It has been a hundred year.The Audi brand turns 100 in 2009. August Horch founded the company in Zwickau, Germany on July 16, 1909. Of the 50-plus German automotive brands which existed then, Audi is one of only three which remain. Throughout 2009, the brand with the four rings is proudly and happily celebrating its centennial at commemorative events and cultural celebrations.
Epic celebrations await friends and fans of the Audi brand. A ceremony with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Audi Piazza in Ingolstadt on July 16 will kick off four days of special events, featuring historic racing cars at the Donauring race and a parade of stars on concert stages. Musical highlights will include renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang and Die Fantastischen Vier, one of the most famous bands of the German-speaking world.
Audi has a strong sports partnership with European soccer therefore another highlight will be The Audi Cup 2009 featuring AC Milan, Manchester United, FC Bayern Munich and Boca Junior on the 29-30 July 09’ at the Stadium Munich Allianz Arena.
To find out more about The Audi Cup 2009 visit http://www.audi.com/com/brand/en/experience/audi_cup_start.html
Images courtesy of T.C.Y Motors.
Try the Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2. If you're looking for a handy notebook, then you can try the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 which just hit the market a few weeks ago. It was one of the popular items sold during the 4th Brunei Consumer Fair as well.
So what are the specs for the Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2? Well, it uses an Intel Atom Processor N270 (1.60Ghz, 533 Mhz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache) with 1Gig DDR2 SDRAM and with sizable hard disk of 120GB SATA HDD. It also comes with Genuine Windows XP Home. As for the size, it's only 10.1" in width with a WSVGA screen. It also carries a 1-year regional carry-in warranty.
Apart from that, it is also bluetooth ready, wi-fi ready of course and it comes with a built-in camera too. You can have all of this for only BND 689 but you can get a cheaper price by mentioning Ranoadidas. It comes in black and white colour for your info.
You can drop by at PC World Company located at Regent Square, Kiulap (Opposite National Insurance and Asia Inc Forum office).
Celebration at The Empire. From 24th July to 26th July 2009, come and enjoy a wonderful weekend with your family and friends at The Empire Hotel and Country Club and participate in the endless choice of carnival games. Witness a spectacular firework display at West headland or just indulge yourself with a special weekend room package and great dining treats.
In conjunction with His Majesty’s 63rd Birthday, The Empire Hotel and Country Club gives you 63 good reasons to be at the hotel; from the superb accommodations; the fabulous culinary offerings in the restaurants and over 40 carnival games in the carnival booths-including spaghetti and hot dog eating contests, sandcastle contest, miniature golf, sport activities or discover yourself in the haunted lost ship at the Baze and many more. Get yourself a chance to win fabulous prizes.
On 24 July, a Floral Arrangement competition will be held at the Indera Pura Lounge and this competition is open to general public with two categories – Ikebana arrangement and Contemporary floral arrangement. Entries are limited to 30 registrations with no entrance fee for both categories. Prizes from $100 plus dining vouchers and above will be given to the winning entrants. This competition is exclusively supported by Neptune (B) Sdn Bhd (Florist).
On Sunday 26 July 2009, mentally and physically prepare yourself and your family to join the fun Family Treasure Hunt that will start to kick off at The Empire Theatre from 11am. This game is open to any family members’ aged between 10 to 55 years consist of 2 persons per team up to maximum of 50 teams at only $20 per team. Fabulous hotel vouchers to be won by the family member team on the completion of all fun tasks and challenges within a given period of time; 1st prize – Rejuvenating Weekend Package for 2 persons, 2nd prize – Dining for 2 persons at any restaurant and 3rd prize – Elegant Hi-tea Buffet for 2 persons at Lobby Lounge. Registration forms for both competitions are available at the activity desk of the hotel on first-come first-serve basis and closing date for Floral Arrangement Competition will be on 18 July and meanwhile the Family Treasure Hunt is on 24 July 2009 at 12 noon.
Moreover on that same Sunday, 26 July; a challenging remote control car race will be held at the Atrium parking lot of The Empire Hotel and Country Club from 8am to 4pm. This is open for all great drifters to join the race in three different categories – Touring Class, Drift Touring Class and Mini 4WD Class. Qualified drifters with point system of 3 rounds of 5 minute will be challenged in the final league. Entry forms are available at C.H Hobbies and Guan Hock Lee Tungkulink, Gadong or register at www.rctech.net before 22 July 2009. This race is organized by PEMKAR – Persatuan Model Kereta dan Perahu Kawalan Radio together with The Empire Hotel and Country Club.
The carnival tickets are available at the activity desk of the hotel at $10 per booklet and be the first 50 to get a special gift with every purchase of 10 ticket booklets. There are lots of fantastic prizes to be won for all families.
For further information about this exciting event, please contact at 241 8888.
His Majesty 63rd Birthday Celebration at The Empire Hotel and Country Club is supported by Baiduri Bank, Brunei Press Sdn. Bhd, Neptune (B) Sdn Bhd (Florist), City Neon Brunei, Kristal FM, Simpur, Persatuan Model Kereta dan Perahu Kawalan Radio (PEMKAR), Perusahaan Ala Bolhassan, JoonJoon Printing, Borneo Printers, Perusahaan Ala Bolhassan and Syarikat Perniagaan Malar Setia.
Erick's bridal gowns. Erick's Bridal and Tailoring studio's bridal gown and hair demo at the Gadong Mall showcased a touch of modernity for international and traditional weddings. Ten male and female models strutted in modern international wedding gowns, modern kebaya, traditional modern style gowns, traditional songket, and modern and 'ambil-ambilan' wedding costumes.
The public filled the Atrium of the Mall to check out the latest trends in wedding costumes and applauded the creativity of the house designer. Images and story by Patricia of Borneo Bulletin.
The sincerity of donation. To tell you honestly, this is difficult to measure. But you can see from the trend that the one with the biggest donation will definitely get more publicity from the media. I'm one of the donators who chipped in BND300 for two vertical banners to show my support for His Majesty's 63rd Birthday. Of course, I'm sincere about my support. I don't need the publicity and it was more of a kind gesture to support the celebration.
The big question remains on the "big players" or does it lie in the government agencies or the committee involved in celebration? You may read this article here (dated back in April 2009) where more than BND 100,000 has been contributed towards His Majesty's 63rd celebration which has been put on hold.
A lot of well known companies (private ones) have donated to this said fund and these have been a common practice. I've even been told from a source that in order to be part of the "loop", it will be an easier passage if your contribution is good enough. So I believe this is where most of companies or individuals fall into the trap when it comes to donation.
Do they actually want to donate sincerely or perhaps getting the publicity and the recognition from the government agencies and the media? This I believe is slightly tricky to detect but some are pretty obvious.
Hence, His Majesty was very concerned during his Titah yesterday where he raised the issue that the relevant agencies are using His Majesty's birthday to lobby for donation and the ministers or senior officials would received the donation as if the birthday celebration was just a field for lobbying donation *Oucch*
"Is this appropriate? Lobbying and campaigning so people are racing to donate for my birthday," questioned His Majesty [Taken from TBT]. Click here for more news.
So now I wonder what will the funds be used for since the celebrations are put on hold. But the good news with regards to His Majesty's celebration, the gerai in front of the Royal Regalia will commenced as usual.
Pre-Birthday Titah by His Majesty. It's all over the news - RTB, local radio stations, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, newspapers etc.. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang D-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, accompanied by the Crown Prince, delivered a pre-birthday Titah that "shook" the ministries and the cabinets as His Majesty was furious with the current status on some of the issues such as "donation", the precaution measures of H1N1, the SPN 21 education system and the unresolved issue of the Zakat distribution to name a few.
This was probably one of the most direct, bold yet inspiring Titah by His Majesty to date. Just two days before His Majesty's 63rd birthday, the King presented what I see as a "wake-up call" to our government servants and now the public wonder what will be in the upcoming Titah during His Majesty's birthday. For now, we understand that there will be no celebration of His Majesty due to the H1N1. I applaud His Majesty on this move as we all need to take precaution measure especially for the students.
I've yet to buy both Borneo Bulletin and The Brunei Times publication for today as both papers and even Media Permata will give a thorough account of His Majesty's Titah yesterday.
Anyway, below are snippets which I've sourced from the Internet - The Brunei Times, Brudirect and my Facebook as well. Mind you, Twitter was quite popular as well in delivering messages across. So guys, better catch me on Twitter for some extra news and I normally use my Twitter as an avenue to reach to other networks. So catch me on Twitter soon.
Masamichi's special promotion. So guys (especially the one getting married), you can grab this special promotion by Masamichi Studio as they came up with a package of Photography + Videography + Make Up at a very special price and there are some additional freebies as well.
For more info, you can email at jason@ masamichistudio.com for enquiry.
I conducted a quick interview with the man behind Masamichi Studio, Jason Ong. I knew a few years ago and I knew him way before RA existed and it was at an event held at the Center Point Ballroom. And he's one of the popular photographers in Brunei. So below are a few quick questions I threw at Jason.
Rano: How long have you been in this business?
Jason: Started since 2003 (7 years)
Rano: I've notice that you cater to Chinese weddings previously but lately, you have a mixture of Malay and Chinese weddings in your portfolio. Do these weddings pose different challenges?
Jason: I have been doing mixtures of wedding since I started wedding photography. Whether Chinese or Malay, every weddings are challenging, the energy level is different, the environment is different, the lighting is different, the mood is different, creativity level is different.
However, Chinese wedding happens very fast and have to work longer hour. Usually on the next day, I have to go for foot massage.
Malay wedding are relaxing and more fun. Malay community are friendly, you always feel welcome at home.
Rano: With many photographers growing in presence, what makes you difference from the rest?
Jason: a) Getting personal with wedding clients, I capture their wedding as if It was my own b) Providing PERSONAL CONSULTATION to make every wedding unique and a successful one c) I joined WPJA to showcase my work is on par with international level d) Promoting wedding photo as an art.
Rano: Why the name Masamichi? You told me once but I think the public would like to know as well.
Jason: One of my favorite audio system is NAKAMICHI. At that time, I got a Japanese Pen Pal and she told me that my Japanese name is Masamichi. I instantly fall in love with that name.
The translation is called “pathway of life” Photography is my passion and I know that’s what I wanted to do in my life.. therefore I used that MASAMICHI STUDIO as my goal to find my meaning of life.
Rano: How do you publicize ur work before? I remember seeing you a few years ago in a function and you were giving out business cards to people you took photos of. Was that successful?
Jason: Giving out business cards is a basic way of publicity. I still give out if anyone wants it. But in Brunei, name card is not really that important, clients usually look for me through words of mouth. Our community is small, even though they do not have my name card, they still have ways to find us.
Rano: Describe three things that represents Masamichi.
Jason: Alamak!!! I don’t know how to answer that……….. I will try. Firstly, it's "Trust", we are your photographer with a personal touch. Secondly, quality as we always upgrade quality of service, photography and album and lastly, teamwork, as without my teammates, there will be no Masamichi Studio. There's no way I can do it alone.
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Rano says the public is anxious to hear the news later this evening on His Majesty's Titah which was delivered this morning. From what I recollected from my peers is that His Majesty the Sultan highlighted the current situation of the H1N1 situation and questioned the government agencies on why some of the agencies still send the respective officers overseas during the H1N1 situation and secondly, His Majesty was also curious to why donations are only made during "perayaan" and furthermore, why are the government agencies lobbying the donation from the bigger companies (for the sake of His Majestry's birthday celebration) and put them at a burden? Issues of SPN 21 and Zakat were also highlighted. I did love one quote though but I won't reveal it just yet. So do catch the news later tonight at 8pm and 10pm on RTB. It will be an interesting news to catch and of course, tomorrow's papers as well.
Images by Masri Osman
Anyway, my Sunday was a bit relaxed. I didn't cover the NBT's 13th Treasure Hunt. Instead I spent some time at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for the local barista competition which took place in town in the morning. My brother was one of the judges and I, in the end, didn't have judge the barista competition. Apparently, my brother had too much dosage of espresso shots from tasting yesterday. That would have jump started my body system and make me hyper for a few hours or so. I shall be posting pictures of the event tomorrow.
Speaking of news, most of the local reporters are chasing for news.. why? Because there isn't much news or coverage especially today but of course, the headliner tomorrow will be His Majesty's Titah. Since the H1N1 cases have been around, events and functions have been put on hold. Weddings are still carried out (Congrats Robin and Nana) and now the only major events left are the Brunei Halal Expo and the Bridex 2009. So let's hope everything will go as planned.
E-Class a definite "Masterpiece". I attended the exclusive demo of the E-Class Masterpiece which took place at the Jati Transport Showroom last Friday. They displayed three limited edition E-Class Masterpiece models which are E200K, E250 and E280. It was also a special lunch feast where the invited guests enjoyed food catered by Excapade Sushi.
So let me brief you a bit on the Masterpiece models. The E200 Masterpiece features a more dynamic, improved pistons and it has a maximum torque increase from the previous 224Nm to 250Nm from 3,500 rpm.
Most of them have similar features but what stands out is the state-of-art transmission technology on the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission and yes, you can even skip several gears to give more acceleration whilst driving.
Let's not forget the special interest rate of 3.98 per cent per annum for those who hire purchase before the 31st July 2009. So make your way to Jati Transport Showroom (Beribi and Gadong) and try out the features of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Masterpiece.
Caption: Group Photo of winners with Mr Ninan Chacko, NBT Managing Director (centre) (L-R) 3rd Prize (3d/2n Hong Kong): Lim Sha Lun, Kelvin Chen, Peng Pei Yee & Bong Ming Wey, 1st Prize (3d/2n Auckland): Muhamad Rudian Bin Muhamad, Paris Baktihar Andry, Chin Sin Yuan & Michael Lee Loi Fatt and 2nd Prize (3d/2n Perth): Lim Sheena, Lim Shin Ling, Ricky Lim Jin Lee & Lim Swee Gee.
Images courtesy of NBT.
Dream Charter turns 6 months. The last time I went on the Dream Charter was back in January. I met up with Aideen and Peter, the co-owners of Dream Charter, who created a theme excursion for those interested in going for a cruise. Last week, The Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Dato Hamdillah and his spouse, attended the 6-month anniversary of the Dream Charter.
According to the co-owners, they recorded a high number of visitors last month as the locals and the expats wanted to experience the "sunset" cruise. There will be arrival of another boat in October to better serve its customers. For more details, you can contact 7119744 or you can email at dreamcharter@gmail.com
Image courtesy of Bahrum Ali, The Brunei Times
Wired for Brunei. This is a nicely written piece by Izam Said on a profile one of the prominent bloggers in Brunei, Reeda Malik (pic inset: Jefri Salas), which appeared in yesterday's The Brunei Times. For your info, this buddy of mine grew up in his hometown Seria and a former student of St. Magaret's.
During his interview with Izam Said of The Brunei Times, Reeda touched on e-government, twitter, social networking and also his previous position in the government and private sector. So guys, if you want to read more about the article, you can click here.
A word of encouragement from Reeda was "Learn as much as you can. I cannot emphasise that enough."
J.L. Jewellery. Thinking of buying some jewelry? You can have them specially designed by Julia from J.L. Jewellery located at Yayasan Complex at Bandar. It's opened daily from 11am to 8:30pm. For more info, you can call/fax at 223 9168. Below are pictures of the current trend that are popular among the youth.
Maju Motors had an impressive launch. Last Friday, Maju Motors officially launched Volkswagen's newest Golf - the Mark VI - which is the latest model which has been a popular model. The launch itself was pretty impressive which took place at the Maju Motors showroom upstairs. I'm impressed with the dark environment though and it seemed that it was a night event but it took place in the morning. It was the first time such launch was done during daylight so I expect more of this launch from Maju Motors.
Back to the car, the new Golf range now satisfy limits of the future EU-5 standard. New technologies added to the car include "automatic distance control" (ACC), "adaptive chassis control" (DCC) and the "park steering assistant".
The 1.6-litre, seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission being sold in Brunei would take passengers from 0 - 100km/h in 11.3 seconds, and will hit a top speed of 117mph. Present at yesterday's launching was the Managing Director of Maju Motors, Chan Key Hong, who invited the German Ambassador to Brunei, Dr Thomas Bruns, to officially unveil the new Golf to the invited guests.
All Golf owners were given a t-shirt of the latest MkVI Golf, and were also treated to a live performance by Smoking' Aces and light refreshments.
Rano says Good luck to all the treasure hunters in the NBT Treasure Hunt and it's in 13th edition already. I've never joined a treasure hunt before in my life because I spent more time doing coverage on the actual treasure hunt. But for today, I won't be covering this event. I shall be relying pictures from my peers where some of them are participating in the event.
This year's theme is "Pirates of the Car-ribean" *aahhh, now I get it...* and the Mr. Ninan Chacko the MD of NBT, promises more "The Amazing Race" style activities which was a successful formula in 2008. The flag-off started this morning at the ICC (the usual venue) and there are about 800 participants (200 vehicles) in this year's treasure hunt. So expect to see tons of stickers on their cars on the road.
According to Hj Ahmad Hj Husin, he's happy to see many family teams joining the competition and he believes this will create more bond within the family. The first prize will be a holiday package to Auckland, 2nd prize is a holiday package to Perth and the third prize will be a holiday package to Hong Kong (Ok, this is what I really want LOL). Good luck again guys and don't forget to use hand sanitisers.
Are you a burger lover? Good news then... Because there will be an eating competition tomorrow at Countrypatch which will be celebrating its first year anniversary *Wow, time does fly very fast* and the theme is "Cowboy" and who knows you might win a prize for dressing up.
Congrats Countrypatch on your anniversary and for those who wants a cozy, relax environment, this is an ideal spot for you.
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Manicure? Pedicure? Facial? You can enjoy this services at Nails & Wax located above Sushi Excapade at Regent Square, Kiulap *contact 223 2884* And they are currently having a special promotion in July 2009 for those who are interested and who knows you can get Kimchi Restaurant vouchers as well. Good deal, aye?
Below are the promotion for July 2009
1) Whitening manicure + pedicure spa @ BND 63 (worth BND 159)
2) Detoxify massage @ BND 63 (worth BND 98)
3) Whitening facial @ BND 63 (worth BND 80)
4) Facial + Upper lip waxing + Half leg waxing @ BND 163 (worth BND 198 - Fully pampered package)
5) Half leg waxing + Detoxify massage @ BND 163 (worth BND 198 - Total Body care package)
* This promotion is only limited to the first 63 customer per item
* Spend more than BND 150 - receive BND 10 Kimchi Restaurant voucher
* For people whose birthday falls on 15th July, you'll receive a free foot massage if you spend on any other items/service at Nails & Wax.
Rano says "Have a good weekend, peeps!!" I'm currently watching "Strangers" on HBO which is so-so flick though it's based on true events. I recently caught Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and it has its moments but didn't deserve the "A" verdict which I gave to Ice Age 1 & 2. It is still a crowd pleaser nonetheless.
I had two lunch appointments (nice to see you again, Caley) just then and now I'm in the comfort of my bed. I don't have much events today apart from the wedding reception of Robin & Nana tonight which will take place at Rizqun Hotel tonight. Events have recently dried up because of the H1N1 situation. I was informed by one of the reporters that even organisers have to make sure that the report that comes out in the papers is be written at a minimal so there won't be much emphasis on the activities that are being carried out.
Speaking of the H1N1 situation, yesterday's press release from MOH announced there were 16 new cases of H1N1 in Brunei which brings a total of 225 cases so far. I remember when the first case came out two weeks ago and everyone was in a state of panic which have faded. I remember reading it when I was still in Hong Kong *Man, I love that place.. A must visit place* and now the cases have been skyrocketed to 225 in a matter of 3 weeks.
I cancelled my trip to Bangkok this week because of the H1N1. I was particularly more concerned about the quarantine. That could just spoil the whole trip should that happen *touch wood* I do hope the situation will improve in the next few months. Businesses have been affected for sure especially the travel industry and it will indirectly affect SMEs around.
Anyway guys... Enjoy the weekend and sorry for the delay in my post today. Thank you for keeping up.
Dogg Yi under pressure? These have been an underlying question that even some of my peers are wondering. Where is that extra "factor" that he brought that 12 goals for Super Reds last season? As the season progressed, I've noticed that he had made minimal impact to the team. He has been overshadowed by other players as he found it difficult to adapt to the gameplay of DPMM FC.
DPMM FC last night lost for two straight games (away) as they went down to Tampines Rover 2-1 at Jalan Besar Stadium. I don't blame the lost solely to the Korean alone. Yes, it is a team effort and Brunei DPMM FC had chances to kill off the game. What is lacking evidently is the experience factor in the bench. The injuries to Jerkovic is not helping much in midfield and DPMM FC is really missing his presence on the field.
But back to Dogg Yi.... and this is not the first time apparently. Whenever he has possession of the ball in attack, he kept losing it under pressure or whenever he's being fouled. His teammate Abdelhamid which I have doubted earlier in the season proved to be a signing success. You give him the ball and he can dribble, he can withstand challenges and the pressure even being fouled on many occasions. Furthermore, he has a few goals under his belt. His work rate is simply phenomenal on the pitch. I could see the desire in him as he gives 100% in every match and wow, he even won Man of the Match award last night and edging Alam Shah who scored two goals for Tampines.
Apparently, there's one foreign player that has joined training for DPMM FC recently but I'm not sure for what purposes. Could he be a new addition to the squad? And according to the rules, only four import players are allowed so that would mean if the current player on trial is being signed up, one of the current import players will make way.
The loss maintains DPMM FC's spot as fourth in the 12-team table. Their next game is against Albirex Niigata at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on July 18.
Barista competition at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Tomorrow, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will be conducting a Barista Competition at 10am at the CBTL Bandar branch. The public is more than welcome to watch the competition as the local barista of CBTL will be competing for the top prize - the 2009 CBTL Brunei Champion Barista and he/she will represent Brunei in the Asia Pacific region competition on 4th-5th August 2009 in Singapore.
There will be FREE sampling/testing of new promotional Coffee Bean's product. Furthermore, there will also be FREE testing on different types (7 for coffee and 15 for tea). So why don't you drop by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Sunday, 12th July at 10am - 12pm and try out the FREE sampling.
The new CBTL promotional drinks are 1) Mango Matcha Green Tea Ice Blended 2) Red Bean Matcha Blended 3) Red Bean Ice Blended 4) Iced Over Tea Latte.
