Late post: Jason Ang Kok Khiong won himself a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. It was part of the “Register Your Interest” Raffle Draw organised by T.C.Y. Motors Sdn Bhd in conjunction with the launch of the SsangYong Tivoli. Jason received the prize from Anisson, T.C.Y. Motors Motor Marketing Manager.

Check out the latest SsangYong Tivoli. Click image to enter website.

BIBD recently participated in the 9th Muzakarah Cendekiawan Syariah Nusantara on the 10th and 11th of June at the Hotel Millennium, Jakarta. The dialogue’s organiser, The International Sharia Research Academy for Islamic Finance has chosen to partner with Universiti Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah to bring the theme, “Innovative Contemporary Islamic Financial Products for the Development of the Social-Economy of Muslims”. The discussions were focused on current financial issues pertaining to “Refinancing and Restructuring” and “Applications of Hajah (needs) in Innovative Products.”

BIBD Shariah Advisory Body member and Director of the Mazhab Shafi’i Research Centre at the Universiti Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani was involved in the first discussion regarding the concept of Hajah and its applications in Islamic finance.

On the second day, BIBD Product Manager Hjh Adinah binti Hj Jamudin was involved in the discussions on the applications of Shariah-compliant concepts in developing and offering products that will assist in generating socio-economic benefits to the Muslim community, especially the non-bankable segment. These products can be materialised by strengthening corporation between Islamic financial institutions and social finance institutions to utilise Wakaf, Zakat, Islamic wealth management, micro-finance and micro-Takaful. They also discussed equity-based financing products such as Musyarakah that can be applied in Islamic wealth management where both parties can benefit from a financial partnership.

BIBD Shariah Advisory Body Chairman and Deputy State Mufti, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin (3rd from left), BIBD Shariah Advisory Body member and Director of the Mazhab Shafi’i Research Centre at the Universiti Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani (4th from left) and other members from the Shariah body of BIBD. Image courtesy of BIBD.

The main objectives of the dialogue were to create general understanding between Shariah scholars in the region through academic discussions on multiple issues related to Islamic finance. The dialogue also serves as a regional platform for scholars, academics and practitioners of Islamic finance to share ideas, knowledge and experiences, and to share latest developments in the Islamic finance industry.

Also part of the BIBD representatives were BIBD Shariah Advisory Body Chairman and Deputy State Mufti, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin, along with its member, Yang Mulia Dr Awang Haji Mazanan bin Haji Yusof, Head of Research, State Mufti Department. BIBD was also represented by Head of its Shariah Department, Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Hanifah binti Haji Jenan along with Shariah Assistant Manager, Muhammad Takzimallah bin Haji Ahmad Sanuddin.

The two-day event was launched by Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia. The event was attended by around a hundred delegations ranging from scholars, academics and practitioners from Islamic financial institutions, from member ASEAN countries.

 

Izam Said, editor of CONFEX, during the press conference last Friday

Having another magazine in Brunei means there are things to showcase to the eyes of the public. I know Izam Said for quite some time and he is passionate about one thing – cars, cars and cars. He used to be feature writer on the automative section (On The Road) of The Brunei Times and I’ve always love his insights and opinions on the cars he test drove. Now it’s good to know he is venturing into something that he is passionate about and everyone has a story to share just like Izam.

Last week, I had the privilege to be invited to a press conference held at CONFEX. For your info, CONFEX is a local events management company which has run a series of team building workshops and only recently I found out that Izam Said is the editor of CONFEX. Under CONFEX, the team will be launching a new magazine on automotive which will be another platform for car enthusiasts to learn more about the cars especially in the Brunei market.

This will be the first of its kind that features an 80-paged automative magazine for the benefit of the readers. This is another avenue for car dealers or distributors to showcase their cars and even anything related to cars on Motoring BN.

Izam Said is confident that the magazine will be a success and despite the shift of information world through technology, he believes that having something “tangible” like a magazine is still trend. I do agree with him on that since I also collect and buy computer, film and wrestling magazines due to the tangibility factor.

For your info, every quarter, Motoring BN will print 15,000 copies and it will be sold on news stand at a price of BND 6.80. The pre-order subscriptions have been overwhelming for the first issue and he hopes there will be enough for the 1st edition to be sold in local book stores.

So what can you expect from Motoring BN magazine? They have a mixture of local and foreign writers who will contribute to the magazine. One segment that will catch the interest of the ladies will be “Heels on Wheels” by Tracy Ramantan.

The magazine is said to be launched sometime in July. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the magazine and I believe Izam Said is the right man to lead the show. I’m proud that he has taken a new adventure on his passion to another new level. Keep it up, buddy!!

For those who are interested to advertise for the next issue, you can contact 8282 212. For those who want to subscribe, you can click here for the pre-orders. You can also follow them on IG @motoringbn

Waleed Pehin Dato Mahdini, Izam Said and Tracy Ramantan

This will be the cover of the first edition of Motoring BN

 

Belluno Cafe is located at Kiarong Complex

What started off as a gelato kochi kiosk three years ago, the co-owners ventured into a cafe business last year at the heart of Kiarong. Those working around the area will be familiar with Belluno Cafe. I have paid a few visits to Belluno Cafe and my favourite dish has been the spicy spaghetti bolognese. Yummm…

Belluno Cafe during Ramadhan is not providing any buffet or set meals. Instead they are offering 20% off all menu which is a great steal. You can call 242 9010 for reservation.

Another gimmick Belluno Cafe offers are bento sets such as Chicken Schnitzel with pasta and ice lemon tea drink to go or Chicken Fajitas with mediterranean rice and an ice lemon tea to go. Or if you feel like Nasi Kerabu or the one that caught my eye is the Nasi Lemak 2.0 Ayam Rendang. All of these are served in a bento set, ready to go for take away. You will need to pre-order the bento sets and subject to availability. Just whatsapp 873 3608 for bookings and each bento sets is $8.90 and comes with a drink.

Belluno’s signature dish is the Chicken Waffle with egg on top. Must try. My friends and I also love the Milo Sizzling Pan for dessert. I was kinda addicted to it and couldn’t stop helping myself to it.

Belluno Cafe is also having special discounts for Baiduri Cardholders – 5% discount (classic credit card), 10% discount (gold credit card) and 15% discount (infinite & platinum card) for the period of Ramadhan.

One of the latest new dishes is the Lamb Shank which is a chef’s special. If you are aiming for a simple meal, you can give Belluno Cafe a try. You can follow them on Facebook page and also on instagram @bellunocafebn

Caesar salad

Lamb burger with coriander sauce

Beef

Another tasty burger

Their signature dish – Chicken Waffle

My guests for the night

Cheese sticks

Lamb Shank with rice

The newly introduced dessert – Milo Sizzling Pan

Nasi Lemak 2.0 Ayam Rendang for take away and comes with a drink

Chicken Schnitzel with pasta for take away and comes with a drink

Nasi Kerabu for take away and comes with a drink

 

One third of Ramadhan has just passed and this is the prime period where Bruneians tend to dine out and plus pay day was just a few days ago. Another great recommendation by my photographer was at Momo Restaurant (formerly known as All Stars Cafe) before a new management took over the premise. The restaurant has been around for a year and a bit and only recently the locals are frequenting the restaurant especially during Ramadhan. One reason – the wide selection of dishes from soup to main course to desserts for a very reasonable price.

I will give a thumbs up to the new management for being creative and managed to attract a strong crowd for the past few days. Yesterday also was pretty packed because of the BIBD 30% discount promotion for BIBD Credit Cardholders.

They have three menu cycles throughout Ramadhan and thank you for sharing some of the menus so I could post this up on my blog for the benefit of the readers and those who wants to patronize at Momo Restaurant.

They serve two types of soup (Asian and Western) every buffet. Their condiments and dips are always the same but plentiful enough to satisfy your cravings. The main courses have at least 8 dishes to choose from and they have a 3 cycle menu for this. As for the action station, you will enjoy the live grill section, noodle section, pasta section and bread section which will always be served every Sungkai hours. The one I find interesting is the Ramadhan corner which is the real deal. That section is always served every Sungkai and it has the main attraction such as the Nasi Briyani Kambing served with Seruding Kelapa, Serunding Ayam, Beef Rendang and Pulut Kuning to name a few.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Gadong or Kiulap, then I highly recommend to pay Momo Restaurant a visit. A different ambience with a great variety of cuisine at your disposal. What else can you ask for a price valued at $22.80 for adult? 😀 You can also read more detailed article on Thanis’ article on Momo Sungkai Buffet.

You can follow them on instagram (pretty active) @momo.restaurant or their Facebook page.

The appetizer side

Dried fish

Looks like telur belado 😀

More appetizers

Fish

My favourite vege – Pakis

Some of the guests at Momo Restaurant

The pasta section

The noodle section

Soup station

Menu 1

Sup Soto Ayam
Malaysian Spicy Chicken Broth

Sup Sayur Sayuran Berkrim
Vegetables Cream Soup

Menu 2

Sup Kambing ‘Mydin’
Spicy Creamy Lamb Broth

Sup Labu Kuning Berkrim
Cream Pumpkin Soup

Menu 3

Sup Tangkapan Nelayan
Spicy Seafood Broth

Sup Sayuran Bertomato
Minestrone Soup
Ramadhan Corner (available for all three menus)

Pulut Kuning, Nasi Himpit, Nasi Briyani KambingServe with Serunding Kelapa, Serunding Ayam, Acar Timun dgn Nenas, Cucumber Raita, Daging Rendang and Kuah Kacang

Main Course where you can find local Asian dishes and Western Style dishes

Menu 1

Ikan Tenggiri Gulai Kampung / Traditional Fish Curry
Gulai Ayam Lemak / Chicken Coconut Milk
Sambal Sotong Emak / Dried Squid in Chili Sauce
Udang Masak Hitam/ Prawn Black Spices
Beef Lasagna
Sayur Kacang Goreng Keynote
Umbut Kelapa Masak Lemak
Steamed Rice
Menu 2

Daging Kari Kentang/ Beef Curry Potato
Sambal Ikan Kembung / Tuna Fish Chili
Ketam Lemak Nenas / Crab in Spicy Coconut Gravy with Pineapple
Ayam Goreng Berempah/ Deep Fry Spices Chicken
Pasta Macaroni Bakar/Baked Macaroni Pasta
Labu Kuning Masak Lemak Putih/ Yellow Pumpkin Coconut Milk
Tauhu Rebus Isi Ayam/Braised Tofu Minced Chicken
Nasi PutihThai/Steamed Rice

Menu 3

Gulai Ikan Cabai Rawit / Spicy Tenggiri Fish Curry
Sambal Telur / Eggs in Sambal Sauce
Ayam Panggang Padang / Spicy Grilled Chicken Padang Style
Shepard Pie
Udang Goreng Mentega /Buttered Prawns Curry Leaf
Pakis Goreng Belachan/ Fern Shoot Prawn Paste
Sayur Campur /Chinese Stir Fried Vegetables
Steamed Rice

Action station (available for all three menus)

Live grill. Our chefs are preparing the food that you are going to eat right in front of you.
Whole Fish, Prawn Skewers, Chicken Wings,
Air assam, Sambal kicap, Tomato sauce, Chili sauce

Noodle Section

Nyonya Mee Kari / Curry Laksa with Condiments
Braised Wantan Noodles with Chicken Mince
Pasta Section
Spaghetti, Linguini, Penne with tomato sauce or cream sauce
And condiments plus choices of chicken or meat

Bread Section

Roti canai/Indian Pancake, Murtabak/Stuffed Indian Pancake
With condiments and vegetables dhal

Drinks (available for all three menus)
Teh O Limau Ais/ Ice Lemon Tea
Air Sarsi/ Sarsaparilla Cordial
Air Buah Buahan/ Fruit Cordial
Air Pisang Hijau/ Banana Cordial
Air Bandung / Chilled Rose Syrup with Milk
Air Jagung/ Corn Cordial
Teh Tarik / Warm Malaysian Foamy Milk Tea
Buah Kurma / Fresh Arabian Dates
Coffee and Tea

Japanese corner (available for all three menus)

Assorted Maki Rolls with Condiments and Dips

Bread Corner (available for all three menus)

Assorted Bread Roll with Butter

Dessert section

Dessert section

The grilled section. Image courtesy of Thanis Lim.

Image courtesy of Momo Restaurant

Live grill. Image courtesy of Thanis Lim.

Available at the pasta section. Image courtesy of Thanis Lim.

Laksa. Image courtesy of Thanis Lim.

Roti prata. Image courtesy of Thanis Lim.

Nasi Briyani. Image courtesy of Thanis Lim.

There’s a prayer room. Image courtesy of Thanis Lim.

Something to plan for Hari Raya or outside catering