His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (right) with His Royal Highness Prince Hj ‘Abdul ‘Azim, His Royal Highness ‘Abdul Mateen and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel during the Majlis Istiadat Akad Nikah Diraja or the solemnisation ceremony at Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien. Image courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie.

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik read his marriage vows during the Majlis Istiadat Akad Nikah Diraja or the solemnisation ceremony at Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien last Thursday.

A 17-gun salute from the royal cannons echoed in the capital, marking the prince’s successful solemnisation of marriage vows.

According to Islamic law, the royal couple HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah are now legally and fully recognised as husband and wife.

Present to witness the solemnisation ceremony was the groom’s father, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The ceremony is a royal tradition where the royal groom reads his marriage vows in accordance with Islamic law and with the presence of male witnesses consisting family members from both the bride and the groom.

Also at the ceremony were HRH Crown Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj ‘Abdul ‘Azim, HRH ‘Abdul Mateen and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.
The ceremony began with the customary royal regalia including Kasur Namat, Dian Empat and a Gangsa(brass receptacle) on which the solemnisation of royal marriage vows form was placed on.

Kasur Namat is a two-piece item that complements each other and is placed in the middle of the Dian Empat or four Ceremonial Candles usually carried to mark royal ceremonies including the royal wedding.

The Kasur is a cushion usually made from yellow cloth covering and the Namat is a mat decorated with beautiful Air Muleh designs (flora and fauna motif representing the essence of livelihood) embroidered along the edges of the yellow silk cover placed over the Kasur.
Four senior government religious officials including Imam of Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Pehin Khatib Hj Suhaili Hj Metali Al-Hafiz and Imam of Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Hj Hamidon Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Abd Hamid then took their places of honour as witnesses for the royal ceremony.

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik acknowledging his understanding after Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Salim Hj Besar read the solemnisation sermon

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik signing the solemnisation form

The Doa Selamat

Invited guests during the Majlis Istiadat Akad Nikah Diraja

Pg Hj Bolkiah, the father of the bride

Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Salim Hj Besar served as the Chief Qadi of the event, overseeing the solemnisation of the royal marriage vows.

The Chief Qadi plays an integral role in the ceremony as he is a judge ruling in accordance with Islamic religious law and have jurisdiction over all legal matters involving Muslims.

Greeting His Majesty and the royal entourage upon arrival at the mosque was YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the chief of Adat Istiadat, and other senior government officials.
Accompanying the groom, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik, as he entered the mosque were Awang-Awang carrying 40 Sinipit (spear), a Hulubalang Diraja carrying Pemuras (gun) and Karga (case to carry the bullets) as well as Hulubalang Asgar carrying Kalasak (shield) and Kampilan (long blade).

Other royal regalia carried during the Majlis Istiadat Akad Nikah Diraja were the Pedang and Perisai,Tumbak Benderangan, Kabok and Panastan.

There were 16 Pedang and Perisai, or sword with golden or silver bands at the hilt carried against the right shoulder by Awang-Awang and round gold shield carried on the left hand.

Tumbak Benderangan is a royal ceremonial spear with golden and silver bands carried by Awang-Awang wearing ceremonial attires, held against the right shoulder. Sixteen of such regalia were carried.

Kabok and Panastan are vessels for storing water and the silver base are called the Panastan. There are 16 Kabok Panastan in the royal regalia and are usually carried by 16 Pengirans. However, only eight were carried.

Pehin Dato Paduka Hj Salim read the solemnisation sermon to the groom and explained the vows that he would be undertaking in this royal union of lifelong companionship and care.

The groom acknowledged his understanding and then read his vows in a clear and loud voice, flawlessly for all present yesterday to bear witness to. The recital of marriage vows continued with the groom reciting the Lafaz Ta’alik and the signing of the solemnisation form witnessed by the monarch. The ceremony was then blessed with a doa selamat read by State Mufti YB Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Datu Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz Juned. Text by Waqiuddin Rajak and Billah Hasan of The Brunei Times and images taken by Fazizul Haqimie.

 

Check out our latest review of Furious 7 featuring Rano and his co-host Del Goh on The Popcorn Panel

 

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Download SnapFeed app on your smartphones and check out the latest deals in Brunei and also get rewarded from respective merchants such as BurgerKing, KFC and Sushi Tei to name a few.

 

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BIBD held its annual dinner for staff under the Islamic bank’s group of companies at the Grand Hall, Indera Samudra of The Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong last Friday.

Themed ‘Nostalgia’, the dinner honoured the hard work of the bank’s employees that had contributed to numerous achievements in the past year.

The dinner started with a recitation of the Doa, which was then followed by welcoming remarks by BIBD Managing Director Javed Ahmad. This then proceeded with presentations for Long Service Awards to around 70 employees from the BIBD group.

Among those present to witness the special occasion was the guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Finance Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin Abdullah, who is also the Chairman of the BIBD Board of Directors. Also present were other BIBD board directors and members of the Shariah Advisory Body amongst some 700 personnel from the bank along with its subsidiaries; BIBD At-Tamwil and BIBD Securities.

The annual dinner caps off another milestone year in BIBD’s rich history in Islamic finance, earmarked by notable efforts such as the launch of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, BIBD Advocating Life-Long Learning for an Aspiring Future (ALAF) Programme, along with its first batch of students receiving the programme’s support, among other charitable activities. The programme, now in its second year, aims to help bring more educational opportunities to underprivileged children.

The guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairman of the BIBD Board of Directors Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin Abdullah (L), hands a certificate to a BIBD employee while BIBD Managing Director Javed Ahmad (C), looks on

Last year also saw the bank’s involvment in several key projects such as the relaunch and rebranding of its Perdana Privilege Banking arm with a new lounge and image, which is located on the first floor of the Kompleks Setia Kenangan, and the organising and chairing of the 4th China-ASEAN Interbank Association (CAIBA) Executive Meetings, held for the first time outside China.

The bank also managed to retain its international recognitions such as the Best Retail Bank in Brunei (The Asian Banker), and the Best Bank in Brunei (Global Finance), and Bank of the Year in Brunei (The Banker).

Also in the year, BIBD has been ranked 42nd in terms of Soundness (Capital Asset Ratio) and 697th overall in the top 1,000 World Banks by “The Banker” in 2014, and 14th Strongest Bank among 500 Banks from Asia pacific by balance sheet by The Asian Banker. Image and text courtesy of BIBD.

 

Photo opportunity with the owner of L’Orient, Sabrina Wong

Late post. A friend of mine Sabrina Wong has finally found a more permanent place for her boutique. Ironically all the different locations that she has tried are all in Kiulap. I kinda prefer her new location of L’Orient and it’s located near Regent Square (newest building) and from the looks of it, her boutique is the first tenant officially operating business in that new building.

So what to expect from L’Orient? If you are into fashion especially the female, you will enjoy the stylish collection designed by Sabrina Wong the owner herself. Now she has upped her game by collaborating with Wilson MC Lau by designing new art fashion collection called the “reach in and stretch out”.

Her shop also sells accessories and bags apart from the interesting range of clothes. The prices may be too high for some but you will know where the dollars are spent. Sabrina has really built her reputation as one of the top designers in Brunei and she has traveled across the world to share her passion and creativity in terms of clothes design.

If you are into a stylish and modern feel look, do consult with Sabrina because she’s really good at it. Do check out her ‘Sab Five Five’ label too. That has been a big hit for her.

Also, keep up to date with the store by visiting its Facebook at www.facebook.com/sabfivefive or its Instagram @sabfivefive. For any enquiries, please contact 2239988 or 8989132.

Quite a good turn out during the official launch

Keeran Janin among the invited guest

Refreshments outside Sabrina’s shop

Josie Abdullah with Sabrina

Sabrina and her friends

 

Hj Azhar bin Hj Ahmad, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence as the guest of honour during the recent dinner meeting of the Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club.

Normally the meeting for Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club happens on the final week of the month. So recently it was held at the usual place – Mutiara Ballroom at Radisson Hotel. The meeting is different to that of Brunei Speakers’ Club, OTTERS Club and UBD Toastmasters Club. It is done in a formal dinner setting but with the inclusion of toastmasters meeting.

The dinner meeting from Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club is always open to guests and it’s good to see different guests every now and then. The guest of honour then was Hj Azhar bin Hj Ahmad, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. He was very impressed with the toastmasters meeting and he gave one a good advice that fear will always be there but it’s how we see fear as opportunity.

This month of April, another dinner session will be held but I’m not currently sure of the dates. If you are interested, you can email me at ranoadidas (a) gmail

Fatin won Best Table Topics that evening

Anyati sharing a laugh with the audience

Deno Goh talked about finance during his table topics session

Group photo with the attendees

Delwin Keasberry playing the role as the Timer

Noting relating to the dinner but click image to see last week’s Brunei Speakers’ Club session. Image taken by Reuben Chin.

 

The Brunei Music Society is presenting the 6th biennial Young Musicians recital on April 10 at 7.30pm at the Arts Centre of the Jerudong International School.

A total of 24 items will be presented by aspiring musicians between the ages of eight and 25, all of whom were selected from over 70 entries.

According to a press release, the final selection includes an exciting array of instruments from violin, cello and piano to saxophone, trumpet and clarinet. In addition, there are three string ensembles.

Applicants, who were required to play at a Grade 6 level or above, submitted an audio recording which was reviewed by a panel of judges from the committee of the Brunei Music Society.
Students who will be performing on April 10 learn music at several local music schools and at the international schools. They are all students who know the importance of persistence and hard work and have spent hours practicing to reach their current level of skill.

Tickets can be booked via SMS (no calls) to 8820014 and via email at bruneims.tickets@gmail.com.

Or via this online booking form http://goo.gl/forms/ERdATcH7cC

 

Check out our latest review of Furious 7 featuring Rano and his co-host Del Goh on The Popcorn Panel

 

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The monthly winners of the Multi Tier Savings Account – Get Rewarded from Your Savings promotion at Baiduri Bank. Image courtesy of Baiduri Bank.

To encourage customers to save more, Baiduri Finance launched a savings promotion in January with attractive cash prizes to be won monthly.

At a prize presentation event held at the company’s head office in Sumbangsih Bahagia, Beribi this afternoon, four lucky customers were elated after being picked as winners in the second monthly draw.

The Multi Tier Savings Account – Get Rewarded from Your Savings promotion offers customers who deposited fresh funds of B$5,000 into their new or existing Multi Tier Savings Account (MTSA) a chance to win monthly cash prizes and be in the running to win the grand prize of B$50,000.

Md Shahidullah bin Md Mafizuddin, Jong Boon Nee, Cheong Huat Joo and Wu Siew Poh were rewarded with B$4,000, B$3,000, B$2,000 and B$1,000 respectively. These amounts will be credited into the winners’ existing MTSA as part of the promotion’s objective to further grow customers’ savings. They are the second batch of winners to receive cash savings from the Multi Tier Savings Account Deposit Promotion.

On hand to present the prizes to the winners was Hj Mohd Rayme bin Hj Bakri, Marketing Manager at Baiduri Finance Berhad. “We are now in the third month of the promotion,” he said, adding, “This promo will end in June, so there’s still time to get lucky and win big in our upcoming draws”.

Baiduri Finance’s MTSA is intended to provide accountholders with worthy interest gains within a short period of time. Requiring only B$50 for account creation, savers can earn interest rates of up to 0.65% flat rate per annum, and ease of managing their accounts through Baiduri Personal i-Banking, and all Baiduri Bank branches. MTSA customers will receive Baiduri VISA Debit cards upon account opening and can perform banking transactions via all Baiduri ATMs and CDMs nationwide.

Information on the MTSA promotion is available on www.baiduri.com or customers can contact the Baiduri Call Centre at 2449666.

 

Pre game photo of Matahari FC against TOT United. Image courtesy of Standard Chartered Brunei.

TOT United of Malaysia emerged as the winners of the Standard Chartered Trophy Regional Tournament held in Kuala Lumpur held last Saturday 28 March 2015. The winners managed to best their counterparts, PTT GC of Thailand and Matahari FC of Brunei Darussalam and will go on to compete in the Standard Chartered Trophy Finals Tournament, held in Liverpool Football Club’s Homeground, Anfield this coming May.

Marilyn Graeme, Head of Corporate Affairs said:

“We’re extremely delighted to have been able to leverage on our partnership with Liverpool FC to give our local talents and rising futsal stars an opportunity like this to gain exposure outside of Brunei to push themselves and test their skills on a regional amateur level. Well done to Matahari FC and we hope they will continue to shine on in their future futsal challenges.”

The Standard Chartered Trophy Brunei Local Tournament was held on 16, 17, 20 and 21 of February. The tournament saw 24 teams compete for the chance to represent Brunei in the upcoming regional tournament. During the closing ceremony of the tournament, a mock cheque of BND2400 was handed over to JAPEM on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for the Humanitarian Fund of the Malaysian Flood Disaster. The funds were raised from registration fees collected from the participating teams, 100% of which was donated.

19 countries have been globally selected to run the local qualifying tournaments and select winning teams. The winning teams will then advance to the regional stages to compete against other countries. The winning teams from the regional stage of the SC Trophy will then go on to the finals, held at Anfield Stadium in the United Kingdom. This is the fourth year that the Standard Chartered Trophy tournament has been organised and this season sees Vietnam defending their title from last season.

The Standard Chartered Trophy Brunei 2015 was supported by The Ministry of Culture Youth & Sports and endorsed by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam.

To find out more about the Standard Chartered Trophy follow the bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StandardCharteredBN.

Pre game photo of Matahari FC against PTT GC. Image courtesy of Standard Chartered Brunei.

CEO Standard Chartered Malaysia giving out tokens to the players. Image courtesy of Standard Chartered Brunei.

Group photo of the Bruneian, Thai and Malaysian Teams at the post-tournament dinner. Image courtesy of Standard Chartered Brunei.

 

I can’t find a proper mask. But not to worry, the air quality is still considered good according to today’s paper.

This is one of the hottest times in Brunei and it’s no surprise that forest fire will happen. However, I didn’t expect it to create such a nuisance because of the haze factor. We all keep hoping for rain to reduce the density of the haze. I also would like to salute our brave fire fighters who are doing their best to get rid of the fire. It’s never an easy task especially in the forest as it is difficult for the fire brigades to access the source of the fire in the middle of the forest.

So do take extra measures or even wear a mask if possible. Frankly speaking, I hardly see people wearing mask. Maybe the level of haze is still considered low (the PSI reading has ok so far) but sometimes precaution is much better approach. I can still smell the scent of smoke once I stepped out of my home. I live in Beribi but the source of the fire that I know is either near UBD area and Jerudong. So you can tell how damaging a forest fire can do.

Keep up the good work especially those in the Fire and Rescue Department.

Keep up the good job, firefighters. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

The smoke last week around KB area. Image courtesy of @marul69