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Want to win a GoPro Hero 3+? Check out #kickItBrazil Peugeot Brunei competition. Competition starts 12th May. Click image to enter Facebook page for more details.

 

Check out the debut podcast of Dugout Treble which is dedicated to World Cup highlights, news and opinions starring Rano Iskandar and co-host Jason Rumpun.

Not a convincing performance from Argentina as a whole but sometimes when you have a world class player like Lionel Messi, that’s all you need. He finally scored his World Cup goal and it has been 8 years since he broke the duck in the World Cup. A great goal too but loads of homework for Argentina if they want to get pass the group stage. Argentina beat Bosnia 2-1.

Karim Benzema has done it. He scored twice, one from the a penalty as they beat Honduras 3-0 in their group match. It seems France won’t be missing Frank Ribery as much who couldn’t make it to the big stage due to injury. I’m also glad that he is my captain on my fantasy league (McDonald’s FIFA) and he has 28 points for his effort last night.

A very entertaining match between Switzerland and Ecuador but it was the Swiss who stole the final laugh when substitute Haris Seferovic scored in the dying minutes of extra time for an important 2-1 victory over Ecuador. The match could have gone either way. Very entertaining indeed.

A match that needed spark when Ivory Coast was searching for an equalizer after Honda had scored an early goal. In comes Drogba but though he didn’t score or assist, his presence changed the flow of play and gave the team more confidence and in the end, Ivory Coast came out victorious with a 2-1 score line against Japan. Amazing what one man can do!!

Joe Hart fell into the net after Balotelli scored a header from close range. It proved to be the winner but my favourite team England showed lots of promise especially with a very young team which lacked experience. Apart from captain Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, the first 11 were pretty much a very young team. Pirlo, Italy’s maestro proved his class once again despite being 35 and Italy prevailed in another exciting clash. Italy won 2-1.

A Costa Rican fan enjoying his moment as Costa Rica caused a major upset against Uruguay with a 3-1 victory. It will be interesting if Suarez will be back in time for the match against England.

 

The Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong officiating the BIBD Perdana Lounge

BIBD launched its new “Perdana” Privilege Banking experience at the new BIBD Perdana Lounge, located at the first level of BIBD’s Kiulap branch in Komplex Setia Kenangan. The new “Perdana” banking segment will further enhance the banking experience of BIBD’s affluent cutomers by providing them with exclusive new products, banking facilities and services.

The new Perdana lounge allows members access to public and private meeting rooms, conference room. e-magazines, a dedicated parking service, concierge services among other amenities – all supplemented with Perdana’s warm hospitality.

Javed Ahmad, Managing Director of BIBD said “The new BIBD Perdana banking proposition aims to enrich the banking experience of our affluent clients through dynamic banking solutions and experiences. The market was always expectant from BIBD to offer a competitive proposition to this segment and we have heeded that call. The Perdana Privilege Banking platform is second to none and we believe that it provides affluent banking customers in Brunei with the best solutions to their banking needs as well as preserving and enhancing their wealth.”

In his speech, the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, “The new Perdana branch symbolises the great efforts made by BIBD to always have the capability and capacity to cater for a specific market segment in Brunei Darussalam. Their Bruneian at Heart tagline anchors them to what is important, yet their ambitions pave the way for their future success.”

Apart from having a dedicated Relationship Manager to cater for their needs, each Perdana customer will benefit from the new product range which includes Perdana Platinum Debit and Credit Cards, access to the exclusive Perdana Contact Centre hotline and website, access to airport lounges worldwide through complimentary Priority Pass membership, and a list of other features.

The event was officiated by  the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong in the presence of BIBD’s Board of Directors and Shariah Advisory Body, along with its Managing Director, senior officers and staff. Also in attendance was previous BIBD Chairmen, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haj Awg Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Haji Bakar, Minister of Communications, and Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources.

Also present was Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haj Awg Abdullah who was the previous BIBD Chairman

Javed Ahmad, Managing Director of BIBD, in his welcoming remarks

The associates handling BIBD Perdana customers

The interior of BIBD Perdana at BIBD’s Kiulap branch

 

This week, Galleria YMRM will have crazy sales this week at both branches – Batu Satu and Tungku Link. These prices especially for textiles will be sold at ridiculously low prices

 

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BIBD Home Showcase 4

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Stevie G attempted to grab the ball from the touchline but he was being shrugged off by Jose

What a great tactician Mourinho is! Liverpool was coming off a great run of victories and they never expect to be in the hunt for the title but their great run has put them back in title contention especially after their close victory over Manchester City a few weeks ago. However, Liverpool failed to beat Chelsea at Anfield where it mattered the most. Chelsea fielded a weaker team due to injuries and saving them for another important match in the second semi-final of the Champs League against Atlético Madrid in mid-week.

This was also the first time that Liverpool failed to scored in the first half in 25 games. So you can tell that Jose Mourinho know how to grind results at any expense and they played a much compact strategy especially at the back, forcing the midfielders and forwards to play deep, allowing less room for the likes of Sterling and Suarez to cause problems.

Two goals from Chelsea benefited from a clumsy errors, both coming in injury time of each halves. I truly salute Jose Mourinho in his tactics last night and if anyone can stop Liverpool form scoring, then it is Chelsea.

The result have open the Premier League wide open with Manchester City now favourites to win the title due to goal difference should both Liverpool and Man City win all their remaining games. Chelsea still have an outside chance to win the title if both Liverpool and City slip in their remaining games. Looks like the title will be down to the wire.

Will Stevie G’s error proved costly in the title race? We shall find out in two weeks’ time.

Demba Ba benefited from Stevie G’s error and scored late in the first half.

 

Chicco – coming soon near you. Click image to enter Facebook Page for more info.

 

Hjh Lily binti Hj Kula, the guest of honour, for the 4th BIBD Home Showcase. She’s the Deputy Managing Director (Regulatory) of the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD)

Last Friday, BIBD launched their popular Home Showcase and it’s their 4th edition. So if you are looking or scouting for a home, BIBD provides good financing packages such as home financing, home improvement financing too as well as other BIBD’s products and services. The 4th BIBD Home Showcase will end of 4th of May this Sunday at The Mall, Gadong.

You can check out some of the range of home improvement packages specifically designed for the National Housing Schemes at Mengkubau, Mentiri and Katok. The houses are built and constructed by Majuma Sdn Bhd, a new player in the construction industry and also a 100% locally established private limited construction company registered with the Ministry of Development. This is a great opportunity for them to work closely with BIBD to design, procure and construct and also handover pre-approved home extension and renovation works to suit the Home Improvement Financing Package Product.

There is a wide range of advantages including pre-approved house plans by relevant authorities, affordable and ready to move-in packages and affordable monthly repayment scheme. Aside from that, the package includes Takaful (insurance) coverage for the financing.

I believe many residents are looking for home extensions and improvements. Hence, this BIBD 4th Home Showcase is a great opportunity. For flooring, you can get choices of ground floor tiles or lamented flooring or if you want to refurbish or extend your existing kitchen or perhaps your wardrobe.

Package A, which is the basic packages offered $15,000 financing, while Package B and C offered more extensive packages (up to $50,000) that include a bigger square feet space, an extra bedroom, first floor extensions and a corridor which will also be entitled to a complimentary air conditioner or water pump from BIBD.

At the home showcase, there are also other ongoing promotion from BIBD. For instance, there is the BIBD Debit Card conversion which includes new debit card application and conversion of existing BIBD ATM cards. For new applicants or those who want to convert their debit cards, they are automatically entitled to receive 1,000 BIBD’s Hadiah Points. Participants of this promotion also stand a chance to win travel tickets for two to Singapore.

Check out the BIBD Home Showcase which is until the 4th May

Check out the BIBD Home Showcase which is until the 4th May

They have a mock sample on the housing with different packages especially for home improvements and extension

Check out the interior done by Majuma Sdn Bhd

The available packages for the BIBD Home Showcase

One of the available packages for the BIBD Home Showcase

At the same time, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) will be providing a limited daily run of free coffee during the 10 days of the showcase from their Continental Espresso and Premium Decaf. BIBD customers who sign up for any of BIBD’s financings available, will stand a chance to win prizes such as Samsung Galaxy Tab, iPad Air, CBTL coffee machines, $20 vouchers, power banks and BIBD corporate gifts in a lucky dip. BIBD will also be giving out a fee waiver promotion on the processing fee of $150 during the showcase. Applicants of BIBD’s Home Improvement Financing packages will be entitled to a 100 per cent waiver, while a 50 per cent waiver is for all home financing applicants.

So there are plenty of reasons to entice you to enjoy the home packages offered by BIBD.

Also participating during BIBD’s Home Showcase are Bess Perfect Property Agency, BSTC Real Estate, Say Koo (Liew) Sdn Bhd, J-Fa Realty Agency & Marketing, Precise Development, Sterling Kitchen, Fabrica, Thomson Furniture, Max Track, Luzzone Interior Design, PNK Enterprise and Karim Karpet, Takaful Brunei Keluarga and Takaful Brunei Am.

Hjh Lily being briefed by a representative from Majuma Sdn Bhd during the short tour

Hjh Lily photo opportunity with Takaful

Group photo with AMBD and BIBD management

Sazali Arif (right) of White Room Studio is also exhibiting his wedding photography services

 

Last weekend, Volkswagen Brunei held an event for families and the public as they offered family activities such as face painting, photo booth with fun props, bouncers and giveaways. There was also a “Guess the Volkswagen” contest as the participants had to get the correct answers of the Volkswagen models and they will walk away with VW merchandises.

Local authorised dealer of the German auto brand, Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, is organising the event as a buildup to the upcoming launch of 14 models, which will be introduced to the public throughout the month of May. It will be released in phases and the first collection will be unveiled this weekend and every weekend there will be other models to be unveiled.

Executive Director of Maju Motors Sdn Bhd Chan Key Hong is delighted that the company will soon be offering a full range of Volkswagen cars in Brunei. Chan said that since more Bruneians are discovering the advanced German engineered vehicle, the company wants to ensure that there a Volkswagen for everyone.

Below are some of the images from last weekend’s activities. Courtesy of VW Brunei Facebook Page.

 

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Now it is an 11-a-side format compared to 5-a-side previously

Will Andy Cole be back again this time out?

 

Zuraidah Binti Hj Yahya receiving her 5 nights package to Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor, receiving from Haznah Md Hashim from the Malaysian High Commission to Brunei Darussalam and Pg Dato Sharifuddin, Chairman of Freme Travel. Also in the picture are Zurina Abd Samad, Director of Tourism Malaysia, Chong Yoke Har, Deputy Director General (Planning) of Tourism Malaysia and local DJ celebrity Daffy from Kristal FM. Image courtesy of Zatty Jo of The Brunei Times.

After a week of quizzes on Kristal FM with DJ Daffy, the winners were selected to have a special trip with DJ Daffy to explore Malaysia. The quiz was called “Lakas Tah Ke Malaysia Bersama DJ Daffy” and the initiative is a collaboration with Freme Travel Services, sponsored by Tourism Malaysia (Brunei).

Two winners are feted to fly with DJ Daffy to Malaysia to have fun-filled holiday. Congratulations to Zuraidah Binti Hj Yahya for winning a 5 nights package to Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor (worth $1,900) and Shahril Hashim bin Hj Mariat for winning a 3 nights package to Kuala Lumpur (worth $1,500). This means they will get to fly with DJ Daffy in the coming weeks or so. There were also consolation winners from the quizzes.

The event was graced by Chong Yoke Har, Deputy Director General (Planning) of Tourism Malaysia. In her speech, she said, “The holiday packages will especially appeal to families traveling together. The destinations and activities in the programmes cater to every interest and all age groups.”

The event also marked new packages where Brunei can enjoy a three night package to Kuala Lumpur for $1,480 from June 14 to 17th or the five night package to KL, Malacca and Johor for $1,840 from September 22nd to 27th and these dates do coincide with Brunei school holidays.

Some of the highlights of the package include visits to KidZania, Legoland Malaysia, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, i-City, KL City tour, Putrajaya tour and shopping trips to IKEA, The Curve, and Johor Premium Outlets, as well as attending the 1Malaysia International Tourism Night floral Parade – Magic of the Night. This is an ideal trip if you want bring your family during school holidays.

Let’s not forget that this is also Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and there are many exciting things to look forward to in Malaysia alone. You can click here for more details. Of course, the upcoming big one is the Borneo Jazz Festival held from 9th May to 11th May and if you love music, this is the event to be at.

Shahril Hashim bin Hj Mariat receiving a 3 nights package to Kuala Lumpur. Image courtesy of Zatty Jo of The Brunei Times.

The winners with Chong Yoke Har, Deputy Director General (Planning) of Tourism Malaysia and DJ Daffy

DJ Daffy and the other consolation winners

 

Podcast: Episode 37 on the review of Johnny Depp’s Transcendence. Hit or miss? Do listen with my co-host Del Goh

 

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Catch DPMM FC vs Balestier Khalsa FC this Friday at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium

DPMM FC players in training yesterday at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium

 

Megat Muhd Taufiq bin Hj Md Jaafar the grand winner of BIBD Barakah 5 with the Jaguar XF

Late post: Megat Muhd Taufiq bin Hj Md Jaafar was the lucky winner of A brand new Jaguar XF as he had to go through a series of mini games among 20 top finalists of the BIBD Barakah 5 lucky draw held at The Mall Atrium, Gadong last Friday.

I believe there were like 2 to 3 gimmicks that the participants had to go through before the final hurdle of unlocking the grand prize – Jaguar XF. Consolation prizes ranged from iPhone 5s and iPad minis to the consolation winners. On hand to present the prizes was the BIBD Chief Financial Officer, Hjh Noraini binti Hj Sulaiman.

The BIBD Barakah 5 Campaign was opened to all new and existing BIBD customers who signed up for BIBD’s financing and deposit products including Home Financing, Home Improvement Financing, Education Financing, Naqad facilities, Wakalah General, tiered and foreign currency accounts (current accounts and saving accounts). Customers who had assigned their salaries to BIBD during the promotion period were also eligible to join the campaign.

Aside from the amazing grand prize from Indera Motors Sdn Bhd, the official Jaguar importer and distributor in Brunei, participants also stood a chance to win Apple products, as well as other exciting ones such as Samsung gadgets, a 60” LED TV, and 300,000 Royal Skies Miles. The BIBD Barakah 5 campaign ended on March 31.

To find out more on any of BIBD’s products, services and promotions, please visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bibdbrunei or www.bibd.com.bn or their instagram @bibdbrunei.

Group photo with the Top 20 winners and BIBD Chief Financial Officer, Hjh Noraini binti Hj Sulaiman

The grand winner of BIBD Barakah 5

The 1st runner-up of BIBD Barakah 5

The 2nd runner-up of BIBD Barakah 5

The 4th place of BIBD Barakah 5

The 5th place of BIBD Barakah 5

The consolation winners

One of the few tasks to be done to determine the last 5

One of the few tasks to be done to determine the last 5

The Jaguar key

This is to be launched this Friday – BIBD Home Showcase 4

 

In less than a season, David Moyes was 3 games shy of completing a full season with Manchester United. According to the news, he left the club but only to be headlined with the keyword “sacked”. A very mixed responses from MU fans but the neutrals thought it was a wise decision by the board. Anyway, good luck to you, Moyes and while it’s still a hot topic, here are some of the meme for Moyes. No hard feelings, MU 🙂

 

The activities last weekend at Times Square Shopping Centre

Rewind: On 19th-20th April 2014, Times Square Shopping Centre hosted the Superhero Weekend which was held in conjunction with the movies that are currently playing at Times Cineplex, namely Captain America: Winter Soldier and upcoming The Amazing Spiderman 2.

Superhero Weekend featured several unique activities such as Superhero charades, an arm wrestling competition and a barbell curl strength challenge. The event also featured a Random Superhero Challenge where contestants had to survive various games in order to win.

There was also a mini obstacle race where contestants registered to run through the course as fast as possible. The event was complete with a superhero dress-up competition that was open to three categories including a category for ages 2-6, category for ages 7-13 and last but not least, for contestants 14 years old and above.

This small event was also made merrier by the Brunei Cosplay Group. Times Square Property Management would like to congratulate all the winners from the past weekend once again and extend our appreciation to those customers who were there to make the small event a successful one.

Times Square is also glad to announce that we will be holding more events in the future. Registration forms are already available for the annual Baby Weekend that will be held during Family Day on 2nd-4th May 2014. You may also find out about all upcoming events by visiting www.tsqbrunei.com or simply following Times Square Shopping Centre’s pages on Facebook and Instagram. Images courtesy of Times Square Shopping Centre.

 

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His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah receiving medals from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports at the White Cane Charity 2014

HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel at the finishing line

HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah at the finishing line

Here is the second batch of pictures from the White Cane Charity Run 2014. Organised by the Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB), the charity event drew more than 2,500 participants sporting in bright yellow tops. This event hopes to raise awareness that the physically impaired communities aren’t at a disadvantage and they are still capable to contribute to the community.

It was to good to know that there is always royal support for running events. His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah. The guest of honour was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah accompanied by its Deputy Minister, Datin Hjh Adina Othman.

Well done to the organizers and I had a good run though it was only at the fun run category.

BIBD recently held a prize presentation ceremony for its second monthly ‘Barakah 5’ winners. The ceremony was held in the afternoon, at the BIBD Headquarters in the capital. On hand to give away the prizes was Caitlina binti Haji Haliluddin, Assistant Manager, Products & Segments Marketing of BIBD.

The five monthly winners were all smiles as Dato Shofry bin Abd. Ghafor, Pg Hj Md Yussoff Bin Pg Hj Bahar, Hjh Aidah Redha Hayati bte Md Noh, Muhammad Sufi bin Hasmi, and Mahyon binti Haji Kahan were invited to receive their prizes. Apart from still being in contention of winning a luxurious Jaguar car in the grand finals, they each received 100,000 Hadiah Points for being one of the monthly winners.

The BIBD Barakah 5 is open to all new and existing BIBD customers who sign up for BIBD’s financing products including Home Financing, Home Improvement Financing, Education Financing and Naqad facilities. BIBD customers who apply for any of BIBD’s financing will be entitled to one entry for every B$10,000 financing amount, with fifteen entries for every B$100,000 financing amount.

BIBD Accountholders will also stand a chance to win by depositing in BIBD’s Wakalah General, tiered and foreign currency accounts (current accounts and savings accounts). Similar to the eligibility of entries for BIBD’s financing, depositors will receive one entry for every $5,000 amount deposited and fifteen entries for every $50,000 deposited.

The five monthly winners of Barakah 5 presented by Caitlina binti Haji Haliluddin, Assistant Manager, Products & Segments Marketing of BIBD. Image courtesy of BIBD

The campaign is also open to customers who assign their salary to BIBD during this promotion period, automatically giving them five entries. In addition, they can also double their entries to ten if they also sign up for any of BIBD’s eligible financing or deposit products, and these ten entries will be in addition to the number of entries received separately for these products.

Aside from the fantastic grand prize of a luxury Jaguar XF from Indera Motors Sdn Bhd, the official Jaguar importer and distributor in Brunei, BIBD Barakah 5 participants also stand a chance to win Apple products, as well as other exciting prizes such as Samsung gadgets, 60” LED TV, and 300,000 Royal Skies Miles.

The BIBD Barakah 5 will end soon on 31st March so customers are encouraged to sign up now for these eligible BIBD products and services to participate and win these fabulous prizes.

For more information on BIBD Barakah 5 campaign, or any other BIBD products or services, please visit your nearest BIBD branch or get in touch with the BIBD Contact Centre at 2238181 or alternatively log on to www.bibd.com.bn.

 

Hajah Normah Suria Hayati binti Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Hj Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, handing over an award to one of the recipients as Dermot Mannion looks on at the ceremony last Friday. Image taken by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

Last weekend, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) feted more than 100 recipients – 20 year Long Service Awards to 122 recipients and 25 year Long Service Awards to 93 recipients. Present at the ceremony was Hajah Normah Suria Hayati binti Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Hj Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, a member of the board of directors, how was the guest of honour. Also in attendance were Junaidi Masri, Hj Abu Bakar Hj Ibrahim and Dermot Mannion, the board of directors of RB.

Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of RB, was delighted for the loyalty shown by their long service staff. The event also marked the completion of the (first phase) renovation of the Royal Brunei Recreational Club where they have facelift and refurbished the facilities at RBRC.

He thanked those who traveled from overseas to receive the awards. He also acknowledged that RBRC is celebrating its 30th birthday this year and their facelift is an indicator that RBRC will continue to play a significant role in the recreational lives of both RB staff and the greater community in Brunei.

One interesting thing that Mannion pointed out was the possibility of using RBRC for connecting passengers from the Brunei International Airport. He acknowledged Hj Kadri and his team on the efforts that have been done on RBRC.

RB has been getting many praises as of late especially after winning a distinction award in the Global Rebrand Awards 2014 for the quality of their rebranding program. That award is definitely a morale booster for RB as they are competing against other multinational corporations worldwide. He thanked inhouse branding team led by Brand Communications Manager, Mardyyana Hj Kasim supported by Corporate Communications and the Commercial team from Royal Brunei Airlines.

Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines giving his welcoming remarks and thanking those involved

A moment of silence for #MH370

The award ceremony at Royal Brunei Recreational Club

Guest of honour touring the facilities at RBRC

Touring the gym area at RBRC. Image taken by James Kon.

A new meeting room

The lobby area of RBRC

Group photo. Click to enlarge.