Leicester City have just been crowned champions of the Premier League – and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) staff and students are joining the celebrations.

The football club recently signed a new deal with De Montfort University (DMU) to become the Club’s Official Higher Education Partners.

The exciting new partnership, which builds on a fruitful four years of working together, will bring incredible opportunities for DMU students to get involved with a club whose name is known to millions around the world thanks to the success of Vardy, Mahrez, Ranieri and others.

It will include work placements for up to 100 students a year at the King Power Stadium covering all aspects of running a Premier League football club. DMU will also be looking at opportunities for students to work with King Power charities in Asia.

Brunei also enjoys a unique link with Leicester City Football Club which recently completed a transfer from Chelsea for winger Prince Faiq Jefri Bolkiah on a three-year professional deal that could see him making his way into the Foxes’ first team over the coming years.

De Montfort University student football trials will take place at the Club’s state-of-the-art facilities, while students will be treated to first team player appearances on campus during term time.


  
Academically, DMU offers expert English language support for the Club’s flourishing International Academy students. For example, Shinji Okazaki, the team’s Japanese international striker, recently completed an English course at the university.

Leicester City, the Premier League Champions

De Montfort University (DMU) has signed a new deal to become Leicester City FC’s Official Higher Education Partners. Click image to know more about DMU.

According to DMU’s press release, Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “We’re extremely proud of our growing partnership with DMU – a relationship that brings together two great Leicester institutions, proudly representing this city in front of a global audience.”



In the same release, Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, said: “The benefits that this partnership will bring to DMU students are extraordinary, in terms of gaining vital industry experience, continuing DMU’s dedication to the public good with charitable and voluntary work, overseas travel through #DMUglobal, and cheering on Leicester City in the Premier League. I don’t think there will be another university in the country that can offer these sorts of opportunities in partnership with a Premier League football club.”

Findlay represents De Montfort University and provides students with free advice and guidance in all aspects of furthering their studies in the UK. For more information please telephone 2428658 or visit their office in Block E, Unit 2, 1st Floor, Abdul Razak Complex in Jalan Gadong.

 

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education as Deputy Chairman of AMBD’s Board of Directors (2nd from left), Yang Mulia Hajah Nurliati binti Haji Md Idris, Acting Managing Director of AMBD (center) with the associates from Baiduri Bank at the roadshow during the launch of National Savings Day 2016 at Lambak Kanan Primary School

Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Employee Trust Fund (TAP) and related agencies, held the Launching Ceremony for National Savings Day 2016 at the Lambak Kanan Primary School on Thursday, 26th Rejab 1437H corresponding to 4th May 2016M.

The Guest of Honour for the event was Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education as Deputy Chairman of AMBD’s Board of Directors. Also present were Yang Arif Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Metussin bin Haji Baki, Syariah High​ Court Judge​; other members of AMBD Board of Directors; Permanent Secretaries; Senior Government Officers; Chief Executives of Financial Institutions in Brunei Darussalam and teachers and students of selected Primary Schools.

The launching ceremony began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, followed by Welcoming Remarks by Yang Mulia Hajah Nurliati binti Haji Md Idris, Acting Managing Director of AMBD. Yang Mulia Hajah Nurliati then proceeded to invite the Guest of Honour to launch the National Savings Day 2016.

Yang Berhormat Pehin had the opportunity to tour all booths by AMBD; TAP; and participating financial institutions, where these institutions showcased various interactive financial management games activities specially designed for primary school students.

AMBD in collaboration with MOE and TAP will continue with roadshows in all four districts namely Temburong District on Monday, 9th May 2016, followed by the Brunei-Muara District on Wednesday, 11th May 2016, then to the Belait District and Tutong District on the Monday, 16th May and Wednesday, 18th May respectively. In addition, other events planned for in conjunction with the National Savings Day 2016, are the Financial Planners’ Day organized by the Centre for Islamic Banking and Management (CIBFM), AMBD’s training arm, on Thursday, 26 May 2016, followed by a Financial Planners’ Showcase on Saturday, 28 May 2016.

For more information on National Savings Day 2016 please visit www.ambd.gov.bn or contact AMBD through email corpcomms@ambd.gov.bn Images courtesy of Baiduri Bank.

 

The clip that went viral on Facebook

Md A’aqiil Ahmad (L), Zainal Bostaman Hj Salleh Bostaman (C) and Md Faizul Faiq Mohemmad Ali, founders of Filterworks Production

The trios have been making waves. We have heard of @babusinur and @bruneivinesvideo and now a new and upcoming group, Filterworks Production. You can check out their work at their Facebook Page. Their videos are normally 3 to 4 minutes long hence it is not the whole deal when it comes to Instragram due to the time limit given.

It’s good that that our youth are taking initiatives in the creative industry. The trio – Md A’aqiil Ahmad, Zainal Bostaman Hj Salleh Bostaman and Md Faizul Faiq Mohemmad Ali – have been very active in creating humourous videos that are related to our society. You might be familiar with their faces from the recent musical production Belle.

I like their recent video on “Mau Indomie” which has been shared at least 1,000 times on Facebook. Because of their efforts, Syarikat Aliaa, the trading company that imports the Indomie brand, gave the founders of Filterworks Production some token of appreciation with Indomie boxes and hampers.

Filterworks Production feted by the management of Syarikat Aliaa

Zainal Bostaman won’t be hungry for at least 3 months 😀

The crew working on their latest video which is already up on their Facebook Page

 

Mothers Day celebration is just around the corner! What sweeter way to treat your mum than with cooking and designing your own beautiful pancakes for her!

Paddington House of Pancakes is hosting a cooking event to all. Our event is open to all who want to share their loves for mum and other loved ones through sweet and tasty pancakes.

“Unleash Your Baking Talent”!

They will provide and prepare all the necessary ingredients for you to make and decorate your own pancakes! Each design is $10 and you can be as creative as your heart desires with your designs. Bring friends, family, and loved ones to join our fun cooking and sharing activity!

They will have a cooking station prepared for you anytime from 9am to 9pm and you have today till Sunday, 8th of May! If you would like to book reservations or have any questions, please call our Berakas branch at 2331668.

 

Dermot Mannion, chairman of Abacus Brunei with Aji Hj Puteh, Director of Abacus Brunei, Irene Soon, General Manager of Abacus Brunei and Abd Halim Hj Abd Rahman, Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing of Abacus Brunei and the management of Abacus Brunei during the cake cutting ceremony to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Abacus Distribution System (Brunei)

Dermot Mannion with representatives of the Top Travel Agents in Brunei

This is a delayed post. This took place last weekend at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club. Abacus Distribution System (Brunei) Sdn Bhd celebrated their 25th anniversary – the Silver Jubilee, and they are currently Brunei’s leading travel technology provider. For instance, all those travel bookings you make at travel agents using the Abacus system.

The guest of honour was Dermot Mannion, chairman of Abacus Brunei. Also present were Aji Hj Puteh, Director of Abacus Brunei, Irene Soon, General Manager of Abacus Brunei and Abd Halim Hj Abd Rahman, Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing of Abacus Brunei and the management of Abacus Brunei.

Among those who attended were representatives of shareholders of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Sabre, also include partners from Malaysia airlines, Singapore Airlines, TTCO, Tourism Malaysia, Baiduri Bank Sdn Bhd, Cityneon Brunei and Royal Brunei Catering (RBC).

Dermot Mannion expressed his gratitude towards the travel partners for their continuous support. He highlighted how applications such as RoomDeal, ETPIR, Reissuance are now fully integrated with Abacus Workspace to boost efficiency and productivity for travel agents.

Now with advanced technology, travel agents are able to access Abacus Worklite via their mobile devices and provide 24/7 service to their customer with Abacus WebStart and online booking solutions.

Do you know that Royal Brunei Airlines owns 85% shares in Abacus Brunei while the remaining shares are owned by Sabre?

Abacus Brunei hinted that they will be a travel fair coming this month. So stay tune to my updates on social media. I will be making my traveling plans again 😀 Thank you for the invitation, Abacus. Enjoyed the evening and some entertainment as well. Too bad I didn’t win any prizes on the lucky draw :p

Dermot Mannion giving his welcoming remarks

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 1st goes to Century Travel Centre (BSB)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 2nd goes to Pan Bright Travel Service (KB)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 3rd goes to Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd (BSB)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 4th goes to Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd (BSB)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 5th goes to Anthony Tours & Travel Agency (BSB)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 6th goes to Pan Bright Travel Service (BSB)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 7th goes to Syarikat Straits Central Agencies (B) Sdn Bhd (BSB)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 8th goes to Southern Cross Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd (Seria)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 9th goes to Freme Travel Services Sdn Bhd (KB)

Top Travel Agent 2014/15 – 10th goes to JJ Tour Service (B) Sdn Bhd (BSB)

Around 200 guests showed up last weekend

I’m amazed by Annabelle Pei Pei. Keep it up!!

Audi A4 S Line

T.C.Y. Motors as the sole Audi dealer/importer introduces another exciting variant in its Audi A4 line up- the S line Competition.

Exclusive from quattro GmbH which specializes in Audi’s high performance S/RS models and components, the S line Competition offers an enhanced sportier character to the A4 range with dynamic highlights from the exterior to the interior.

The S line Competition for both Sedan and Avant features the side mirrors, Singleframe radiator grille, roof frame, side skirts and rear diffuser frame in glossy black. The roof rails for the Avant (station wagon) model will also be featured in glossy black.

The interior features the main instrument cluster in piano black finish with aluminium gear-shift paddles behind the S line multifunctional steering wheel and stainless steel pedals (brake and accelerator). The S line Competition is complemented with the quattro GmbH exclusive Audi Sport aluminium wheels in 5-V-spoke design in matt titanium look, gloss turned finish.

The Audi A4 S line Competition is now available for viewing at the Audi Kiarong showroom which is now also open on Sundays 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Kids are creative indeed. Taken at Paddington House of Pancakes (Berakas branch)

As part of the celebrations for their second year anniversary, Paddington House of Pancakes held an event for their Kids club at the Berakas branch.

Members of the kids club participated in activities such as colouring and extending their creativity with play-dough with their parents watching on and some some even joining in on the fun.

As part of the event, PHOP also created a special pancake set meal, with fun character pancakes such as minions and Spongebob Squarepants,which comes with a drink and ice cream which is specially priced at $5 just for Kids Club members.

You can sign up for the Kids club at both the Gadong or the Berakas branch. Privileges include invitations to monthly gatherings, 10% off the kids menu at every visit and exclusive offers during kids club activities.

Enjoy 30% today at Momo Restaurant using your BIBD Credit Cards. For reservation call, 261 1618 and 861 3329

 

PHOP introduced a new Ramadhan promo called the PHOP Gourmet Buffet

These are some of the dishes you can choose from as part of the main course for the PHOP Gourmet Buffet

What do you know? Paddington House of Pancakes are doing their special deals for the Sungkai promotion. Last year, they had one in the Berakas outlet and this year there will be two outlets, the other one being at Gadong. However, both outlets have different promotion in a way. Only the Berakas outlet has Ramadhan Buffet from 6pm to 9pm and the promotion is almost the same as previous years.

Now the only difference is that PHOP has added a new set menu called the PHOP Gourmet Buffet. This is ideal for those who wants a simple combination of starters, main course, dessert and a drink for a price of $25.

What’s interesting about PHOP is the types of dishes they serve. It has a western feel and it uses pancakes instead of the usual rice to serve the main courses. You will be surprised that it is pretty tasty as well.

Make sure you try the Porto Pannekek (Salmon, egg) and the Chipotle dishes. My favourite so far. And of course, to end it off with the treasure box for dessert. For reservations, you can call 233 1668 (Berakas) or 243 0086 (Gadong). You can also follow on their IG handle @paddingtonpancakesbn

They also have special discounts (10% to 20%) for pancake lovers especially for take aways

The Olden Galette

Garlic brussels waffles with grilled lamb and kurma reduction sauce

PHOP pineapple pancakes with spiced marinated grilled chicken and peanut sauce

Spaghetti with prawn katsu and shitake mushroom in creamy chipotle sauce

PHOP special nachos

My guests for that night – Nee and Wen

This one is pretty good I must say. Salmon with egg inside

The signature dessert – Treasure Box

These are some of the dishes you can try

This is pretty good too. The chipotle rice roll

Taco rice

The usual Sungkai promo but only available at Berakas outlet

The usual Sungkai promo but only available at Berakas outlet

 

Owner of Sugar and Spice Nash Salleh (L) and Chef Md Radwan (C) hand a free chicken shawarma to a customer. Image courtesy of Norliha Din of The Brunei Times.

Loyal customers of Sugar and Spice Arabic Food in Kiulap recently flocked to the restaurant to receive complimentary chicken shawarmas as part of the eatery’s way of welcoming the blessed month of Ramadhan.

The giveaway, which was from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, had patrons queuing up for the delectable Middle Eastern traditional grub.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, the owner of Sugar and Spice, Nash Salleh said the giveway was a regular activity during Ramadhan and Maulidur Rasul.
“I invited regular customers through a group chat and the words spread from there,” Nash said.

Meanwhile Chef Md Radwan Esbinati said more than 250 neatly packed shawarmas were freshly prepared for customers.

The Arabic cuisine is made of finely sliced grilled spiced chicken that is added with the chef’s special garlic sauce and wrapped in a warm pita bread.

Each customer can request as many shawarmas as they like, however, the numbers usually given away range from five to 10 shawarmas. “We hope to get the berkat (blessing) from the month of Ramadhan as they say the more you give, the more rezeki (sustenance) you will receive,” said Nash. Text courtesy of Norliha Din of The Brunei Times.

Chef Md Radwan, the man behind the great food at Sugar & Spice

Preparing the shawarmas for the walk-in patrons

 

For Sungkai lovers, CheezBox is back again with their Ramadhan promotion. I would highly to recommend you to do advance booking for CheezBox especially during Ramadhan because it’s just pretty popular. With a price tag of almost BND 30, you will know how much of a worth it is. It has one of the widest range of dishes available and they even cater for the 2nd batch comers (around 8pm if I’m not mistaken). I had the privilege to dine in last night with my buddies at CheezBoz Cafe. This year, they will have an interesting gimmick – for two adults and two kids, you will get a free Hello Kitty merchandise. Awesome!!

The dishes are recycled everyday and you will enjoy a different experience on your next visit. They have also the pizza station, popular among children, where you can make your own pizza. There’s also the pastry section for bread lovers.

CheezBox Cafe has been around since 2008 and it’s one of the best cafes in town. It has such a strategic location as well, smack down in the middle of Gadong. So you won’t definitely miss this spot whenever you are in Gadong. Again, I would recommend you to do advance booking as it was a packed house last night.

A great spread of appetizers

Some of the main dishes – mixed vegetables, mee hoon, garlic mussels and butter prawn

This is pretty tasty too. The salmon

Spare ribs as part of the main course buffet

Nyonya Laksa fillings

My first dish of the night – the nyonya laksa *yumm*

More dishes on the lower floor

Woohoo.. The best dish of the night. Available every night

Japanese cuisine

Jenny, my friend from Vietnam, who missed her flight join us for Sungkai and made her own pizza

Jenny’s pizza creation

The pastry section

The sauces for the spaghetti

The ultimate plate

The fruit and dessert section

The pudding

Now this is a good gimmick. For bookings with 2 adults and 2 kids, you will get a free Hello Kitty merchandise from CheezBox Cafe

Seng Yee (center) with her couch surfer buddies, Jenny from Vietnam and Lyn from the US.

The hardworking staff from CheezBox, ready to serve you 😀

 

The best car of 2015. The C-Class.

 

During one of the sessions of Borneo Global Issues Conference

The International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) recently concluded its 11th annual student-led conference on a high note yesterday with over 200 students representing the member countries of the United Nations.

These students, who came from 23 local schools, including the host school, International School Brunei, have participated as Delegates to research a country other than their own, study the culture, history political situation and its position on UN Agenda items, and prepare presentation speeches outlining their position. They have debated global issues from economic and socio-political issues to human rights, security councils and the environment.

The theme for ISB BGIC this year is ‘Combatting World Diseases’. Some issues include questions of the safety and security of humanitarian or medical aid workers and volunteers in commission in nations outside their respective nationalities, reassessing and evaluating the precautionary measures undertaken by nations against the outbreak of Ebola and appropriate response(s) to disease outbreak contrary to natural disasters.

Last Monday passed resolutions were debated in the General Assembly. All the Delegates had profusely researched the countries and topics they had been. The Secretaries General, Parliamentarians and Committee Chairs administered and controlled the conference and debate, demonstrated a mastery of parliamentary procedure, and provided strong leadership.

James Gilmour, ISB BGIC XI coordinator, in his closing remarks mentioned that he was a bit worried on the first day as the delegates were very quiet. But within a few days, he was extremely glad that the students were able to engage with each other, discuss and debate among each other in finalising the meeting’s resolutions, and he thought that the students did a fantastic job.

The ISB BGIC concluded with a certificate presentation and students’ performances. School representatives, Floor Secretaries, Volunteers, as well as teaching staffs and admins who have helped in the preparation of ISB BGIC, were also recognised for their efforts during this closing ceremony.

For the students who took part in the International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference, this is a defining moment in their development and will play a role in their future career choices, university admission and personal commitment to making this world a better place. Press release by International School of Brunei.

 

Salman Ashraf Khan, BIBD Treasure, receiving the Islamic Bank of the Year

James Chua, Co-Deputy Treasurer of BIBD, receiving the Qatar Deal of the Year

One of the leading banks in Brunei, BIBD hit another milestone as they emerged Islamic Bank of the Year Brunei and Qatar Deal of the Year in two categories of the Islamic Finance News (IFN) Awards 2015.

The event took place at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur and representatives from BIBD were Salman Ashraf Khan and, BIBD Treasurer and James Chua, Co-Deputy Treasurer of BIBD. This has shown that BIBD has been making a great presence in the international Islamic Finance arena.

The recognition for Islamic Bank of the Year Brunei continues BIBD’s string of “Best Bank in Brunei” awards, a distinction that the bank notes with pride and which reinforces its commitment to better serving its customers and community. The bank received the award for Qatar Deal of the Year due to its participation as one of the main Arrangers for Ezdan Holding’s USD 500 million international Ijarah syndication. The 100% Islamic deal adhered strictly to the very highest Ijarah and Loan Market Association standards, and was the first of its kind for a Qatari corporation and the Qatari real estate industry. The deal was also able to attract conservative accounts like ADIB and Qatar First Bank.

To be recognized in the IFN is no easy feat. IFN is categorically recognised as the Islamic Finance industry’s leading publication. With a world-wide readership in excess of 21,000 industry practitioners and regulators, the IFN Awards offer its winners a truly global audience and a phenomenal vehicle in which to reach one’s clients, potential clients and peers.

Established in 2006, the IFN Awards honours the best in the Islamic financial industry. It is one of the most prestigious awards and highly recognised by the global Islamic capital markets. Selection of category winners is based on an elimination process where a panel of experts from non-competing organisations sieve through all submissions until just one transaction in each category remains. This year, over 300 nominations in over 25 categories were received, resulting in the most competitive deal of the year competition since its inception.

 

Thank you, Denise, for the invitation during the opening of the second outlet of Paddington House of Pancake at Gadong (next to McDonald’s)

I’m glad that PHOP or better known as Paddington House of Pancake has opened its second outlet and it’s located at Gadong. This will be convenient for many and it’s strategically placed in the heart of Gadong. For those who are not aware of what PHOP, let me simply describe as a savoury of western dishes with a unique way of serving them with pancakes, well not all of them but you will get the gist.

My favourite has always been their burgers because of the home made patties. The ambience is similar to the first outlet though it’s a little more intimate due to the allowance of space.

The menus are not finalized just yet but the dishes are different from the Berakas outlet. You will notice maybe one or two regular dishes in the new menu. So plenty of reasons to try out the dishes.

One thing to look for is the berry ice cube drinks. The fruits such as watermelon or oranges will be sliced and frozen into ice cube shapes and then you simply pour the ice tea drinks to blend with the fruited ice cubes. Amazing combo!!

You can read more on Thanis’ entry of Paddington House of Pancakes and he has ton more pictures to show. Congratulations Denise and your family for the second outlet. I am a happy man 😀

My favourite pasta so far. This is new – The Chipotle creamy pasta.

This used to my favourite *lol* but still packs the power – Egg Carbonara Pasta

Chicken Waffle Sandwich

 

How it looks when night falls. Image courtesy of Dino Expo Brunei Facebook

I don’t know why there is so much craze on Dinosaurs. Last December and January, D’Sunlit had their dinosaur displays for the public. This time round, this is supposedly the biggest.. well, as it was marketed, ASEAN’s Largest Dino Expo and it will end on 12th April 2015. Maybe because with the popular upcoming summer movie Jurassic World. Honestly, dinosaurs are not my cup of tea personally. If it was a land full of walking zombies, you can count me in 😀

As reported, they are expecting thousands of visitors to visit the Dino Expo at BRIDEX. I had a sneak preview before it was actually completed but I had an overall feel of the expo. The only thing that caught my interest was the Electric Car Amusement Ride since like I said, I’m not a big fan of dinosaurs. That thing is pretty cool indeed.

I had my quick rounds with Michelle from The Brunei Times. For more information and inquiries about the Dino Park Exhibition, please contact 8728178 or 2260498. Tickets are selling at $30 for adults and $15 for children. You can click here on their Facebook for more info.

Michelle trying out the Dino Ride

Students visiting the Dino Park. Image courtesy of Dino Expo Brunei Facebook.

There’s a panda section

The 5D simulator. Image courtesy of Dino Expo Brunei Facebook

Tickets selling. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

This is the one that caught my eye. Not sure if this is operating now.

 

Get Connected through ICONIA

Click image to enter Citroën Brunei 

  

BIBD’s latest promotion

Top up tia. Click image to enter website.

 

Click image to enter ICON Design Store website

 

 

You can check out Takaful coverage from Takaful Brunei Keluarga (TBK) and Takaful Brunei Am (TBA) at the BIBD 5th Home Showcase at the Mall until 4th October (Saturday).

Takaful Brunei AM (TBA) deals with insurance for home, personal accident and motor. They have a special promotion going on at the BIBD 5th Home Showcase where you can have 50% discount on new or renewals for Comprehensive Home Package Takaful and 25% discount voucher on Private Motor Takaful.

The comprehensive package covers home protection such as natural disaster, impact damage, bursting or overflowing of tanks-apparatus or pipes, theft, flood, fire, thunderbolt and even aircraft damage.

If you want to find out more on TBA products, do call 224 4000. You can also follow their updates on Facebook and instagram @takafulbrunei

Check out their roadshow at The Mall until 4th October

Their ongoing promotion

They also have special promotion for Takaful Brunei Keluarga (TBK). This is branded in a purple colour coded to differentiate the two products from Takaful Brunei. TBK involves more on family in terms of protection and savings. They have numerous products under TBK and now you can stand a chance to win gadgets if you sign up for any of the TBK Protection and Savings products. The grand prize is a pair of air fare tickets to a regional destination.

At the moment, they have products such as Takaful Savings, Takaful Walimatul Urus, Takaful Haj & Umrah, Takaful Dream House, Takaful Amal Jariah, Takaful Tarbiyah, Takaful Retirement, Takaful Education and Takaful Nur Savings to name a few.

Roadshow at The Mall

TBK promotion and you can stand a chance to win a pair of air fare

 

Happy 1 year PHOP. Video taken by Royston

Paddington House of Pancakes (PHOP) Brunei welcomes diners to celebrate together as the popular eatery turns one this month.

In conjunction with the 1st anniversary, PHOP Brunei organised the PHOP Birthday Pancake Design contest last Sunday for children to have fun and make a ‘flipping awesome’ birthday pancake out of PHOP homemade play-dough.

Best designs will be voted by customers and the most ‘likes’ from Instagram followers with the voting period starting from September 28 to October 7. The winners will be announced on the closing day followed by the prize presentation on October 12.

Winners in the boys’ and girls’ category will be awarded one bicycle each as the grand prize as well as PHOP goodie bags with a combined worth of over $500.

Some of the PHOP Birthday Pancake Design Contest. Check out and vote the best design on their instagram @paddingtonpancakesbn

It was great to see kids taking part in this competition

Denise Chai, the owner of PHOP Brunei. Image courtesy of Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin.

To add on to the celebrations, dine-in guests who spend $50 and above will be eligible for Paddington’s instant lucky dip where PHOP Brunei promises a sure prize to be won for every dip. Among the prizes include mouth-watering pancakes, refreshing drinks and cash vouchers worth up to $100.

For the past year, the popularity of PHOP Brunei has grown. To cater to the growing number of diners to the restaurant, it has expanded by occupying another unit to fit an extra 40 seats. A VIP room is also available for private events.

“The aim of PHOP is to make everyone’s dining experience ‘unforgettable’. Pancakes have always been known to be a ‘happy’ meal,” chimed Denise Chai, the owner of PHOP Brunei.

“At Paddington, our friendly service and kitchen staff will definitely do their best to make any birthday parties, anniversaries, gatherings, corporate functions or festive celebrations truly enjoyable.

She ensures diners that there are ample spaces and seats as it can cater 50 to 100 guests at one time for any kind of functions. To know more about PHOP’s delicious pancakes and other fun activities throughout the month, visit their website at www.paddingtonpancakes.com. Text courtesy of Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin.

Check out and vote the best design on their instagram @paddingtonpancakesbn

The atmosphere last Sunday at PHOP

It is nice to see interaction among other children

Denise Chai with her team from PHOP. Congratulations on your one year anniversary. Image taken from PHOP Facebook.

 

Allen Ang, a double winner for Humourous Speech and Evaluation Speech Contest, with his wife Fen. He will represent Brunei (Area K6) on Division K level which will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on the 12th October 2014. Allen currently holds the position as the President of the OTTERS’ Club and the Vice President of Education of the Brunei Speakers’ Club.

Allen Ang did one better than his previous efforts on club level. Three weeks ago, he was crowned a double champion in Humourous Speech and Speech Evaluation Contest during the OTTERS’ Club competition. Last Sunday, Allen Ang showed his supremacy once again on Area level where he competed against the top two individuals from other toastmasters clubs namely OTTERS Club, Brunei Speakers Club and Brunei Advanced Speakers Club.

He will represent Brunei (Area K6) as only the champion of each category will be given a ticket to compete in the Division K contest which will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 12 October 2014. In the Division K, it is made up of over 35 clubs from Sabah, Labuan and Brunei Darussalam. The winner of the Division K contest will proceed to the District Level contest to compete against toastmasters from other parts of Malaysia and Indonesia to yearn the title of the District Champion.

This contest, for your information, is an annual event as part of a Toastmaster’s development as they aim to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Here are the list of the top three winners.

Humourous Speech Contest

1) Allen Ang with the title “Toastmarriage”

2) Zainal Bostaman with the title “Used-to-be-fat-tis”

3) Reuben Chin with the title “Lessons from a bicycle”

Speech Evaluation Contest

1) Allen Ang

2) Melati Dato Yussof

3) Reuben Chin

The event took place at the Auditorium at the iCentre. Present were Jeremy Chua, the manager of iCentre and incubatees of the iCentre, toastmasters members and members of the public. Prizes were presented by Area Governor of Area K6, Ruey Narcis. A big shout-out to the organizing chairman, Jordan Yau and also my mentors Stuart Lee, Shawn Narcis and Ruey Narcis during the preparation of the contest.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through practical hands-on experiences. For more information and updates, you can visit www.bruneispeakersclub.com.

Area K6 Humourous Speech Contest winners: Zainal Bostaman (1st runner-up), Allen Ang (champion) and Reuben Chin (2nd Runner Up)

Area K6 Speech Evaluation Contest winners: Melati Dato Yussof (1st runner-up), Allen Ang (champion) and Reuben Chin (2nd Runner Up)

Jeremy Chua, iCentre’s Manager, and the audience gave a standing ovation to the contestants

Appreciating the contestants from the audience

The contestants for Humourous Speech and Speech Evaluation Contest

The customary handshake by the contest chair (myself) with Hazwan, one of the contestants. The contest chair plays a role as an emcee/host of the event

I’m proud of my friend Melati for her performance during the Speech Evaluation Contest

Allen Ang stole the show last Sunday. Good luck in Sabah 😀

My role as the contest chair

Zainal Bostaman was a previous winner on Area K6 level and came 2nd on District Level

A great turn out for the event last Sunday. Thanks for the support.

Yong Shih Ching talked about the art of positive comments

Interviewing all the contestants before the prize presentation

Ruey Narcis, Area Governor for Area K6, thanking the organizers and also iCentre and BEDB for lending the premises. She gave a lot of encouragement to all the contestants and she also hope that the event was beneficial to iCentre and BEDB

Thank you to the press Aziz Idris and Azim Kassim for showing up

Taken during the break

The members from OTTERS’ Club

It was nice to see familiar old faces from toastmasters

The trophies for Area K6 Contest

Stuart Lee who has been mentoring Allen Ang for the contest and also for the upcoming Division level contest. Last term, Stuart Lee was crowned the District Champion for Humourous Speech Contest. In order to win that, one has to win Area level, then win Division Level before you can reach District Level. Let’s hope with Stuart’s guidance and mentorship, he can guide Allen to newer heights.