His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah (R), the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (L) during the Majlis Bersanding of Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Ni’matullah Athirah binti Almarhum Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Bey Muntassir and Mohammad Bazli Azhar Hj Md Yussof at Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah’s residence, Baitul Athirah in Kg Beribi

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah (L), the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (R) in a group photo with the newlyweds Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Ni’matullah Athirah binti Almarhum Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Bey Muntassir (2nd R) and Mohammad Bazli Azhar Hj Md Yussof (2nd L) at Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah’s residence, Baitul Athirah in Kg Beribi.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha recently attended the Majlis Bersanding (sitting-in-state ceremony) of their niece, Yang Amat Mulia Pg Anak Hjh Nurul Amal Ni’matullah Athirah.

The bride, who is the eldest daughter of HRH Princess Hjh Amal Jefriah, married Mohamad Bazli Azhar Hj Mohd Yussof.

YAM Pg Anak Hjh Nurul Amal Ni’matullah Athirah works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade while Mohd Bazli Azhar is with the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE).

The couple had their solemnisation ceremony last Friday. Also present at the sitting-in-state ceremony were HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah and other members of the Royal Family.
The ceremony started with the lighting of the dian empat, or four ceremonial candles by ‘Awang-Awang’, followed by the placing of a two-piece cushion, kasur namat, between the candles. The bride, dressed in a green songket (brocade) bridal gown, first entered the hall for the sitting-in-state ceremony.

YAM Pg Anak Hjh Nurul Amal Ni’matullah Athirah bowed to Their Majesties before taking her seat at the dais. She was accompanied by an entourage of 25 ‘Dayang-Dayang’, with nine carrying royal ornaments and 16 carried the dian enam belas or sixteen ceremonial candles.
The groom then entered the hall accompanied by Imam of Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Hj Mustafa Hj Murat and proceeded to the dais.

Pehin Dato Hj Mustafa then placed the groom’s right hand on the head of YAM Pg Anak Hjh Nurul Amal Ni’matullah Athirah for a menapak tangan ceremony to signify their matrimony before leading the groom to his seat on the dais.

State Mufti Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz Juned then recited the doa (supplication) to bless the couple. The ceremony took place at HRH Princess Hjh Amal Jefriah’s residence, Baitul Athirah, in Kg Beribi. Text courtesy of Rasidah HAB and images courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (seated L), the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah (2nd L), His Royal Highness Prince Jefri Bolkiah (3rd L) and other members of the Royal Family during the Majlis Bersanding

HRH Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah(3rd R), YAM Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Munjiatul Athirah (2nd R), YAM Pengiran Anak Muhammad Abdul Razaaq (R), YAM Pengiran Anak Muhammad Abdul Haffiz (2nd L), YAM Pengiran Anak Muhammad Abdul Qayyum (L) in a group photo with the newlyweds, YAM Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Ni’matullah Athirah binti Almarhum Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Bey Muntassir (4th R) and Mohammad Bazli Azhar Hj Md Yussof (3rd L)

The bride with her husband and her in-laws

YAM Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Ni’matullah Athirah binti Almarhum Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Bey Muntassir

Mohammad Bazli Azhar Hj Md Yussof

The newly weds. Click image to zoom.

 

Wanna win cool merchandise from Jati Transport, sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz? There is either the cool power bank or the stylus pen or the solid USB pen drive. It’s simple.. Simply repost the image that was posted on my Instagram account and tag @mercedesbenzbrunei and include the hashtag #mercedesbenzbrunei

The winners will be announced this Saturday. Good luck 😀

The image that have been reposted on Instagram. Do find this picture on my IG or @mercedesbenzbrunei

I kinda like this Mercedes power bank

The luxurious merchandise that you can win through reposting on IG

Some of the images that have been reposted on Instagram. Keep them coming 😀

 

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam hosted the royal banquet in honour of the royal couple

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince (right) and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia (YAM) Pg Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pengiran Hj Bolkiah

Late post of The Royal Wedding: His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia (YAM) Pg Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pengiran Hj Bolkiah were feted during the royal wedding banquet last Sunday.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty the Raja Isteri hosted the banquet in honour of the royal couple.

The royal couple were all smiles as they walked and waved to their guests who lined up along the red carpet to greet them.

His Royal Highness was dressed in a black ceremonial outfit, while the bride wore a purple traditional dress embellished with gems.

Foreign guests included Malaysian state rulers Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah of Pahang; Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin of Perlis; Al-Qathiqu Billah Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu; Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor; Tuanku Muhriz of Negri Sembilan; Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak and Sultan Ibrahim of Johor.

Other guests were Dato Laila Utama Tun Pehin Sri Dr Hj Abdul Taib Mahmud, head of Sarawak state; Sabah Chief Minister Dato Seri Paduka Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman; Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak Minister of Resource Planning and Environment II, Minister of Public Utilities, Minister of Industrial Development.

An aroma of fresh flowers filled the banquet hall, with guests treated to live music by a mini orchestra throughout the evening. The banquet ended with a spectacular fireworks show. Text by Rachel Thien of The Brunei Times and images taken by Fazizul Haqimie.

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia (YAM) Pg Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pengiran Hj Bolkiah

YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi

YAM Tengku Amalin A’Ishah Putri binti Sultan Ismail Petra, spouse of YAM Pg Muda Abdul Qawi

The invited guests at the Royal Banquet

The invited guests at the Royal Banquet

The invited guests at the Royal Banquet

 

The monster Lexus Sport Coupe RC F

The Lexus RC 350

Sorry for the late post. I recently test drove the latest Lexus sports coupes – RC F and the RC 350. I hardly driven a sport coupe and the new Lexus gave me a good impression especially the RC F. We were hosted by Muhammad Clovien Abdullah Timpoh, Marketing Manager of NBT.

Yes, the Lexus RC F is a beast machine. If you are hungry for power and speed, RC F delivers nothing short of it. The five-litre V8 engine delivers 470hp/7100 rpm of torque and I test drove at least 75% of its power capabilities behind the exit route from the Indera Samudra Grand Hall of The Empire Hotel & Country Club. It’s not just a fast car but also quite stable. There are many things to boast about the Lexus RC F but of course, the end of the day will be the money that you will need to fork out as it’s quite an expensive car.

The Lexus RC 350 is another Lexus luxury car and it’s the tamer version of the RC F. It is still powerful in the sense that it is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 Four Cam 24-valve engine. What I love about the Lexus RC 350 is the classy interior. I kinda like the wooden surface design on some of the interiors to give it a premium experience for the driver and passengers.

For more information on the latest RC models or to book for a test drive, head to the Lexus Showroom at KM4, Jalan Gadong or call 2448688.

The interior of the RC 350

The interior of the RC 350

The interior of the RC 350

The interior of the RC 350

The interior of the RC 350

The interior of the RC 350

The interior of the RC 350

 

Del Goh of The Reel Show interviewing Zainal Bostaman, founder of Bruhaha Comedy. Catch another Bruhaha show this Saturday. Tickets are already available and I shall be posting on my IG for details pretty soon.

 

As part of the Royal Wedding celebration, the organising committee organised a series of cultural performances in the capital – parking area opposite of Royal Regalia Building and the Royal Wharf. I was fortunate enough to catch Brunei Shell Joint Venture Wedding Cultural performance and also bits of the Temburong district cultural performers. I believe tonight (Tuesday) is the final day of the so-called Perayaan in Bandar.

I won’t ramble much but here are some of the pictures I took last week.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar, Energy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, with Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yussof, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and the performers from BSP during the Brunei Shell Joint Venture Wedding Cultural performance

 

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.

 

Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah during the Royal Powdering Ceremony at Indera Buana Throne Hall at Istana Nurul Iman last Wednesday

This is the second part of the Royal Powdering ceremony. My earlier post was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik’s powdering ceremony. Hence this post entry is for the bride, Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s powdering ceremony. She was dressed in a traditional red dress and she looked magnificent in red. She was escorted by the spouses of selected cabinet ministers with a grand entourage.

His Majesty the Sultan applied the powder paste and sprinkled scented oil onto her palms. The ordeal was carried by the members of the Royal Family followed by the bride’s parents.

Yesterday was the Royal Solemnization ceremony which I shall post up tomorrow. Congratulations to the Royal couple. Images taken by Haqimie Fazizul of rano360.com

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah applying the colour paste on Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s palms

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah applying the colour paste on Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s palms

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen applying the colour paste on Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s palms

Her Royal Highness princess Azeemah Ni’matul Bolkiah applying the colour paste on Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s palms

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel applying the colour paste on Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s palms

Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah applying the colour paste on Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s palms

Pg Hj Bolkiah, the father of the bride, applying the colour paste on Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s palms

Pg Hjh Noor’aismah binti Pg Hj Ismail bin Pg Hj Tengah, the mother of the bride applying the colour paste on Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah’s palms

The Royal entourage

 

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (R) with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha during the Royal Powdering ceremony (Majlis Istiadat Berbedak Pengantin Diraja) at Istana Nurul Iman.

Their Majesties at the Royal Powdering ceremony

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

The royal wedding festivities for His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Dk Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah continued with the Majlis Istiadat Berbedak Pengantin Diraja at the Istana Nurul Iman last night.

Immersed in culture and tradition, the Majlis Istiadat Berbedak or Royal Powdering Ceremony saw members of the royal family and the bride’s family take turns applying coloured powder and scented oil onto the palms of the couple.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, arrived at the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana together with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and other members of the royal family.

The ceremony began with four Awang-Awang lighting the Dian Empat, a set of candles, before another pair of Awang-Awang placed the two-piece Kasur Namat consisting of a yellow mattress and silk mat at the centre of the candles.

In an exchange of formalities, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad informed Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz about the ceremony’s commencement.

YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria then duly conveyed the message to His Majesty. Following the consent of the monarch, the royal groom was escorted into the hall by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik was also accompanied by a grand entourage made up of 40 sinipitbearers or spearmen, along with Yang Mulia Juru Bini Dayang Hajah Rokiah, two Hulubang Diraja carryingpemuras or gun and karga, which is used to carry the bullets.

Smiles from Their Majesties

(From R) Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah Al-Marhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohamed Alam

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

The Hulubalang Asgar clutched the kalasak or shield and kampilan, a long blade, while the Dian Tunggalwas carried by Awang-Awang. There were also seven Pahawai Lelaki or chosen men bearing a puan, atarian, a kabok and panastan, a Kiap, a chupu, a pasigupan, and a kaskol.

The Dian 16 was carried by 16 Awang-Awang, while other Awang-Awang held Alat-Alat Kebesaran Diraja consisting of 16 Pedang and Perisai, 16 Tumbak Benderangan as well as eight Kabok and Panastan.

Sounds of Dikir Marhaban filled the hall, prompting all attendees to stand up. Outside the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana, a 17-gun salute went off to signal the start of the ceremony.
His Majesty then initiated the ceremony by placing coloured paste and scented oil onto the palms of His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik. This was followed by Her Majesty, other members of the royal family and parents of the bride.

A doa selamat was recited by State Mufti Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz to conclude the end of the royal groom’s powdering ceremony. Text courtesy of Rabiatul Kamit and Rafidah Hamit of The Brunei Times and images by Haqimie Fazizul (@haqimie267) of rano360.com

HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah pouring colour paste on His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik

(From R) HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah

(From R) Her royal highness princess Azeemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hjh Masna

The four Awang-Awang lighting the Dian Empat, a set of candles

The invited guests at the Royal Powdering Ceremony

 

HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah during the Istiadat Menghantar Tanda Diraja dan Pertunangan Diraja ceremony for His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik who was engaged to Dk Raabi’atul Adawiyyah Pg Hj Bolkiah yesterday

HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah upon arrival at the Royal Engagement

The Royal Engagement reported from The Brunei Times. His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik is officially engaged to Dk Raabi’atul Adawiyah Pg Hj Bolkiah after she accepted the pre-engagement gifts presented to her family’s representative during the Majlis Istiadat Menghantar Tanda Diraja and Pertunangan Diraja.

The royal engagement ceremony took place on the third day of the royal wedding festivities at Istana Nurul Iman, which was attended by HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, head of the ceremony.

The Tanda Diraja ceremony, steeped in royal customs, saw an underaged girl dressed like a bride in red, who was led into the Royal Banquet Hall by a royal court official.

Meanwhile, the Pertunangan Diraja, which is held in tandem with the Tanda Diraja, included an underaged boy and girl dressed like a groom and a bride in yellow led into the Royal Banquet Hall together with gift-bearers.

Gifts for the bride-to-be included a complete set of clothing, a pair of bangles and earstuds, pairs of shoes, a strand of necklace, and a silver vessel used to store four betel nut silver boxes named kaskol langguai.

Other gifts were a letter, surat mahar, describing the groom’s agreement to marry the bride and a list of all the gifts. The mahar or dowry was worth $1,000.

The gift-bearers were accompanied by 16 underaged Awang-awang carrying royal ceremonial candles called the dian enam belas.
Also part of the delegation was a group of 40 male youth walking in pairs and carrying royal regalia items including the sinipit (spear), pedang (sword), perisai (shield) and tombak (shield embellished with gold and silver bands).

The gifts and three underaged children were then brought to Baitur Rahmah, where the bride-to-be’s family representative waited to accept them.

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Aziz, Chief of Adat Istiadat

The arrival of the delegation bearing the royal engagement gifts was marked with a 17-cannon salute at the Istana Nurul Iman compound.

A verbal exchange then ensued between YAM Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Hj Idris Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, head of the gifts delegation, and Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Rahim Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak (Dr) Kemaludin Al-Haj, who accepted the pre-engagement gifts on behalf of the bride-to-be’s father.

Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Hj Yaakub Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Zainal was then appointed to deliver the gifts to Pehin Manteri Bini Hjh Aminah Hj Md Yassin and Pehin Jawatan Bini Hjh Siti Hj Mohd Yusof Khan at the Balai Singgahsana Indra Kenchana.

Pehin Manteri Bini Hjh Aminah and Pehin Jawatan Bini Hjh Siti were responsible for inspecting the gifts.

While YB Pehin Dato Hj Yaakub waited outside with the 16 Awang-Awang carrying the 16 royal ceremonial candles, 16 Dayang-dayang entered Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana carrying the same royal regalia.

Another group of Dayang-Dayang also entered the balai to exchange a set of gangsa (brass receptacle), signifying that the bride-to-be has accepted the gifts and is now officially engaged to the groom-to-be.

The delegation led by YAM Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Hj Idris returned to the Royal Banquet Hall and delivered the news to HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah that the bride-to-be has accepted the gifts.

A doa selamat was then read out by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned to bless the ceremony before HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah gave his approval for the ceremony to conclude. Text courtesy of Waqiuddin Rajak and Ak Khairuddin Pg Harun of The Brunei Times and images by Fazizul Haqimie (@haqimie267) of rano360.com

 

Click image to enlarge. Image courtesy of Info Department

By command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mui’zzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, a high-level committee for the Royal wedding between His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Dayangku Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah Pengiran Haji Bolkiah, was convened yesterday at the Department of Adat Istiadat Negara.

The committee in a statement said His Majesty has also consented, Insya Allah, for the royal wedding to commence with the Majlis Istiadat Bersuruh Diraja (the Royal marriage proposal ceremony), which will take place on Sunday, April 5, 2015.

The committee added that the Majlis Istiadat Membaca Doa Selamat and Majlis Istiadat Menutup Gendang Jaga-Jaga will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

The Majlis Istiadat Bersanding Pengantin Diraja will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2015.

The Royal wedding will take place over 11 days, the committee said. Text courtesy of The Brunei Times.

 

Hunting for an Audi in 2015? 😀

 

Acer Aspire

Click image to enter ICON Design Store website

 

Free labour charge on repairs for Peugeot. Click image to enter website to find out more.

Promotion from Pizza Hut

 

Click image to enter website to find out more

  

Shazali Suhaimi, a partner from KPMG (Brunei), Mr. Ho Key Hoon, Sales Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Mr. Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and Daniel Loo Lip Soon, Marketing Executive of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd.

A draw for 21 shortlisted customers for the Grand draw of the Mercedes Benz CLA 200 AMG Line A was held at the Jati Transport Sdn Bhd Office in Beribi last weekend.

The names and details were drawn from a specially allocated box which contained 250 entries comprising of customers who had purchased a new car from January 1st to 31st December 2014. Officiating the draw was Shazali Suhaimi, a representative from an auditing company KPMG, and it was witnessed by members of the media and staff from Jati Transport.

I will be anxious who will be taking home the new Mercedes Benz CLA 200 AMG Line A. It does pay to buy a Mercedes Benz from Jati Transport with great after sale service as well.

The Grand Draw will be held on January 23, which will be held at the Gadong showroom. The shortlisted customers will be contacted by Jati Transport, but further information about the draw can be obtained by calling 2441763 for the Beribi Showroom at Lot Nos 14, 15 & 16 at Beribi Industrial Estate Phase2, or 2441777 for the Gadong Showroom located at PO Box 218, Gadong.

Shazali drawing 21 customers’ names from Jati Transport

Members of the local media witnessing the draw of the names. Image courtesy of Norllha Din of The Brunei Times.

This was Shazali a year ago for the draw

Abhar Ahmad was the winner of last year’s draw – Mercedes A-Class

At the meantime, do check out the E 200 Sports Package at Jati Transport. It sports a COMAND Online and a 360 degree camera

 

Click image to enter Consumer Fair website

That’s right. After many successful events, the Consumer Fair is back for the 15th time. It seems like a long time ago when I was involved in the 1st Consumer Fair and it was also the first time that Brunei Cyber Games was born. Now fast forward to 8 years later, it’s already in its 15th edition. From time to time, D’Sunlit will come up with new activities to keep up with the local trend in Brunei Darussalam. It’s never an easy feat to create such fair that can attract to all walks of life residing in Brunei.

Of course, the Consumer Fair is a great avenue for those who wants to expose their products and services to the Brunei community. Business is always great when Consumer Fair is around. It’s no surprise you will see repeat exhibitors during CF events.

According to Ting Chui San, Marketing Executive of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, she is targeting SMEs and start ups. For the upcoming CF, there will be more than 400 booths taking part which is a huge increased compared to 3 years ago. Consumer Fair has already become a household name and it happens twice a year.

The 15th Consumer Fair will take place from 28th January to 1st February 2015 at the International Convention Centre. Check out the number of activities listed on the poster itself. I shall go more into details soon.

 

More than 4,500 participants took to the streets of the nation’s capital yesterday for The Century Run 2015.

The running competition and fundraising campaign was organised by the Department of Co-Curriculum Education to mark the 24th Teacher’s Day and 100 years of formal education in Brunei.
The ministry said in a statement that The Century Run was also a fundraising campaign.

Donations were collected from participants, with 90 per cent going to the Ministry of Education’s Sports and Welfare Activity Fund and 10 per cent to Pusat Ehsan.

“The Century Run serves to raise awareness on the importance of taking care of one’s health through recreational activities to help reduce obesity among public servants and citizens of the Sultanate,” the statement said.

“It also gives an opportunity for members of the ministry to lend a helping hand to orphans, children who have lost a parent and those with special needs by collecting donations.”

Around 6:30am under grey skies, the Minister of Education lit a torch which he carried from Masjid Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, passing by Jalan Kianggeh to Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien to signal the opening of the event.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awang Abu Bakar Hj Apong along with 4,587 other participants then did warm-up exercises guided by teachers and students from the Sports School.

The run awarded its podium finishers in seven categories.

The champions in their respective category were Hj Muhd Azmi Hj Suhaili (Male Veteran); Dawn Suzanne Clare (Female Veteran); Muiz Rafiuddin (Junior Male); Shana Holmes (Junior Female); Sarah Powdril (Women’s 5km); Sefli Ahar (Men’s 10km); and Perminder Sanghera (Women’s 10km).

New bicycles were also distributed through a lucky draw which saw more than six lucky draw numbers unclaimed because their owners had already left.

Dk Nurul Aina, who also secured second place in the Junior Female category, was one of the few to win a bicycle.

Also present were permanent secretaries, deputy secretaries and senior officers from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs. Text courtesy of Abdul Azim Kassim of The Brunei Times.