Posts Tagged ‘the brunei times’
Appreciate your loved ones
Acer Aspire
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Free labour charge on repairs for Peugeot. Click image to enter website to find out more.
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Review of Annie 2014 starring Rano Iskandar with special guest Singapore blogger Tiffany Yong
Review of The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies. Starring Rano Iskandar with his regular co-host @delgoh
I’ve bumped to him occasionally during my coverages and it was a shock to hear of the tragic news. Syazwan Yussof (1994-2014). Al-Fatihah. Image courtesy of @hamiqie278
I was shocked after learning of the passing of a young guy that I got acquainted with two years ago. Only 20 years old and he has departed us after a fatal car accident two days ago. I didn’t know he was working for The Brunei Times as a photographer and I always sense his desire to take photo of events from time to time.
Jenazah (funeral) prayers were held at his home in Kampung Salambigar before he was laid to rest at the Kg Salambigar Mosque cemetery.
A tahlil ceremony will be held in his memory last night at The Brunei Times headquarters, Wisma Haji Mohd Taha, Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan. Syazwan is survived by his parents, Hj Yussof Hj Baha and Hjh Halimah Hj Abidin, as well as his three younger siblings. My deepest condolences goes to his family, relatives and friends and I also feel your loss @waneewano. He is in good hands now. Al-Fatihah.
The long queue at BIBD ATM Hua Ho Manggis during the bonus day last Monday. Image taken by the late Syazwan Yussof of The Brunei Times.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) is pleased to announce to all of its customers and partners that all of its banking operations, including its BIBD counter operations, have resumed its normal operations as of this afternoon.
Hajah Noraini Haji Sulaiman, BIBD Deputy Managing Director, conveyed her deepest regrets for the service interruptions that were experienced and sincerely apologised.
She further added “Alhamdulilah, we have resumed operations this afternoon as our system was fully restored allowing all our customers to our full range of services. As a growing bank, we understand you expect more from us and we will continue to work harder to meet those expectations. We will also work diligently to ensure that this occasion remains a one-off.”
The main batch processing system encountered unexpected issues that resulted in significant delays in completing the end of day processes. This has forced the Bank to close its branch operations and resulted in intermittent disruptions to the Bank’s alternative channels – Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs), Cheque Deposit Machines (CQMs), BIBD Online and Mobile services, and also the Debit card services.
As part of BIBD’s strategic plans for business growth, the Bank is upgrading its main hardware infrastructure, which will be completed in early 2015. This will support the growth plan and strengthen the technical capabilities to ensure that similar disruptions will not recur. BIBD continues to reassure the disruptions did not affect any customer data, and banking information remains secure and protected.
For any enquiries, customers can contact our Contact Centre at 223 8181.
A resident of Kampung Keroh, Kelantan, uses a water tank to save himself as flood waters continue to rise. Image courtesy of Bernama.
This is another tragedy in Malaysia as more than 90,000 people were displaced due to the flood. Kelantan had the highest number of evacuees at 32,343, followed by Terengganu (28,991), Pahang (24,316), Perak (4,335) and Perlis (265).You can read more of the details here.
One of the popular hotels in Pahang, Mutiara Taman Negera Resort, was affected by the flood. A lot of tourists were stranded and they had to use helicopters to rescue them.
Torrential downpours have wrecked havoc on local transport systems and communication lines, making it tougher for rescue wor-kers to do their job. Most overland public transport services have been disrupted following severe floods which hit the East Coast and northern peninsular states.
My prayers to those affected by the flood and I hope my friends and relatives are safe there.
Some of the 102 foreign and domestic tourists evacuated from the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort in Malaysia’s state of Pahang, upon their arri-val at a shelter in Kuala Tahan yesterday. Image courtesy of Bernama.
An aerial view of flooded houses in the Terengganu’s coastal town of Kemaman. Image courtesy of Bernama.
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#DreamOn
Late post: Brunei Darussalam joined other countries and territories across some 7,000 cities and towns around the world in the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature’s Earth Hour celebration, which traditionally is symbolically marked by switching off all non-essential lights for an hour.
The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) Complex in the heart of the capital was the focal point for activities and Earth Hour celebration in the country, which kicked off at 8.30pm last Saturday.
Lights from landmarks in the capital including the iconic Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Kampong Ayer Tourism and Cultural Gallery and Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium were dimmed for one hour, signifying the country’s support in the worldwide cause to conserve energy.
Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, was present to officiate Brunei’s Earth Hour celebration at the YSHHB Complex, where he also joined a night-walk around the capital with Brunei Earth Hour Ambassador, Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed and Brunei Earth Hour supporters.
Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, officiated Brunei’s Earth Hour celebration at the YSHHB Complex. Image courtesy of Borneo Bulletin.
The aerial view of The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) Complex with the lights on. Image courtesy Dean Kassim of Borneo Bulletin.
The aerial view after the lights off. Image courtesy Dean Kassim of Borneo Bulletin.
Lights at the complex were also switched off as hundreds of people gathered at the water fountain area. Candles were also lit to symbolise the event.
Prior to the event, a minute’s moment of silence was held in memory of the crew and passengers of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 tragedy. Now in its eighth year, Earth Hour has evolved into the world’s largest environmental grassroots movement connecting hundreds of millions of people across all seven continents. Sprucing up the event last night was also the appearance of Spider-man, the first Super Hero ambassador for Earth Hour.
In Singapore, the cast of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was on hand to help switch off the lights across Singapore’s signature Marina Bay skyline as part of the global flagship Earth Hour event organised by WWF-Singapore. Text courtesy of Hakim Hayat of Borneo Bulletin.
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The ‘Nanta’ cast was feted to a dinner hosted by South Korean Ambassador to Brunei His Excellency Choi Byung-Koo at his residence yesterday.
The 12-member troupe shared what to expect in their two-day show starting tomorrow over a lavish spread of traditional Korean dishes with other invited guests of the ambassador.
“Brunei is the 51st country in the tour. We have collectively staged ‘Nanta’ in more than 200 cities,” said Manager of the Overseas Marketing Team for Nanta Yong-Hee Kim.
“Brunei is a nice and quiet country and we think that they will appreciate the show and be more engaged with the performers,” he added.
South Korean Ambassador to Brunei His Excellency Choi Byung-Koo with the cast of “Nanta”
Kim explained that ‘Nanta’ is a non-verbal performance. Set in a kitchen, the performers transform kitchen utensils into musical instruments.
The comic musical is derived from the traditional Korean instrumental performance called “Samulnori”.
The show features acrobatics, magic tricks, comedy, pantomime and audience participation. ‘Nanta’ will be performed at Jerudong International School Arts Centre on April 1-2. The showcase celebrates the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Republic of Korea and Brunei. Only ticket holders will be admitted to the 7.30pm shows.
The Korean Embassy can be contacted for more information at 233 0248/49/50. Well, you can try your luck but apparently most of the tickets are sold out. Text and image courtesy of Zatty Joanda.
[Spoiler alert]: Check out the highlights of Nanta and what to expect on their shows in Brunei
In conjunction with the 20th FIFA World Cup that will take place from 12 June to 13 July 2014, Baiduri Bank is offering its Visa cardholders a chance to catch the final match live in Brazil for free.
The ‘Win a Trip to the Final Game of 2014 FIFA World CupTM’ promotion, which commenced on 01 March to 30 April 2014, requires existing Baiduri Visa Infinite, Platinum, Gold, Classic and Debit cardholders to use their Baiduri Visa cards within or outside Brunei when paying for goods and services in order to accumulate chances in the grand draw.
For every card transaction of minimum B$20 and above, Baiduri Visa cardholders will receive one chance in the grand draw. Baiduri Visa cardholders can earn more chances by using their Baiduri Visa cards actively. There is no entry form required to enter the chances to the grand draw. All chances will be automatically entered upon each card use.
The grand draw consists of one grand prize of an all-expense paid package trip for two persons to watch the final match at the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. The package includes two flight tickets to Brazil, 5-day/4-night accommodation on cruise ship MSC Divina for two persons, all food and beverage while on-board the ship, all scheduled ground transportation, Visa FIFA-themed merchandize, Visa event team support staff, two US$100 Visa Prepaid card, and two tickets to see the final match of the FIFA World CupTM.
Win a trip to the 2014 FIFA World Cup courtesy of Visa from Baiduri Bank
“This promotion is one of the many activities that we have planned for our loyal cardholders, all of which are in line with our vision this year to enhance customer experience and deliver a higher level of quality products and services.”
Baiduri Visa cardholders can find out more about the ‘Win a Trip to the Final Game of 2014 FIFA World CupTM’ promotion by visiting www.baiduri.com.bn/visa, or by following Baiduri Bank Group on Facebook, and Twitter or Instagram @baiduribank.
For instant updates on the Bank’s latest promotions, Baiduri Visa cardholders can also download the Baiduri Deals mobile app for free at App Store or Google Play.
Aladdin on skates in April. Click image to buy tickets online.
Get a copy of Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata and stand a chance to win tickets and there will be 50 winners per day who will receive a pair of tickets!! Click image to enlarge to see more details for the quizzes.
Watch a beloved fairy tale come to life on roller skates next month at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas.
‘Aladdin on Skates’, which will be held from April 18 to 20, is set to enthrall audiences with graceful and riveting performances by the international roller skating professionals from Australia.
Join them as they recount Aladdin’s tale from his magical adventure at the mysterious Arabian desert to his transformation from a street lad to a mighty prince, with the help of a genie.
Organised by Forevershine Events, Media and Management Services in cooperation with Rakan Tiga, a total of seven shows are scheduled. Showtimes for April 18 and 19 are at 4pm and 8.15pm while on April 20, there will be three shows: 10am, 4pm and 8.15pm. One of the shows on April 18 will be dedicated for charitable organisations such as JAPEM, SMARTER Brunei, Learning Ladder, Pusat Ehsan, YASKA and KACA to name a few.
Tickets are priced at $15, $28 and $35. For ticket enquiries, visit Forevershine Events, Media and Management Services’ office at 1st Floor, Unit 5, Block E, Bangunan Lim Seng Kok, Spg 624, Jalan Tutong, Kg Madewa or contact 8808833. Tickets are also available at The Mall, ground floor outside Utama Grand.
Alternatively, see print advertisements for more details or visit the event management company’s Facebook fanpage at facebook.com/forevershineBrunei. You can also purchase tickets from Socialmart.com.bn too.
So be there with the family to discover the magical adventure of ‘Aladdin on Skates. Text from The Brunei Times.
The official poster for Aladdin on Skates
The show times in April
One show will be dedicated to charitable organisations
You can purchase your tickets at The Mall
The few models of KIA for test drive yesterday organised by Grand Motors Sdn Bhd
It was quite a turn out for the four hours of test drive of KIA models at the Kebajikan Sports Complex organised by Grand Motors Sdn Bhd. This was part of the ongoing series of roadshows (two more to go) in celebration of the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil this year.
All the public had to do was test drive any of KIA models at the venue and you can stand a chance to win a trip to Brazil for the World Cup for two which will be the semi-finals tickets. Yesterday those who test drove the KIA were given an official KIA-FIFA World Cup t-shirt as well as a free Mr. Softy ice-cream.
Almost 100 showed up yesterday morning and the most driven KIA new models were the Optima, Sportage and the Cerato.
Kia on Tour 2014 is part of the larger global roadshow project initiated by Kia Motors Corporation in Korea to enable the population in its network of dealers covering countries in the US, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific to see, feel and experience Kia. It is part of Kia’s global commitment to surpass customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
Images courtesy of Ebi 😀
Many turn up for the test drive yesterday
KIA have been making an impressive impact in the Brunei market
The KIA-World Cup official t-shirt given to those who test drove the KIA models yesterday
Free Mr. Softy ice-cream too yesterday. Yumss!!!
The Brunei Times have been very active in terms of competition and currently they have four ongoing competitions to the delight of TBT readers. First there is the Old Photographt Competition, then the Painting Competition 2014, Photography Competition and Videography Competition 2014.
You have to submit your entries by 30 April 2014 at 1500 hours and you can log in to The Brunei Times for registration and details. Good luck and keep it, The Brunei Times.
Click image to enter The Brunei Times’ page competition
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#IamUpforMovies
I love Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad. However, I couldn’t picture him leading a role just yet on the big screen. His role as the protagonist in Need For Speed is questionable. Is he really a hero after the two hour ordeal that I had to go through? Plot wise, this is nothing interesting and for many, they won’t care much about the plot as they have something to look forward to and that is fast, beautiful cars which ain’t a selling point for me.
The plus points for me was the camera style and technique on the car chase sequences. I would say that some of the scenes were slightly better than Fast and the Furious series. Maybe the director attempted to bring more realism with great score and sound editing along with it. Do listen to my podcast on the popcorn panel and yes, I have another quiz too but you have to answer them on my instagram handle to be eligible for the grand prize.
So far the reviews have been favourable among my peers. But an eight will be too high for my liking. Movie has many flaws to make this a classic. I still prefer the FF series. Verdict: 7/10 @abbylmf 6.8 Rottentomatoes 23%
Check out the podcast review for Need for Speed
I’m kinda excited for this event as I’m a movie buff and also my interest in film making is kinda high. This is the first time that UBD will be hosting a Film Festival that will feature some of the students’ modules of short films as well as some of the local house production short films. The actual event will be on the 19th and 20th of April which will take place at the Core, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The tickets are free but the seats are limited over the two day period.
Last night, I was being interviewed by the marketing committee of UBD Film Festival 2014 and I’m honoured to be part of their project. They also interviewed some local videographers and creative directors where Elizabeth Sim was the host for the TV show format interview. Well, why I was chosen was because of my own going podcast on movie reviews on Sound Cloud – The Popcorn Panel.
Ironically, I interviewed the director of marketing, UBD Film Festival 2014, Efah, and you will be able to catch the interview soon on the Popcorn Panel. Good luck to you guys and I can see how much effort have been invested in this event. So peeps, don’t forget to catch UBD Film Festival 2014 on 19th and 20th April at the Core, UBD.
UBD Film Festival 2014 are also running a short film submissions from the public and you can check out their terms and conditions on their website and you can also download the form if you are interested. Who knows your short film will be shortlisted and be shown during the said event. You can also follow them on instagram @filmfestivalubd2014
You can be part of the UBD Film Festival 2014
The marketing team of the UBD Film Festival 2014 documenting the interviews
A young talented videographer being interviewed
Behind the scenes
Make up before the shoot
Testing before the shoot
The form for those interested to feature your short films
Check out the first official trailer for Yasmine the movie
It was great to see the 30 second trailer of the much anticipated first featured film produced by a Bruneian entitled “YASMINE”. You may have heard about the movie on my older posts back last year and now it’s getting very close to reality that Yasmine the movie will be hit theaters and the producers have announced that the movie will be released by August 2014. Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia will be the first countries to release the movie though Yasmine will make its private screening at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (24-27th March) and Festival De Cannes: Marche Du Film (14-24th May).
As you can see that the Brunei’s film industry is still in its infant stage. So it’s great to see Origin Films taking a huge risk in creating this film which costs quite a huge sum of money. With the support of the Brunei Economic Development Board and the ministries involved in funding the project, Origin Films is confident that the Yasmine will translate not just exposure but also into box office success with Indonesia being the major market.
I have never been so excited about a local featured film for such a long time. The trailer itself have already raised my expectations on Yasmine and I have observed behind-the-scenes moments of Yasmine especially during shooting and I learnt so much about film making and I’m beginning to appreciate the efforts of even those who had minor roles in the film production.
Yesterday the media and bloggers were invited by Origins Film where Siti Kamaluddin, the director, introduced to the guests of the teaser trailer for Yasmine. She’s the lady behind the project with the help of Din Kamaluddin (producer), Chan Man Ching (stunt coordinator, action choreographer) as Action Director, Salman Aristo as Screenplay writer (Ayat-Ayat Cinta, Sang Penari), Cesa David Lukmansyah as Film Editor (Rumah di Seribu Ombak), Khikmawan Santosa as the Sound Designer, Aghi Narottama as the Music Director and Nidji, the composer and original songs on the soundtrack for Yasmine.
In attendance were representatives from Brunei Economic Development Board (LEAP Grant division), Baiduri Bank and Times Cineplex who were also impressed with the teaser trailer. Yasmine is very likely to be shown exclusively at Times Cineplex by August 2014. I shall keep you guys in the loop when the release date gets closer.
You can see some of the details of Yasmine the movie at their website yasminethemovie.com and you can also follow them on Twitter and instagram @yasminthemovie for updates. The web portal was also launched yesterday to give more hype on the movie before its release.
I shall be posting more behind-the-scene pictures in a few weeks’ time. Congratulations to Siti and her team on their tirelessly effort in producing a locally made film. You have my full support definitely.
Siti Kamaluddin, director of Yasmine and founder of Origin Films with her crew involved in the Yasmine project
Associates from the Brunei Economic Development Board were present
Members of the local media were also present
Siti Kamaluddin engaging with the guests about the latest development from the movie
YASMINE is a beautifully choreographed story that inspires us to revisit our dreams. Action, comedy and drama come together powerfully in this unforgettable journey. YASMINE being the first international feature film from Brunei has gained the attention of the film world and many international media. YASMINE has been featured in the Monocle (British Magazine) and has had articles in The Guardian (British Newspaper) and many other newspapers both locally and around the region. YASMINE will be introduced to the international film industry by appearing at the film market in the Hong Kong International Film Festival (24 March – 7 April) and the Cannes Film Festival (14-25 May) this year.
Liyana Yus in her lead role as Yasmine
Reza Rahadian, a well known Indonesian actor, playing as Yasmine’s father, Fahri
I have been a big fan of purchasing movie tickets online. One reason – I don’t have to worry about my booked seats being taken because I paid for my seats and if I don’t turn up, then that’s my loss. I’ve always bought my tickets online whenever I’m in Singapore. For Brunei, the furthest we could do is book the seats online without online payment. This would mean that our seats won’t be guaranteed and according to Benny Ang, the General Manager of Times Cineplex, they can easily lose 60% from simply phone bookings, meaning the supposedly patrons didn’t show up for the selected movies they booked.
Today Times Cineplex have introduced online payment system for customers. I applaud such move and this will give movie goers a piece of mind especially me when it comes to securing your seats at Times Cineplex. You will need your Debit and Credit Card for sure and there won’t be a surcharge or booking fee when using the card. So that’s great news for movie goers. This online payment systems is only available for Times Cineplex.
“Ever since we opened nearly a year and a half ago, we have always maintained that we will continue to try and provide the very best for our customers”, said Benny Ang.
“We are delighted that this online booking facility is the first of its kind in Brunei for cinemas in that there is no pressure on the customer to come and collect their tickets at a stipulated time before the show.”
“They can book, choose their seats, pay for it all from their own home. They just have to remember their booking number to collect their tickets when they come.”
Of course, the phone booking still exists which is the usual bookings being done if you are not physically over the Times Cineplex counter. But then, you will have to be early before the movie starts to get hold of your movie tickets or you will risk your seats to those walk-in customers.
Benny also highlighted that there won’t be any refund when you buy it online but you will be able to replace your ticket with other schedules or movies of your preference if you happen to change your mind. This is a fair enough deal indeed.
So do follow the steps below or you can go straight to tutorial [click here].
Now you can pay your movie tickets online. Check out their website by clicking this image.
For new users, you will need a sign up first
Choose what movies you want to watch
You can choose for adults and/or kids
The payment gateway is made possible by Baiduri Bank
You will get this e-voucher in your email. So all you need to do is tell your Confirmation number over at the counter to claim your tickets 😀
Did you know that you can already purchase tickets for Captain America: Winter Soldier online at Times Cineplex. You can try out the payment online for the upcoming blockbuster which will only be screening by Thursday, 27th March. So now you can purchase your seats online with a piece of mind and collect your tickets even 5 minutes before your show. Of course, I won’t recommend you to do that since you will still have to queue up and the queues tend to get longer especially with blockbuster movies showing on the opening weekend.
Times Cineplex is also running a special gimmicks where customers can get a Free exclusive set of Captain America Metallic Foil stickers for every four tickets purchased per customer. This offer while stocks last but for those buying tickets online, you will have to physically go to the counter to collect the stickers as they are based on first come, first serve as in ticket collections. I will be catching Captain America in Singapore 😀
Now you can purchase Captain America tickets at Times Cineplex website
Get these special set of Captain America Metallic Foil stickers for every 4 tickets purchased of Captain America movie tickets
The animation was based on an android who invents gadgets at amazing speeds, and is hunted by a villain who wants to abuse its ability. “Sam the Inventorbot” is created by Hj Khairul Azhar Hj Rosli, founder of Cinematicpro.
Last year he won himself first place in the AITI Next Innovation and Multimedia Award for Sustainable ICT Industry (ANIMASI) Pro-Digital Animation Challenge which also secured him a BND 35,000 development of ICT and Digital Media Industries grant from AITI. You can check out the Proof of Concept Trailer for Sam, the Inventorbot, a 3D animated series.
Hj Khairul thanked his team members involved in the project, AITI, BEDB, iCentre and all the professionals from Autodesk. He also thanked the consultant, gigglegarage and his production partners, tribeaudio and Banshee creative.
Click image to view the trailer
This is another videography competition organised by The Brunei Times. Show your love for Brunei Darusalam in moving images and join The Brunei Times video competition in conjunction with Brunei’s 30th National Day celebrations. he competition, themed “Brunei Through My Viewfinder”, is open to ALL RESIDENTS.
The competition consists of Category ‘A’ (25 years old & above) and Category ‘B’ (Below 25 years old).
Click on this WEBSITE to register for the competition and find out more TERMS AND CONDITIONS on this SITE. The closing date for this competition is April 30, 2014 at 1500 hours.
The prizes are pretty attractive too. For Category A, winner can win a savings account sponsored by Baiduri Bank worth BND 7,000 and Dell Notebook sponsored by Netcom Computer House and Crystal Trophy sponsored by Mahkota Crystal Sdn Bhd. For Category B, winner can win a savings account sponsored by Baiduri Bank worth BND 3,000 and Dell Notebook sponsored by Netcom Computer House and Crystal Trophy sponsored by Mahkota Crystal Sdn Bhd.
Another way to showcase your videography talents.
Do join the competition and showcase your talents
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