Notice from At-Taqwa Travel Tours

Check out their booth at 11th RB Belait Travel Fair at Pusat Insani

Some of the promotional fares

 

The national junior tennis team before their departure to the ITF World Junior Tennis Competition in Sri Lanka in a group photo with BDTA officials. Brunei last participated in the tournament in 1996 when they were hosts.

Written by Yee Chun Leong of The Brunei Times. Brunei headed off to the ITF (International Tennis Federation) World Junior Tennis Competition in Sri Lanka with no expectations last Wednesday.

The trio of Ben Sii, Harry Kwang and Kieran Lai will contest in the pre-qualifiers of both the singles and doubles events and are accompanied by their coach Mohd Aiman Abdullah at the March 4-9 competition.

It will be a long-awaited return to the competition for Brunei, which last participated in the tournament in 1996 when they were hosts.

Aiman had previously told The Brunei Times that he has no expectations and that it is more important the players get some much needed exposure at this young age.

With their families before sending them off at the Brunei International Airport

Ben Sii being interviewed by Yee Chun Leong

Kieran was all smiles during the interview

Photo opportunity with the coach and Brunei players. Thank you Armtrix Enterprise for sponsoring the attire.

The players prepping for the opening ceremony in Sri Lanka. All the best.

Sii knows the level of difficulty but hopes that he will be able to at least win a game.

“I’m feeling a bit nervous but I will try to get at least one game,” said Sii before the team’s departure at the Brunei International Airport in Berakas.

“It will be a challenge for me because the players from the other countries are more prepared.

“We started training last year while others would have been doing that for at least two years now. But I’m ready to play as training got tougher as the date got closer to the tournament,” he added.

Lai, who started out in the sport two years ago, is hoping for the best.

“I’m prepared for it and I’m going there more for the experience,” said Lai. “I’m looking to score some points, and my fitness is still low but it is getting better,” added the 13-year-old.

On the other hand, Kwang hopes to be able to learn more from his stronger opponents.
“I’m going there to have fun. Training was very intense and I believe that it has paid off,” said Kwang. “I’m just a bit nervous and I have no expectations but I’m feeling confident.

“I want to gain as much experience and exposure from this trip and looking forward to making some new friends to learn more about tennis,” he concluded.

Also present at the Brunei International Airport to send the team off were BDTA secretary general Hj Zuraimi Hj Abd Sani, treasurer John Chia and tournament secretary Abd Rasheed Abdullah.

Meanwhile, the 53rd Brunei ITF Junior Circuit will be held from March 8-13 at the National Tennis Centre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

The previous edition in December saw the trio of Timothy Lim, Zen Sii and Mohd Nurul Andi Hambali represent the Sultanate and they all stumbled in the first round.

South Korea’s Jeong Yeongseok and Chinese-Taipei’s Shih Hsin-Yuan won the boys’ and girls’ titles at the 52nd edition of the tournament in December.

 

The 2014 “Car of the Year” Peugeot 308 made its debut in Brunei Darussalam and it has been showcased to the public. So yesterday, I had the privilege to test drive the Peugeot 308 on the road with the other local press.

We drove along the highway to check out its dynamic cruise control. I have to say this is my first experience using cruise control and I am amazed on how the intelligent the AI of the Peugeot 308 is. It’s able to detect the speed of the car in front of you and it will maintained at the speed and distance automatically along the highway. This means you don’t have to use the accelerator (again, useful for long journeys to KB or Muara) while driving on the highway. This function can be activated form 40km/h and manages a speed delta between vehicles of 30km/h maximum. The “Dynamic Cruise Control” is only available on the hi spec version of Peugeot 308.

The parking assist is also the highlight of the Peugeot 308. It can do reverse parking as well as parallel parking. All you have do is play around with the brakes and shifting of the gears. Again, this car is very ideal for those who don’t favour parking manually.

The i-cockpit of the Peugeot 308 is also very ideal for the driver where all the information is displayed on one screen which makes it very convenient for the driver especially while driving. You might be wondering why a smaller feel of the compact steering wheel. Well, one reason is that so you can have a better view of the Head-up Instrument Panel. The LED lights inside the Peugeot 308 gives it an interesting feel when night falls. This feature is only available on the hi spec version though.

There is so many things to love about the Peugeot 308 and it has been receiving quite well in Brunei market. This will be a great buy especially for the young executives. There’s the standard spec version and also the hi spec version. You can follow their Facebook page for updates or their official website for other models.

You can visit the Peugeot Showroom at Kiarong (near roundabout).

Check out the LED lights

Test driving the Peugeot 308 on the road yesterday

The parking assist

Good indicators on the status of the Peugeot 308

 

Taken of the MIXEL Brunei Facebook page. So you know the locations, you know who to look out for… Let the search begin everyone! The Finding MIXEL contest has officially begun.

You’ve got a whole month to search for your favourite characters – from now until 31st March 2016 – so start looking!!

To take part, simply snap a photo of yourself (or your friends/family) with any MIXEL that has a hidden character inside and follow the rules below!

How can you win?
1) Take a photo with your favourite character in the MIXEL
2) Tag MIXEL Brunei page on your photo with#findingMIXEL
3) The MIXEL logo and the artwork must be visible in your photo
4) Make sure your profile is public and visible to MIXEL’s page
5) Only one entry is allowed per person
6) You must complete all the conditions above to be eligible for the Lucky Draw on 1st April 2016

Prizes are sponsored by The Brunei Hotel, GLOT Lifestyle, Takaful Brunei, Jerudong Park Playground, Sweet Nonya, FoodPanda and Euroclassic Collection

 

Special promotion at At-Taqwa Travel & Tour

 

The BB Trail Challenge. It’s happening at the end of February, the first ever Trail Challenge Run organised by The Beach Bunch. There will be two categories – 21km and 42km. Registration has been closed and The Beach Bunch have been conducting practice runs from Tungku Beach to Berakas Forest Reserve Beach. This is to prep up the registrants before the actual Beach Bunch’s Trail Challenge. If you want to follow updates, you can check out their website beachbunch.net or follow them on IG @thebeachbunch #bbtc2016 #beachbunchbrunei and one more thing, Happy Birthday Rizan Latif, the man behind The Beach Bunch 😀

Last Sunday, 50 runners turned up for the practice session for the upcoming Beach Bunch’s Trial Challenge 2016. Image courtesy of @thebeachbunch

There will be free Yoga during the Beach Bunch’s Trial Challenge on 28th February

The 2nd manhunt. Here it is. The second manhunt, happening today at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Justin Hong was the winner a few weeks’ ago where he won a pair of tickets to Taiwan to visit Mr. Brown’s Castle (factory) at Gadong. Today will be a special occasion as it is only opened for UBD students and the manhunt will be in the vicinity of UBD. Collection of bibs starts at 1pm and make sure you register yourself at mrbrownbrunei.com to be eligible. There will also be consolation prizes in a form of lucky draw. Good luck, UBD-ians. So who will be the next contestant to join Justin this March to Taiwan? Results to be revealed this afternoon.

The game area for this afternoon

5th time. Well deserved. He was snubbed twice in the past two years and it has always been between Leo Messi and Cristian Ronaldo. Both are such great talents but if I were to chose, it will be Messi for many reasons. He’s a clinical finisher, a monster of a dribbler, a great team player and humble off the field. He is even in a dream team with Neymar and Suarez as his attacking partners. The only trophy that has been eluding him is the World Cup trophy. 2018 will be his final chance. Let’s see if he has got what is left by then.

Congratulations Messi

LOL. I love this caption 😀

RIP Bowie. Such a tragedy that David Bowie has passed away due to cancer. A very talented individual and out-of-the-box artist when it comes to music and his attire. My favourite single of Bowie is Let’s Dance. Not many of my friends would have heard of David Bowie because he was popular back in the 70s and 80s. My first recollection of him was when I watch the movie Labyrinth when I was a kid. Now his latest album – Blackstar – has topped the iTunes Chart and I’ve heard some of his songs. It was stated that the album he made was experimental and this genre is not for everyone but its artistic value is very much appreciated. Rest in peace, Bowie.

My first viewing of David Bowie in a movie

Audi Q7. Something for Audi fans to look forward to – the awesome Q. Coming soon to Brunei will be the all new Audi Q7. I just read some news online and apparently the 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T is ranked the top in the Three-row Luxury Crossovers and SUVs and the market price is pretty reasonable and affordable too. I’m not sure when it will be making its way to Brunei but T.C.Y. Motors have already teased the fans with a brief look of the Audi Q7. Then again, I’m also not sure if it will be the 2017 Audi Q7 that will be released in Brunei. For now, I know it’s the newer version of the Q7. We shall wait and see.

Coming soon. The Audi Q7

Check out the A4lution – the versatile Audi A4 model range, starting from BND 49,000

Triple CL. After a year and a half, I have reached a milestone that I thought I couldn’t even be bothered to achieve. I was a member of Brunei Speakers’ Club back in 2011 but contribution was very minimal. Perhaps I didn’t see the value back then and plus I wasn’t even being present and focus. Today, I am very grateful and proud of how far I’ve been as a member of Brunei Speakers’ Club. I have just achieved my Competent Communicator and Competent Leader pins last night. Hence I will have the title of CC and CL as a toastmaster.

After delivering my 10th speech (inspirational objective based speech) last night, I was just mentally drained after hours of refining and practising my speech. Was I happy with my delivery? Well, it could have been better and I knew the moment I finished my speech, something was just amiss. Was I happy with my progress? 110% yes. I’m beginning to learn to advice on my friends on how to improve, the dos and the donts and don’t let my ego get in the way. A big shout out to my friends who came last night – Sophia, Abby, Hui Chiet, Ming Rui, Huaida and Faten. Not forgetting Gary (who hardly comes to BSC meetings) and members of OTTERS. Thank you to my mentors – Shawn, Allen, Reuben, Pranika, Clovis, Ling Ling and those have helped me along the way and my partner in crime, Ciara. Now I’m ready for the next level – Advanced speeches.

My previous mentor and my speech evaluator, Lai Ling Ling, who pinned me for completing my first 10 projects as a Competent Communicator

The toastmasters badge collection

Fancy a haircut. It’s the time of the year before Chinese New Year that you will want to beautify your hair. Do check out Inspiration Alan Salon at their relocated outlet at Seri Q-Lap Mall. One of the top stylist, Michelle, will be in Brunei on the 20th January to 26th January 2016. She has 18 years experience in hair dressing and she has been a regular visiting hair stylist in Brunei. With many accolades under her belt, you will be in for a treat and hopefully you will like the end result. So do make your bookings at Inspiration Alan Salon during Michelle’s visit next week.

Michelle, the experienced hair stylist, will be in Brunei from 20th to 26th January. Do visit Inspiration Alan Salon at Seri Q-Lap Mall for appointments and her service.

Relationship problems. I received this on the whatsapp group and it’s something for us to ponder upon. This could not just apply on lovers but also to close friends to certain extent, families and even colleagues. It’s never easy if you have someone close to you because there’s a level of expectation, be it small or big. Practising unconditional love or care has been my priority but I don’t expect the other party to do the same. It’s important for me to focus on my well being, otherwise I will spend more time pleasing others and draining my energy at the same time. I’m pretty sure many of us can relate to the items below. It’s how you rise from it is what matters.

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A new travel agent in town

 

Woohoo… It’s Mooonndaayyyyyy…. Well, I’m more burdened with workload and deadlines. I will be flying off again for Toastmasters meeting this weekend. Hence I will have to kickstart my week with a minor bang. I’m also immersed with refining my script for my finale project speech in the Competent Communicator manual (CC10) and I will be delivering it by tomorrow evening at the Brunei Speakers’ Club meeting at Seameo Voctech. All are welcome to witness (guest fees at $5 and student at $3) my finale speech for the CC manual and I do hope to get pinned by tomorrow evening. All this depends on my speech evaluator Lai Ling Ling if I met the objective of “being inspirational”. Regardless, I’m happy and blessed to be member of Brunei Speakers’ Club and thank you to my friends who have supported and play a part in my growth as a leader.

The moment when toastmasters members get recognized for their efforts in Brunei

I’m proud of them two – Liyana Sidek and Salih (Happy belated dude) as both of them finished their CC project manual on the same day

Movies galore. I have yet to do the Top 10 films of 2015 for both my blog and my podcast [The Popcorn Panel]. My co-host Del Goh is still away on vacation so I will firstly do my blog entry of the Top movies of 2015. It is such a pity that I didn’t manage to catch some of the highly recommended movies such as Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight or Leo DiCaprio’s Golden Globe winning performance in “The Revenant” and not forgetting Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip *eeerr.. I take that back*

2015 has given me a wonderful experience as a cinema goer. There are even some movies that I have caught multiple times because I purely love the cinematic experience and the movie wasn’t just a popcorn movie but has high replay value. Here some of the movies that fell in that category (and also a spoiler for my Top 10 movies) – Creed, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mad Max: Fury Road and Ant-Man. Stay tune for more updates on this.

One of my best experience was watching Marvel’s Ant-Man on IMAX 3D at Siam Paragon last year and I love the movie too.

Bang & Olufsen. Yes, it’s almost close to its opening date. They have shifted their opening day earlier than the slated date. Now fans of Bang & Olufsen can visit their official store located at Kiarong (near Kiarong Complex), Shop No.1, Ground Floor, Lot No. 47322, Simpang 41-1-12. You can give them a buzz at 266 0111. Ok, for those who are not aware of Bang & Olufsen, it’s a Danish consumer electronics company that designs and manufacture audio products, television sets and telephones and the brand is in the luxury category. I used to own a CD Hi-Fi stereo from B&O which has already been discontinued but man, that is one lean machine. This was back in the early 90s.

So I’m happy to announce that B&O is opening its store in Brunei physically. According to Howard Leong, General Manger of Sejalin Enterprise, the authorized distributor of B&O in Brunei Darussalam, there is a market in Brunei because there are many Bruneian customers who shop and repair their B&O products in Singapore (located at Grand Hyatt). Now with the physical store’s presence, customers can purchase the products at the same price as Singapore. Further more, they can send their products for repairs instead of flying to Singapore.

I had the privilege to experience their newly launched speakers – B&O BeoLab 90 Speakers and humungous TV, BeoVision Avant. What an awesome combo!! Watching my blu-ray collections will give me a cinematic experience. You will get to experience both these wonderful gadgets once B&O opens its doors this weekend. Congratulations to B&O for making your mark in Brunei. You can visit their Facebook Page for updates.

The opening date will be on Saturday, 16th January 2016. Ignore the print on the banner.

Finally B&O will open its store in Brunei this weekend. Image courtesy of B&O Brunei Facebook Page.

Wow, wow, wow!!! Simply the best experience to listen and watch on the BeoVision Avant and the BeoLab 90 Speakers..

Prepping for Consumer Fair. Just almost two weeks away and the locals can experience another Consumer Fair, the 17th edition. Wow, it has been a long time coming and I was involved in the first Consumer Fair back many years back. This event is a bi-annual event and it will take place on the final weekend of January (just nice, after payday). It will be a five day event as usual. Last weekend, they have exhibitors’ briefing for the purpose of logistics and regulations for the benefit of the exhibitors and consumers.

The theme for the 17th Consumer Fair will be “Life is sweet. Indulge!” organised by D’Sunlit (formerly known as Sunlit Advertising) and there will be 400 booths, offering products and services. It will be interesting to note especially for Doraemon fans that there will be a first-ever merchandise showcase in Brunei. Other activities will be “Did you c Sairol?” (one of the DPMM FC players) and of course, the most talked manhunt, the search for Mr. Brown as the winner will win a pair of tickets to visit Mr. Brown castles in Taiwan. There is also a charitable drive where there will be blood donation organised by the Laboratory Department of RIPAS on the final day of Consumer Fair.

Exhibitors prepping for the actual day of the Consumer Fair. Image courtesy of D’Sunlit.

Last December, @mrbrownbrunei awarded the lady a one year supply of Mr. Brown. Who will be another consolation winner come this Consumer Fair?

Lifestream Organic store. I paid a quick visit last week before its official opening. Apparently my friend Jordan Yau’s family runs the new organic shop. Recently there has been a demand for healthier options when it comes to food consumption. I quite like the presentation display (thumbs up) and if you are looking for eco-friendly products and organic food, this is the place to visit. If you are also concern about weight, they will provide consultations to make you achieve your goals. Where it is located? Just head to the Setia Kenangan II (near Regent Square) and it’s open daily from 10am to 8pm except on Friday (12pm to 2pm). You can call 223 1178 for details and you can visit their Facebook Page for updates.

Jacinta Yau, General Manager of Lifestream Organic (left) with her mother during the official opening yesterday. Image courtesy of Azli Azney of The Brunei Times.

I want to try this bread which can be chilled for quite sometime and the quality will still be there. Apparently, one of the most popular items at the store.

Some of the healthy ingredients for your consumption. Yea, Why not? 😀