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Three artists recently finished painting a section of the MegaStrike Bowl Centre’s wall with a touch of artistic flair that incorporates the bowling centre’s environment. The three young artists who call themselves “Arttralia”, formed in 2009, comprising Zakwan Zinal Abidin, Hairol Abdulkhan and Muhd Nur Adzim Othman. The group completed the mural painting within a week, just in time for the new year.

According to Hairol, the name “Arttralia” is a combination of the words “Art Attracts Belia”, and the team has previously done mural art paintings for the Youth Day at the National Indoor Stadium, the International Convention Centre exhibitions, the Youth Centre and the children’s ward in Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.

According to Syu’aib Rafie, MegaStrike Bowl’s executive officer, the management wanted a mural art design that can highlight the centre’s lively environment that encompasses its logo.

“Before we did the design, we tried to capture all of the moments and experiences while we were here (the bowling centre)… then we try to interpret that by making the flow of the movement, as well as the speed of the bowling ball, and express it through the colours, which will, in turn, express the delightfulness and happiness portrayed by visitors playing here,” explained Hairol.

The “Arttralia” group has its facebook page where the public can see all their artwork and book for mural art requests. Text and images courtesy of Anwar Hj Rosly of The Brunei Times.

July 2011. Baiduri Masters 2011 ….. BRIDEX 2011 ….. Tony Moly opened its door …. SCB Run that Cares …. Think Big Biz Plan was renamed to Think Big Ignite …. Le Orient relocated and relaunched …. EA Con (Expressive Art Convention) ….. EGNC launched e-darussalam ….. Harry Potter Day at STPRI ….. RA parts with Skali on website management …. Liverpool tour to Malaysia ….. My second visit to Cambodia with Awesome Foursome with a KL stopover ….. Quick pitstop to Singapore for Mom’s minor surgery …..

We Bought A Zoo. I saw this on Rottentomatoes and it has a fresh rating but I was quite turned off by the title itself because I thought to myself, “Couldn’t the producer make another suitable title?”. However, after watching the movie half way, the reason for the producer was justified on the title of the movie.

I havent seen the trailers so I had no expectations of the movie but a good word of mouth from Sophia and Del suggest that this should be a pleasant watch, considering both are very hard to please when it comes to movies *lol*

I was drawn from the beginning till the end of the movie. This is what sometimes is lacking in hollywood movies – moral values and lessons that can be learned from a movie. “We Bought A Zoo” displayed these elements and I was pretty moved by them. This flick would have easily made my top 10 list of 2011. A heart warming movie where Matt Damon pulled off a commendable performance. I still love Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting and that was his best for me. Screenings are pretty low at The Mall Cineplex but if you do have time, I highly recommend you this. Verdict: 8/10

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The Brazilian trial import only played 20 mins due to jet lag but showed some good touches and scored a beauty as he chested before volleying past the keeper. It is not known if he will be one of the new imports as DPMM FC is still searching for another striker. Rumours have it that one of the import players will have to give way for a striker’s position.

The Ghanian Osman Bashiru is very impressive during the friendly match. I believe he played the full game yesterday and his pace and fitness level are a huge asset to DPMM FC’s attacking line. He was one of the scorers yesterday and his work rate was superb

With Osman’s services secured as a striker/forward, the fate of other import players are still in question as DPMM FC have already signed 4 import players but still looking for a striker to support Osman. Would this mean DPMM FC would sacrifice George O’Callaghan (Dr. House look-a-like) or defender Tales Ricate Dos Santos? Or even the experience Ivan Jerkovic? We shall wait and see

Despite his height, the import player from Nigeria didn’t live up to expectations though he did score a goal. He has not got much pace and he holds the ball too long at times. I will be surprised if DPMM FC acquired his services.

Sairol was slightly injured during the friendly match but he’s slated to DPMM FC’s full back next season. His crosses and penetrating runs down the flanks will be useful for DPMM FC’s attacking momentum

I’m quite impressed with Hassanal Bolkiah Team under-21 as they are preparing themselves for the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in February 2012. They gave DPMM FC a good run too and they are surely no pushovers. I can’t wait to see them in action for HBT 2012.

DPMM FC players sharing a light moment and posed for the camera. Happy holiday guys and I shall be seeing more of you guys in 2012

The Middle East cuisine is back to Seasons Restaurant again! Two invited chefs are now at Seasons Restaurant to cook up a wide range of Middle East cuisine from appetizers to soup, main dishes and desserts which started from 27 December 2011 till 9th January 2012.

The food festival was launched on 27 December by the Permanent Secretary at Prime Minister’s office, Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohd Roselan Bin Haji Mohd Daud. Attending the launching ceremony were representatives from Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam, Standard Chartered Bank, RBC Board and Management, press and invited guests.

In the welcoming speech of RBC General Manager Haji Omar Ali bin Haji Mohd Daud expressed his gratitude to the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam, co-business partners – Standard Chartered Bank for their great support to this food festival.

During the food festival, Buffet Lunch served from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm at $19.90 for adult and $10.00 for child. Buffet Dinner served from 7:00pm to 10:30pm at $29.90 for adult and $15.00 for child.

All dine-in customers for the food festival are entitled to win special prizes. Exclusive discounts are available for Standard Chartered Credit Card members during the promotional period, 30% Infinite & Platinum, 20% Gold and 15% Classic.

For reservations, please call 242 2291 / 242 2292.

RA Best movies of 2011

1) You’re the Apple of My Eye (Taiwan)
2) Rise of the Planets of the Apes
3) X-Men: First Class
4) Captain America: The First Avenger
5) Real Steel
6) Horrible Bosses
7) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
8) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
9) Fast Five
10) Super 8

Notable mentions: Thor, Tower Heist, Puss in boots, Rio, Friends with Benefits, Johnny English Reborn, Insidious, Kung Fu Panda 2, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Nasi Lemak 2.0, Bridesmaids.

This New Year’s Day, Marina Bay Sands is thrilled to be chosen as the venue to the largest BASE jumping attempt in Singapore. Seven professional BASE jumpers, hailing from different parts of the world, will participate in this adrenaline pumping display to welcome the New Year.

The jumpers – who have completed about 8,000 successful jumps in total – will be launching off the Observation Deck of the Sands SkyPark in quick succession, landing on the Bayfront Bridge. BASE jumping is an extreme sport activity that employs an initially packed parachute to jump from fixed objects, specifically Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges), and Earth (cliffs).

This not-to-be-missed event is free and open to all ages – visitors can witness this first-ever stunt from various vantage points on property including the section of Bayfront Avenue in between the hotel and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, as well as the outdoor area located on Level 4 of the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

This BASE Jumping stunt and team is put together by Omer Mei-Dan, an orthopedic surgeon from Israel and an extreme sports enthusiast (who is also a professional BASE jumper). Omer successfully executed the world’s first climbing race on a building facade to mark Marina Bay Sands’ opening celebrations on 23 June 2010. At that time, some 21 professional climbers, representing over 10 countries, scaled the walls of the three hotel towers in the World Championship Climb to the Sands SkyPark.

“A Great Team behind a Great Brand.” The Body Shop Team (Brunei) wish to express their sincerest gratitude for all continued support year 2011. Thank you so much and rest assured they will continue to strive to give the best products and continue to embrace their core values of protecting our planet. As always, Nature’s Way to Beautiful.

Take a cue from Kool and the Gang’s classic ditty and celebrate the good times of 2011 as we move into the New Year here at The Empire Hotel & Country Club! Ring in the new year, in luxurious yet affordable style as we offer you not one but TWO choices to see the clock strike midnight; stay for 1-night from B$390 per room per night in a Deluxe E-Club room, inclusive of E-Club benefits for two person, or for just B$400 per room, choose our 2-night New Year’s Weekend Getaway package in a Superior Room including breakfast at Atrium Café.

There are also a ton of events happening around the property on New Year’s Eve such as balloon drop for restaurant diners in the Main Atrium from 11.30pm to 12.15am where up to B$3,000 worth of hotel vouchers, hidden inside the balloons, are waiting to be won! All kinds of prizes are up for grabs and all it takes is a simple ‘pop’ to try your luck. We have also local jazz talents and local DJ’s lined up to keep your ears entertained throughout the night so come on down and get in the groove!

Spaghettini’s is serving an Art Culinaire menu that will get your creative juices flowing with all that color, texture and taste! For B$95 you get to experience true culinary workmanship at its best. A smorgasbord of buffets is also available at Pantai Restaurant, Atrium Café and Li Gong, all for $95 where the likes of Oak-flavored Grilled Lamb Chops on Polenta Cake with Glazed Apricot Rosemary Jus and Apple Chutney, a Live Lobster Station, or Sautéed Crab with Ginger and Spring Onion are just a handful of tasty dishes available for New Year’s Eve.

All prices are subject to 10% Service Charge. For further details on rooms please call 2417788 or dining on 2417700. So come on down to The Empire Hotel and Country Club and celebrate the end of the good, the bad and the plain Jane moments of 2011, this 31st December!

Shaheizy Sam scored the winning goal for the Malaysian team in a 2-1 penalty shoot against the Brunei side in a friendly celebrity futsal match at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last night.

The match had to be decided through a shoot out after the two sides were leveled with a score of 12-12 in the original minutes.

The crowds who thronged the stadium were entertained by the two sides, especially Nabil, Angah and Tauke. Present to watch the match was guest of honour Hj Rosmadee Hj Mohd Daud, Acting Deputy Director of the Department of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Text by Sahrol Daud and images by Muiz Matdani of The Brunei Press.

Sometimes digging the right information is very important and the articles that has bee printed was a misrepresentation of what it should or should not have been. This was in relation to the recent news of the KK Bus accident that stole the headlines last week. However, the information that was given wasn’t correct and this has jeopardised the credibility of the company, Sunshine Borneo tours & Travel (SBT).

The owner of SBT was very unhappy of how the article was written in the Borneo Bulletin dated 21st December where the accounts were given by the Royal Brunei Police Force. SBT was happier with The Brunei Times approach as the said newspaper approached SBT for the correct information. SBT also sent information to the Brunei Press to clarify on what was written on 21st December publication was not correct. However, Borneo Bulletin still published “SBT” as the bus operator and printed it out the following day 22nd December which further damaged the reputation of SBT.

There have been complains and outrage from the public towards SBT due to the information printed on Borneo Bulletin. Hence this particular post is to help give the right information on the bus operator.

1) The Bus KJ 3067 is not owned by Sunshine Borneo tours & Travel S/B (SBT)

2) None of the personnels operating the bus are employed by SBT

3) SBT has No control of the group or their activities

4) The permit is wholly/totally sub-contracted to Syarikat Daba for the group

5) Syarikat Daba is the owner of the bus and the driver is an employee of the mentioned bus

6) The whole excursion is organised wholly between Syarikat Daba and the group

7) Syarikat Daba has full insurance for the vehicle,the driver and the passengers as been informed by their manager.

January 2011. Brunei Cyber Games ….. Obsidian Happy Energy Hair Show …. Qualifiers for Red Bull Rookies ….. Team LoveFoodHateWaste co-winners of ThinkBig Business Plan 2010/2011 ….. Vincent Ho, the new CEO of HSBC Brunei ….. 1st trip to Singapore.

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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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