In the paper’s yesterday

In the paper’s yesterday

I knew this is gonna draw a lot of mixed reactions. Actually it was even mixed at all. The comments were 95% negative when I posted this message on my social network. This was to do with the recent directives from the Municipal Board where businesses were to shut down by midnight. Many wanted answers and legitimate reasons to why on such ruling. The Ministry of Home Affairs didn’t hold any press conference but issued statement to the media and in the end of the day, there was a slight u-turn in the statement and now apparently some restaurants can still operate after midnight.

In today’s The Brunei Times, it was mentioned that restaurants are still confused about the guideline. This reminds me of last year’s confusion on the attire and clothing before the implementation of the Syariah Law. Now it’s about small businesses that are operating after midnight. Some have mentioned that they haven’t received any letter from the Municipal Board on the confirmation for the request of extended hours. Let’s hope this issue can be resolved for the benefit of the community and let’s not forget that Ramadhan is just around the corner and these businesses need to prep themselves.

At least, this is some leeway for restaurants and the public that there’s a high possibility for restaurants and convenient stores to operate past midnight.

Posted on @thebruneitimes social media before the actual full details

 

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah in the training session with the Brunei U-23 team. Image courtesy of Yee Chun Leong of The Brunei Times.

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah with the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam and the Brunei U-23 team before flying off to Singapore

A talent in the making. He had trials in Arsenal in the youth academy two years ago before signing a youth club deal with Chelsea early last year. Today he is representing Brunei in the upcoming SEA Games but I have yet to see on the field or in any football matches just yet. He plays upfront and his inclusion to the under-23 football team is a huge boost for the country. He naturally plays wide in attack.

He is no other than Faiq Jefri Bolkiah and he seems upbeat for the competition. According to his interview with The Brunei Times, he will focus on his physical presence and speed and he aimed to work hard both defensively and offensively. He is pleased to play along the ranks of the DPMM FC players such as Azwan Ali Rahman.

Brunei will take on Vietnam on 29th May in the Round Robin Group B, followed by Loas on 31st May. Their third match will be against Timor-Leste on 3rd June before they face Thailand on 6th June and on their final match will be against Malaysia on 8th June. Good luck to the Brunei u-23 team in the SEA Games.

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah was the Brunei Chelsea Supporters Club (BCSC) at Papa Chelsea Shed last weekend. Image courtesy of BCSC.

Group photo of the BCSC in celebration of Chelsea’s crowning of the Premier League. Image courtesy of BCSC.

Chelsea supporters taking photo with Faiq Jefri Bolkiah. Click image to enter BCSC Facebook Page. Image courtesy of BCSC.

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah signing the youth deal with Chelsea FC last year. Image courtesy of @RYO_cleverfish

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah in action for the U-18 Chelsea FC. Image courtesy of @fjbolkiah

 

Acer Liquid Smartphones

Check out Acer Liquid smartphones

 

HSBC Personal Internet Banking

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BIBD Home Showcase 4

BIBD Home Showcase 4. Click more to find out!!

Icon Design Store

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Royal Brunei Airlines

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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

 

It’s great to be back again but not dreading for work. I have countless piles of work pending and I don’t even know where to begin with. Probably an assistant would have suffice. I tend to be freer whenever I’m abroad and I feel under pressure whenever I’m in Brunei. Some even suggested that I get a PR status in Singapore since I was born there too. Singapore was fun. My trip was shy of a fortnight and I had a splendid time with my family especially my mom who is recovering from a minor surgery. I was also there in Singapore to celebrate her birthday earlier this week before I head back home.

A few highlights for me was the Earth Hour in Singapore, the release of the Adidas FX Flux in Singapore (though there is a big downside to that) and also the quick sneaks of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hosted by Sony Pictures (Singapore). And of course, I was able to catch up with a few of my buddies in Singapore too. I shall be making another trip back if time permits and I hope to be there in time for the exclusive premiere of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 before it will be released the following week.

I have yet to settle here back in Brunei and I’ve been spending more time catching on my deprived rest. I know this myself that I need to organise my things to get back in shape. I’m also pretty behind in my fitness level as I have registered for the 21km race for Sundown, end of May, in Singapore. So there are many things under my checklist before mid year kicks in and time has been flying pretty fast I must say. The other guilty thing(s) that I’m aware of are my resolutions for 2014 which I pledged for myself on 1st January 2014. I would say that I’m only 2% on it and this is already mid April *lol* Talk about commitment, aye? I hope my baby steps can give a much needed boost to get me going for my resolution.

I recently attended the BIT Council meeting and I learnt quite a few things that were shared among the members of the BIT Council. This actually stands for Brunei Information Technology Council and it’s spearheaded by the Minister of Communications. We recently were given a book which has a case study on Brunei’s indices rating on technology and it is being reported that we are pretty far behind when it comes to affordability. Many of us have questioned the credibility of the findings as it contradicts the predicted patterns of the consumer ends side of the things. Perhaps there wasn’t much explanation given in-depth on the findings and I believe the government have spend quite on a fortune on it too.

Recent weeks have been challenging indeed. Making new friends, reconciling ones and sustaining the closer ones. I have learnt the different types of characters that I’ve gone through and it was also a great reflection of myself too. Despite the awareness that I have, the choices I have made may not be favourable in the eyes of some. I have yet to reach my highest self and give myself a kick in the butt that I can do better. My connections with my trusted ones have been haywire to say the least. I have probably judged my own being too and allow others to judge my well being and actions. For now, it’s a rebuilding journey ahead. Lessons after lessons with many distractions along the way. Well, that’s how life is, right?

I’m gonna enjoy my Sunday and recover back from my sleepy eyes. Have a great Sunday, peeps!!!

Oh, below are some of the photos that I felt like sharing with your guys.

During my mom’s birthday earlier this week. Thank you, mom, for being a great provider to the family and continuously supporting us since Day 1. I surprised her with some flowers I bought from Takashimaya. Though there aren’t as big as others but this small gesture has more meaning and it was the first time I actually handed a bouquet of flowers to my mom personally 😀

Yazid Yakub what sapped me this picture earlier this afternoon and I wept a little seeing this photo. It shows how much I missed my high school years back in Geelong Grammar School, Victoria, Australia. Yesterday there was our class reunion on 94’ and sadly, I wasn’t able to join Yazid and the rest down under. The picture was taken during our final year prom night to mark the end of our high school years. Thank you for the memories 😀

A nameless soft toy given to me by @lilmopiko @timelessrealm. I have no idea why I was so attached to this toy and I carried with me wherever I went. Not until my trip to Penang in 2012, I lost it and till today, I couldn’t let go that feeling of attachment. Many lessons can be learnt here.

A match that I didn’t bother to catch live on TV but just rely on social media for updates. This was the rematch between Manny and Bradley and the Filipino managed to avenge his defeat by an unanimous decision. This is a great shot by the way.

Some billed this as a title decider. I think not. There are still plenty of points to play for. Should Liverpool beat Manchester City and Chelsea this month, it’s a high possibility the title could be virtually Liverpool’s. The season hasn’t been this exciting for many years as it has become a three horse race.

I tried these Burger King’s Drummets and I was impressed. It’s available now at our local franchise store at Bandar

I caught Wrestlemania and my reactions were pretty mixed. I love the finale though but the saddest part is to see The Undertaker’s streak to end by Brock Lesnar. Then again, it has to happen one day and Brock is a much better candidate to do so. Hulk Hogan didn’t do much to host Wrestlemania so I don’t see why the big hype. By the way, I had to fork out USD 60 for the PPV as I was watching it on WWE.com on my notebook.

These wireless Jabra earpieces are awesome especially for my runs. The only problem which can be annoying is when it’s trying to pair with my phone device. It may take some time to detect. A few days ago, I accidentally left these earpiece on the McDonald’s tray at Singapore. There goes my Jabra piece. How careless of me!!!

Great deals for those purchasing the Acer Smartphones at Concepts Computer. If you are senior citizen or even a teacher or a student, you can now get these Acer smartphones and you will be given a 2600 mAH powerbank (while stock lasts). Pretty cool, aye? So do drop by Concepts Computer and check them out. I shall be writing more on these special promotion by tomorrow. Stay tune!!

Chef Cathy from Royal Brunei Catering was participating in the recent FHA 2014 Culinary Challenge. She didn’t win in her category but she really enjoyed the experience. Her colleague Chef Ahmad bagged Silver Medal under the “Class 3B Pastry Showpiece”. RBC sent 8 chefs to compete in the Culinary Challenge recently held in Singapore.

There was quite a crowd at the recent FHA2014 held at the Singapore Expo. My feet were aching just walking through most of the halls. There were 10 halls altogether. Apparently those who attended previous FHA events said that there weren’t much difference.

Finally it rained in Singapore after weeks of dry spell. I’m also sporting my current favourite walking shoes too – Adidas FX Flux though I’m still bummed out that I missed out the Prism Flux edition.

I bumped into an old friend at the Changi Airport and she was transiting from her Umrah trip via Singapore. We kinda have matching head covers 😀

BIBD presentation for the final monthly “Barakah 5” winners presented by Caitlina Hj Haliluddin, Assistant Managers of Products & Segments, BIBD. Each of the winners received 100,000 Hadiah Points. The winners will join all the previous monthly winners for the grand prize of the Jaguar XF.

There will be a garage sale today. From 9am to 2pm. Venue: Simpang 38 House No. 22 Jalan Chempaka. Call 8989132 for details. Expect some toys, books, home decor and many more. The earlier the better. Who knows you will find some classic gems 😀

The UBD Spectacle 2014 is here.. I shall be paying this a visit pretty soon 😀

Some of the art installation at the UBD Spectacle 2014. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

Fiona the podiatrist was trimming my new customized insole for my running Adidas shoes and thank you so much for the great service. I shall talk about this soon and share with you my experience at The Sole Clinic at SOHO2, Singapore. I would definitely recommend you to try this place if you have problems with your feet or leg especially for runners.

The interesting phenomena that took Brunei by storm. This was the most trending picture last Tuesday. This image belongs to Rachael Yeo 😀

If you happen to be in Singapore, do visit Pasarbella. Interesting place with

Such a sad news to know that the Ultimate Warrior passed away. He was just on Wrestlemania 30 and came on RAW and passed away a day later. He is definitely a legend superstar for WWE and it was good to see him being inducted in the Hall of Fame

Another friend I bumped into in Singapore and we did a quick shopping at Zara. Happy belated Aziimah 😀

Mom bought a stack of this iTunes card at Qisahn at Far East Shopping Centre, Orchard Road. A USD 15 card only costs BND 20. Good deal, aye?

I miss this place already. This was my regular jogging spot at the Singapore Botanics Garden. The only place that I can appreciate nature and the green while burning my calories. The swing does bring some childhood memories.

A failed attempt to join the tai chi group at the Singapore Botanics Garden

Kristal FM taking snippets of the new menu at Sapphira bandar branch. More on that soon.

Gundam fans out there? Well, this special promotion is only at ISETAN at Shaw House, Singapore until 17th April

My Adidas haul in Singapore recently. Thanks Mom 😀