Listen to the podcast on our countdown to the Top 10 movies of 2015 (Rano and Del’s) and also the disappointments and our horribles section.

 

My week stay at Sheraton Pranburi Villa at Hua Hin, Thailand. Truly love this place and the greenery.

This week has been amazing on many levels. The journey of learning, discovering and recovering have never felt compelling to the extent that I felt lighter, confused and amazed, all at once. It’s something that I couldn’t verbalize and I’m thankful to my friends who felt my expression. I am happy that I made this trip to the beautiful Hua Hin and thumbs up to Sheraon Pranburi Villa for their awesome hospitality since day one.

This is the second city I’ve visited this year and there are more to come (Vietnam, KL, KK and Taipei) in the coming two months for work and toastmasters. Despite the traveling, I’m slowly beginning to feel the pinch in terms of the Brunei economy. If SMEs are not doing well, then it will have downstream effect and even my revenue stream will have some impact, be it big or small. Now it’s the ideal time to plan for the year which I hardly do or just not my habit to do so. This is a reality and it’s something I have to be mindful on the decisions I make especially when it comes to time and money.

I haven’t been updating on a regular basis since my days in Hua Hin were quite packed and I chose the spare time to catch up with my buddies or just spend some alone time on my own. It feels great once again to type out my thoughts while enjoying the breeze by the poolside at Sheraton Pranburi Villa. How I wish I can blog in this kinda of environment, feeling peaceful and yes, my mind feels freer as compared to when I blog in the comfort of my room (the irony).

I kinda miss what’s going in Brunei after MIA for the past week. Usually I will be craving for local stories in the morning to see what’s interesting or what not. Now… mmmm… not so much. I choose to be in the moment and that is making the most of my time while in Hua Hin. Today’s news though caught my interest as it was on my IG feed where His Majesty the Sultan paid a visit to International School of Brunei early today. It was also the first visit by our monarch to the relocated ISB.

Now I tell you what I’m looking forward being back – tennis and The Revenant. Oh yea, I can’t believe the Oscar nominated film is showing in Brunei cinemas. Woohooo… I couldn’t manage to catch it while abroad but blessed it’s now showing in Brunei. Del Goh rated this movie as one one of his honourable mentions in his Top 10 movies of 2015. Who knows The Revenant could be in one of my Top 10 in 2016. And tennis, I just miss whacking the ball and I can feel that I’m out of shape especially in the fitness department.

Congratulations goes to Jaz Hayat on his new single which also available on iTunes. He has been MIA for quite some time and now he’s back with a bang, a new released single called “Dari Mata”. Just like Aziz Harun and Eia, he’s also another star in the making. We need more artistes and talents in Brunei. All the best, Jaz, and truly like the countdown on social media as a teaser to your single. Do check his single out and download on iTunes.

That’s it for me today and let me just enjoy the breeze and the music by the poolside. Life is just awesome 😀

 

Review of Disney’s Tomorrowland with co-host @delgoh

 

The overall winners of the Times Square Shopping Centre’s lucky draw competition and Shop, Dine and Snap Instagram competition. Image courtesy of Times Square Shopping Centre.

Dk Siti Nuramal Asyiqin Pg HM Sofiah who won herself a Samsung Galaxy S5 presented by Mr Lim Yee Liang, Marketing Manager of Times Square Shopping Centre. Image courtesy of Times Square Shopping Centre.

Times Square Shopping Centre completed their second lucky draw prize presentation for the fifth campaign on Sunday, 24th May 2015.

The event commenced with quizzes and games conducted by the management, followed by the mascot appearance to liven up the public. The winners of Shop, Dine and Snap Instagram competition were first announced prior to the lucky draw event. Five instagram posts were selected from all the entrees. Md Syahmi Hazim Bin Harjammey who bagged a necklace sponsored by OKKY Jewellery, followed by Zurainee Kiflee who walked home with a one night stay courtesy of Times Hotel,. Lastly the three winners of the Shop, Dine and Snap Instagram Competition, Norfazirah Binti Shremmi, Yumi and Danish Lim went home with a hamper from NHF Organics Sdn Bhd.

The event then continued with the prize presentation of the lucky draw. A total of 25 prizes were given away. The first 22 winners of the prize presentation had to draw their own prizes on stage. The first 7 prizes were presented by the Miss Mally Hadinim, General secretary of Times Square Property Management, followed by the Property Supervisor, Miss Norafizah Daud who presented 7 more prizes to the winners.

The remaining 11 prizes were then presented by the Marketing Manager, Mr Lim Yee Liang. Moreover, first prize of the lucky draw went to Dk Siti Nuramal Asyiqin Pg HM Sofiah who won herself a Samsung Galaxy S5. Second place went to Mohd Jasmerol Jazemen Bin Hj Md Jasry who won a SHARP fridge and third place went to Nurul Amalina Shaban who won a Xiaomi M1 Pad.

Times Square is also glad to announce that there will be several events in the near future. Such events include Ramadhan fair in July as well as Dip & Win on the last week of Ramadhan. ‘Shop, Dine & Snap’ Instagram Competition is still ongoing until August 2015. For more information and registration, kindly visit the Lucky Draw counter. You may also find out about all upcoming events by visiting tsqbrunei.com or simply following Times Square Shopping Centre’s pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Mohd Jasmerol Jazemen Bin Hj Md Jasry who won a SHARP fridge

Nurul Amalina Shaban who won a Xiaomi M1 Pad

The starting line

The Run was another successful event. Over 3,600 participants took part in the yearly charitable event to raise funds for Pusat Ehsan. The event was flagged off by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah. It was nice to see that 500 special needs participants took part in the event.

It was quite challenging for the organizers to up their numbers from last year’s due to the number of running events in the past weeks or so. Nevertheless, it was still a remarkable number to reach 3,600 participants and perhaps it’s the biggest run to date (in terms of numbers). The funds raised will be used to finance its operational programmes in learning, vocation and rehabilitation for the special needs people under the centre.

A belated shout out to Winnie Sia who ran yesterday on her birthday.

My toastmasters buddies – Supatra and Jason

The finishing line

Jayden Sia with his sister Winnie Sia

 

Mr. Soon Loo, the host for “Living with Passion” with founders of Relentless Entertainment

Mr. Soon Loo as the host

How many passionate Bruneians do you think are out there? The answer is… more than we think we know.

Hosted by Mr. Soon Loo, one of Brunei first venture capitalist and an executive coach. “Living with Passion” is an new TV series featuring passionate Bruneians and dive into what does it mean to live lives with passion.

The featured series showcases talents of Brunei to inspire its audience to pursue the things and goals they want in life. Amongst the guests that came onto the “Living with Passion” talk shows are Brunei’s Olympic representative, SEA Games’ Gold Medalists, one of Brunei’s first full featured film Directors, Bruneian starting business in Silicon Valley and abroad, aspiring award-winning Brunei musicians and entertainers, Brunei premier architect, Brunei professional marathon runner, Brunei socialite, fashion designer, dancers, business personalities, DJ, and other Bruneians that you may recognize making their mark in Brunei and the region pursuing what they love.

Living with Passion is hosted by Soon Loo, Managing Director of Seri Venture Capital that works with Brunei Economic Development Board to invest and grow companies in Brunei to expand overseas. Soon is also an executive and life coach that works with people and professions to forward their goals in their life. He was recently honored by the Junior Chamber International in Rio as One of Ten Outstanding Young People of the World.

“It is inspiring to see that there are so many inspiring Bruneians from all walks of life, of all ages, courageously pursuing their passion and that’s why we created this series with RTB. I think we Bruneians need to recognize and celebrate what they are capable of doing — and more often than not we are more capable than we think.” said Soon Loo.

Currently, the TV series is in it’s 10th week. If you still have not had a chance to catch an episode, you still have 5 more times to do so. Living with Passion is broadcasted every Friday at 930pm (and replay every Saturday around 1130am) on RTB 1.

Do you have the courage to pursue what you love? Then maybe in the future, you too can be featured on this new TV show — so that Bruneians can work together to ignite passion of life.

Living with Passion is broadcasted every Friday at 930pm (and replay every Saturday around 1130am) on RTB 1

 

Review of Mad Max: Road Fury. Oh What a Day. What a Lovely Day 😀

Review of Pitch Perfect 2 with co-host @delgoh

 

Review of Mad Max: Road Fury. Oh What a Day. What a Lovely Day 😀

Review of Pitch Perfect 2 with co-host @delgoh

 

Congratulations to my friends, Major Pengiran Mohammad Shamsul Reza bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Hj Tengah and Tara Abdullah Teo @ Tracey Teo Lee Ying on their wedding function last weekend. My friendship with Reza began during our student life in St. Andrew’s School. We were big fans of figurines such as M•A•S•K and He-Man to name a few. We kinda lost track after we headed off to different countries for future studies and I totally lost contact with him. So after two decades of knowing you, you are now a married man 😀 All the best in your new chapter with Tara and may Allah bless your new journey.

 

I’m currently in Kuching with buddies from Brunei toastmasters (Brunei Speakers’ Club, OTTERS and UBD Toastmasters) and we are all attending the 5th Annual District Convention. I shall be here until the weekend and I hope to learn something valuable from the trip apart from bonding with my friends. It’s good to be back in Kuching.

Rediscover the true taste of home..bruneihalal’s latest home range is perfect for gifts on your special occasion. They have got a wide range of selections for you and its available for pre-order now! For orders and further inquiries, contact bruneihalal at +6732384533 or drop an email at information@brunei-halal.com

Royal Brunei Airline’s first batch of female cabin crew; Puan Hjh Zainoon DP Hj Elias, Nadirah Irene Abdullah Tan, Roslyn Teo, Hjh Latifah Hj Tudin, Rosnani Hj Hamid, Hjh Jemilah Hj Md Ja’afar, Dk Susilawati DP Pg Damit and Hjh Aisah Hj Abd Rahman, were all smiles earlier this morning as they recreate their group photo from 1975, when they came back home to Brunei after finishing their training, ready for RB’s first ever commercial flight. Congratulations RB for reaching the 40th year milestone. Image courtesy of RB.

A new gym in town located at Lumut (Unit 11, Spg 72, Jln Kg Lumut) called JC Muscle Building and Fitness gym. The gym opens from 8.30am to 8:30pm and you can follow them on Facebook “JCMB & Fitness – Gym” and also on instagram @jcmbfitness. Image courtesy of Hafiizah Maideen of The Brunei Times.

A new notice that has been given to food and beverage vendors and businesses. Wonder what the reaction will be from the businesses and the public.

The best movie for me this year, hands down. Though it’s a not a perfect ten, this movie excels in many areas and do listen to my podcast review for now. You can click on the image to listen. Verdict: 9/10

DPMM FC lost their second match of the season and their import player McLead was sent off as Albirex Niigata benefited from the foul and sending off and they scored from the penalty for the winning goal. Albirex is back on the summit of the S•League. Albirex Niigata 2 DPMM FC 1.

 

The confine room at Times Square

The Kidnapped Room

Times Square Shopping Centre is conducting its first Room Confinement game daily from 12noon to 9pm this month. The game introduces an interactive gaming experience into Brunei, where the right measure of wit, persistence and teamwork will win the game. The Room Confinement is located in Times Square Shopping Centre, between Guardian and Jollibee, and is a collaboration with YYSL.

Customers will be confined in a room, where they would have to find a series of codes and puzzles that must be solved within 45 minute, in order to find the combination codes and answer the puzzles.

There are two rooms available with different themes; “Kidnapped” and “Missing Girl”. Each theme has a unique story element to the game, and what sets Room Confinement apart from their counterparts is that customers are being challenged and pressured to solve the puzzle within the time limit. Each room may accommodate two to six participants at a time. The game has attracted more than 100 participants and only a few managed to solve the mystery. It may look easy but you need to be very alert and focused.

Customers would need to book their slots to participate, though tickets are available for purchases at the counter; interested participant may call us at 8995720.

Times Square is also glad to announce that there will be upcoming events in May such as Times Square Lucky Draw and Mid-Year Exhibition. There is also an ongoing competition ‘Shop, Dine & Snap Instagram Competition’. For more information and registration, kindly visit the Lucky Draw booth at Times Square atrium. You may also find out about all upcoming events by visiting tsqbrunei.com or simply following Times Square Shopping Centre’s pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Some of the items in the room. Note: She is not the kidnapped girl

Search for the clues

Some of the clues

A body chalk on the floor

There’s even a TV inside the room.

One of the trailers for Mad Max: Fury Road

My most anticipated movie for 2015. I’m a big fan of Mad Max. Catching this soon at The Mall Cineplex.

Great scores so far on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

Dr Yg Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Fattaah Ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar Pengiran Muda Mohamed Bolkiah had the Baiduri Masters 2015 trophy to Seruji Haji Setia

The presentation of the mock key of the Porsche Panamera to Ahmad Izzat bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Zaimi and Ahanapoah Hj Mohd Noor

The 20th Baiduri Masters concluded with a prize presentation at the Indah Hall, Royal Brunei Recreation Club and was attended by Dr Yg Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Fattaah Ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar Pengiran Muda Mohamed Bolkiah, a member of the Board of Directors at Baiduri Bank.

In his welcoming address, Mr. Pierre Imhof, CEO at Baiduri Bank said,” The aim has always been centred towards supporting our community and making a difference, whether big or small, and this year is no different.” He further elaborated that Baiduri Bank has always strived to raise funds for local charity organisations, particularly the charities that cater towards individuals with special needs with the hope to alleviate their burden.

$80,000 was raised from the gold tournament proceeds, going to the Learning Ladders Society, the Child Development Centre, YASKA, Pusat Ehsan Al-Almeerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and SMARTER.

This year’s competition turned out to be a rather memorable one, as there were many landmark moments; three hole-in-ones and the second time a player had won the Baiduri Masters back to back. Seruji Haji Setia claimed the Challenge Trophy for a second year in a row, earning the coveted Green jacket, and $850 in cash. He beat his previous year’s score of 70 by one to pip the win.

The big winners of the night were the players who got the hole in one. Kahar Hj Abu Bakar was the first winner of the $20,000 cash prize since it was introduced in 2011. But the room burst into loud cheers with the presentation of the mock key of the Porsche Panamera to Ahmad Izzat bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Zaimi and Ahanapoah Hj Mohd Noor. The Baiduri Masters was supported by QAF Auto Sdn Bhd, QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd, QAF Brunei, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd and RBA Golf Club Sdn Bhd.

The charitable foundations that benefited from Baiduri Masters 2015

Vanessa Boumba scored three prizes on the night, coming in top in the Ladies Division and the Junior Division, as well as winning the longest drive on hole 18

The winners of the Team Division, Anak Kedayan

The Baiduri Ladies

The one in hole prize that was shared – Porsche Panamera

 

the ACER Iconia Tab One 8 Android tablet and the ACER Iconia Tab 8 W Windows tablet now available at Concepts Computer

Portability and Affordability, the keywords for the new IT era, is key in being able to adapt to many changing and demanding needs of Bruneian IT consumers. Acer has made a huge leap in providing the most affordable and portable tablets in the ACER Iconia Tab series.

And fueling a new era of IT usage is the resurgence of the older generation in trying out new technology, to fit into the ever changing landscape of a modern world, which is why for the remaining month of May, Concepts will be providing exciting prices for the ACER Iconia Tab series; the ACER Iconia Tab One 8 Android tablet and the ACER Iconia Tab 8 W Windows tablet, open for those 50 years old and above.

The promotional pricing for the ACER Iconia Tab series will not only be for the older generations but also students who are looking for their first tablet to fulfill their educational and entertainment needs. The ACER Iconia Tab series are perfect for them since each model can be used for specific areas in their student life; the Windows based ACER Iconia Tab 8 W is perfect for school work and the Android based ACER Iconia Tab One 8 is perfect for entertainment and games in general.

With an 8-inch display that produces vivid colors from any angle, you can enjoy and share photos and videos alone or with friends. Add to that the immersive sound experience produced by dual stereo speakers, and your gaming, videos and music become truly entertaining.

The ACER Iconia Tab series has an attractive and simple design that’s both slim and lightweight. The narrow bezel allows a larger display that you can still hold comfortably in one hand. What’s more, the stylish and functional tactile pattern on the back also makes it easier to hold.

Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive at Concepts Computer (right) posing with the Iconia models

With a bevy of trendy, eye catching colours to suit any lifestyle and show your personality, this slim and lightweight tablet designed to be travel friendly. Plus its beautifully textured anti-slip finish helps you keep a firm grip wherever you go.

Battery-life that is acceptable for every day usage, the ACER Icnoia Tab series will be able to fulfill all your needs with an expected battery-life of 7 hours. Work and Play on the go is never easier and more convenient.

Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive at Concepts Computer, while speaking to the media said, “Concepts will always try to be in the forefront of the IT market in Brunei which is why we’re offering both these model at great prices for these 2 specific groups of society.” He continued, “The older generation would benefit a lot from being IT savvy, giving them the ability to be connected through these tablets, making them closer to the younger generations.” Zul aslo added, “And with students, technology is prevalent in their everyday life, this is just a chance to offer them the best devices out there at very affordable prices.”

Both the ACER Iconia Tab 8 W and ACER Iconia Tab One 8 is available at Concepts Computer for $218 but for the month of May, those 50 years old and above, and students currently in school or any educational institute, will be able to purchase either of these 2 models at the promotional price of $198 each. To qualify for the promotional prices, please provide ID for prove of age, or student ID/report cards to prove student status.

For more information call 2233551, 2233552 or 2233553, or visiti your nearest Concepts Computer showroom.