Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank Group holding the Baiduri Masters Trophy with Albert Lau, CEO of QAF Brunei

It’s back once more. The much highly anticipated annual golf tournament hosted by Baiduri Bank called the Baiduri Masters Charity Golf Tournament. Why is this golfing event popular? Because of many things – 1) The Green Jacket 2) It’s all for charity and numbers are always overwhelming 3) a chance to win fantastic cars

So yesterday was the official announcement of the event which will take place in two weekends of May 2016 (20th to 22nd and 27th to 29th). Yesterday was also the signing ceremony with the partners of the Baiduri Masters 2016.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the organiser, Baiduri Bank Group, and partners of the event: RBA Golf Club, QAF Group of Companies and Brunei Press. CEO of QAF Brunei Albert Lau, General Manager of Brunei Press Reggie See and General Manager of RBA Golf Club Asmadi Hj Alimustapha signed on behalf of their respective organisations  while Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank Pierre Imhof signed on behalf of Baiduri Bank Group.

“The Baiduri Masters has always been centred towards supporting our community and making a difference, whether big or small. Last year, we were able to raise $80,000 for charity. The Baiduri Masters made history by being the first-ever golf tournament to have three hole-in-one in one tournament. The previous and first-ever hole-in-one during the Baiduri Masters was in 2008” said Imhof.

The Junior Golfers category is open to youth aged 13 to 18 years old.

Registration fee is $120 per adult and $60 for juniors. The fee is inclusive of green fee, buggy, goodie bag as well as buffet breakfast and lunch. Players are invited to the prize presentation dinner at the end of the tournament.

It was shared that players may play more than once to improve their chances of winning. Adult players will enjoy a discount on the registration fee on their second subsequent rounds and that the best score of any round played will be taken.

Signing of MOU with QAF Brunei and Baiduri Bank Group

Signing of MOU with Brunei Press and Baiduri Bank Group

Signing of MOU with RBA Golf Club and Baiduri Bank Group

The Porsche Cayenne for Hole 2

Mini Cooper for Hole 5

BMW 218 Active Tourer for Hole 14

 

LOL, sometimes it is really hard to predict what the message a lady is conveying.

 

Click image to enter Facebook Page

Checking out the 1,000 entries for the Red Bull Boost & Win promotion

This Friday will be the first weekly draw for the 25 lucky winners of the Red Bull Boost & Win promotion. The winners will win either a shopping voucher, Power Kad, Prepaid Top Up cards or a cluster pack of Red Bull bottle.

The draw will be held at Hua Ho Manggis Mall. Good luck to all the contestants. Don’t worry since it’s still an ongoing promotion, you can still be eligible for the next weekly lucky draw. All you have to do is buy a Red Bull can (Gold/Less Sugar) at the convenient store and fill in the entry forms and drop it at the contest box.

Drawing out 25 winners for the Weekly Lucky winners

Ivy making sure the draw runs smoothly

 

The Gavaliers and guests during the first demo inaugural Brunei Gavel Club meeting at Universiti Brunei Darussalam last Sunday

One of the guests giving comments after the meeting

Finally it has happened. A great start for the Brunei Gavel Club (national level) and it applies the same platform as Toastmasters International. The only difference is that the BGC applies to teenagers (14 yrs to 18 yrs).

I have paid a visit to in-house Gavel clubs in Maktab Sains and Chung Hwa Middle School and they have been encouraging. However, it’s only part of their curriculum activity and only happens on a temporary basis. With the BGC, it will open doors to all the youths aged 14-18 to be part of a club affiliated with Toastmasters International.

The attendance last Sunday, 17th April was overwhelming. It was actually more than the usual toastmasters meetings and furthermore, I was impressed with the quality delivered by the students from their respective schools.

The appointed club president is Mohd Farhan Jafar Ali and he had a short presentation to the audience on the objectives of the BGC. He has been a seasoned toastmasters for two years and prior to that, he has been a perpetual guest in toastmasters as he hasn’t turned 18 just yet. Four years later, he has taken a bigger role as the President for the Brunei Gavel Club.

His task now with the help of his executive committee will be to find new members before the national gavel club can be officially chartered. The required number is 20 members in the club and I’m pretty sure that’s achievable.

I do hope many corporate companies and government agencies will see the benefit in this non-profit club as the youth organisation will need some support to sustain the bi-weekly meetings and other gavel related things. I also do hope parents or guardians can also attend the gavel meetings to see the valuable learning experience from the youths in improving their communication and leadership skills.

As for now, it’s a definitely great start.

Nico (left) braved the Table Topics session and shared about his yummy ice-cream

Another confident speaker

Nabil has a great sense of humour

Jackie won her first table topics even as a first time visitor to a gavel meeting

Ahmad delivered his first speech at the Brunei Gavel Club meeting

Farhan the appointed President for Brunei Gavel Club and I am full of admiration on his growth as an individual

Iskandar giving out his evaluation on the Table Topic speakers

Toastmasters members giving support to the Gavaliers 

The Gavaliers had so much fun. The next meeting will be on 1st May 2016 at 10am at UBD

 

Register yourself now! “Save Life By Giving Blood”

Date: 21.04.2016
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Venue: @piccolocafebn

Every Donor will be entitled to:
1) 3 months magazine subscription from @plusbrunei
2) Refreshments from @piccolocafebn
3) Goodies from @jpmcbrunei
4) Cash Vouchers from @nailsnwaxbrunei
5) 3 days complimentary gym pass from @fitnesszonebrunei

Limited slots available. Please RSVP now by emailing us at Julie@plusbrunei.com / info@piccolocafe.co or head over to Piccolo Cafe in Bandar and register yourself at the counter.

 

Listen to the podcast review of The Good Dinosaur with special guest Pranika Lama

During the Singapore League Awards last week. Image courtesy of S•League

Azwan Ali Rahman won Young Player of the Year award. Image courtesy of S•League

Steve Kean won Coach of the Year. Image courtesy of S•League

The season has concluded and DPMM FC and the management have worked their socks off for a wonderful season and winning their first ever S•League title. Now they are on a mini-break for a few weeks before they are back training again.

Recently DPMM FC won a few accolades including Coach of the Year (Steve Kean) and Young Player of the Year (Azwan Ali Rahman) feted at Singapore League Awards last week. It was a well deserved award for Steve Kean as he missed out last season. As for Azwan Ali, he has been very consistent with his performance all around and week in, week out, he had made an impact to DPMM FC.

Two years ago, Azwan Ali was in a difficult position as his former club Indera FC was reluctant to let him go. In the end, he made the right choice to join the only professional club, DPMM FC, in Brunei Darussalam and his adventure started with a bang. Let’s hope for better things for Azwan Ali in the new season.

Now the biggest question will be the current import players of DPMM FC. With the new ruling of allowance of three import players, this will put a dent in Kean’s strategy as he has trusted the five import players throughout the season. All of them are instrumental in bringing the first ever S•League title to the club. Now it boils down to Kean and the management of DPMM FC on who will be sacrificed for the next season.

My pick would be Paulo Sergio, Rafael Ramazotti and Boris Raspudic. However, according to DPMM FC’s website, Rafael has turned down an offer to extend his contract with DPMM FC. It remains to be seen who will be the chosen one to replace Rafa. The club have renewed the contract of Paulo Sergio and Brian McLean for the next season. This means that Boris Raspudic and Joe Gamble are being released.

A few days ago, DPMM FC had a meet and greet session for the fans at The Mall. It was organised by I Lyke Toh Entertainment and the players and fans had a great time together. It was another way to appreciate the fans for supporting the football club.

Having fun with Beracun on stage

DPMM FC fans gave token of appreciation to the team

Move it, move it.. @wards25

It’s the last time we will see Joe Gamble as a DPMM FC player. Thank you for your contribution.

The Zumba move

DPMM FC players worried what was next when Beracun controlled the stage

Some DPMM FC players hiding away from Beracun

Another promotion back by popular demand for BIBD customers

The winners and contestants of the DJ Mix Competition with the organisers, sponsors and representatives of Jerudong Park management at JP Amphitheater. Image courtesy of @kurapak

DJ Jakey crowned the champion for Rookies with DJ Leiley. Image courtesy of @kurapak

DJ Amad winning the competition in the Open Class category. Image courtesy of @kurapak

It was the first time I attended a DJ competition in a very long, long time. I remember back in the early 2000s, I was involved in the team that brought international DJs regionally and it was also showcasing the local talents that we have such as DJ Felix and DJ Leiley to name a few.

Fast forward to now, it’s a whole different landscape with stricter rules and regulations that the Bruneians have to follow when it comes to local entertainment. The talented musicians have to find alternatives or be more creative in showcasing their talents without crossing the line (of the laws). If you think about it, to make a music showcase possible, then it shows that we have to be a step ahead and be more creative to make things happen.

Hence to have a DJ Mix Competition is already a great start despite the limitations to the organisers and the public. The seasoned DJs shared their vision in helping the young blood (DJs) to learn about mixing music and one avenue is to have competition. The three day event also involved a DJ Mix workshop (on Sunday) to give more knowledge on mixing and the techniques to the local DJs. One of the DJs, @leiley_lim shared that Brunei DJs have the best equipment regionally but lacking the avenue to share their talent to the public.

The organisers and the partners were happy with the overall competition and workshop as it was a successful one. It was also great to see the DJ Mioy, DJ Leiley and DJ Felix working together for the benefit of the community in a longer run.

Below are the winners and ranks for the respective categories.

Open Class Category:
Winner : DJ Amad
1st Runner-up : Jimmyroll
2nd Runner-up : Fiiz The Shiiz
4th : DJ Izra
5th : Aeros
6th : Mask

Rookies Category:
Winner: DJ Jakey

DJ Jimmy Roll took 2nd place. It also came 2nd in the previous competition

Fiiz The Shiiz came 3rd place. Image courtesy of @kurapak

Ammirul was the emcee/host for the finals last Saturday

It was good to see all the seasoned DJs working as one

DJ Aeros spinning for the crowd last Saturday

@Kurapak taking great shots with his trusted Fuji film camera

Behind the scene

DJ Amad stole the hearts of the audience and judges

The back shot

DJ Leiley playing his track Radioactive and hopes to make it big with a record label down under. Good luck, buddy!

DJ Mioy showcasing his talent to the delight of the crowd

A welcoming remark to the Filipino community

In collaboration with the Embassy of The Republic of The Philippines, The Jerudong Park Medical Centre held a blood donation drive, open to the Filipino Community. The objective of the blood donation drive was to raise awareness on the importance of donating blood, in saving lives and contributing to blood banks in Brunei Darussalam.

“Blood banks always need volunteering blood donors.” said Romeo Tabios, JPMC’s blood bank nurse. “Giving 15 minutes of your time by donating blood can help save lives.” Blood donation not only gives back to society, but also provides physical and mental benefits to the donors’ health. Donating blood helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as burn calories.

The drive was held at the Philippines Chancery, Embassy of The Republic of The Philippines from 3pm – 5pm, and received a total of more than 30 interested donors, who contributed to a good cause.

Before donating blood, donors were interviewed on their brief health history and screened for basic physical health. Donors were made aware of certain factors to consider, such as pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, cholesterol, and haemoglobin levels. Blood donors were also screened for infectious diseases.

The Jerudong Park Medical Centre hopes for future collaborations to aid the blood banks in the country. Images courtesy of Jerudong Park Medical Centre.

The Filipino community showing their support

Taking a blood sample

The blood donors last weekend

Wu Chun donating blood at Fitness Zone last weekend

Every year Fitness Zone organizes 2 to 3 blood donations per year and they encourage their members to take part as well because it doesn’t only saves their lives but it’s also good for their health! Each time you donate blood, you get a basic check up where you will find out if your pulse, blood pressure and other vital signs are healthy or not.

Every time you give blood, you also lower your iron levels, which according to CNN can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the Miller-Keystone Blood Center (a non-profit organization that supplies blood products across the U.S.), regular blood donation can also reduce the risk of cancer in the liver, lungs, throat, colon, and stomach.  By being a regular donor, you help to replenish body by itself and this will allow your body to work more efficiently.

Fitness Zone gave out 2 weeks membership passes to all donors last Saturday. The next blood donation event is scheduled for October 2014.

Special thanks to Mr Baker and FZ Live Band for their support and of course, the RIPAS Hospital team who did a great job and they were willing to come over to FZ, making it more convenient for the 60 staffs of FZ and members to donate blood today.

According to Wu Chun, at Fitness Zone, it’s not only about Fitness and getting healthy. It’s about living it RIGHT! It’s about feeling good about your own life. When you exercise, its all about loving life because you are taking steps to improve your quality of life and you are making your loved ones less worried about your health condition.

The event had a tremendous response of 63 donors in the four hour window. For more information on your free trial session at Fitness Zone, please call 2448488 or log on to their website www.fitnesszone.com.bn or at Facebook FitnessZoneBrunei.

More than 60 volunteered to donate blood

Wu Chun having his blood pressure checked

The heart beat of Jonathan Bong of KFC Brunei

Dj Izan and Aliya supporting each other

Nasroul giving some support to Aliya

The media taking photos of Wu Chun 

 Wu Chun and his Fitness Zone members

 

Malppy having an appearance at Times Square till Sunday

Malppy.com will once again be making a public appearance at the Japan Festival hosted by Times Square from the 13th to 16th March 2014. There are a number of activities planned for this event. A special announcement will be made as part of Malppy.com’s continuous effort to provide the best customer service.

The public can experience online shopping first hand at the booth with an added incentive of 10% discount if you purchase on the day itself. In addition to that, there are a number of attractive prizes to be won daily by the public. One of which is a Misato dining voucher worth up to B$50. Additionally, the public is invited to Malppy.com’s booth for an exclusive look at Malppy.com’s newest fashion range, Mayuki Tokyo Fashion online.

Drop by Malppy.com’s booth at Times Square Shopping Centre from 13th – 16th March 2014 for a chance to win amazing prizes. Tune in to Malppy.com’s Facebook and Instagram page @malppybn for information updates on their event campaigns coverage.

Do drop by their booth at the ground level of Times Square