With the Ministers and media representatives after a press conference at the Ministry of Health  

  This is in relation to the episodes of press conferences hosted by the Ministry of Health which is normally held at the Ministry of Health. I never had any expectations, really. I was more about being concerned with my health and also the safety of my family members at home. It was just a matter of time before the pandemic hit our waters and for a little moment, the whole nation was on the verge of panic. I still remember the Public Relation Officer from the Ministry of Health approached me and asked if I could be part of the media team as they will provide information to share with the public. That was the moment I realized how important role I can play in disseminating information as many were craving for the right information.

Yang Berhormat Minister of Health replied to my question on why PCs are important. YB Dato shared that this source of medium is able to keep the public well equipped with the right information and also it will help to dispel any rumours (quite common in Brunei) that can create unnecessary panic among the public. Come 8 months, I can see the positive impact on the press conferences and also a huge thanks to the other media agencies that has helped in sharing vital and true information for the public to digest.

Of course, being invited to be one of the media personnel, is a privileged. It also has its drawback, well, for my case. It’s more about my responsibility as a netizen to be consistent and constantly educating my readers on what has been shared officially. There is no room for second guessing or speculation per se. Whatever I share to my friends and readers, the information must be verified and true. If possible, I will just share my thoughts based on the facts presented from the MOH and that’s how far I will go.

         

  I am blessed that I can play a part in people’s life in sharing information, based on the numerous calls, Whatsapp messages, Insta DMs and in real life. I always have taken information for granted but these press conferences have made me become more alert and aware, on how I should present myself and always double checking my fact findings. Yes, I really do feel the pressure but at the same time, I also wanted to help the community. It came to a point that I was mentally challenged as my daily routine was just absorbing covid news 24/7. I seriously don’t know how the other reporters handle this especially the media celebrity James Kon. Honestly, covid news consumed my daily life and it took a toll on me. It affected me emotionally and physically. I hid myself in the my room like a caveman. I avoided seeing my family members at home and just focused on my own health and safety. This cycle went on for weeks and at one point, my body was heating up a little and I panicked as it could a related symptom of Covid-19. Ah, it was a really terrible feeling.

I do feel bad in not replying some of the questions put forward but there were just overwhelming and it was a one man show. I felt like the Yellow Pages, or in this era, the Google, for Brunei related covid updates. The hardest part was putting a calm, collected face when being confronted by strangers who sought for information. Yes, I was criticized at times for the questions I raised during PCs. Simple questions, silly questions, good questions, and there will be never be any satisfaction.

Now, I am gonna just share what goes behind the scene during the Press Conferences and this is from my point of view.

Firstly, if you were to dig my brain, here is an insight on how I approach in providing questions and honestly, this is no easy feat and if you’re in my position, you will understand. The questions are mostly collected and written down on my notepad. I will screen them first and you will be surprised some of the questions you thought may be silly to you but it’s very relevant and important at the same time for the public to know. There are times I rather not asked these particular questions but because there is a huge demand (based on messages from the public), the PCs become the best platform to answer even how obvious or silly the questions can be. To my experience, this strategy somehow worked. This is also beneficial from the relevant ministries especially the MOH in giving factual information that are sometimes not included in the press statement by the respective ministers and press releases. The additional and impromptu questions did add more weight and gives the public more assurance. Because of the nature of the Q&A session, the public kind labeled it as a mini-Legco session.

Secondly, the answers from the respective Ministers feels like “gazetted” (if I were put it that way) which means that it is quoted by the Ministers and hence, the information is verified to the satisfaction of the public. The print media has also played an important role too as the readers will also read verified information and quotes from the Ministers and it will remain as a fact. So rather than myself giving what information I gather, the articles posted by Borneo Bulletin, Media Permata, Pelita Brunei, The Scoop, The Bruneian and other media agencies, will solidify the facts and people will be more confident rather than hearing or believing speculations. We as the media representatives can be easily judged by the public on the questions that are put forward but the questions themselves need to be asked and very relevant especially in the first few months of the outbreak in Brunei.

Thirdly, the questions now are now usually vetted which means the questions will be screened an hour before the press conferences. Some people may get the wrong idea but there are reasons questions need to be vetted. One obvious thing that I can pick is asking the relevant questions to the relevant ministries. There were times questions put forward didn’t involve the respective ministry and it will be put YBs in a difficult situation and it won’t look favourable should the Minister deflect the question. There were times when the media personnel was asking a question that has already been answered during the press statement. This also shows the complacency that we play a part that we weren’t basically listening or perhaps didn’t understand what was being addressed at the time.

Now that being said, I know the questions that we asked have been “questioned” by the public and some media representatives including myself, have been bashed. But I do hope you do have the compassion and understand deeper on the things that we have to go through and cater to the public to ensure we present the right facts and information. Sometimes those silly questions whether you know it or not, do have an impact on people’s assurances. I remember asking YB Dato Minister of Health on predicting the tipping curve. Some appreciated I asked the question, some didn’t. Well, honestly, I have been watching BBC, Astro News, CNN, and this was a common question asked by the media and I thought this would be an interesting question as an indicator.

On that note, I do want to convey my apologies to those I haven’t replied (just too many) on their questions and also for my lack of professionalism as a source of media, if any, during press conferences. I am not a certified journalist to begin with and I am doing a huge favour for the MOH and they are truly appreciative how much I have contributed. I have learnt a lot by just being part of the media team and it has been a rewarding journey. I will do my best to improve and I appreciate all the comments (positive and negative).

Huge thanks to the Ministry of Health in appointing my services and this shows a level of trust and reliability in disseminating the right information to the eyes and ears of the public. It also create good rapport with the Ministers and the people behind the scene. I wish to share more. Perhaps I can leave that for another time.

This is Rano, signing out and till next time 😀

This is such a weird feeling. To post something on my blog that I have been neglecting for the past months or so. Even pre-Covid era. When covid hit, it was the hardest challenge to even do a single post as I was experiencing emotional and mental challenges especially in March and April. I’m glad to say that I have burst through that “bubble” and it’s great to be back again!!!

So what has happened since? A LOTTTT!!!!! I don’t have a starting point and it’s hard to recall the series of events in a chronological order. Amongst all things, I am just glad to be alive and healthy (Alhamdulillah) and I truly am grateful to be in Brunei Darussalam with the great guidance from His Majesty’s government especially the Ministry of Health in helping in creating a safe bubble for the residents of Brunei Darussalam. It has even come to a point that mass gathering up to 350 pax at a given time will be allowed in Brunei. That’s how safe and blessed we are in Brunei.

One of the things I have gained in my journey as a blogger (or if you want to to label me as Social Influencer), is my relationship with the Ministers have taken to a newer level because of the daily press conferences that lasted for three months or so. The Press Conferences have been the fulcrum in disseminating the right information to the public and we as the media hold the key in making sure that the right messages get across. Through PCs, I build great rapport especially with Yang Berhormat Dato the Minister of Health and Yang Berhormat Dato the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance. Many saw the PCs as better version of the annual LegCo session which was cut short due to the pandemic. I am truly honored to be part of the Press Conference and my thanks to the Ministry of Health for the trust and guidance. It’s the best experience in the field of media.

Being in the media scene and having to gather as many information especially Covid-19 related, it was never easy. I became the focal point especially for my followers, requesting for questions to be asked or seeking for legit answers. At the same time, I was captivated and engrossed by the news updates on CNN, BBC and other newspapers. In that sort period of time, I was pretty equipped on Covid-19 information.

And that was when I was at the brink of (emotional) breakdown. It was too much to take. My life was revolving on Covid, Covid, Covid. There was nothing else to share on social media. My clients put on hold of promotions and what not. Everyone was fearful of the pandemic. So I felt like a sponge, absorbing all these negative news and it took a toll on me. I isolated myself in my own room and whenever I exited my home, it was only for one purpose – coverage of the live press conference. It was so routine which carried on for two months and I realised I need a breather. I slowly detached myself from watching CNN or any news on TV for that matter. Surprisingly, it worked, though it wasn’t an overnight solution. But yes, the detox worked and I slowly became more focused and fresher.

My apologies to those who I haven’t entertained through social media, texts, emails and phone calls. I don’t know how they get my number and I can understand their situation on seeking the right information. I wish I have my own media team that can assist me and going solo was really overwhelming indeed. So I am truly sorry if I didn’t reply or entertain your messages. It was just difficult to handle with overwhelming messages and also feeling emotionally and mentally unstable. Thank you for understanding and your patience.

Now it’s already September and I don’t think time flies really fast. With Covid, everything seems to be at a slower pace. Though I would say that we are already in third gear. Economy’s booming surprisingly especially cars and properties. Money is well spent inside Brunei. This is the counter effect when one can’t travel. I ain’t complaining. As much as I miss traveling, health is still my biggest priority and safety, of course.

So guys, here’s just a quick update of how I’ve been in the past few months. I am super grateful to be alive. I’m also proud that I finally managed to Khatam during Ramadhan. So till next time, I hope to post more and if you have anything to share, you can just slide on my DM on instagram. It’s me, Rano, signing out 🙂

 

 The A 200 AMG Line can now be yours at just $385* monthly with our Special Financing Subsidy*. Featuring a high-resolution 10.25-inch instrument display with selectable display styles, the car is also intuitive and intelligent, thanks to the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Multimedia System which can be activated by a simple ‘Hey Mercedes’.

Call us now at 2441777 to book for a test drive or visit Mercedes-Benz Autohaus today for more information. You’ll be glad you did!!

Terms and Conditions:
*The monthly repayment is calculated based on HP Plus Financing. Special financing subsidy only applies to first 6 months of instalment after which the monthly instalment should be $785. Offer only valid until 30 September 2020. Terms and conditions apply.    

 

  Check out the latest Mercedes-Benz GLA  

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Powerful proportions with short overhangs and off-road-oriented design as well as optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a special off-road light which helps detect obstacles immediately in front of the vehicle at low speeds – the new Mercedes-Benz GLB is a versatile SUV. And a spacious family car: on request it is the first Mercedes-Benz in this segment available as a seven-seater. The two seats in row three can be used by people up to 1.68 metres in height.

At 2829 millimetres the GLB has ten centimetres more wheelbase than, for example, the new B-Class. Together with the function-oriented greenhouse this is decisive when it comes to the generous amount of space. The headroom in the first seat row is 1035 millimetres – a best in this segment.

Ready for boarding: up to seven seats

The GLB is the first compact vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to offer a third seat row with two additional individual seats. The seats offer people up to a height of 1.68 metres a comfortable amount of space. The extensive safety equipment includes retractable head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners, a side window airbag which also protects the passengers in the third seat row plus ISOFIX and TOP-Tether anchorages for suitable child seats. These can be used to attach up to four child seats in the rear.

Comfort details in the third row include two drinks holders between the seats as well as two stowage compartments with a rubberised insert on the left and right in the load compartment trim, each with a USB port. The seats can be lowered so that they are flush with the load compartment floor in order to extend the load compartment.

With aluminium details: the interior design

The instrument panel consists of a single piece, which has optical cut-outs in the driver and front passenger area. The driver faces a widescreen cockpit, with control and display via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). A new feature is the characteristic off-road tubular element in an aluminium look which rounds off the lower section of the instrument panel and houses the three round centre air vents. These give the dashboard support an impression of robustness, power and a certain fun factor. Below the nozzles is the air conditioning control panel, whose buttons create the impression that they have been milled from a solid aluminium cylinder.

The robust character of the interior continues in the centre console. Tubular elements in a machined look lend solidity to the design of the components and controls. Along the doors, the SUV character is underlined by the horizontal grab handle that, from the design and equipment line Progressive upwards, forms a robust part of the door panel structure and resembles a machined aluminium tube.

Powerful and efficient: the engines

The new GLB 200 places its trust in the four-cylinder petrol which were completely updated to relaunch the compact model series. In comparison to the previous generation, they are characterised by significantly increased power, improved efficiency and emissions.

The gateway to the petrol-model range is the M 282 with a displacement of 1.33 litres in the GLB 200 (combined fuel consumption 6.2-6.0 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 142-137 g/km). This engine has cylinder shutoff for efficient operation in the partial-load range.

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Happening this weekend until 1st March 2020 

 

Check out the AMG line at Mercedes Autohaus at Beribi 

All the AMGs here are being displayed before handing over to the customers. My favourite of the lot is the AMG 53 😀 

This is the first time that Jati Transport is hosting an AMG Roadshow at Mercedes Autohaus 

Refreshments also provided by Jati Transport 

 

Loving the nasi lemak 

 

You can also test drive the Mercedes A35. Pretty solid ride. 

Awesome G 63 AMG *Grrrrrr*  

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His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, the owner of Jab Gym, with his sisters, Her Royal Highness Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah, during the private invitation of Jab Gym at the Brunei capital. 

Congratulations @tmski on the awesome gym. One of his favorite role models is the legendary Muhammad Ali. 

Boxing trainer Lex Igwe (left) sparring with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Dato Hj Aminuddin, to the delight of the crowd.  

Some of the cabinet ministers and ambassadors paid a visit to Jab Gym last weekend 

 

Check out the 10,000 sq feet premise at Pavo Point. The view is wonderful especially when you are running on the treadmill and you can see the view of Bandar.  

This is one of the studios at Jab Gym which focuses on “Boxercise” session. I just signed up for a class with Nadzri. Let’s see how that goes. 

Some of the VIPs that attended last weekend 

Soon Chong sparring with Lex Igwe  

Click image to see more price range 

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Mercedes-Benz regained its crown in the best performing Small Family Car category.  The CLA is the sporty alternative to the A-Class Sedan, the winner of last year’s Best in Class.  It achieved a score of more than 90 percent in three of the four areas of safety and delivered the best overall rating of 89.8% being the highest awarded to any car. Remarkably, Mercedes-Benz launched five more five-star vehicles in 2019, all with outstanding crash protection and driver assistance technology.

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A weekend of excitement awaits.

Join us from today until Sunday 19 January, 9am to 5pm for our exclusive offers at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus. Featuring the new A 200 AMG Line and A 250 AMG Line with special monthly installment from $798* per month and no deposit. Offer valid until 31st January 2020. Discover our latest Mercedes-Benz demo cars with low mileage and attractive prices. Take advantage of our special offer of Mercedes-Benz merchandise and enjoy up to 50% discount. Call us now at 2441763/2441777 for more information. You’ll be glad you did!! Refreshments will be served.