The last time I was kinda confused with the Abacus Travel Fair and Travelmania event and of course, everyone is quite familiar with the Abacus brand since it has been around for many years in terms of travel fairs. So when the word Travelmania came into the picture with their partner Abacus, it was a bit tough to recognize who was actually running the show.

Yesterday I missed the press conference of the travel fair which will happen this Saturday and Sunday which will take place at Grandstone Ballroom, Centrepoint Hotel at Gadong. It’s good to know the travel fair is back and it will be called the 11th Abacus Holiday Travel Fair. This will give me another great opportunity to travel in a much cheaper and affordable fare and I know my traveling period starts again in October till December 😀

According to the press release, there will be seven travel agents under the Abacus Brunei such as Anthony Tours & Travel Agency, Century Travel Centre, Darussalam Holdings, Freme Travel Services, Pan Bright Travel Service, Southern Cross Travel Agencies and Straits Central Agencies.

Tourism Malaysia as well as Taiwan Visitors Association and Tourism Authority Thailand based in Kuala Lumpur will be participating again in this fair. Baiduri Bank Berhad, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Singapore Airlines will be having their booths to extend support to the participating travel agents as well as provide assistance to the visitors.

Abd Halim Haji Abd Rahman, Sales & Marketing Manager, Abacus Brunei and Ms Irene Soon, General Manager, Abacus Brunei leading the press conference. Image courtesy of Ak Fairol.

“At Abacus Brunei, we have successfully organised ten previous travel fairs since 2004,” said Ms Irene Soon, General Manager, Abacus Brunei. Abacus Brunei thanks its partners as well as travelers for their support in the previous travel fairs. At this much anticipated event, we are looking forward to delivering fresh content and attracting thousands of people in search of their dream vacations.”

“With the support of our partners and travel agents we are confident that we will be able to see a positive growth again this year.” Irene added.

Abd Halim Haji Abd Rahman, Sales & Marketing Manager, Abacus Brunei explained “There will be seven Abacus Brunei based travel agents participating in this travel fair connected to more than 40 Abacus terminals. This will help travel agents efficiently service visitors.”

He continued “The travel fair provides an excellent opportunity for Brunei-based travelers to shop for both overseas and local packages making it an event on the travel calendar not to be missed.”

Something to look forward to for Baiduri Bank customers

So what’s the catch this time?

Every booking or purchase made during the fair, customer has a chance to win Go Pro HERO3 (1 set) and Momax iPower S2C Powerbank (2 sets). Additional 2 chances for Baiduri Bank cardholders who make payment using any Baiduri Bank debit/credit card.

Exclusive gift from Abacus and Baiduri for the 1st 100 customers who purchase and make payment using Baiduri Bank debit or credit cards with minimum purchase of B$1000.

Return Economy Class Air ticket sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines:

1) Two air tickets to Saigon to be won by two winners (1 ticket each winner)

2) Two air tickets to Denpasar, Bali to be won by two winners (1 ticket each winner)

3) Grand draw – Two air tickets to London to be won by one winner

Return Economy Class Air ticket from Hong Kong to Beijing sponsored by Cathay Pacific

Sellers under Tourism Malaysia pavilion: Sarawak Tourism Board, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town & The Little Big Club, Mahkota Medical Centre, Imperial Hotel, Miri, Imperial Palace Hotel, Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, Grand Palace Hotel, Miri, Chanteek Borneo Gallery and PNB Darby Park Executive Suites.

 

The Jerudong Park Medical Centre is offering an attractive promotion for professional teeth whitening treatment valued at BND799 (Usual price is BND1000) with free initial consultation. This promotion will run from 15 September to 15 November 2014 and can be redeemed till 30 December 2014.

This was announced at a press conference by Ak Danny Pg Tajuddin, the Marketing Officer, and Dr Ravi Pai, Consultant Endodontist and Head of Dental Department of JPMC. Also present was Dr Dharma Rai, Consultant Prosthodontist at JPMC.

“Oral health makes a huge presence in our lives especially in our simple daily activities. With our promotion, it can help to enhance the whiteness of your teeth in just a single visit to our Dental Clinic”, mentioned Ak Danny Pg Tajuddin, the Marketing Officer of JPMC.

“Professional In-office Teeth Whitening Procedure is the quickest way to whiten teeth under carefully monitored conditions which allow for the safe, controlled use of whitening gel – yielding results that are visible immediately”, stated Dr Ravi Pai, Consultant Endodontist and Head of Dental Department of JPMC.

Teeth discoloration is caused by natural darkening and yellowing as people age, drinking tea, coffee or fizzy drinks, natural and artificial food colorings, smoking and tobacco stains.

Ak Danny Pg Tajuddin, the Marketing Officer of JPMC, Dr Ravi Pai, Consultant Endodontist and Head of Dental Department of JPMC and Dr Dharma Rai, Consultant Prosthodontist at JPMC

An appointment is required for the treatment, where patients are advised to come 15 minutes earlier prior to the appointment time. Before deciding whether teeth whitening is suitable for the patient, the dentist will first conduct a comprehensive examination of their teeth and gums to ensure proper teeth healthcare which is free during the promotion period.

They will also consult on their oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to determine if they will benefit from the treatment. Patients with extensive dental work, expectant mothers and children below 16 years old are not recommended to go through the procedure.

The procedure takes up approximately 2 hours. Patient’s gums and mouth are first protected with isolation materials. The dentist will carefully apply the whitening gel to their teeth and uses a patented blue light to oxidize the gel during the procedure.

The procedure is normally painless; however a very small percentage of patients may experience a minor sensitivity during or after the procedure. A sensitivity relief gel will be used to tackle the sensitivity.

The teeth whitening treatment can last up to 2 years if the patient take care and maintain the brightness of their teeth.

JPMC’s Dental Clinic offers a comprehensive range of dental services such as orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, implantology, oral surgery, general dental procedures and more. The clinic is open every Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and on Saturday from 8am to 12noon. For more information, please visit their website at www.jpmc.com.bn. You can call 261 1433 ext 2229/2114.

 

Bending the iPhone 6 Plus by Unbox Therapy

Bending the Galaxy Note 3 by Unbox Therapy

 

A Message from Liz: Hello Everyone, Liz here from “Time Out with Liz”

For this coming episode we have an amazing line up, as always, from lifestyle, food and the music facets of Brunei. I’m always working hard to find the trendy, current and inspiring people who are amongst us to share their stories with us. And believe me, they are everywhere! So hold on to your horses and be a part of the audience last Saturday of the month with me, yours truly, Liz.

Food

This time we have a mother and daughter trio who wanted to start something simply delicious, simply delectable and simply family. We bring you the owners of Ximply Chriz – meet Christina, Chee Lin and Jo Lin. Join me to find out more about the story behind Ximply Chriz and get front row seats to a food and coffee demonstration by the ladies.

Music

She was the youngest Brunei representative at the recent World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2014 and she came back with 5 medals and an Overall Division plaque for her original work. I get a chance to sit down with the talented Eden Chiam

Lifestyle

What would you do if you found out you have cancer?

4 years ago Jacqueline Teo was told she had two tumours in her head. The news brought this ultra- marathoner Jacqueline into depression and to the brink of suicide before her mother dragged her to a running track and ordered her to run again.

Today, she stands strong and is proud to say that she’s completed her 12th Marathon as at August 2014. So come on down to hear her story of struggle and survival.
Time Out with Liz brings you all these inspiring individuals to the stage this 27 September 2014 at kaleidoscope (Saffron) from 7-8.30pm. All you have to do is step 1 -book your seats by sending in your name and how many seats you would like to timeoutwithliz@gmail.com or Facebook message us at www.facebook.com/timeoutwithliz. Step 2- pay at the door. Step 3 – Be Inspired!

Ticket details

At the door $15 per person

Special Tickets for Ranoadidas fans/readers will be at $10 if you email us between today until 26 September 2014 and quote “I’m a Time Out and Rano Fan”

Eden Chiam

The inspirational Jacqueline Teo

Chee, Chris and Jo of Ximply Chriz

 

Head of student representatives Muhd Romulus bin Muhd Roland speaking on behalf of the scholars

Last year it was above 40. This year, Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV) awarded 54 students for scholarship programs and it is also the first time that a few scholars will be sent to Germany in August to pursue Mechanical Engineering at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

The scholarship program has been one of the most sought program and they have been many applications as demands are increasing in these fields. In actual fact, around 234 people applied for this year’s program. Furthermore, there are many students who are taking such subjects and interests and it’s pretty evident on the increase numbers of intakes for this year’s edition. Forty students will be heading to the UK, two in the United States, two in Germany and ten in Brunei Darussalam.

Before being awarded, the scholars had to undergo a tough assessment set by BSJV. Did you know that BSJV have sent over 600 students and this is back dated from 1972. Amazing!! The scholars will also be given the opportunity to be placed for attachment during summer to gain more experience.

Present during the event were Azhar Hj Yahya, Commercial Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) and the guest of honour Hjh Rosmawatty Hj Abd Mumin, Permanent Secretary (Upstream), Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office.

There was also tokens of appreciation to First Class Achievers and they are Lim Jong Hau, Han Wenxiu, Fiona Shim Siew Ying, Izzah Mardhiah Zulkipli and Farah Azyan binti Ali Umar Safri and they all received mini iPads :p

Congratulations to all the beneficiaries of the BSJV scholarship program and do make them proud and contribute back to the economy of Brunei 🙂

Azhar Hj Yahya, Commercial Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) with the scholars

Students pursuing Masters

Students pursuing Masters

Fiona Shim receiving a token as a First Class Achiever

Lim Jong Hau receiving a token as a First Class Achiever

Han Wenxiu receiving a token as a First Class Achiever

Farah Azyan binti Ali Umar Safri receiving a token as a First Class Achiever

Izzah Mardhiah Zulkipli receiving a token as a First Class Achiever

Elizabeth Sim and her co-host Kevin Lo interviewing Chris Woo at Timeout with Liz last weekend

I missed the first show of Timeout with Liz and I didn’t realise it has been a year already. Good job on Elizabeth Sim to keep the show going despite the challenges that she has to go through over the period. Venue has always been a problem and it looks she has found a proper setting for her show. Last weekend she had two special guests – Chris Woo and Bridgette Ang as well as Joanna Kwan. There was also a food demo by Hip and Healthy during the 3rd segment of the show.

Overall the energy was great and so was the turn out. Great to see Zainal Bostaman and Joanne Tan to be involved in the show as well as Liz’ co-host Kevin Lo.I would like to congratulate Elizabeth on her one year anniversary of her show and things can only get better from here. I’m looking forward to your future shows this year and let’s start the 2nd year with a bang.

Chris Woo sharing his experience as a toastmaster and his world championship final experience

All of them have something in common. There are all WCOPA Brunei representatives

Joanna Kwan doing the Asian thing

Joanne Tan helping out with the show. Good to see you again.

Bridgette Ang, another WCOPA participant and I love her vocals

Zainal setting the tone of the evening

The ever charismatic Zainal

Such a great turn out last weekend

The couple behind Hip and Healthy

Liyana Yus and Nadiah posed with a fan last week at the DST event

As part of DST’s “Ihsan Kasih” community program, over 30 orphans accompanied by their parents and guardians from the Tutong District between the ages of 8 and 17 were treated to movie outing to watch Brunei’s local film “Yasmine: The Movie” as well as have the opportunity to meet and greet the stars from the local Brunei film “Yasmine”.

The outing began with a welcoming reception at Dewan Kemasyarkatan in Tutong town by DST’s “Ihsan Kasih” volunteers where the children accompanied by their guardians were provided bus shuttle return transportation to the cinema in Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong. At the cinema, the orphans were greeted by DST “Ihsan Kasih” volunteers.

DST also treated the children with a free popcorn and drink before they were ushered to their seats in the cinema joined by the stars themselves.

According to Elixsurian Hj Busu, Manager of Group Corporate Communications on the Ihsan Kasih initiative with Orphans, “DST have been proactive in arranging activities for orphans from fun futsal tournaments in Brunei-Muara district, educational trips to places like the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC) in Seria, Belait District, and now a movie outing to the cinema. We are glad that we have the means and opportunity to give the orphans in Tutong a movie outing as currently Tutong does not have its own resident cineplex. At the same time, DST have the opportunity to share the enjoyable experience with the children and get to know them better”.

He also adds his positive views on the chosen film for the outing, “Feedback from many local viewers have recommended Yasmine as a movie that is universal for all ages as it also comes with various life lessons that can be learned. Also, as the movie is produced by our own local talents, it is also a means to inspiring the orphan children to believe that anything they dream of can be possible. We are fortunate that the director and actresses have taken their personal time to meet the children and to get to know them during this short time.”

After the movie the children were given the opportunity to an exclusive surprise meet and greet photo session with the stars from “Yasmine: The Movie”- Liyana Yus, Nadia Wahid, the movie director from Origin films, Siti Kamaluddin. The visit ended with DST providing DST “Ihsan Kasih” goodies to the children before their departure back to Tutong.

Also invited to the movie outing were DST’s corporate and premium clients as a token of appreciation for their loyalty and support to DST’s products and services throughout the years.

“Ihsan Kasih” is DST’s community program aimed to gather DSTians for voluntary work and to do beautiful things out of love, to help the less fortunate Bruneian, orphans and special needs community.

A great turn out from the DST event last Friday

Radin Sufri of DST with the crew of Origin Films and the stars of Yasmine

Photo opportunity with the stars

Siti Kamaluddin appreciating DST and the audience

The screening of Yasmine

A great turn out last Friday

Gotcha Liyana :p