The press release hasn’t come from any of the MAS Wings representatives from Brunei but this was already announced in Kota Kinabalu that MASwings will be expanding its services into Brunei as part of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) initiative.

This means that MASwings will fly to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. So when is this actually? According to The Borneo Post article dated 17th December 2011, MASwings Managing Director Datuk Capt. Mohd Nawawi quoted that direct air links would kick off on 1st February 2012. This is super good news for frequent travelers to KK and Kuching.

All the flights would be operated using MASwing’s ATR72-500 aircrafts which can seat about 73 passengers each *yea smaller planes* As for the KK route, it will be flying twice daily and for Kuching route, it will be flown three times a week.

For your info, MASwings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines Systems Bhd (MAS), currently serves Sabah and Sarawak. We shall wait for the other press release from MAS (Brunei office) for more details. But for now, it’s official that MASwings will be flying to Brunei though the website hasn’t included Brunei for booking purposes. Hopefully it will be the case come January 2012.

I have never heard of this concept of “foiling a car” before but it does exist apparently and now it’s available in Brunei. Imagine this – You bought a new car and you want to change the colour of your car or perhaps preserve your original paint for that matter and in mint condition some more. So with “foil wrapping”, this is made possible and you will have the freedom to change the colour of your car over a period of time. Just think of it as a second skin for the car.

The company that brought the first “Foil Wrapping System” is iDesign Concept Sdn Bhd and they have a well-trained team and experience staff to handle your car professionally. Did you know that they have extensive experience of “foiling” exotic cars in the Middle East?

Reasons to foil your car

1) Car protection – from elements of weatherin, scratches and paint chipping.
2) Colour change at anytime. Did you know that you will still preserve your original colour of the car? And yes, you don’t need another paint job on your car
3) Limitless design

For those interested, you can try call 264 4642 or you can call Pg Annuar 822 7102. You can visit their shop at Bangunan Dato Paduka Lim Seng Kok, Building E, No. 12 Simpang 628, Jln Tutong.. Well, it’s not far from Excapade Sushi Bunut.

It’s happening tomorrow at Seasons Restaurant and this food promotion was introduced last year and it’s making a comeback due to popular demand. Last year the Middle East food promotion only lasted 3 days. This year, it will be a two week Middle East food promotion.

During the promotional period, all dine-in customers for this promotion are entitled to win special prizes. Exclusive discounts are available for Standard Chartered Credit Cardmembers during the promotional period. For reservations, please call 242 2291/ 242 2292.

From 5th to 31st December, KFC selling some of their premiums at B$2.00 each at all their outlets in Brunei. Reason for doing this is because KFC is raising funds to help the flood victims of Thailand. 100% of the sales proceeds will go to this cause.

30% of the world’s rice and almost 90% of Brunei’s rice comes from Thailand. Almost everyone in Brunei takes rice at least once a day. From local dishes like Nasi Katok and Nasi Lemak to KFC’s own Colonel Rice, many in Brunei have been growing up consuming rice.

KFC feels that it is only right that to help the hand that feeds us. We know that they are many out there who know this too. By doing this, KFC is offering another channel for the public who wishes to help the unfortunate ones to stand on their feet.

The available premium varies and was previously tied in with KFC meals and was popular back then. There are a lot of KFC collectible fans out there, we want to give them a chance to buy back some of the items that they may have missed out previously.

A small car built with big car technology. The compact A1 unites all of the strengths of the brand – a progressive design, uncompromising quality and groundbreaking efficiency – in a space measuring 3.95 meters (12.96 ft) in length.

After less then a year and a half on the global market, the A1 has already won numerous awards, including the “Auto Trophy” from Auto Zeitung, the “Golden Steering Wheel” from Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag and the “Car of the Year Award” from What Car? It was also voted as one of the “Best Cars of 2011” by the readers of auto motor und sport. The A1 also received the top five stars rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.

Body and interior
The design with the encircling shoulder line is cutting-edge and integrates the Audi A1 into the large model family. The front end with the dominating single-frame grille, the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupé-like C-pillars and the large wheel arches are among its defining style elements. The hood and the rear hatch wrap around the body. Audi offers the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running light strips and LED tail lights. The tail lights are already three-dimensionally styled in the base model and are unmistakable, day or night.

High- and ultra high-strength steels comprise two-thirds of the compact model’s body. The strongest of these are the hot-shaped steels, which draw their extremely high tensile strength from a dramatic temperature increase during the shaping process. Hot-shaped steels are used primarily within the passenger cell. They provide the basis for the precise, sporty handling, the good comfort, the quiet interior, the excellent passive safety and the low base weight.

The interior of the Audi A1 is spacious, bright and airy. The instrument panel bears hints of an airplane wing; its four round air vents are reminiscent of jet engines. The clean, clear controls are every bit a classic Audi strength as the superior workmanship. Many lovingly designed details underscore the premium character of the A1.

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RBA special promotion


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Xmas at Radisson


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Let’s forget my failure hunting in Singapore last week… I was in total frustration because I wasn’t able to source for the Olloclip, the 3-in-1 lens for iPhone 4/4s. The particular lens have won many rave reviews from techies and a few of my friends are owning one too.

What’s so good about the big deal about the lens? It’s a quick-connect lens system that includes fisheye, wide-angle and macro lenses and all you have to do is a clip on the corner of your iPhone where the lens is located. You don’t need a magnet lens to stick on the phone anymore like other previous lenses do.

This is an amazing accessory that I’ve owned so far and perhaps the best iPhone accessory to date. I’m still wonder why Singapore didn’t import this particular lens as I know the Olloclip will surely be a big hit. I just posted my Olloclip purchased on instagram and a few Bruneians are already asking me about it. Maybe AV Electronics can help to import Olloclip to Brunei.

So after I returned back from Singapore, I quickly ordered through their official website (forget Amazon since they couldn’t deliver to Brunei… then again you can make sure of Suite Lola for that matter). The cost of the Olloclip is USD 70 and I had to pay additional USD 30 for express courier via FedEx and I had pay an extra BND 16 for tax at Brunei customs for clearance. So all-in-all, you’re looking at forking out BND 110-115 for the Olloclip.

I actually purchased two Olloclip as I intended to sell the other off. But come to think of it, I’m thinking of doing a @ranoadidas Twitter quiz tonight so you can stand a chance to win the extra Olloclip that I bought :))

I was driving to Jing Chew this morning and I saw this long queue. Trending topic in today’s social media – Roadblocks.. I believe there were more than 5 roadblocks that I was aware of and it caused a huge traffic jam today, drawing complains from motorists. Judging from the previous trend, there will be more perhaps during the bonus period next week. Who knows… Well, at least it slow down cars and minimize the chances of accidents

Liverpool Supporters Club of Brunei (L.S.C.B.) has represented its football team, “Liverpool Supporters Club (Liverpool SC)” for the first time in the DST National Football League 2011.

They did quite well in the first game drawing their first game against Tunas FC with Morni Hj Nayan scoring a brace in a 2-2 affair on the 19th December. Prior to the match, they had an event to commemorate the official sponsors for LSCB Football Team, Aewon Brunei Garment & Embroidery which took place on the 17th December.

Mr. Kevin Lau, a representative of Aewon Brunei Garment & Embroidery was in attendance to officiate the presentation of the sponsorship. An official red jersey for Liverpool Supporters Club Football team was presented to Emmy Shamdy, Manager of the Liverpool Supporters Club (Liverpool SC) Football Team and witnessed by Edmund Sumping, the Honarary President of L.S.C.B. Red will be the official home color for the Liverpool Supporters Club football team in the football league, whilst black will be the official away color- true to honoring the colors of Liverpool Football Club.

This is not the first time Aewon Brunei Garment & Embroidery have collaborated and sponsored Liverpool Supporters Club Brunei. Aewon Brunei have previously sponsored for the successful ‘Aewon Liverpool Supporters Club Brunei Futsal League 2010’ and are also the main manufacturers for official merchandise of L.S.C.B. Aewon Brunei has been establish since 2002 as a humble t-shirt and uniform producer in Jerudong and grew into one of the largest most known apparel manufacturers across Brunei.

Also present were the coaches and players of the Liverpool Supporters Club Football Team and the management of L.S.C.B., who wore polo shirts also sponsored by Aewon Brunei.

Liverpool Supporters Club of Brunei (L.S.C.B.) has been established since 2008. L.S.C.B. is officially registered under the Registrar of Societies Brunei Darussalam and is officially affiliated as an ‘Association of International Branches’ with the Liverpool Football Club in Anfield, United Kingdom.

For more on L.S.C.B, go to www.Facebook.com/BruneiReds or http://twitter.com/BruneiReds. Image courtesy of L.S.C.B.

Have you ever been to Toastmasters? It’s where you can improve your public speaking, communication as well as leadership skills and this is the right place to practice because of the supportive and positive environment around.

I’ve been a member this year and I will have to renew my membership soon. The meetings are done weekly and the toastmasters in Brunei is run by the Brunei Speakers’ Club. I have yet to do my first speech but I hope I will do my first one in January 2012.

Though I’ve been in many public speaking apperances and presentations, I’m still rusty and I used too many jargons which loses my credibility as a confident speaker. Hence, I joined the Toastmasters in Brunei to learn from others and put it to practice.

So guys, I do encourage you to sign up Toastmasters under the Brunei Speaker’s Club. You can check out their Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/bruneisc for more details. The class is every Tuesday 7:30pm to 9:30pm and the people who turn up are amazing beings too.

Don’t be shy to show up in 2012. See you soon!!!

Liverpool Supporters Club of Brunei (L.S.C.B.) presents the SA Premium Futsal Challenge 2011 this Saturday 24th December 2011 in conjunction with “Perlawanan Futsal Antara Artis-Artis Brunei dan Raja Lawak Malaysia”, organised by Ryan Fayyad Events Management and Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society, which will also be on the night of Saturday 24th December 2011 starting 8.00pm.

The Futsal Challenge will include eight invited teams, namely Liverpool Supporters Club; Chelsea Supporters Club; Arsenal Supporters Club; Brisbane Roars Supporters Club; Kota Juniors; Syah Kampung; Stone Villa and Reds Supporters.

The tournament will start from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm at the Indoor Stadium and the final round will be held at 8.00pm, as the opening match for the “Perlawanan Futsal Antara Artis-Artis Brunei dan Raja Lawak Malaysia”. The final teams get to play in this prestigious event as well as being presented with medals and trophy commemorating the event.

I won’t spare so much details on this issue as it’s all over the news and on print media.. I’ve never seen such an extensive coverage on all newspapers. Some might argue that the coverage might go out of proportion, some might argue that these show how much the community care for the concern. Indeed this is one of the most tragic news in Brunei in many years.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank His Majesty and the Brunei Government for all the help given to the concern parties. We are very blessed for the generousity shown by our ruler and many citizens also shared the same sentiments on our beloved King. May Allah bless him for his kind deeds.

Let’s not forget the other parties involved in the relief team. They have worked so hard for the past 24 hours and most of the passengers are back in Brunei Darussalam as they arrived Brunei from KK yesterday midday. A big shout out to the guys from Royal Brunei Airlines too in making the special arrangement possible. I know my sister and my friends were involved in the logistics as well. So well done, guys!!

It was also good to see the Ministers’ presence in this kind of situation and give morale support to the families involved. If you guys want to read more of the incident, you can read today’s BB and TBT.

Lastly, my deepest condolences to the families of the victims on the tragedy. I’m still shocked but we just have to move on and appreciate what we have right now and be strong. The country is behind you and together we unite.

Hmmmmm.. I was reading this article from The Brunei Times with regards to Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) who recently launched the Brunei Salebration which kicked off a few days ago. This is definitely a great initiative for the locals to save their $$$ when they shop at outlets that are under the flagship of “Brunei Salebration”.

However, I might have to disagree on their notion that such campaign will persuade the locals to “stay and spend in the country during the end-of-year holidays.” Perhaps, it’s understandable if JPKE were to target those crossing the borders if they want to buy things that are also available in Brunei.

I doubt that the “Salebration” will change the mindset of the majority of the locals to stay in Brunei as “holidaying” is a different ball game. Firstly you get to be out of Brunei and that’s one awesome feeling and plus who doesn’t love to travel especially during December. Secondly, most of the travelers have pre-booked their tickets during the October Travel Fair which would make no sense to change the mindset of the locals. Thirdly, I believe there are more varieties outside Brunei as compared to the limited choices we have especially books, gadgets and clothes.

I bought both my compact cameras in Singapore and perhaps the beauty of it is the experience factor where I get to venture here and there at different shops just to compare pricing before I seal the deal. Furthermore, in Singapore, I could claim my GST at the airport which is another great incentive for travelers.

I’m too concerned about the opportunity costs (travel expenses) because all of that has been repaid by my dosage of travel experiences and being in a different environment and more vibrant one and there are a lot of factors too. I don’t speak for others but a few of my friends do share the same sentiments when it comes to traveling and shopping.

Salebration is indeed great for the local economy but it’s difficult to judge if the perceived savings is directly related to travel. It could be a determinant but not a significant one. Don’t shoot the messenger. I was just sharing my 2 cents on my opinions and thoughts. And yes, I could be wrong too. Perhaps, the consumers who believed that “perceived savings” is better abroad forgot to share their views that shopping is part of the travel experience.

I’m still shocked over the incident. I heard of the news from my friend and I started to do my research online for information starting 5pm yesterday. Berita Harian and New Straits Time reported of the stories but it wasn’t detailed enough. The community of Brunei was suddenly very concerned as I am about the tragic accident. Names were being disclosed on social media platforms but I rather not share the names pending official statement.

As reported on The Brunei Times, seven passed away though six were reported earlier on. It was reported that most of the passengers in the mishap were on a bus trip organised by a Muslim group associated to the Masjids in Mulaut and Jerudong. The crash victims were treated to Tuaran Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. There were 33 passengers in the bus. 7 reported passed away, 10 critically wounded (32 Bruneians, 1 Indian – bus driver).

Last night, a midnight flight to Kota Kinabalu was made possible by Royal Brunei Airlines for the immediate families to attend those involved in the accident. Also on the flight were relief team from the respective government agencies to help to coordinate the situation in Kota Kinabalu.

The second batch of the relief team flew this morning and I was told that the Jenazah will be brought back to Brunei this morning on the return flight from Kota Kinabalu via Royal Brunei Airlines. The flight departure from KK is estimated at 11am today and the “Jenazah” will be brought to Jame Asr Mosque for mass prayers.

My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and I hope everyone will return to Brunei safely. Once again, a big thank you to our King for his concern and empowering the Brunei Government to make sure the concerns are being handled. A big shout also goes to Royal Brunei Airlines for making the special flight arrangements and also to the rescue team involved.

This was a trending topic on Twitter just right after 5pm today. The incident happened at 3pm today where a private bus carrying 40 Bruneians crashed into a tree on a downhill stretch near Kampung Kaporingan in Tamaparuli, Kota Kinabalu. There were some casualties though it was not known of the exact numbers and there are some in critical condition as well.

According to New Straits Times Malaysia, the bus was traveling from Tawau, rolled twice on the road after the driver lost control of the vehicle. The roof of the bus was ripped partially upon impact.

I won’t report on the number of deaths as yet but I’m pretty sure this will make headlines in tomorrow’s print media. This is indeed as a tragic news for Bruneians and further raised the statistics on the casualties of road accidents among Bruneians. My condolences goes to the family concerned and hope the Bruneians all return to Brunei safely. Amin.

Xmas at Radisson


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The Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam is getting ready for the festive and year end celebrations. Guests are invited to indulge in a comprehensive program of Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities in the hotel that will include live entertainment, a visit from Santa, Christmas crackers, party packs, bouncy castle and kids’ buffet.

On Christmas Eve, 24 December, Tasek Brasserie, an all day dining restaurant, will feature a sumptuous feast from 6.30pm to 10.00pm that will include delicious Christmas offerings to delicate dessert creations at only B$50.00net per person. Alternatively, enjoy a five course set menu specially designed by the award winning Executive Chef, Cameron Lawless at just B$88.00 net per person inclusive of a welcome drink at Deals restaurant (two seatings available from 6.00pm or 9.00pm).

On Christmas day, 25 December, spread the holiday joy with an amazing Sunday Brunch at Tasek Brasserie from 11.00am to 3.00pm that will include a bouncy castle, cartoon movie and special children’s buffet in the Mutiara Ballroom. Priced at only B$28.00net per person and B$14.00net per child (4 to 11 years old).

Rekindle the festive spirit of giving with a selection of Christmas goodies including delicious Christmas log cakes, Christmas stollens, fruit cakes, mince pies, gingerbread treats and decadent Belgian Chocolate Santa treats with prices ranging from B$4.00.

In welcoming the New Year in style, Tasek Brasserie offers an array of fantastic buffet spread such as Seafood Chowder, Beef Escalope, BBQ Whole Lamb, mouth-watering Chocolate Fountain and much more at B$60.00net per person or guests can ring in the New Year over a 5 course menu at Deals restaurant at B$99.00net per person inclusive of a welcome drink. Both restaurants are opened from 6.00pm to 12.00midnight.

Table bookings are recommended. For more information, please call 2244272 ext 8872.