We bumped into Nuriskandar Hassan and Gary Goh after the first fireworks in BSB

The crowd waiting for the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan and the Royal entourage

So much was talked about the recent Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge  formerly known as Sg. Kebun bridge. I myself have not been on it but I’ve seen various shots on whatsapp where people were stopping by the bridge to take some shots and some even set up a small picnic area. At least the RIPAS bridge have been creating much hype among Bruneians.

The images were from the last weekend when His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam officiated the opening of the 750 metre bridge which costs BND 139 million, built by Swee Sdn Bhd (local company) and South Korean company Daelim Industrial.

I didn’t bother to get a good shot and if I did, I would have to sacrifice my company who won’t have proper access for a better view. We settled for early dinner at Piccolo Cafe where the owner Kristy and her co were working full blast from 5pm onwards till midnight. It was also one of the best business revenues for 2017.

Our journey to town was no easy feat. I believe it took us almost 90 minutes just to reach town from Anggrek. I would have checked in somewhere in town but the rooms were sold out as usual. Same thing happened during the Royal Procession on the 5th of October. I had an idea of either walking from Kiulap or taking a boat ride but the unfavourable weather prediction wasn’t much of a help though it didn’t really rain that night until the ceremony ended. Hence, braving the traffic was a safe (slow & steady) option.

As for the crowd, I have never seen such a packed crowd especially in Brunei. It reminded me of a zombie apocalypse movie and it just felt so surreal. I’m pretty sure places like Jerudong Park Playground or even the queue at the border would be empty. I even bumped into many familiar faces where I thought it would be difficult to spot my friends since there were simply too many people congested along the street.

The fireworks were commendable and lasted at least 15 minutes or so, making the trip worthwhile for fireworks goers and also families. Well, I would say only the first 10 minutes of the fireworks display of the allocated 15 mins and 25 mins respectively were easy to spot or sighted. After that, the after effects aka the smoke clouded the firework effects that were supposed to woo us from start to finish. Nonetheless it was still nice of Hengyi Industries and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited to sponsor the fireworks to commemorate His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam officiating the RIPAS bridge last Saturday.

Did I had fun? Yes, I did. Thank you to the organisers especially the ministries for making this event possible. I wonder when can we have another event like this again because it felt that our country was united as one and in harmony. Something I will remember for a very long time.

Phone line were congested and I couldn’t make any calls. Just look at the crowd.

Salute to the officers on duty to take care of traffic flow

Pranika Lama and Erra Jamal enjoying the festivity last Saturday

The second firework in the first 10 minutes

Halfway through the fireworks

This was taken with 15 minutes left of the fireworks. I couldn’t even see the tower of the bridge.

The street was filled with rubbish after the event. I believe it might difficult for them to access the bins because of the sea of people and it won’t be visible to their eyes.

We parked some where near Terrace Hotel. Some of my friends parked at Mabohai Shopping Complex. Now that’s a long walk.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri on the Royal Carriage to mark the 50 years of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne last Thursday, 5th October 2017. Image courtesy of Infofoto.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam waving to the public who showed up to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. Image courtesy of Infofoto.

Image courtesy of Infofoto

The Golden Jubilee Procession marks the glorious history of 50 years of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s reign. The historic moment is a sharing of experiences between the people as well as becoming the main focus of foreigners as well as through the broad international media coverage in bringing the procession closer to them.

The historic ceremony witnessed His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri in the procession around Bandar Seri Begawan on the Royal Carriage.

The resounding beats of the hadrah, enlivened the atmosphere of His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri’s arrival. Five hundred combined participants from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs were involved in the hadrah performance.

More than 22 thousand students from 2 hundred and 16 education institutions from the Ministry of Education Ministry of Religious Affairs and private institutions, waved flags along the route from Istana Nurul Iman until the road in front of the Bandar Seri Begawan Fire Station. The involvement of the students comprising teenagers, in the celebration is a reflection of their love for the monarch.

His Majesty’s characteristic of being the People’s Monarch is difficult to be expressed in words, as His Majesty said in his titah earlier, that when the monarch is happy, hence the people too have a right to rejoice and when he is grateful, therefore the people should also be grateful. The joyousness of the celebration clearly shows the strong ties between the monarch and his subjects.

The cheerful atmosphere is visible here in the Fire and Rescue Station area in the capital, as the starting point of the Ceremonial Procession around Bandar Seri Begawan of this Grand Celebration. It is evident of the love and loyalty of the people towards the monarch and nation. Their involvement in this event enhances the noble values and nationalism towards a more glorious future and further enlivens the atmosphere of this historic occasion.

Soon upon arrival in front of the Bandar Seri Begawan Fire and Rescue Station, His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri entered the Royal Carriage. Also present on the Royal Carriage were His Majesty’s sons and daughter, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince ; His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah.

The Procession Ceremony around Bandar Seri Begawan which is full of tradition and customs was led by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Grand Chamberlain, followed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Co-Chairperson of the Golden Jubilee Procession Sectoral Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF Band and the Royal Brunei Police Force Band, accompanied by 40 RBAF personnel carrying the royal regalia, Sinipit and Taming or Spear and Shield. The Changkah which is one of royal regalia followed behind the special vehicle protected by the Manteri-Manteri Hulubalang. Two Manteri Hulubalang walked in front of the Royal Carriage. One carried the Pemuras and Karga or Gun and Ammunition Bag, while the other held the Kalasak and Kampilan or Shield and Long Blade. Also accompanying the procession were the Commissioner of police and Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. Lined up on the left and right of the Royal Carriage were the 16 Royal Brunei Police Senior Superintendents and RBAF Commanders.

At the back of the Royal Carriage which was pulled by 50 RBAF personnel, were 16 RBAF personnel carrying the Pedang and Perisai or Swords and Round Shields with another 16 carrying the Tumbak Benderangan or Spears embellished with gold or silver bands. This was followed by the people carrying the perhiasan tunggal or personal regalia of His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri, which was then followed by the special vehicle carrying the Gendang Arak-Arakan comprising of the Nakara, Gendang Labik, Agong, Canang and Serunai. News compiled by RTB news.

His Majesty the Sultan being greeted by the citizens of Brunei and other walks of life. Image courtesy of Infofoto.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince delivered a heartfelt Sabda’ to His Majesty the Sultan. Image courtesy of Infofoto

His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah. Image courtesy of Infofoto

Image courtesy of Infofoto

The vibrant students. Image courtesy of Infofoto

RB associate handing out goodies to the public.

A look-a-like. Image courtesy of Infofoto.

What a sight!! Image courtesy of Infofoto.

Representing BSP during the celebration.

Sea of people in front of RBA Plaza

This was taken near the Royal Regalia

Good to see that it wasn’t as hot and it didn’t rain until the Royal Procession ended. Blessed!!!

Taken at the end of Jalan Babu Raja

Waiting for the arrival of the Royal entourage as early as 7:30am

Taken at Jalan Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien

From IBTE

From Brunei Shell Marketing

Hello buddies 😀

The kids definitely have advantage for better viewing

Hello Marie :p

The crowd outside Yayasan Complex

Another lucky youngster

To get a better shot

Another vantage point

At the halfway mark and perhaps the most crowded zone near the mini roundabout at Jalan Sultan

Taking shots from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Bandar

The staff from Hua Ho also enjoyed the occasion

Piccolo owner working at full blast and she had the best business in the day for 2017. Interesting!

Totally jammed after the end of the event.

Even I had to wait for my boat ride to Kg. Tamoi

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office launching the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation, and the State Mufti’s Office publications entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ and ‘The King who Shapes History’ in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday

Unveiling the new 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, yesterday attended the Launching Ceremony of the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation, and the State Mufti’s Office publications entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ and ‘The King who Shapes History’ in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne. His Royal Highness is the Patron of the Advisory Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration and Chairman of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam Board of Directors.

Upon arrival at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness was greeted by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, as member of the Advisory Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. Also welcoming His Royal Highness were the co-chairpersons of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Yang Di-Pertua of Adat Istiadat Negara; Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs; Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance; Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti; and Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohd Roselan bin Haji Mohd Daud, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. The ceremony organised by Authority Monetary Brunei Darussalam, AMBD, began with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar in his welcoming speech explained the design concept of the Brunei 50 Dollar polymer note, commemorative coins and 5th Series of Coins in Circulation. The design concept of the Brunei 50 dollar polymer note was inspired from the caring and attentive nature of His Majesty that signifies the monarch’s personality as The People’s Monarch. The currency also portrays His Majesty’s priority in instilling religious principles and reflecting the country’s era of modernisation under the monarch’s reign.

His Royal Highness officiated the launch of the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation, as well as the State Mufti’s Office publications entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ and ‘The King who Shapes History’.

AMBD will be issuing 500,000 of the commemorative 50 cents which will be available for public exchange at face value across all banks and its branches from Monday, 9th of October.  An exclusive collection of several types of limited edition numismatic note and coin sets will also be available for pre-order from today, 4th of October. Meanwhile, the book entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ which is filled with the history of His Majesty’s 50 year reign is written by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. The book’s publication in the Malay and English Languages is hoped to contribute towards portraying His Majesty’s image as the Head of State and Head of Government. The books will be available for sale tomorrow at the State Mufti’s Office, Jalan Pengiran Babu Raja.

Before leaving the ceremony, His Royal Highness received junjung ziarah from members of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration, members of the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam Board of Directors, senior officers of the State Mufti Department and Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam as well as the special launching ceremony committee members. From RTB news.

During the launch of the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation, and the State Mufti’s Office publications entitled ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’ and ‘The King who Shapes History’ in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne at the Banquet Hall of Prime Minister’s Office

Press conference being held by AMBD

A good collection but on the high end

At least BND 10,000 worth being photographed on the table

Rano’s thoughts: I managed to pre-order the limited pieces through Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) website and it will be available some time in November 2017. I was already impressed with previous edition – the 50 years Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Currency Interchangeability, and now AMBD have raised the bar with the Brunei 50 dollar Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation.

The AMBD website crashed a few times yesterday after it was officially online, showing the demands for the 9 items available for order. The website now is back to normal and will be able to accommodate the demand. In a space of a few hours, they managed to have roughly 1,000 pre-order transactions. That was quite impressive and I believe many are eyeing the commemorative notes and coins.

Another proud moment to cherish for Brunei is that AMBD has allocated around 100,000 pieces of 50 coins in special packaging which will be distributed to students (registered under the Ministry of Education) in all public and private school from pre-school students to sixth form students in all four districts later in the year. That’s pretty awesome I must say. It will be a good way to commemorate The Sultan of Brunei’s 50 years of harmonious and peaceful ruling of Brunei Darussalam.

Thank you, AMBD, for the invitation of the launch and I shall be waiting for my new collection pretty soon 😀 You can view the collection and pre-order the items.

Posing with the star of the day

This is a very special note. Why? Look at the serial number 😀

The special edition of the 50 cents coin will be distributed to all students from pre-school to sixth form

I shall get a copy of this at The State Mufti (at Jalan Babu Raja)

Rashidah of The Scoop being interviewed by RTB

Check out the new 50 commemorative polymer notes

Click image to enter official website

In conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne which will be held this year, the Committee for Media, Publicity, Exhibitions and Printing would like to inform the public that the official Website, Mobile App and Social Media accounts including the official hashtag for the Golden Jubilee Celebration may be accessed as of today, Wednesday, 16th August 2017.

The establishment of the Website and Mobile App is aimed at providing information including the latest news on the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne. The Website and Mobile App also contains information such as the Calendar of Events, posters and publications in relation to the Golden Jubilee. The information will be updated from time to time.

In addition to the informative contents, the Website and Mobile App will also provide an interactive platform that enables members of the public to convey their greetings online in relation to the Golden Jubilee Celebration.

The public will also be able to watch live broadcast events through “Live Streaming” on the Website and Mobile App.

The public may now access and follow the following:
1) Website – www.HMjubliemas.gov.bn
2) Facebook, Instagram & Twitter – @HMjubliemas

The public may also use the official Golden Jubilee hashtag, #HMjubliemas in their respective social media account posts. For Android mobile users, the Mobile App HMjubliemas may now be downloaded through Google Play; whereas for IOS mobile users, the Mobile App HMjubliemas will be made available from the App Store in the near future.