Creative Arts Festival with Shenny

Top 10 Summer Box office predictions with Rano Iskandar (The Popcorn Panel) and Del Goh (The Reel Show)

Top 10 Summer Box office predictions with Rano Iskandar (The Popcorn Panel) and Del Goh (The Reel Show)

 

Book the C180 now and enjoy FREE upgrade to 17-inch 5-spoke wheel in tremolite metallic, high-sheen finished. Call 244 1763 to book a test drive or visit their Beribi or Gadong showroom at Jati Transport

Stuttgart/New York. Mercedes-Benz wins three categories in the prestigious “World Car Awards 2015”. Christoph Horn, Head of Global Communication Passenger Cars Mercedes-Benz and Rob Moran, Director Mercedes-Benz USA Communications, received the awards on behalf of the brand with the three pointed star at a ceremony held on the occasion of the New York International Auto Show.

Particular success was enjoyed by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which won the “World Car of the Year 2015 Award”. The S-Class Coupé was voted “World Luxury Car 2015”, while the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car picked up the award for “World Performance Car 2015”.

Mercedes-Benz was the only automobile manufacturer to make it into the final round of the awards with five vehicles. This commanding performance is unprecedented in the 11-year history of the “World Car of the Year” awards and serves to reflect the tremendous popularity of the Stuttgart-based brand among their customers. The international jury for these prestigious awards is made up of 75 renowned automotive journalists.

Mercedes-Benz has found favour with the jury in previous years too: in 2014 the S-Class won the category “World Luxury Car”. In 2012 the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY was the winner in the category “World Green Car”, while the same award was taken back in 2007 by the E 320 BlueTEC.

 

Posing with a special hard cover edition of this month’s BHC magazine

Happy 3rd birthday, BHC Magazine

How time flies very fast and I remember covering the first ever launch of the BHC Magazine at the same venue three years ago, a project spearheaded by Stuart Lee, the Project Director of BHC Magazine. Last week, Butra Home Concept (BHC) Magazine celebrated their third anniversary.

You will probably know or heard of BHC magazine and it caters to the audience who love about homes and decos and also featuring the Brunei homes. The magazine has now evolved into a lifestyle guide and for readers of BHC, you can also download the book on your IOS powered phone (iPhones). For Stuart, the magazine is a success when someone picks up the magazine and read thru and not just the milestone that it has achieved along the years.

Congratulations to the team behind BHC Magazine, Azlan Ahmad, Group Chief Executive of MixmediaGroup and Amir Noor, Editor of BHC Magazine.

Azlan Ahmad giving his welcoming remarks

The cake cutting ceremony

Hui Chiet of Red Bull (Brunei) among the attendees

Nathan Ambrose and Stuart Lee

Finally caught up with my long time friend FJ

It was quite a packed event

Me in a Box Photo Booth

The lucky winner of the 42” tv

Guests during the third year anniversary

The current edition of BHC magazine (on photo)

Del Goh and Stuart Lee

Lucky draw for their third year anniversary

 

TrueVector Designs are going to hold ANOTHER EVALUATION TEST for those who couldn’t make it the last time and are still interested in pursuing a career animation. So who are they looking for?

-Traditional 2D artist

-Sketchers

-Desk & Notebook scribblers/doodlers

– A good command in English

So what are you waiting for? Don’t hesitate to join us by sending in your CV and portfolio to our email at hello@truevectordesigns.com or truevectordesigns@gmail.com before 15th May 2015 (Friday)

Successful applicants will be informed to sit for the test which will In shaa Allah be on 18th May 2015 (Monday).

 

Audi A3 Sedan – Prime Edition

Audi A3 Sedan – Prime Edition

T.C.Y. Motors Sdn Bhd as the sole agent for Audi in Brunei in its efforts to constantly offer customers ‘something different yet exciting’ is pleased to introduce a new sporty variant of the Audi A3 Sedan- the Prime edition.

The Audi A3 Prime edition is a 1.8 turbo (180hp) model fitted with exclusive sports styled exterior body kit from Audi’s Genuine Accessories offering. The body kit includes a distinctive front spoiler; side sills, a new design rear diffuser incorporated with the rear apron- all of which can be available in either Brilliant Black or the car body colour, topping off the package is the standout tailgate spoiler in Carbon which finishes the Prime sports look.

An additional option to the package is the exclusive cast aluminium 18-inch wheels in 5-arm Velum design which is sold separately. The Audi A3 Prime edition is available now for viewing with other current offerings at Audi Kiarong showroom during operating hours.

The sporty design at the back

Upon request – exclusive cast aluminium 18-inch wheels in 5-arm Velum design

 

Acer Liquid Smartphones

Click image to enter Peugeot Brunei’s website

Click image to enter Citroën Brunei 

  

BIBD’s latest promotion

Top up tia. Click image to enter website.

 

Our podcast review of Summer Box Office with my co-host Del Goh

 

Click image to enter ICON Design Store website

 

Click image to find out more from Butra HeidelbergCement

Just around a turn of Jalan Keriam, you can spot the newly refurbished home of 64-year-old Kalsum binti Haji Jafar who has strengthened the pillars of her humble abode for more than 50 years. Living alone under the support of fellow neighbours, friends and family, the widower has done a remarkable job at sustaining what was left of her wooden structured home.

“I had to suffer with termites eating through my walls at times and even when it rains, I have to take out the buckets so that my house wouldn’t get drenched.”

Now splashed with a new cream coloured exterior, Kalsum’s home gets a fresh look both on the inside and out with a little help from those around her.

You can’t help but appreciate the staircase for its nostalgic feel of traditional Malay home. From the solid wooden structure of the handrails to the mild tone of the tiles in each step, the renovations of the home sets the scene; judging from its common misleading exterior.

Stepping into the balcony leads you to the front door where we find Kalsum welcoming us into her refreshed home, citing her humble gratitude in the positive changes made to her home. Guests to her home can expect a simple seating area with wooden framed chairs, cushioned with vintage flora designs.

The main living room shares similar designs to its furniture as the mixture of both wooden chairs and modern texture sofas, taking your eyes away from the vast amount of space.

“These sofas were donated to me after they finished fixing my home”, she said, comforted in the thought of knowing her family, friends and neighbours were looking out for her.

So do check out RTB 1 every Friday at 7:30pm on the program entitled “Membina Harapan”.

The previous conditions of the home of 64-year-old Kalsum binti Haji Jafar at Jalan Keriam

 

Shiela the Contest Chair (left) with Ruey Narcis the Area Governor (4th from left) and Ruebin Chin the Organizing Chair (right) and the top 3 winners for Humourous Speech Contest and Evaluation Speech Contest for OTTERS Toastmasters Club at Oil & Gas Discovery Centre

It was tough for me to predict on both categories but it was well deserved for Allen Ang who won in both categories – Humourous Speech Contest and Evaluation Contest. In the Humourous Speech Contest, he was pitted against six other contestants from the OTTERS Toastmaster Club where as in the Evaluation Contest, he competed against eight contestants in the Otters’ Club. The contest was opened to members of the OTTERS members and the participation was quite encouraging.

I was quite impressed with the performance of all the speakers as they were entertaining and got the audience engaged as well. Good job to all the committee involved especially Ruebin Chin the organising chair of the competition last Wednesday and Sheila as the contest chair of the evening. It was difficult to choose between Allen and Ching who were simply hilarious from the beginning. I just realised how tough it is to deliver a humourous speech because there are many things that need to be put into account and it’s not same as preparing a normal speech. You need the wit and also that x-factor to not only win the heart of the audience but the judges as well.

Now this kinda give me the pressure because I will be competing for my club, the Brunei Speakers’ Club next Tuesday at Seameo Voctech in both categories. It will be interesting because this will be the first time I will be competing for speeches ever in my life and some of my mentors told me that for a first timer like me, just go out there and have fun.

I also learnt something from the evaluation competition and prompted me to take up the challenge next week. So guys, if you want to see the real deal of toastmasters, do check out the Brunei Speakers’ Club next Tuesday at 7:30pm and make sure you come a tad early as next Tuesday is the competition period for Brunei Speakers’ Club at Seameo Voctech.

Here are the list of winners from last Wednesday:

Humourous Speech Contest:

Champion – Allen Ang

1st Runner-up – Yong Shih Ching

2nd Runner-up – Jason Khoo
Evaluation Speech Contest:

Champion – Allen Ang

1st Runner-up – Melati Yussof

2nd Runner-up – Hazwan Kamarulzaman
The prizes were presented by the President of OTTERS Toastmaster Club Allen Ang and also Area Governor Ruey Narcis. The first two winners from OTTERS will represent the club to complete at Area Contest (against the top winners of Brunei Speakers’ Club and Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club) on September 28.

Melati Yussof, Allen Ang and Hazwan Kamarulzaman the top three winners in the Evaluation Speech Contest

Yong Shih Ching, Allen Ang and Jason Khoo the top three winners in the Humourous Speech Contest

Hazwan presenting his Humourous Speech Contest

Melati sharing her purpose in life

Ching sharing his humourous speech on how to “Suck up” to your bosses

Nina Kifrawi shared her experiences with love

Jordan Yau was the test speaker for the Evaluation Contestants and his speech was entitled “On Call Bro”

Georgina Watson was one of the contestants for the Evaluation Speech Contest

The audience enjoying the speeches from OTTERS

The nervous situation for the contestants before the competition began

 

Acer Liquid Smartphones

Click image to enter Peugeot Brunei’s website

Click image to enter Citroën Brunei 

  

BIBD’s latest promotion

Top up tia. Click image to enter website.

 

Our podcast review of Summer Box Office with my co-host Del Goh

 

Click image to enter ICON Design Store website

 

Click image to find out more from Butra HeidelbergCement

Butra HeidelbergCement, best known for their resources of providing cement to the Sultanate, has done more than its reputation proceeds. ‘Building A Nation’ is their corporate social responsibility initiative focusing on developing various aspects and levels of the nation with the mutual goal to succeed as a country. A company centered on sourcing a build, made enough sense for them to help others build their hopes, dreams and ambitions.

A fraction of this movement is devoted towards ‘Building Hope’, efforts dedicated to helping the less-fortunate society by addressing and aiding their needs for sustainable living. Dated back to February 2014, Butra HeidelbergCement was on the search of giving hope to those in need by refurbishing the core of basic necessities; a sheltering home.

Butra HeidelbergCement invited those in need with a chance to have their homes restored and repaired, a kind gesture by the company with hopes of ensuring a blissful Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. This venture was in collaboration with the Community Development Department (JAPEM) under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) in expanding the reach for the initiative and assisting those in dire need of help.

From February, the collaborating delegation began investigating the applicants’ homes up until May when they narrowed down the list to four candidates for the project, two living in Brunei-Muara District and another two in Tutong District. A month long process of reconstruction began simultaneously for all four homes and the team addressed any faults and troubles the candidates previously faced in their distressed homesteads. By June, the candidates were able to enjoy the comforts of their refreshed homes in time for the fasting month of Ramadhan as well as the preparations for the festive season.

The success of the project proved enough for its continued existence as Butra HeidelbergCement has set their sights on sequel venture in the future, holding on to the values and objectives of ‘Building A Nation’.

Building A Nation comprises of other initiatives diversifying its reach towards accomplishing various other goals

Building Champion centers the spotlight on Brunei’s very own Wushu team, sponsored for their achievements in winning gold for the South East Asia (SEA) Games.

Building Careers opens more opportunities for locals in exploring their potential while Building Sustainability channels its inner greenery by championing the needs of our environment for
future generations.

Brunei Darussalam’s future looks bright with Butra HeidelbergCement as they build the pillars to a nationwide success. Courtesy of BHC.

So do check out RTB 1 every Friday at 7:30pm on the program entitled “Membina Harapan”.

One of the homes before it was reconstructed

The owner of the home

With the faces of Butra HeidelbergCement that helped in the project

This is the newly looked home.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Hjh Adina (front, 4th L) with authors of ‘Women of Brunei – Inspiring Life Stories’ Nicola Lynskey (3rd L) and Cecile Castilla (5th L), and the Bruneian women featured in the book. Images courtesy of Amanda Yap of The Brunei Times.

The book took a while to complete but the hurdle is over. Co-authors French Cécile Castilla & British Nicola Lynskey have invested their times with their interviews and writing up articles for the compilation of 21 women of Brunei entitled Women of Brunei. The purpose of this publication is to inspire the younger generation of Brunei women and even those challenging moments can be dealt with.

I caught up with Cécile Castilla over a book signing outside Best Eastern Times Square a few days ago. I’ve known her for quite a while and in those days, she was editor-in-chief for Dua Minggu and she was also in the mainstream media for 10 years back in France, focusing more into female magazine. Back in 2006, she was based in Balikpapan and she was involved with an expat magazine. You can see that she has this urge to write and share her findings to others and that is one great way of contribution.

To her, this is a her second book that relates to women. She finds many rewarding values in interviewing and writing her findings. The publication won’t be possible without the help of their sponsors. Her purpose of this project is to understand women in Brunei Darussalam and she can see the difference between the women in Brunei and the women in France. She found out that even the community in Brunei is friendly and family oriented despite being a tiny country.

You can find the book “Women of Brunei – Inspiring Life Stories”, a 140-page coffee-table book and it is published by local visual and graphic design firm Pentagram Sdn Bhd. It is selling for $30 at all Best Eastern book stores throughout the country, as well as the Crimson Square at the Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong.

Twenty per cent of all sales will be donated to charity while 10 per cent will go to the Council of Women Brunei Darussalam.

Another 10 per cent will also be donated to ALAF (Advocating Life-long Learning for an Aspiring Future), the charitable project under the book’s gold sponsor, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD).

Cécile Castilla explaining to the lady on the newly launched book

The book signing happened last weekend outside Best Eastern Times Square and it’s selling for BND 30

Liyana also bought herself a copy

Available now at Best Eastern