A screenshot taken from my Instagram post this afternoon

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AirAsia X cancels Europe sectors and India

According to the press release from Airlineroute.net, Air Asia X announced the cancelation of India & Europe, Citing higher airport charges and visa restrictions in India, as well as EU ETS (Emission Trading Scheme / Carbon Tax) and rising airport passenger duty in the UK. Hence, Air Asia X is canceling 4 routes to India, UK and France. (Note AirAsia will continue to offer service to India)

Planned cancellation dates as well as existing schedule as follows:

Kuala Lumpur – Mumbai CANCELLED from 01FEB12
D7166 KUL1750 – 2040BOM 330 26
D7166 KUL1800 – 2040BOM 330 14
D7167 BOM2145 – 0535+1KUL 330 26
D7167 BOM2155 – 0535+1KUL 330 14

Kuala Lumpur – Delhi CANCELLED from 23MAR12
D7172 KUL0920 – 1310DEL 330 136
D7176 KUL1830 – 2200DEL 330 x136
D7173 DEL1355 – 2220KUL 330 136
D7177 DEL2255 – 0730+1KUL 330 x136

Service operates 4 weekly in March 2012

Kuala Lumpur – Paris Orly CANCELLED from 31MAR12
D7020 KUL0100 – 0750ORY 340 x136
D7021 ORY0950 – 0540+1KUL 340 257
D7021 ORY0950 – 0600+1KUL 340 4

Kuala Lumpur – London Gatwick CANCELLED from 01APR12
D7010 KUL0840 – 1440LGW 340 16
D7014 KUL1450 – 2100LGW 340 257
D7011 LGW1610 – 1330+1KUL 340 16
D7015 LGW2220 – 1930+1KUL 340 257

Air Asia X launched London service in March 2009.

I was just talking to my friend Hu yesterday as she will be flying via AirAsia X to Paris this Saturday. I only heard of the news last night but I believe it’s a strategic move by @tonyfernandes CEO of @AirAsia. From this Twitter feeds yesterday, he did hinted that there will be other routes such as Jeddah, Korea (interesting), Japan, Australia and China from AirAsia X.

Datuk Tony Fernandes’ Twitter feeds yesterday on AirAsia X

I met up with the management team from MASwings (Kota Kinabalu) at Malaysia Airlines office in town yesterday and it was fruitful discussion. What’s great news for the public is that MASwings have open the possibilities of flying routes to Sabah and Kuching.

Currently we only have Royal Brunei Airlines flying to Kota Kinabalu after AirAsia stopped its route to BWN-KK last year. By February 2012, MASwings will make its debut and the inaugural flight will be from KK on 1st February 2012.

This is indeed good news as passengers are given an alternative choice to make travel arrangements to KK. It was also mentioned that the prices for BWN-KK is estimated at BND 116 (all-in) with 20K baggage allowance. The duration of the flight is 30 mins.

I’m not sure if you can book online just yet but you can call Malaysia Airlines office for bookings or more inquiry at 222 3074. The Brunei route should be listed on MASwings official website soon.

 

Zainal Maran, Head of Business Development & Charters, MASwings Sdn Bhd, Shauqi Ahmad, Regional Vice President, Sales & Marketing/Regional Management (Sabah/Sarawak/BIMP EAGA), MASwings Sdn Bhd and Alias Suut, Area Manager (Brunei), Malaysia Airlines posing with MASwings mock plane. The Sabah team was in Brunei yesterday for a quick meeting before launching the MASwings services to Brunei in early February.

There have lots of words spreading around as the public is anticipating the services of MASwings to Brunei. Now we can fly to KK and also to Kuching.

Ex-Brunei to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching

To Brunei from Kota Kinabalu and Kuching

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The huge jam that happened at Jalan Tutong this morning because of this accident. Image courtesy of @HardBreakKid

Thann Sanctuary is one of places to be when it comes to Spa and you should follow @thannsanctuary on Twitter for updates. Anyway, click image to read more “juicy stuff” from Thann Sanctuary on the “copier”

An interesting post on Thann Sanctuary’s blog on an imitation spa that claimed to be another outlet (or the 2nd outlet) of Thann Sanctuary. I still remember the old days when T.T. Blues used to be called “The Coffee Bean” and there was a lot of confusion from the public.

As for this particular imitator (spa), I’m not too sure which spa Thann Sanctuary management was referring to but according to the post, the unknown spa has been imitating by copying part of their names of the establishment as well as names of the therapists as well.

So this is just a precaution to the public if you happen to come across this particular wanna-be spa, don’t be fooled.

Braised Soya Chicken

In celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year 2012, the Year of Dragon, Royal Brunei Catering is introducing the popular Chinese New Year Set Menus from 22 January to 6 February 2012 at Emperor’s Court and Dynasty Restaurant. There are three selections of the best-loved delicacies of the festive celebration. Each menu starts with a celebratory tossing of “Yee Sang” and a range of gourmet dishes such as Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with Crab Meat, Wok Fried Prawns with tea leaf, Trio Hot and Cold Combination, Braised Mushroom and Dried Scallops with Seasonal Vegetable, Braised Duck with Sea Cucumber, Sweetened Peanut Cream with Glutinous Rice and many other choices. Menu range from $368, $468 and $588.

In this festive celebrations, Yee Sang is also available from 21 January to 6 February 2012.

Toss high for good luck and prosperity with five variations of auspicious Yee Sang with choices of Abalone, Pacific Clam, Shredded Roast Duck & Jelly Fish, Salmon and Vegetarian. Prices range from $28 to $148 served either medium or large portion.

For reservations, please call Emperor’s Court (Tel: 233 2880/1) and Dynasty Restaurant (Tel: 243 0185/6) during business hours from 9:00am to 10:00pm. Hurry! Place your bookings in advance to avoid disappointment.

SO CELEBRATE YOUR CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH ROYAL BRUNEI CATERING.

Deep fried nian gao with banana

One of the finalists last Sunday

Another finalist but he failed to make the cut

Md Bakhir won $500 for being 1st place in the basketball competition

Ricky Soh, the Director of Uni Arcade Funland with the top three winners

Suriyati Abd Hamid won herself a Samsung Galaxy S Plus as part of the lucky draw from Uni Arcade Funland

Care & Action for Strays. Dogs & Cats for adoption

The wait is almost over. The concert is made possible by NMHQR Studio Productions. I will be gathering more information on the concert soon. Would this the first of many international artist concerts after a long dry spell? Let’s hope so..

Such a big crowd last Sunday at Times Square. But after the 10 shortlisted were announced, half the crowd left #typical

Guest of honour picked 10 draws from the 900+ coupons

The finalists must pick the key from the booth of the car before heading to the Proton Saga FL

Mutu was one of the foreigners being shortlisted but he only received a consolation as he failed to unlock the door

Another disappointment as he failed to claim the car

Finally the winner of the Proton Saga FL.. Norashikin said two words – “Happy… Rezeki”.

The formalities as the mock key was handed over by the guest of honour

Alfred Yong of United Motors taking a group photo with Norashikin with her family

I’ve pulled her once on Twitter a few months back and she has a great, soothing voice and music is her passion. Catch her tonight live on UBD FM from 8pm onwards. Click image to find out more.

My first meeting with Yvonne in Singapore last December

I stumbled across TigerLim’s post on the clearance sale on one of the longest comic store that has been existing in Brunei. Well, it’s famously known for Chinese comics and also Dragon Ball comics.

I was just talking about comics to my old time buddy, Yazid and both of us were collector of comics back in the 90s *lol* I remember I collected like at least 60 titles a month (a huge chunk of my allowance money) and back in the 90s, there are tons of places to buy comics in Brunei – Best Eastern, Bluestone (closed) and Bookers International.

However, for the past few years, comics have been on a downhill.. Best Eastern was always a collection point for me and I made used of the “Comic Preview” to pre-order my comics. Frankly speaking, I’ve lost that hobby in me and my love for comics just faded in the late 90s. Today, comic collectors can feel the significant drop in the interest of comics.

I also used to buy my comics in Singapore (Serene Centre) and a few more places but now there are hardly any stores that just simply sell comics. I haven’t done any further research on this but the trend is pretty obvious. Could it be because graphic novels are much cost effective? I notice bookstores such as Kinokuniya focuses more on graphic novels instead of comics.

Whatever it is, I’m pretty sad that comics have lost its presence despite their rise in popularity in movie adaptations. By the way, what comic are you? I’m a Marvel, Image and DC collector for your info 🙂

Mr. TigerLim was looking through the comics.. They have a huge collection of comics to choose from and they are selling it at a very low price. Image by TigerLim. Click image to read more

The bookstore is located at Hua Ho Gadong on the 1st floor

Since it’s on the topic of comics, I’m looking for a buyer for my collector items – Wildcats #1 Gold edition signed by Jim Lee and Pitt #1. I don’t know how much they are worth now *lol*

I found this on Hanisham’s Facebook album. I wonder what happened next.

This is the first time I’ve seen a Kuey Teaw + Ayam Penyet dish and this was made possible at Lau Di Fang Restaurant located at Gadong Central. Try this dish out and there’s quite a good traffic too. Says a lot about that place. Call 242 7217

There were 800 entries in the recent Red Bull Monkey Run during the consumer fair and no, I didn’t get the opportunity to try it out but this looks quite fun indeed. The winners of the university category will earn the chance to represent Brunei in the regional finals in July in Penang, Malaysia. The ones with the fastest times in each respective categories will also bagged top cash prizes ranging from $800 to $1,500. Images courtesy of Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin.

Male Open category winners:

1. Thal’at $1,500
2. Nazirul Mubin $800
3. Saifullah $600
4. Roy Usmeirman $400

Female Open category winners:

1. Afirah $1,000
2. Sabaria $500
3. Karimini $300
4. Yen $200

Male University/College category winner:

Hasnal Husna $1,000
Female University/College category winner:

Ummi $1,000
Lucky prize of tour package for two to Penang:

Julremi Hj Zaini

The final hours of the Red Bull Monkey Run.. Great turn out from the public

Perhaps the easist obstacle of the lot

Now this can be painful if not done properly *lol*

Winner of Male Open Category – Thal’at

Winner of Male University/College category – Hasnal Husna

Winner of Female Open category – Afirah

Winner of Female University/College category – Ummi

Winner of Female University/College category – Ummi

Director of Deepblue Fishing Store in Brunei commented on the decreasing fish population in the country’s fishing spots as a result of pollution.

In an interview with the director, who preferred to be known as “Ken” during the first “Rapala Lures Clinic” held at Riverview Hotel Poolside yesterday said that fishing in the country is viewed as more of a past time for enthusiasts rather than a sport. “It’s quite worrying because it’s quite visible that when people go out and fish, there is less to catch due to pollution,” said Ken. He said there has been an increase in fishing enthusiasts in Brunei and that it would be a shame to see an outdoor hobby such as fishing be a disappointment for interested people if they find out that there is not much to catch in the country.

Manager of Singapore-based Rapala Asia Pacific, Fred Goh, at the first Rapala Lures Clinic yesterday. Image courtesy of Wardi Buntar of The Brunei Times.

“One of the suspecting things to me is pollution like battery acid being thrown away in the Brunei rivers, when the water is already polluted at the upstream area then when people want to fish downstream, there is just no point,” said the director. He said that nowadays people would have to travel deeper down the river just to fish and sometimes it could “pose a risk” for them because it would usually be away from civilisation. “One example for people to upset the fish cycle is through the ecosystem. If we tear down the mangrove trees, the fish are dependent on the roots because that is where they lay eggs to hide away from their predators,” said Ken.

The director added that it is a postive thing that Brunei has started to be conscious in taking care of natural reserves or the imbalance in the ecosystem would just spoil Brunei’s fishing hobby.

“Fishing is seen as a growing hobby in the country and we hope to continue this trend in the future,” said the director. Text courtesy of Wardi Buntar of The Brunei Times.

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Today we lost one of the influential figures in Brunei. Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Makhota Pengiran Anak (Dr) Kemaludin Al-Haj ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Hj Mohd Yassin, passed away this afternoon. He was a former Legislative Council Speaker. My deepest condolences to the family. Al-Fatihah. (Image taken from Ilhamina Athirah).

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It was my first visit to IKIDS Enrichment tuition school and it’s pretty true what was mentioned earlier on my post that Math Monkey can make Math a fun subject. I’m never a big fan of Math and maybe that’s how I was brought up anyway. Hence, Math Monkey programme can somehow turn Math into a more interesting and even maybe a passionate subject for your children.

During the official opening of the 2nd outlet of IKIDS Enrichment, I attended a short demo on how Math can be simplified and engaging. The system of Vedic Math was applied for multiplication and I never realised how easy it is to multiplication even for double digits such as 36 x 36 or 42 x 49.

One of my friends actually send his children to IKIDS but back then they only have a branch at Kuala Belait. Hence he would send his kids to KB every Saturday to attend the Math Monkey programme. Now with the 2nd branch open at Gadong Central, it’s more convenient for him.

Congratulations to the management of IKIDS Enrichment Tuition School on the opening of their 2nd branch at Gadong Central and guess what peeps… The management would like to further show their appreciation by giving a discount of 10% off the module fee and promotion will be only valid until 22nd January 2012 (One day before CNY).

Call 242 7376 for more details.

This is the logo of Math Monkey

There was a lot of interest from parents during the opening of the IKIDS

One of the rooms at IKIDS Enrichment Tuition School

They had a few gimmicks for kids to play and they are educational too

Kids were having fun playing educational games at IKIDS

Math for life?? Eeerr… not for me *lol*

He’s very impressed with IKIDS Enrichment Tuition School. His kids love the programme and now they enjoy Math too. It’s a bonus that IKIDS is now open in bandar so he doesn’t have to commute to KB to send his kids.

There was a short demo was shown to the parents on how Math Monkey works. It’s very interesting.

Now Math can be fun subject and you’ll never know that your kids will enjoy this subject

Do sign up if you’re interested

Chinese New Year Promotion from 9th – 31st January at Dermatologist Beauty Therapy and they will still carry on the promotion from last month. Diamond Dermabrasion facial ($135), Vitamin C Infusion facial ($120), Aromatherapy Stress Relief facial ($108) & Environment Control Sensitivity facial ($125) is NOW ONLY $88. For Anti Aging facial, Ultrasonic Lifting facial & ChromaWhite Skin Brightening facial is NOW ONLY $98. For any Oxygen Intraceuticals treatment, you can choose either FREE eye treatment, ear candling OR diamond dermabrasion.

Take note that they will be closing for Chinese New Year from 23rd-29th January. Any enquiry pls call to 2342928 OR 8716680.

The facial shop is located at Serusop

The products they use at Dermatologist Beauty Therapy

How deep is your love? The fake $500 note was detected by the bride’s sister. I also heard that only one side of the money was printed #superfail. Image by Muiz Matdani of Media Permata

This article came out Media Permata two days ago with regards to a fake money being used as part of the “Hantaran” during the couple’s solemnization (Nikah) which took place on 1st January. What would you do if you find out that fake money was used to officiate a wedding ceremony?

According to the press release at Media Permata, the husband’s mother’s defence was that they didn’t have enough money to fork. Hence, the mother’s plan was to “colour-photocopy” the $500 note and hope that the fake money was good enough to dupe the eyes of the guests and the witnesses during the procession. If I’m not mistaken, the dollar notes were framed. It wasn’t until the sister of the bride inspected the “hantaran” items and noticed the fake notes.

In my opinion, this matter could have been discussed earlier and for the husband’s side to be truthful of their limited spending power. It is very likely that the person who printed the money will be charged accordingly and it will be a police case. This was indeed a bizarre story to start off year 2012.

Hey peeps… Tomorrow is the official opening of Math Monkey. Do drop by and find out more 🙂

The main goal is to give children a strong fundamental basis in Maths and help them reach their full potential. In fact, children at Math Monkey are taught much more than numbers. They develop problem-solving, reasoning, memory, concentration and critical thinking skills on their way to becoming big thinkers of tomorrow. This helps considerably in other academic areas as well as self esteem and personal growth.

Classes at Math Monkey are categorised into different levels. Children from age 4 to 12 are assessed based on their current mathematical aptitude before being placed in the level most suitable for them. Children can join the classes for a FREE TRIAL and assessment before enrolling in the programme. Parents are encouraged to bring their children over for a full Math Monkey experience.

The first Math Monkey Knowledge Centre is located at IKIDS Enrichment Tuition School in Kuala Belait. The second branch which is located at Gadong Central in Bandar Seri Begawan will be having its Grand Opening day on this coming Sunday, 8th January 2012 at 1000hrs. All are welcome to join this event and there will be a SPECIAL DISCOUNT where registration fee worth $30 is waived if you sign up your child on the Grand Opening day. There will also be a session of Math Monkey Vedic Demo for parents, exciting games and gifts for children. For further details call 242 7376 to make appointments for the Free Trial classes which will be available starting from 8th Jan 2012. Seats are on a first come first serve basis. More information on Math Monkey programme is available at www.mathmonkeyasia.com.

Jason Ong talked about photography

Olivia Ong shared her experiences in the art and design industry

The guests in attendance yesterday at iCentre

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Norhairol Momin and Lim Sei Kee brought home a Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000 each after winning the ‘Win-A-Car’ campaign hosted by GreenCity Concept Sdn Bhd at the Consumer Fair Part 9 (CF9) yesterday.

Visitors can enter the contest by simply purchasing either six cans of Red Bull Gold or Silver or one box of Sunsnack for only $5. Customers will then fill in the contest form and drop it into the collection boxes that are located at several stations during the Consumer Fair Part 9. Other prizes to be won include another two units of Samsung Tab P1000 and four units of Samsung Galaxy S II.

One lucky winner will drive home a brand new KIA Sportage (high spec) for the final grand draw that will take place on Sunday, the last day of CF9. Other prizes to be won in the final draw include two units of Apple iPhone 4S and two units of Apple iPad 2 (16GB Wifi+3G).

There are five stations and one main station at the Multi-purpose Hall where you can buy a cluster of Redbull or a pack of SunSnack at the Consumer Fair

Sophia and I bought a SunSnack and let’s hope both of us get shortlisted this Sunday *lol*

….. and we ended up giving the Sunsnack to staff of Sunlit Advertising

They had tons of people who entered the lucky draw on the first day

Who’s gonna drive the KIA Sportage this Sunday?

Lim Sei Kee (2L) and Norhairol Momin (2R) hold up their prizes in a group photo with Martin M Anthony (C) with GreenCity Concept staff. Image taken by Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin

Red Bull is also bringing in the Red Bull Monkey Run for the very first time in Brunei Darussalam. A challenging obstacle course that will test contestants’ physical fitness, agility and flexibility and those who will win for the university category will have the unique chance to represent Brunei in the regional grand final in Penang, Malaysia, some time in July.

The champion for the university category for the male division will win a cash prize of $1,000, the runner-up will get $700, 3rd place will get $500 and $300 for the 4th place. While the female division’s champion will win $800, $500 for the runner-up, 3rd place will win $300 and 4th place will get $200.

Those participating in the open category will stand a chance to win a tour package for two inclusive of air tickets and hotel accommodations to watch the ‘University’ edition grand final in Penang, Malaysia. The champion for the open category for the male division will win $1,500, the runner-up will get $800, 3rd place gets $600, and 4th place will get $400. The female division’s champion will win $1,000, the runner-up will get $500, $300 for the 3rd place winner and 4th place gets $200.

The Red Bull Monkey Run is open to residents with valid Brunei identity card. For entrance into the university category to potentially race for Brunei in Penang, participants are only required to produce their student identity card and purchase a can of Red Bull.

This Brunei leg of the race during the Consumer Fair 9 is the first stop for the series that will then go on to tour various parts of Malaysia and Singapore in search of other finalists to compete in Penang. The Red Bull Monkey Run is supported by the Department of Youth and Sports under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and is managed by GreenCity Concept Sdn Bhd, the official marketing agent for Red Bull in Brunei Darussalam.

The CF9 was opened to visitors starting on January 4. It will then be opened from 10am to 10pm every day until January 8. Free shuttle buses will run regularly from Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah to ICC during the event period. Visitors are also welcome to park their vehicles in the parking space there. Text courtesy of Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin.

All you need is to spend a $1 on Red Bull drink to be eligible for the competition. You can stand a chance to win fantastic cash prizes for open and college category :))

Ok, one tip… if you are short, it’s not advisable to try the roller part.. you might just roll under

You have to glide before reaching the last obstacle – the net

Jacky didn’t want to try just yet. Let’s hope he will before the end of Consumer Fair

There’s even a medic team just in case you might get injured during the obstacle attempts

These guys will help to assist you this weekend for Monkey Run

If you want to visit Balloon World and Kids World, just look for this Gingerbread man to guide you

You can use this balloon as a scarf *lol* and this was taken at Balloon World

A lot of effort was done to create the face of MJ using balloons.. At least 2-3 days to build this.

The ever popular Angry Birds are also made into balloons

One of those times where it is okay to touch “one”

A mosque made of balloons too

This was taken at Kids World

You will see characters from Toy Story and they can dance too

There’s also a ship from the Pirates of the Carribean

House of Snake is another place of attraction at Consumer Fair

This was circulating on Facebook and I don’t agree that the photo should be posted even though the intention of the person is good. If you missed out on the recent child abuse case, you can click the image to read the article.

There are tons of activities to look forward to but I’m too old for this *lol*

Hmmmm… It’s a Flying Fish toy… I wonder how this works (at Multi-Purpose Hall)

Multi-Purpose Hall is full of food stuff… I’m sure there will be some food tasting too.

BIBD is taking up a few areas as well at the Plenary Hall

This is where the official opening of CF9 will take place

This was quite popular during Edutainment Wonderland and it’s back again. This should be another crowd puller

The Kids World area at Banquet Hall

A Transformer made out of a Balloon

Can you recognised this face? It was made out of balloons

Arcade area for kids to play

A mini bumper car section at The Main Conference Hall

You can check out Max Track at The Plenary Hall

I’ve always seen this item but I don’t know what it does

Ahh… Angry Bird made of balloons at Balloon World

I didn’t want to touch the green balloon so I opted for the red one *lol*

Great deals at Takaful during the Consumer Fair. Do you want insurance for your education or travel or fire or even golfer’s insurance?

Now this is for adults and this is one of the activities at Consumer Fair located at The Main Conference Hall. The Monkey Run is brought to you by Red Bull (Brunei).

This is the Monkey Run structure. It reminds me of Wipe-Out.

There are three obstacles to go through and the winner will win $1500 (Open) and $1000 (University/College).

1) Roll 2) Glide 3) Climb

Four categories with 16 prizes up for grabs.. Cool stuff from Red Bull

Ok, this one I might be interested to participate… I’ve won lucky draws before but never this big *lol* All you need to buy a cluster of Red Bull or Sunsnack to participate

The Kia Sportage is being displayed at the main entrance of ICC

Now ain’t this smart ….. Having an expo at Indoor Stadium while the Consumer Fair 9 is happening at the ICC and both events kick off today till Sunday. So in a way, it’s complementing each other in terms of traffic. Of course, the main draw will be Consumer Fair which has attracted at least 100,000 people (per Consumer Fair).

The main draw for the BruXpo will be the Smurf Pavilion as well as the official launch of Hyundai Veloster this Friday evening. With BruXpo and CF happening at the same time, expect more traffic around this area.

Preparing for the launch of Veloster this Friday

The Smurf Pavilion at BruXpo at Indoor Stadium