events go towards vaccinating children in Lahore, Pakistan against contracting the polio virus in their lifetime.

This project is also not possible without the support of Global Poverty Project, the partnership between ISB, SCB and UNICEF Pakistan, UNICEF HQ in New York, the Gates Foundation, High Commissions of Pakistan, the United Kingdom and Australia in Brunei Darussalam and of course, the endorsement of Her Royal Highness.

As of now, ISB Polio Project has collected enough points which will be redeemed by Standard Chartered Bank (Brunei) equivalent to BND 10,000 which will then translated to Polio points for the benefit of the children in Pakistan. The project has been ongoing since last year and I really want to applaud ISB and SCB for making this possible and it’s good to see a school like ISB to get involved in Social Responsibility programs because this kind of education is important especially if it’s coming from the younger generation and this kind of contribution programs will raise more awareness among their age group which will be more effective.

d’ Arcy Lunn speaks to the audience at the Australian High Commission’s residence yesterday

His Excellency Todd Mercer, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam welcoming the invited speaker

NGOs, volunteers and representatives from SCB attended the session

The heads of the ISB student councils sharing updates on the ISB Polio Project

I could just go on and on about this project but I shall talked more in depth about ISB’s Polio Project on another day. For now, I want to focus on Mr. Lunn who is an iconic figure for volunteerism. Like I have said mentioned before, not all volunteerism can translate to a good outcome. So we have to take into accounts of a few things before getting excited to volunteer.

Mr. Lunn shared some interesting good pointers that will lead to “good aid and volunteering”. We have to be aware that when we show the passion to volunteer, it doesn’t mean that we are the expert if we are dealing with something unfamiliar. It’s important to speak to the relevant agencies and see what role you will be able to play as a volunteer.

The other habit which I feel that I have some weakness when it comes to volunteering is “Listening and Learning”. Sometimes we fail to pay attention to what is required. For instance, we keep donating clothes only to know that they needed more school bags for the under privilege students.

We have to make sure if we volunteer that it’s appropriate and collaborated with relevant agencies or organizations or non-government organisations. We also have to make sure that we volunteer, it is empowering for the country, community and the people.

Lastly, it’s also important to make the volunteerism programs have sustainable. It doesn’t just happens just once or twice. It has to be ongoing with great support from the sponsors and the community involvement to keep the momentum going and going. A good example here is Beach Bunch Brunei and they have been running volunteering campaigns on clean beaches for many years and they have bigger plans because their campaigns have been successful.

Mr. Lunn did leave some inspiring impression on me on what volunteering is. Volunteering is a rich thing to do and you don’t have to be rich in fortune. He also highlighted that you may have the best intention for volunteering but make sure the outcome is good and relevant to the receiving end. Yes, I also do agree with Mr. Lunn that volunteering is the best entry to achieve your dreams and of course, you will have to take a leap of faith and the inner courage to begin with. I believe there are many Bruneians who have those dreams.

You can check out d’ Arcy Lunn’s blog for updates and you can also follow him on twitter @darcylunn and you also can reach at darcy(a)global povertyproject.com

Pg Aki Ismasufian Pg Hj Ibrahim, SCB Head of Corporate Strategic Initiatives and Iswandy Ahmad, President of Brunei Darussalam Aids Council also attended the talk

JIS students talking about volunteerism with d’ Arcy

Pg Aki Ismasufian sharing with Adam of ISB on SCB’s involvement with ISB Polio Project

Students from Maktab Sains with the Australian High Commissioner and d’ Arcy

Photo opportunity with representatives from HEART

The stakeholders involved in the ISB Polio Project. Click image to enter website.

A great way to increase awareness on Polio. This is called the Purple Pinkie. When a child is vaccinated, they have a purple stamp put on their little finger. This is an ideal way to raise awareness. Image courtesy of Pulitzer Center.

 

As the largest and most influential hair salon in Brunei Darussalam, the IA Salon creates a much needed arena for professionals and consumers to come together to learn and exchange information about natural hair care, health and beauty products, and techniques.

IA Salon Brunei had launched series of workshops for both hair and makeup with the support of MAC cosmetics and L’Oreal hair industry. Cecilia Lee, director of IA Salon invited the ambassadors of both line to conduct in-house trainings for salon hair stylists and makeup artists, photo filming of fresh models, customer services, and makeup tutorial classes.

L’Oreal artistic ambassador Simon Koh from Malaysia has been consistently nominated to its title since 2000. He had hosted numberless hair seminars, hair talks, workshops, demonstrations, hair shows, and so forth, both within Malaysia and overseas. Established in 1986, ELLE Hair salon and academy was founded by him. With his 30 years of hairdressing experiences, Simon is leading a troop of experience leading stylists all over Malaysia. Koh is bringing his lady assistant who has been working with him for the past 7 years and graduated at Elle Academy.

MAC cosmetics leading makeup creative artist Lim Kok Leong from Malaysia has been 9 years in makeup industry. He had tied up to work with famous magazines such as Herworld, Female, Cittabella, Malaysia Tatler, Men’s UNO, Sister, and more. Lim graduated makeup art course in Tokyo Designer Gakuin, a technical school in Tokyo, Japan. He is a leading artist for Salabianca & Philosophy fashion show such as @increafible India 2007, @ China Champ 2008, @360* Melbourne 2009 and forth. He has been the personal makeup artist of Pussycat Dolls in MTV Asian awards. He has various distinctions not only in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and even in New Zealand.

Anna from FunBeePark, Simon Koh , L’Oreal artistic ambassador in KL, Ramlah Binti Laipu, owner and creative designer of ELLA Botique in Sabah and Lim Kok Leong, MAC cosmetics leading makeup creative artist from KL

Simon Koh , L’Oreal artistic ambassador in KL, showing the disconnect cuts and the new fashion

The before and after

Lim Kok Leong, MAC cosmetics leading makeup creative artist from KL explaining the different types of make up application

Ramlah Binti Laipu, owner and creative designer of ELLA Boutique in Sabah has been developing an image of beauty and fashion. She created her own conceptual designs and she called it “EL TUDUNG PESTA”. Mostly of her designs have the concept of tudung exclusive that is suitable to any occasions. She has been invited to do fashion shows in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

Cecilia Lee of IA Salon is inviting the public of Brunei Darussalam to experience this once in a lifetime chance to explore the world of beauty and furthermore gain much confidence and outshine. Makeup classes for Mr Lim will be conducted at IA Salon, The Mall, Gadong, on (today) 12th March 2014. Morning and afternoon classes will be available for registration. For reservation and more inquiries, call IA Salon customer service at 2423232 or 8738232.

There will be customer services conducted by Mr Koh to interested clients and hair enthusiasts on 12th March 2014 at IA Salon, The Mall, Gadong. Services such as hair cutting, hair design, hair colouring, perming, or rebonding are available for booking now. Appointments are limited to six customers only. Have a chance to beautify yourself with internationally distinguished L’Oreal ambassador. There will be free of charge consultation on Tudong designs and fashion with Ramlah. Special handmade tudong scarves for sale too. For reservation and more inquiries, call IA Salon customer service at 2423232 or 8738232.

New and artistic MAC cosmetics and L’Oreal Hair care products will be available for purchase at IA Salon, The Mall, Gadong with proper consultation by hair and makeup specialists.

Cecilia Lee of IA Salon explaining the “EL Tudung Pesta” while Ramlah demos on how to apply them

“EL Tudung Pesta” being demoed by the models

Ramlah with the models wearing “EL Tudung Pesta”

Group photo

If you want to enjoy maximum impact visually, you should check out the newly launched Acer home projectors and the best thing is that the Acer projectors are quite affordable. I introduce to you the Acer P1173 projector which only cost $398 instead of the usual price $568.

This affordable Acer projector has a sharp projection due to the SVGA resolutions and 3,000 lumens of brightness with HDMI Port Connectivity. This is also very ideal for presentation when you do your business presentation or sales-pitch where you can start with a customised set up screen with your corporate logo.

It’s also an eco-smart device which reduces power consumption in standby mode. Earth-friendly elements include long lamp life for lower replacement cost.

It’s also easy to use as it’s suited for beginners and also offers many useful features and connectivity.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer (center), Richard Soo, Miri Branch Manager of Acer (2nd from left) and Zul Abd Rahman, Marketing Manager of Concepts Computer (2nd from right) unveiling the new Acer P1173 projector

Richard Soo recommends the public to get hold of this affordable projector

The portable and eco-smart Acer P1173

Get the Purchase-with-Purchase deals so you can get the projector screen for a much cheaper price

This is Concepts Computer membership dongle and show this to enjoy the special discount for the Purchase-with-Purchase deal

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer and Richard Soo, Miri Branch Manager of Acer unveiled the newly launched Acer P1173. It is now available at the Concepts Computer with the promotional of $398, usual price $568. Concurrently, Concepts Computer will also have a Purchase-with-Purchase promotion for 70” by 70” projector screen with tripod stand. You can get the projector screen for $100 only when you buy with the Acer P1173 projector. The price alone for the screen is $128.

Oh furthermore, if you have the Concepts Computer membership pen drive, just show it and you can get the projector screens (70” by 70”) for only $88 for the Purchase-with-Purchase promotion. Teachers will also be able to enjoy this special deal and you just need to show your teacher’s ID or confirmation letter.

For more information, you can go to the nearest Concepts Computer showroom or call 223 3551/2 for more details.

You get a casing bag for the purchase of the projector

The affordable projector is also ideal for the upcoming World Cup 2014

The media getting snippets of the projectors

So what are you waiting for? This is a great deal from Concepts Computer

 

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With a Hollywood theme, Netcom Computer House celebrated their annual dinner at Mutiara Ballroom, Radisson Hotel. The event was welcomed by Vincent Goh, Managing Director of Netcom Computer House and he shared about the vision of the company to his employees. There were lucky draws and performances by the staff.

The event also honoured long serving staff – Mary F. Yanez, Grace Q. Lamela, Jean G. Vasquez and a special mention to Jackie Lim for her 10 years service to Netcom Computer House.

For you info, Netcom Computer House have five outlets – Kiulap, The Mall (Gadong), Mulaut, Tutong and Kuala Belait. They are the largest IT retail chain store in Brunei Darussalam.

Jackie Lim receiving her 10 years service award for Netcom Computer House

Jean G. Vasquez, Mary F. Yanez and Grace Q. Lamela receiving their 5 years service award

Vincent Goh, Managing Director of Netcom Computer House giving away lucky draw prizes

Vincent Goh picking some of the lucky draw

Vincent Goh giving away lucky draw prizes

Wady posing for the camera

Group photo of Netcom Computer House

 

Following his stratosphere jump in 2012, extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner is tackling his next big challenge on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The Austrian will obtain a racing license and become a race driver with the Audi race experience team on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.


The Audi race experience makes it possible for Audi’s customers with sporting ambitions to enter racing. But never before has the program, which the Audi driving experience has been running since 2010, had as prominent a driver as this one. “It’s fantastic that we’re cooperating with Felix Baumgartner this year,” says Klaus Demel, the head of the Audi driving experience. “As an extreme athlete, Felix Baumgartner has been thrilling millions of fans around the world with his daring actions that combine ingenuity and exceptional technical demands. Now we’re familiarizing him with our sport, offer him a professional environment with our team, and are very excited about this new, joint challenge.”

As a guest entrant, Baumgartner has been gathering some racing experience in recent years during occasional runs in the one-make cups of the Volkswagen Group. The big difference in the 2014 season: the Audi R8 LMS ultra provides him with a 419 kW (570 hp) ‘pure-bred’ GT3 race car. The 44-year-old is completing an extensive preparation program before competing in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring on June 21/22, 2014. His team-mates are equally prominent: The five- time Le Mans winner Frank Biela (D), the three-time Le Mans winner Marco Werner (D) as well as the GT and sports car pro Pierre Kaffer (D) will be his colleagues in the cockpit.

“This task is totally exciting and I’m looking forward to driving races in an Audi,” says Felix Baumgartner. “During initial tests in the road-going Audi R8 I got to know the Nürburgring, and in the Audi R8 LMS ultra I’ve clocked a few kilometers on various tracks as well. I regard this task as one of the major projects in my life. The environment is perfect, the atmosphere is fantastic, and I feel really well taken care of by the Audi race experience. But it’s also clear that I’m basically starting from scratch because this sport is new for me.”

Felix Baumgartner to drive the Audi R8 at Nürburgring for 24 Hours

Former professional rally driver Josef ‘Sepp’ Haider, now the Audi race experience’s sporting director, is one of the instructors of his Austrian compatriot. “Felix is approaching his new task in exactly the manner that is the hallmark of a pro,” says Haider. “He’s eager to learn, has good judgment of the physical conditions, and is totally motivated. All team members have come to respect him in the initial tests. I’m very much looking forward to our joint journey.”

The team will be fielding another R8 LMS ultra in the 24-hour race. The drivers of this car have already been confirmed. Already last year, Dominique Bastien (USA), Rahel Frey (CH) and Christian Bollrath (D) formed a team. Christiaan Frankenhout (NL) will be supporting the Audi race experience as a driver for the first time.
Felix Baumgartner’s 2014 Nürburgring program:

• March 21–22 VLN, test and setup runs

• April 05–06 Qualification race, Nürburgring 24 Hours

• April 26 VLN, 56th ADAC ACAS H&R Cup
•May 17 VLN, Adenauer ADAC Simfy-Trophy

• June 21–22 Nürburgring 24 Hours

 

Interested to work at McDonald’s? Check out the details on poster

DPMM FC players and the management team with the team from Maju Motors at Maju Motors showroom yesterday. Click image to enlarge.

It was great to DPMM FC fans turning up yesterday at Maju Motors new showroom at Telanai to show their support and taking photos and signing autographs on the DPMM FC poster sponsored by Maju Motors. The management team of DPMM FC and all the DPMM FC players turned up for the special occasion. Today they will have a friendly match against ABDB at the Jerudong mini stadium and this is to keep up the match practice for all the players. Steve Kean hinted that all the players will have a chance to be on the field as he intended to swap all the players in the second half.

DPMM FC’s next match will be away to Home United on the 13th March and rumoured that RTB will be airing the game live on TV for the benefit of DPMM FC fans. So far DPMM FC have won two matches and the team to have a perfect record in the S•League.

Click image to enlarge.

Pengiran Haji Mohd Suhaimi bin Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin, General Manager of Setia Motors holding the International Century Quality ERA Award at the International Century Quality ERA Awards, Geneva, Switzerland

Brunei company stood out in Geneva competing among the global players. Business Initiatives Directions (BID) Group One International Convention took place in Geneva, Switzerland last weekend. The event included the presentation of the International Century Quality ERA Awards (CQE and this year, the award was held at the InterContinental Convention Center, Geneva, Switzerland. Leaders of companies and institutions from 73 countries made the journey to Geneva to receive this distinction. The Award honors an organization’s merits in Total Quality Management (TQM) which includes leadership, innovation, quality, excellence,processes and good practices.

Jose E. Prieto, Executive President of BID (Business Initiative Directions) presented the award and certificate to Pengiran Haji Mohd Suhaimi bin Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin on behalf of Setia Motors Sdn Bhd in recognition of outstanding commitment to Quality and Excellence wIth merits. The International Century Quality ERA Award was evaluated in the realm of Leadership, Strategic Planning, Business Excellence, TQM implementation, Training, Quality, Profitability, Growth and Benchmarking as established in the QC100 TQM system.

Since 1986, companies in 178 countries around the world have implemented the technology of B.I.D QC100 Model in order to manage total quality. The symbol of B.I.D. adorns the corporate image of their companies as a seal of commitment to quality before their clients and the rest of their constituents.

The members of the international committee for selection of candidates are responsible for the selection of companies nominated for the BID CQE Award. The committee is made up of successful corporate leaders from more than 90 countries who meet annually in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, Moscow and Geneva.

Amongst the most outstanding companies from around the world that have received the award in the BID Convention since 1986 are:

•  Turner Construction, the company which managed construction of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai;

•  Alcoa Howmet Gennevilliers, the aeronautics division of France, belonging to Alcoa, the world’s leading producer of primary aluminium, ranked at 461 in the Fortune Global 500 with turnover of $5.2 billion USD;

•  Reliance Industries Ltd, Hazira from India. Ranked 264 in the Fortune Global 500;

•  Tata Auto Elxsi and VSNL Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd., part of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest and most respective business conglomerates;

•  Indian Oil Corp. Ltd., ranked 125 in the Fortune Global 500;

•  Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, which works for the Russian Space Agency;

•  Walmex, subsidiary of Walmart, largest global retailer and #1 on the Fortune 500;

•  King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, Saudi Arabia;

•  Al-Yamamah Press Est “Al-Riyadh Newspaper”, Saudi Arabia;

•  ICICI Bank Ltd, India

•  Istanbul Natural Gas Distribution Co Inc – Turkey

•  SAFCO and Saudi Iron & Steel Company (HADEED) – SABIC, ranked 293 in the Fortune Global 500

•  ANKOL, Poland

•  CBA Kereskedelmi KFT, Hungary

•  LUMERO, Angola

•  Alumina do Notre do Brasil S.A, Brazil

Pengiran Haji Mohd Suhaimi receiving awards from Jose E. Prieto, Executive President of BID accompanied by Craig Miller, President of QC100

Pg Hj Mohd Suhaimi with other guests during the event

Pg Hj Mohd Suhaimi with other guests during the event

In an interview, Pg Hj Mohd Suhaimi commented that Setia Motors Sdn Bhd is committed to continue this Quality Culture with employees, suppliers, clients and the community, supported by the QC100 Total Quality Management Model and the principles of which have been practised by delivering quality, a consequence of valuing customer satisfaction and obtaining positive business results.

Another commitment is maintain and meet the quality levels established in the company in accordance with the QC 100 Points of Quality by encouraging participation and teamwork for decision-making enabling to deliver clients and customer satisfaction and needs to meet their expectations.

This practice will continue to provide human resources, both technical and economics, to achieve continuous improvement and respect for the environment while simultaneously managing human resource in the company to achieve the maximum potential by creating awareness of the importance of concentration on the most profitable areas of activity, to achieve the best business results.

The achievement of these principles by Setia Motors Sdn Bhd will foster improvement for clients, employees, suppliers and all of the other persons who make up the company. Text and images courtesy of Setia Motors.

Congratulations Setia Motors on the milestone.

Pg Hj Mohd Suhaimi with Jose E. Prieto, Executive President of BID (Business Initiative Directions)

Setia Motors winning an international award

 

The guard of honour from the Royal Brunei Police Force after being inspected by Chief Justice

Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Hj Kifrawi bin Dato Paduka Hj Kifli (3rd from right)

Watching the guard of honour last weekend

Heading into the High Court for the annual report by the speakers

Did you know that the Brunei legal system has the same birth as Brunei’s national day? March the 15 was the first existence of the Supreme Court building in the capital. I attended the Legal Year organised by the Judiciary. I didn’t stay long as I had other commitments but I managed to get most of the essence of the speeches shared by the Attorney General, Datin Seri Paduka Hjh Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohd Salleh, Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Hj Kifrawi bin Dato Paduka Hj Kifli and President of the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam, Haji Mohamad Rozaiman DSLJ Haji Abdul Rahman.

The speeches highlighted that electronic legal system has help to expedite and improve the legal systems though it will have some teething problems in the beginning. The courtrooms (Technology Courts) have computer systems in placed and even digital recording of oral testimonies. According to the Attorney General, it is at 70% in the implementation stage.

A proposed idea was introducing “E-Filing” concept as this can help reduce costs and fasten the process such reducing backlogs and delays in the administering of cases, and provide court users with a workable system all round.

Taken at the High Court

One managed to caught me taking a shot 😀

A photo opportunity before the report kicked off

YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Al-Mokhtar in attendance

Chief justice (3rd from left) reading out his report for 2013

Also present was the Police Dato Seri Pahlawan Bahrin Mohd Noor

The annual report was also presented as the Chief Justice shared the statistics of cases in limitation for both civil and criminal cases in Brunei Darussalam. Here are some quick statistics for your perusal.

Revenue collected – $5,430,245.55 in 2013 compared to $6,810,368.73 in 2012.

Bankruptcy cases – 338 recorded in 2013, 661 cases recorded in 2012 (huge drop)

Marriages – 89 in 2013, 184 in 2012

Divorces – 33 in 2013, 32 in 2012

Criminal cases (High Court) – 41 in 2013, 28 in 2012.

Civil cases (High Court) – 82 in 2013, 97 in 2012

Receiving orders – 919 in 2013, 661 in 2012

Adjudication orders – 67 in 2013, 49 in 2012

Criminal cases (Magistrate) – 574 in 2013, 852 in 2012

Civil cases (Magistrate) – 895 in 2013, 1,182 in 2012

Juvenile court – 23 in 2013, 24 in 2012

Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomats also attended Legal Year 2014

Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomats also attended Legal Year 2014

If I’m not mistaken, this is where the defendant will be situated during the hearing. I could be wrong

RBAF Commander Pehin Major General Dato Mohd Tawih also present and the Chief Justice gave many praises on the Royal Brunei Armed Forces

Haji Mohamad Rozaiman DSLJ Haji Abdul Rahman raised concerns on the Power of Attorney, Equitable Ownership and Conversion on conditions of land from perpetuity to 60 years lease and these have been a sensitive issue for the past few years and I would say that it’s in the stage of being inconclusive especially it comes to the Land Code.

He pleaded for Government Link Companies to give recognition to the local law firms and practitioners especially those members of the Brunei Bar. This issue have been put to rest or have gone off the radar. Who knows that this will be another topic to be discussed in the ongoing LegCo (Legislative Council). We shall wait and see.

You also can view last year’s coverage here of the Legal Year 2013.

Placing the podium before the Attorney General read out her report

The Attorney General highlighted about the new technology in placed to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of the court procedures

Representatives from the Royal Brunei Police Force

Haji Mohamad Rozaiman DSLJ Haji Abdul Rahman, the President of the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam

It was good to see some smiles after some light humourous pointers by Rozaiman

The view of the High Court

They also had law books for sale at the lobby area

Hello Zubaidah 😀

 

This was the first run I did this year and I haven’t been running for quite some time. It does say a lot about my dedication to fitness and exercise *lol* Anyway, good job to the organisers and those involved in the recent White Cane Charity Run or also known as Larian Amal Tongkat Putih. More than 2,000 participated in the said event and it’s also the first competitive run event in 2014. The next run will be the National Day Run which is set for 30th March.

Below are some of the photos from the event and I will be posting more soon. This is the first time that the National Association of the Blind organised such event and this is a great awareness on the significance of the white car to the visually impaired. As you know the White Cane is the universal symbol of the access for the blind and visually impaired people. You can check out more pictures and updates on @larianamaltongkatputih on instagram and Facebook.

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Manage your account online with HSBC’s Personal Internet Banking (PIB) service and stand a chance to be rewarded.

From now until April 30, HSBC customers who perform selected online transactions such as international transfers, bill payments and opening foreign currency time deposit accounts will earn Transaction Points ranging from 10 to 100 points.

Every month, the first 150 HSBC customers to collect 200 Transaction Points will be rewarded with attractive vouchers: $30 Starbucks Gift Certificate for the month of February, $30 Hua Ho Shopping Voucher for the month of March and $30 RBC Dining Voucher for the month of April. In addition, HSBC PIB customers will also have a chance of winning one of five PlayStation® 4 consoles in the Grand Lucky Draw.

Earning Transaction Points is easy: for example the purchase of prepaid electricity recharge pins (PowerKad) and prepaid mobile phone (Easi) top-ups will earn customers 30 Transaction Points (minimum $50 for PowerKad and $40 for Easi Top-up) and customers who register to receive their credit card statements via encrypted emails will earn 40 Transaction Points during the campaign period. Customers who perform account openings of Foreign Currency Time Deposits, internal transfers, telegraphic transfers, cashier’s orders or demand drafts via the HSBC Personal Internet Banking platform will also earn Transaction Points, subject to its terms and conditions.

For the month of February, successful customers will receive a Starbucks Gift Certificate worth $30 via appointed courier service in conjunction with the American coffeehouse chain’s opening in the Sultanate back on February 16 at Mabohai Shopping Complex. For more details on the HSBC Online campaign and earning Transaction Points, contact the bank’s Call Centre at 2252252 or log on to www.hsbc.com.bn.

The great thing for the monthly treat’s prizes is that they will be delivered to customers through an appointed courier service within 5 working days after end of every month, for the respective monthly treat.

Click image to enlarge poster

 

Politeknik Brunei will be holding a two-day Open Day – “Road to Politeknik Brunei” on March 6 and 8 from 8.30am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 4pm at One Stop Center, Level 2, Block 2E, Politeknik Brunei, Jalan Ong Sum Ping. The purpose of the Open Day is to provide opportunities for the public, especially the students that have graduated from the ‘A’ level to proceed to the next level by entering the Advanced Diploma courses (which is equivalent to HND) available in Politeknik Brunei for the 2014/2015 intake.

Among the activities that will be held at the Open Day is a consultation and interaction session between the public especially students and Politeknik Brunei’s lecturers on the entry requirements and the Advanced Diploma programmes offered in 2014; briefings on learning and teaching in the Schools / Departments of Politeknik Brunei; briefings on job opportunities in the government and private sectors; and tours around the Politeknik Brunei building for a look at the campus.

Acting Director of Politeknik Brunei, Denis Ho Mun Tai, delivering his speech last Thursday at Politeknik Brunei Open Day. Image courtesy of Sally Pri of The Brunei Times.

Students who have graduated with A Level and wish to continue their studies to Advanced Diploma at Politeknik Brunei may visit the school at Jalan Ong Sum Ping on Saturday from 8.30am to noon and 1.30pm to 4pm.
The school started its Open Day for the 2014-2015 intake yesterday after an opening ceremony was launched by its Acting Director Denis Ho Mun Tai.

Under the title “Road to Politeknik Brunei” the event provides consultation and interaction between prospective students and the school’s lecturers on the entry requirements and the Advanced Diploma programmes offered this year.

It also provides briefings on learning and teaching available at Politeknik Brunei, briefings on job opportunities in the government and private sector as well as tours around the school building to allow students to take a closer look at the campus.

Advanced Diploma qualifications from Politeknik Brunei is accredited by the National Accreditation Council (MKPK) as equivalent to the qualification of the BDTVEC Higher National Diploma (HND).

A total of 12 Programmes are offered by Politeknik Brunei for the 2014-2015 intake.

The School of Business offers five programmes namely Advanced Diplomas in Business Entrepreneurship, Business Accounting, Business Finance, Business Marketing and Business Management.

Under the School of Information and Communication Technology the programmes offered include Advanced Diplomas in Web Computing, Information Systems and Technology, Computer Network, Information Science and Digital Media. Meanwhile, the School of Science and Engineering offers two programmes namely Advanced Diplomas in Interior Design and Well Engineering.

Also in attendance during the opening ceremony were Acting Assistant Director of Politeknik Brunei Alias Hj Abu Bakar, heads of departments, heads of schools as well as lecturers, officers and staff of Politeknik Brunei. Text courtesy of Sally Pri of The Brunei Times.

 

Jeff Dunham to perform live in May in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

LOL Events is proud to present worldwide comedy sensation, Jeff Dunham, live in Malaysia on 20th May 2014 at 8.30pm. The show will be held at Sunway Convention Centre, Level CP3, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre.

Have you heard of Jeff Dunham? Well, I have and I’m pretty sure some of you have. He will be touring in Asia and one of the stops will be in Kuala Lumpur. Jeff Dunham is a popularly known for his stand up comedy with his puppets and yes, he will be bringing a truck load of puppets with him. Even Time Magazine wrote that he is “the most popular comedian in the United States” and Forbes named him to its Celebrity 100 list of most powerful entertainers three years running. Jeff Dunham is a phenomenally successful global entertainment brand.

He will be in Asia for the “Disorderly Conduct tour”. He will perform live on 20th May at the Sunway Convention Centre and he will be performing for 90 minutes.

“We are proud to bring to Malaysia another global comedy sensation. Jeff Dunham’s talent has taken the art of ventriloquism to a whole new level. He will dazzle you with his amazing ventriloquist skills and deliver cutting edge comedy whilst still remain warm and humane. This will be a mind-blowing comedy experience for everyone.” – Rizal Kamal, CEO, LOL Events.

It’s also good to know that this is also supported by Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Major Events.

Jeff Dunham, live in Malaysia takes place at the Sunway Convention Centre on 20th May 2014 at 8.30pm. Ticket prices are RM420 (VIP), RM340 (Cat 1), RM270 (Cat 2), RM200 (Cat 3), RM130 (Cat 4) and ticket sales will be available from 25th Feb, 10am through TicketPro.

I will also be running instagram competition and one of you will walk away with a pair of tickets to catch Jeff Dunham (well, air ticket and accommodation not included). So do check out @ranoadidas instagram soon.

The seating arrangements for Jeff Dunham’s gig at Sunway Convention Centre. Click image to enter TicketPro to buy seats.

The ticket pricing for the gig. Click image to enter TicketPro to buy seats.

 

Ridzuan and his family with the management of Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, posing with the grand prize, Volkswagen Jetta

Finally a winner for the grand draw of the DPMM FC lucky draw has been awarded. 38 shortlisted fans of DPMM FC were invited for the final grand draw. The grand draw prize was the Volkswagen Jetta sponsored by Maju Motors Sdn Bhd. They are also one of the major sponsors for DPMM FC team last season and it’s no surprise that Maju Motors Sdn Bhd has continued the tradition of being major sponsor for DPMM FC this season in the S•League campaign.

Dr. Chan Sui Kiat, Managing Director of Maju Motors and Chan Key Hong, Executive Director of Maju Motors, were present to host the grand draw. From the 38 shortlisted participants, they drew the top 5 participants for the final grand draw. Ridzuan bin Ali emerged as the lucky winner as his son picked the right key to unlock a brand new Volkswagen Jetta.

The Jetta 1.4TSI is a comfortable car as it has a long wheelbase and German engineered suspensions. The 122-horsepower engine is mated with a smooth shifting 6-speed DSG transmission, allowing the car to get from 0-100km/h in just a few seconds.

The finalists choosing their keys for the draw

Others waiting in anticipation for the winner

The first participant couldn’t unlock the door

The lil boy tried his luck with the key

Guess what? He managed to unlock it

Ridzuan was so appreciative of his son’s effort

Will he remember this moment when he grows up? 😀

Like father, like son

Finally a winner was crowned with a Volkswagen Jetta

Consolation prizes where they get a pair of season tickets

Consolation prizes where they get a pair of season tickets

 

Are you a “Food Fan” who loves to sample different kinds of delicacies, especially home baked savouries or sweet delights? Do you love to share your creations with other enthusiasts? Or do you love home made products that you can display or use either in your office, home or give as a gift to your loved ones? Or simply want to meet fellow enthusiasts to while away a day of craft or food?

The Mabohai Shopping Complex, in support of local SME’s, will be holding the Mabohai Shopping Complex “Craft and Foodies’ Weekend” at the Event stage of the Complex on Saturday, 8th March and Sunday, 9th March 2014 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The event will start on Saturday, 8th Feb with La Vida Crafts Group offering handmade baskets, cards, quilts and many other decorative items for sale to the general public. In addition, Jo’s Art Gallery will be demonstrating craft activities using recycled materials such as plastic bottles and egg trays. There will also be free face painting for children.

On Sunday, 9th March on Foodies’ Day, different delicacies such as cookies, cakes and pies prepared by local online sellers will be available for sale to the public. The public is invited to sample and buy these delicious concoctions and savour the taste of home made products.

According to the management of Mabohai Shopping Complex, “We are very happy to be able to help groups like La Vida and the local sme’s to share their love for crafts and cooking. Both are works of art expressed in different forms, one is through visual art with the home made jewellery, quilts, baskets and bags, and the other is culinary arts, with the different cupcakes, pastries, desserts that will delight the public. This is a celebration of creativity, and the public is invited to join in the fun.”

Should you wish to book the Event Stage of the Mabohai Shopping Complex for your events and activities, please call us on 8111623 or 8653762. Or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @mabohaibrunei

Happening this weekend

 

Allan Ang, Chris Woo (champion) and Bobby in the International Speech category at the Brunei Speakers’ Club speech competition last Tuesday

Bob Lim, Allan Ang (champion) and Bobby in the Table Topics category

I have neglected my time spent at Toastmasters session hosted by Brunei Speakers’ Club (BSC) which happens every Tuesday. I used to be a member two years ago but I didn’t end up doing any speeches :O I would say that it comes close to a year now that I missed their sessions as a guest and it was great to see new blood, helping the momentum of the BSC to keep it active every now and then.

Last Tuesday, I attended the Toastmasters session because there was a speech competition by BSC for their members. This is held annually where the winners and the runner-ups will represent the club to compete against other local toastmaster clubs before the grand winner will represent Brunei in regional competition.

I totally missed all the International Speech and Table Topic speeches as I had my evening jog prior to that. The event was hosted by toastmaster Fen Ng whom I am so proud of. I remember my friends and I were suggesting her to join the Brunei Speakers’ Club two years ago and now she has achieved so much in the short span of time and she looks more confident than before. For your info, clubs like BSC is an environment that helps and guides one to be confident in public speaking and also building that inner muscles of that confidence trait in you. I do highly recommend students to simply to turn up and be a guest on Tuesday evenings at the Seameo Votech, Gadong (7:30pm to 9:30pm) and get a taste of how the sessions are being conducted.

Anyway, below are the winners of International Speeches and Table Topics from BSC.

International Speech 

Chris Woo – Champion

Bobby – 1st Runner up

Allan Ang – 2nd Runner up

Table Topics

Allan Ang – Champion

Bob Lim – 1st Runner up

Bobby – 2nd Runner up

The next competition will be on Sunday, 23rd March 2014 at 11am. The venue will be at Seameo Votech, Gadong, and you will get to see the best of the best in different toastmasters clubs in Brunei Darussalam. So you are more than welcome to attend the event and witness how the participants will deliver their speeches to woo the audience.

Chris Woo, the champion of the International Speech category, just recently join Brunei Speakers’ Club three months ago and it has already completed six speeches to be eligible for the competition. That’s really awesome!! I’m pretty sure UBD students will be familiar with him as he is currently a lecturer, teaching professional communication, in UBD. Ironically, he gives public speaking consultancy and why he joined BSC is to test his professionalism. Despite his familiarity with public speaking, the competition was still nerve wrecking for him. This is also the first victory in any competition he has joined in his entire life and to him, this is an important milestone in terms of achievements.

Chris Woo receiving the award from BSC President Stuart Lee

Allan Ang receiving the award from BSC President Stuart Lee

Bob Lim receiving the award from BSC President Stuart Lee

The contestants being interviewed by toastmaster Fen Ng

Fen Ng announcing the winners and hosted the competition as well

Great turn out to support the contestants

 

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Chan Key Hong, Executive Director of Maju Motors, holding one of the keys that unlocks the grand prize – Volkswagen Jetta this morning

The five short listed candidates this morning and these are the candidates who participated in the lucky draw for buying home match tickets to catch DPMM FC last season. I shall reveal the winner in my next post unless you have seen it at my @ranoadidas IG

He was the first to go but did he win?

Chan Key Hong also invited DPMM FC management and players for an autograph signing. More pictures tomorrow.

 

Celebrating Pancake Day every weekend at Paddington House of Pancakes

Few days ago, it was International Pancake Day which fell on the 4th of March. We had a treat, hosted by Paddington House of Pancakes (@pancakesbrunei) last Tuesday and wow, we really had a good feast, just on pancakes.

Now you can enjoy “All You Can Eat” pancake buffet for only $15.50 during weekends (Saturday, Sunday) from 2pm to 6pm for the month of March 2014. That’s a pretty good deal I must say and I recommend you to take advantage of this special promotion.

There are different flavours of pancake to choose from such as chico chip, blueberry, original, banana & raisins to name a few.

You can even make your own pancake and show off your design on social media, post it on their Facebook page and you stand a chance to win PHOP dining vouchers worth BND 20. Good luck!!

My buddies trying out the pancakes toppings for lunch few days ago

Some of the toppings from the pancake buffet

Add more sweet stuff for your toppings

Choco chip pancakes 😀

You can make a good presentation from the toppings

Having a pancake rush!!

Pancakes are made fresh from the pan

I was into the balloons too

Do contribute some pictures on their Facebook page

 

HRH happy with progress

His Royal Highness Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of DPMM FC club being updated of DPMM FC’s progress by Steve Kean, Head Coach of DPMM FC yesterday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium

Group photo with DPMM FC chairman, management and DPMM FC players in their away jerseys. Click image to enlarge.

DPMM FC in training mode in preparation for their away match on the 13th April against Home United

Who will win the Jetta?

The grand prize for DPMM FC supporters last season

Spectators of DPMM Football Club’s home games during last season’s S.League will be happy to know that 38 names have been pre-drawn by DPMM FC and the grand draw will be held in the morning of Friday March 7, 2014, at the newly revamped Volkswagen showroom in Telanai.

The Volkswagen model was never revealed before but the final decision has been made and it will be one of Volkswagen’s most desirable sedan, the Jetta 1.4TSI.

Apart from the grand draw, fans of DPMM FC will also be treated to a meet and greet session with the players. Posters of the team will be given away to the first 150 fans on the day of the event and once the players are in the showroom, they will get the chance to acquire their autographs and meet them personally.

The 38 finalists have been called to confirm their attendance. Those who won’t be able to make it on the day will not be entitled to the draw.

The Jetta 1.4TSI is a comfortable car as it has a long wheelbase and German engineered suspensions. The 122-horsepower engine is mated with a smooth shifting 6-speed DSG transmission, allowing the car to get from 0-100km/h in just a few seconds.

Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole dealership for Volkswagen in the Sultanate is the official car sponsor for the DPMM FC Jetta grand draw. You can follow their instagram too for updates @vollkswagenbrunei

You can get yourself posters of DPMM FC for the first 150 fans

Get up close and personal with DPMM FC players at Maju Motors today (9am to 11am)

 

BIBD donates Water Jets to NDMC

In their further strides to support and compliment relief efforts in place by the government of His Majesty along with other various agencies to mitigate issues emanating from water hazards, BIBD yesterday agreed to hand over a total of 20 water jet cleaners to the Brunei-Muara District Office, who is receiving on behalf of National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC).

The donation of these water jet cleaners comes from discussions between the NDMC and BIBD to assist in, and bolster recovery and cleaning activities from the current and future occurrences of flood incidents. The water cleaners comes as added contribution to the many efforts prepared, as BIBD reinforces its intentions to maintain itself as a stalwart partner to the NDMC.

Handing over the water jets on behalf of BIBD was Hjh Nurul Akmar Hj Md Jaafar, Deputy Head of Consumer Banking and Head of BIBD’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which was well received by the Brunei-Muara District Officer, Hj Jamain Hj Momin. Also present was BIBD’s Head of Shariah, Hjh Hanifah Hj Jenan.

Hjh Nurul Akmar Hj Md Jaafar, Deputy Head of Consumer Banking and Head of BIBD’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative handing over 20 water jet cleaners to Hj Jamain Hj Momin, Brunei-Muara District Officer, receiving on behalf of National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)

Hjh Nurul Akmar, on behalf of BIBD, commented at her pleasure at the ability of BIBD to act swiftly to provide assistance that, not only benefits the community, but also benefits the community in a long run. She continued that “We are also pleased that we can live up to our tagline of being ‘Bruneian at Heart’, always being part of a caring society, and ready to provide support to those in need.”

BIBD has always been on the forefront at being able to provide support to our community, especially in times of need. The act of donating of these water jet cleaners also aligns with BIBD’s annual Sirah Amal donations drive whereby resources are pulled from within the BIBD community-conscious staff, along with BIBD partners in support of the initiative, to provide relief to under- privileged families.

BIBD has also became a pioneer with its flagship CSR activity, BIBD’s ALAF (Advocating Life-long Learning for an Aspiring Future) fund developed in close partnership with the Ministry of Education, which provides school and tuition fees, stationery, transportation and food requirements along with mentoring and counseling necessities amongst others, until the end of their respective educational requirement needs.

 

Showcase Concert 2014

A show that I can’t wait to see. Happening this Saturday (7:45pm) and Sunday (2pm) and you can get their tickets at JIS Uniform & Stationery Shop. Call 241 1000 ext 5240. The Showcase Concert 2014 will take place at the JIS Arts Centre

 

Showcase your talent 😀

Do you want to participate in the video competition? Submission ends on 31st March 2014. This is event is brought to you by the committee of the Film Festival Video competition 2014. Good luck, peeps!

 

Singapore Food Festival

The Singapore Food Festival is back at the Airport Restaurant & Coffee Shop, Brunei International Airport, bringing all authentic Singaporean favourite dishes and delicacies to our shores. This is the sixth time for the festival, which runs until March 16th, was officially launched by the Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yussof Hj Ismail with Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam His Excellency Jaya Ratnam, and RBC General Manager Hj Omar Ali bin Hj Mohd Daud in attendance.

With dishes ranging from Singapore food of Chili crabs, Murtabak Masjid Sultan as well as Sup Kambing (lamb) Beach Road and of course, the signature Singaporean Chicken Rice, it’s a Singaporean gastronomic experience all under one roof, with specially flown-in chef from Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore, Chef Lee Chin Choong, teaming up with Singaporean Chef Ahmad Tajuddin from RBC, to give a 100 per cent authentic Singapore taste.

Diners also have a chance to win great prizes including return tickets to Singapore sponsored by Singapore Airlines and a two-night stay at Grand Hyatt Singapore in the festival’s Special Draw.Baiduri Bank Infinite and Platinum cardholders are entitled to 25 per cent discount, while the Gold, Classic and Debit cardholders receive 15 per cent discount.

Meanwhile, RBC Dining Privilege Card members will get a 10 per cent discount. The Daily promotion Buffet Lunch, served from 12pm to 2pm, is $19.90 per adult and $10 per child. The Buffet Dinner from 7pm to 10pm is priced at $29.90 per adult and $15 per child. The Singapore Food Festival will be until 16th March 2014.

Reservations can be made by calling 233 1853 or 233 9207.

Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yussof Hj Ismail launching the Singapore Food Festival. Accompanying him were Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam His Excellency Jaya Ratnam, and RBC General Manager Hj Omar Ali bin Hj Mohd Daud

Celebrating Women this weekend

It’s the time of the year that we recognise women all around. Every year, on March the 8th, it is the celebration of International Women’s Day and Brunei has been running a few activities every now and then for the past few years. One of the companies that will be celebrating International Women’s Day is Butik Bajoo, a boutique that will bring out the flavour of the celebration by offering “specials” in-store this weekend.

I’m pretty sure you know of the popular Malaysian designer Jovian Mandagie. Back in 2012, he began a collaboration with Bajoo to showcase his ready-to-wear line. When you have an iconic designer that suits the local taste, you have a winner and it was no surprise that the responses were overwhelming then.

Now there is a new collection for the ladies and guess what? You can enjoy a massive 30% discount on Jovian fashion dresses on 8th and 9th of March.

Check out Jovian’s design, going at 30% discount this weekend only

Check out Jovian’s design, going at 30% discount this weekend only

This year, Bajoo also have a new collaboration with Bayou Batik, a label from Malaysia. Bayou Batik specialises in exquisitely designed and hand-made batik clothing. Using the finest quality fabrics, Bayou Batik’s range encompasses both modern and traditional styles. Based in Kuala Lumpur, they aimed to fill a void in the diminishing art of batik design and printing by modernizing traditional batik designs. By joining forces with Bajoo, together they set out to bring back this unique cultural quality that we share in the region. Bayou Batik at Bajoo is also celebrating International Women’s Day in offering 20% off their in-store items on 8th and 9th of March.

Check out Bayou Batik’s design, going at 20% discount discount this weekend only

CCheck out Bayou Batik’s design, going at 20% discount discount this weekend only

Now that’s said and done, Bajoo will be offering 50% discount (on 8th and 9th of March) on the other items in the store. So another great way to celebrate International Women’s Day. As Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Every year the Women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future… this is known as Fashion Week”. In Brunei, Bajoo likes to call this ‘Raya week‘. As this year’s Raya week draws near, the tailors at Bajoo’ are getting ready for the ‘mad rush’. So to avoid disappointment, make an appointment with Bajoo’ and have your slot booked in.

Be sure to look up @Bajoo on instagram or you can view on their website www.butikbajoo.com

If you are location for the location, refer to the map below. Business hours is 10am to 8pm daily.

Check out Bajoo’s collection, going at 50% discount this weekend only

Check out Bajoo’s collection, going at 50% discount this weekend only

Check out Bajoo’s collection, going at 50% discount this weekend only

Check out Bajoo’s collection, going at 50% discount this weekend only

The map of Bajoo. Located near Supa Save Mata-mata

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His Majesty the Sultan’s titan at the 10th Legislative Council this morning. Taken from The Brunei Times’ website. Check out tomorrow for more in-depth coverage of the #LegCo

The race pack collection starts tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday

 

Below are some of the pictures being shared among my peers on the recent National Day celebration outside Brunei. So far, I have a few photos from different countries and it’s kinda cool to have a compilation of pictures and post them online so we can feel the patriotism among our people. The love for the monarch and the country have always been on a high. Home is where the heart is. Unfortunately I missed the big event at the National Stadium as I was outstation then.

So a big thank you to those who contributed on the photos and do mind me for the late post. Better late than never.

Celebration in Kuala Lumpur

Celebration in Singapore

Celebration in Canberra

Celebration in Phnom Penh

Celebration in Bangkok

Eva Green playing Artemisia stole the show. Click image to listen our podcast review.

Review of 300: Rise of An Empire. This is an visually awesome movie to begin with. Yes, we are given with a familiar theme and cinematography from its predecessor. The battle scenes were worth the watch but nothing that really stood out for me. It was just enough to satisfy that 6 year wait for a sequel. There are a few flaws that I would like to point out despite it being entertaining. So do bear with me on this one.

Flaw number one: the protagonist Themistokles played by Sullivan Stapleton, a Greek general, didn’t really stand out as a charismatic, dominant leader as compared to Gerald Butler’s portrayal of Leonadis in 300. He did an OK job or more like playing safe or perhaps it was the direction of Noam Murro that forced Themistokles to play a less convincing hero. I certainly didn’t buy him as a charismatic leader. Leonadis, why did you have to die too soon? 🙁

Flaw number two: The film editing might need some fine retuning. I was slightly lost in the first quarter or maybe I didn’t put my full concentration on the plot. My co-host of The Popcorn Panel, @delgoh, managed to grasp the storytelling though he thought it wasn’t a sharp delivery. It took me a while to understand the construction and the setting of the story line and for those who missed the first movie (300), you might be slightly confused. One suggestion could be short snippets of flashbacks to refresh the memories and also for the benefit of first viewers. The idea was there and clever but executed mediocrely.

Enough of the flaws. I still had fun out of the sequel. One of the biggest draw is Eva Green who played Artemisia, the commander of the Persian Navy. I haven’t seen such a dominant female lead especially as a villain in a long time. Every time when she was on screen, I was in awe. She, I thought, was a saviour for this sequel. She’s worth of a ticket admission.

There was a lot of carnage and violence so I doubt this is suitable for children. I did appreciate the stylish slo-mos which can be repetitive and familiar but there were some scenes that were nicely executed. Entertainment value is definitely there and for me, it was enough to keep me satisfied.

On average, my peers enjoyed 300: Rise of An Empire, but majority still preferred the first movie. It’s a notch down for me as compared to the first but still a crowd pleaser. I shall watch this again in Singapore in a few weeks’ time. Eva Green in IMAX 3D is worth a second visit *lol* Verdict: 7/10 @delgoh 7 @swee_ann 8 Rottentomatoes 65%

You can catch our in-depth review in The Popcorn Panel and stand a chance to win a PS4 console when you answer a quiz post on my instagram handle @ranoadidas (refer to image of 300: Rise on An Empire) to be posted today.

Friends enjoying the sequel of 300 at The Mall Cineplex

Sarina needed to watch South Park after *lol*

All smiles before the movie

Hui Chiet trying to eat off the supposedly drumstick from Xerxes :p

If only Brunei has IMAX 3D but it will be a huge investment to have one