Finally I’m back in Brunei after 10 days of holiday and it seemed like a long time. I miss being active with my coverage and furthermore, I miss the familiar faces I see now and then (you know who you are). I’m almost out of shape.. Well, it was more of a reference to my fitness level where tennis is mostly involved. The tennis group recently had a short trip to Miri yesterday for a friendly match between our tennis group and from the Miri side.

I’m kinda out of touch but thanks to The Brunei Times social media updates and the multiple sharing on my Facebook feeds on The Brunei Times’ articles, I feel that I’m in the loop of the happenings in Brunei.

The cycling event was, of course, the highlight of the week. It was rare to see His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam participating in a cycling event and it was lead by over 800 cyclists. Amazing feat indeed and I’ve never known that there are many cycling enthusiasts in Brunei alone. His Majesty cycled in the 15 km bicycle ride to mark his 70th birthday. All I can say is 70 and still going strong.. Amazing!!!

In other news, Pokemon Go seems to have taken Brunei by storm or Asia for that matter. When I was outstation, my social media feeds were dominated by Pokemon statuses and images. Is this a good thing or a negative thing? There’s nothing wrong for sure but just make you don’t drive and PoGo or escape work time to level up on your game. The question is how long will the phase last for? The developers had already made a few hundred millions through their purchase add-ins and in the first 5 weeks, they have earned more than USD 268 million. Amazing!! So for now, Pokemon Go is here to stay and no, I’m not one of them players huhu.

So enjoy your week, peeps and stay in touch through my social media feeds. Oh yea, thanks the Bluehost support team for scanning and cleaning my site. It was attacked by some unwanted Viiiirrruuussss… 🙁 So I’m glad it’s back and running.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday led over 800 people in an unprecedented 15 kilometre bicycle ride to mark his 70th birthday. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Image courtesy of Vincent Hong.

This could be one of the reasons why bicycle sales have increased

My final day in Malaysia before heading back. I’ve been lacking sleep but enjoyed my break so far in Ipoh, Penang and Kuala Lumpur

A successful event hosted by Honey Carsmart last weekend for their Grand Sale weekend and also getting involved with charities

The tennis friendly match between our tennis group (Aiman’s students) and players from Miri. It was held at Miri yesterday. Too bad I couldn’t make it and it was great exposure for the young players to play abroad.

It was first time staying in an AirBnB apartment in Kuala Lumpur and it was pretty good. I love the room and the host, Melvyn, is friendly and helpful. I also met a new friend from AirBnB and she’s staying in the other room of the apartment. I’m impressed with her resume as she has worked in Malta before. It was nice knowing you, Michiko. I hope you visit Brunei one day and we both have something in common. We support Liverpool 😀

My third Kpop concert and I kinda like the energy of the boy band, iKon. The concert took place at Indoor Stadium Negara. Kuala Lumpur last weekend. I had the privilege to cover the event (many postings on Snapchat). Congratulations to Kelly Wee and Vili Tee on winning the tickets and big thanks to Yuslin for arranging the tickets and my media pass.

The second consolation prize draw was held last Friday for the “Win the Helix” promotion. So far they had 5,925 entries for the month of July alone. The promotion ends 31st August. So you still have a chance to win the grand prize – Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI. Image above are the members of the press who drew the names and witnessed by the management of Brunei Shell Marketing.

I caught a record of 6 movies in my recent trip. Suicide Squad and Bad Moms twice actually *lol* You can tell how much of a movie buff I am 😀

Though I complained too much about Batman v Superman, I still caught again from the in-flight entertainment on Royal Brunei Airlines. Thank you, Aunty Jacky for the upgrade 😀 It was nice catching up again and see you this Friday

 

Sentral Residence is located next to KB Sentral Shopping Centre. Last weekend, I had a quick look at the new service apartment. Well, it’s affiliated with Garden Sentral Hotel. This has the best location if you ask me since it’s by the main road. It’s very convenient if you also want to cross the border or drive to Bandar.

It’s fully furnished and the rates given are inclusive of being furnished. Three types of apartment will be available for rental which are one-bedroom type located on the ground floor of the unit, two-bedroom type at the floor above it and and four-bedroom (two-storey) type.

Below are the rates.

           Daily      One Week     Two Weeks     One month     One year(per month)
One-bed     150            900               1500               2500                   2300
Two-bed     190           1200              1800               2800                 2500
Four-bed     290          1700              2800               3400                 3100

The apartment is catered for business and leisure. The perks that you can enjoy are such as housekeeping, maintenance and complimentary transportation within Kuala Belait (interesting). You will also get access to the gym and swimming pool (Garden Sentral Hotel). Not to worry about security as there is a 24 hour CCTV and you will see get a sheltered car park.

Other perks are also like special discounts at all F&B outlets at KBSentral, namely Freshco-owned eateries and Sugarbun.

For more information, you can contact 3333 833 or email them at sales@gardensentralhotel.com

 

Yang Mulia Hjh Noorashidah binti Hj Aliomar, Acting Deputy Director of Information Department (right) the guest of honour receiving a token of appreciation from Abby Lim, the General Manager of KB Sentral Property Management during the launch of the Sentral Photography Exhibition to showcase His Majesty’s royal visits to the Belait District

Sentral Shopping Centre (KBSentral) in Kuala Belait in cooperation with The Information Department as well as the National Archive under the Museums Department will hold the former’s first Sentral Photography Exhibition, set to be held from 28th July to 7th August with the gallery time starting at 10am to 9pm for the duration of the event.

Organized in conjunction with the celebration of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 70th Birthday Celebration, the photo event will showcase His Majesty’s royal visits to Belait District from previous years’ occasions as well as photos of the old Belait Town from the early days.

The photo showcase is entitled ‘Reminiscing Belait’ and aims to evoke memories of how the old Belait Town used to look like, and along with pictures of His Majesty’s previous royal meet-and-greet visits also aims to portray the loving care and contributions of His Majesty’s government towards improving the standard living of the Belait residents as well as the development of Belait District as an oil town that has successfully contributed to the employment of local workforce in the oil and gas industry and other key areas in the private sector.

In addition, the event is meant to engage with local communities here so the people can show their affection and appreciation towards His Majesty. The progressive development set by the government has significantly helped the oil town to modernize Brunei Darussalam since oil was first discovered here in 1929.

Officials from the Information Department, National Archives from the Museums Department, sponsorship clients, teachers and students from various schools in Belait District are expected to attend the opening ceremony o the 28th July at 2pm in the afternoon at the atrium area of KBSentral.

For further information, please call 3339889 or email to kbsentralmarketing@gmail.com.

Invited guests viewing the gallery

Some of the pictures of His Majesty the Sultan in the past

The guest of honour speaking to the press on the exhibition

Group photo with the officers from the Information Department and management of Sentral Shopping Centre

 

Abby Lim, the General Manager of KB Sentral Property Management and Anwar Rosly, KB Sentral Marketing and Event Manager with the staff at their Hari Raya celebration last weekend.

The staff of Shopping Centre (KBSentral) celebrated Hari Raya last Saturday with good food and entertainment. Those who attended had the chance to win prizes ranging from meal vouchers to hampers in the lucky draw.

Garden Sentral Hotel’s housekeeping personnel and event management staff also joined in on the festivity, and provided entertainment with live singing performances. General Manager of KBSentral Abby Lim in a speech conveyed her gratitude to those who attended the gathering. According to Lim, the turnout was evidence of the strong bond between each department and staff. This will in turn help to realize KBSentral’s vision to become a shopping mall that advocates the theme ‘family’, she added.

During the same event, the general manager also congratulated selected staff who had received the ‘Employee of the Month’ award, and brought the crowd together to sing a birthday song for May, June and July celebrants. The best dressed male and female were also awarded at the event.

On the sidelines, customers can still take part in the KBSentral lucky draw when they shop, dine and watch a movie at the shopping centre. The next grand draw will take place on August 28, and customers are eligible when they use their Baiduri credit or debit card at any outlets at the centre. Text courtesy of Hafiizah Maiden of The Brunei Times and images from KBSentral Facebook Page.

The management and head of department from KBSentral welcoming the staff

It was all smiles from the attendees

Singing performance from the staff of KBSentral

Abby Lim presenting a prize for the best performance

Anwar Rosly handing over a hamper to one of the staff

 

T.C.Y. Motors as the local Audi dealer/importer in partnership with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf recently presented prizes to the winner of the Audi Avengers & the Coffee Bean lucky draw which was held in May to coincide with the Brunei premiere of The Avengers: The Age of Ultron action blockbuster. Patrons who spent over $15.00 at any of the six CBTL branches in the Brunei Muara district were entitled to enter the draw.

The winner, Nurul Afizahm of the Audi Avengers & The Coffee Bean lucky draw

Nurul Afizah Ahmad’s receipt of $21.35 from the Ministry of Finance CBTL branch was drawn- winning her a pair of exclusive Audi Sport Gloryfy G1 sunglasses which is retailed at over $300.00 from the Audi Kiarong showroom boutique.

Five other consolation winners from the other 5 branches were drawn to receive Audi goodie bags. The second instalment of the Avengers film franchise featured Audi’s new R8 sports car, TT Coupe and A3 Cabriolet in a continuing partnership between Audi and Marvel since the first 2008 Iron Man movie.

During the launch of JPMC’s rebranded online presence

Dato Dr Isham Jaafar, Executive Director and Medical Director of JPMC with Vivian Suk Kee Tie, head of the Rehabilitation Department at JPMC. Image taken from @jpmcbrunei

Jerudong Park Medical Centre goes social and it’s a good thing that they are focusing on social media for a better outreach to the public and especially their patients. The event took place yesterday at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club. Present during the launch was Dato Dr Isham Jaafar, Executive Director and Medical Director of JPMC.

This event marked the launch of their newly redesigned website as well as our social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram. The website offers new features, which will introduced at the launch, and the social media platforms provide an opportunity to interact with the community, and also to provide news and information through Facebook and/or Instagram @jpmcbrunei

@eia25 with Ak Danny, Marketing Department of JPMC . Image taken from @jpmcbrunei

Posing by the management and staff of JPMC . Image taken from @jpmcbrunei

Even the media goes social . Image taken from @jpmcbrunei

Representing from MixMediaWorx. Image taken from @jpmcbrunei

Image taken from @jpmcbrunei

Go on their website and register to win prizes. Click on image.

“5 Days Countdown to Baiduri’s Innovation Hub Roadshow”

Baiduri Bank is organizing a “Baiduri Innovation Hub” roadshow aimed towards providing opportunities to the public to explore the financial and banking prospects that are designed to meet specific financing needs. Held at The Mall Atrium, Gadong, the roadshow runs from 11th June – 14th June 2015 featuring different hubs equipped with specialists and consultants to offer visitors the best researched financial solutions.

Apart from loans research hub, and debit card exploration hub, the roadshow includes the Smart Executive advance hub directed towards managing finances and lifestyle of young executives in today’s world. The roadshow also showcases the financial planning hub and the e-Channels innovation hub.

“This roadshow benefits all target groups from students, executives, home owners to families! It’s a hub that meets expectations and needs! This is a unique space of different cultivated interest and pursuit. We wanted a fun and innovative approach that is accessible to the public!” says Dorothy Newn, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing of Baiduri Bank.

Along with financial health checks, the roadshow features games and activities, inviting the public to bring the whole family to experience the laboratory environment.

With exclusive discounts up to 20% from participating merchants at the Mall such as Essensuals, iTop, KFC, Charles & Keith, Eileen Chen, Best Eastern, Dainty Shoes, Heatwave, Kofom Textiles and more, customers are able to delight in special values via their Baiduri Deals app.

In addition, customers who sign up with Baiduri’s services and products will stand a chance to win a Luminox watch it the lucky draw and also enjoy an Instant lucky gift whilst benefiting from Baiduri’s extensive list of advantages.

Inspiring to be a platform that offers customers a one-stop secure and sustainable financial services, Baiduri Bank aims to lead a new and innovative approach to banking.

 

“5 Days Countdown to Baiduri’s Innovation Hub Roadshow”

Baiduri Bank is organizing a “Baiduri Innovation Hub” roadshow aimed towards providing opportunities to the public to explore the financial and banking prospects that are designed to meet specific financing needs. Held at The Mall Atrium, Gadong, the roadshow runs from 11th June – 14th June 2015 featuring different hubs equipped with specialists and consultants to offer visitors the best researched financial solutions.

Apart from loans research hub, and debit card exploration hub, the roadshow includes the Smart Executive advance hub directed towards managing finances and lifestyle of young executives in today’s world. The roadshow also showcases the financial planning hub and the e-Channels innovation hub.

“This roadshow benefits all target groups from students, executives, home owners to families! It’s a hub that meets expectations and needs! This is a unique space of different cultivated interest and pursuit. We wanted a fun and innovative approach that is accessible to the public!” says Dorothy Newn, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing of Baiduri Bank.

Along with financial health checks, the roadshow features games and activities, inviting the public to bring the whole family to experience the laboratory environment.

With exclusive discounts up to 20% from participating merchants at the Mall such as Essensuals, iTop, KFC, Charles & Keith, Eileen Chen, Best Eastern, Dainty Shoes, Heatwave, Kofom Textiles and more, customers are able to delight in special values via their Baiduri Deals app.

In addition, customers who sign up with Baiduri’s services and products will stand a chance to win a Luminox watch it the lucky draw and also enjoy an Instant lucky gift whilst benefiting from Baiduri’s extensive list of advantages.

Inspiring to be a platform that offers customers a one-stop secure and sustainable financial services, Baiduri Bank aims to lead a new and innovative approach to banking.

 

Yes, for those who follow me on instagram would be aware that I’m currently flying abroad but of course, I’m still connected to the world wide web and yes, I will be updating my site regularly when I have the time. Funnily enough I’m more active in posting my work online rather than when I’m back at home. Weird but true.

To recap my travel log, I was in Singapore for a night (for some coverage and catching up with friends) and it was kinda of a miscommunication as I thought my mom and family would still be in Singapore then. Apparently they came back two days before I flew to Singapore *lol* So below are the pictures taken during my one day trip to Singapore before I flew off to Ipoh to meet up with my other buddies around the world.

Team Brunei Wushu preparing to fly to Singapore last Monday. Their event starts today and there will be 118 athletes competing in the Wushu event. Can Brunei bagged gold medals this time round?

AITI hosts 12 companies to Singapore for the CommunicAsia 2015. This was also taken last Monday as they depart together with some of the SEA Games delegates. It was a full flight indeed.

Prayers and blessings for the delegates and players of Brunei Darussalam representing in the SEA Games at the Brunei International Airport

Thank you Winnie for sending me off. See you pretty soon.

Loving the brown colour tone Adidas Supercolor edition. This will be my footwear for the next 3 weeks on my travels.

Thank you Royal Brunei for your hospitality. Love the service and the food. Happy 40th year of flight.

Today’s the last day to book cheaper flights. Enjoy shopping!!

The SEA Games athletes will get a special welcome by the LOs from Singapore. Awesome!! And they are being ushered right after they disembarked the aircraft

I was rushing to the OCBC Arena near the Stadium MRT to catch the match between Brunei and Myanmar in the netball competition. I managed to catch the final 5 minutes of the match where Brunei won 😀

Top notch security in Singapore’s SEA Games. You can see how much they spent in heightening the security. This could be a reason why Brunei pull out because of all these measures that will be taken into consideration for the safety of the public.

Loving the merchandise at the SEA Games. I might shop again once I return back to Singapore next week.

The Brunei mascot for the 28th SEA Games. What do you think?

I love the idea that they are promoting respective sports for the public to try. In this picture, it’s a customized long ping pong table. Interesting concept.

Pilot is one of the sponsors for the 28th SEA Games.

Great range of merchandise. I was already thinking of Armtrix being the official merchandise suppliers for Brunei SEA Games 2019 but has been shelved since Brunei just pulled out as being host nation.

Cheer leaders practicing by the OCBC Arena

I was fortunate to catch the final minutes of the netball event. The $11 ticket was worth it 😀

For rock climbing fans, you can try this at the Kallang Wave Mall (get off Stadium MRT)

I was contemplating in buying this pokka dot Adidas jacket. I didn’t in the end.

Caught up with Frances and Jessie over dinner and thank you, new buddy Nick for treating us dinner.

Awesome stay here at River Valley. I paid only $89 for this room. You should try AirBnb app or website to book. I booked this room through Darrick who owns a few rooms around the neighborhood in Singapore. For your info, Airbnb is a rival to hotels.

This is the studio apartment I’m staying in. You can click image to check out other rooms that Darrick from Singapore is offering.

There is even a washing machine and a cooking area and a fridge as well

You can even enjoy fast internet speed there. Faster than my home 😀

My usual ride in Singapore. One reason why I like to wander around in Singapore. I save a lot especially on taxis. I even catch the bus from time to time.

The one night in Singapore before I travel to Ipoh. This is the second time I fly through firefly. Reminds me of MasWings 😀