Monday, March 31, 2008

STREET | Multi-Racial Pop.

Just a quick post, showing a local street scene.



Besides the Malay, as the majority, the Chinese & Indian communities also add up to some of the percentages of the local populations.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

RANDOM | iRambut for $39.99

Could not help noticing this particular person's hairstyle, perhaps, he got the inspirational idea from Sanjaya of Americal Idol, and to which I also have an idea of composing it like that once famous ads, and still is.


I bet, when people see his hair people will say: "Ai Rambutnya ah ... atu nya! ", hence the title iRambut!

Not so sure how much it cost to style it as such, but the amount was intentional, just to mock the latest craze in grocery adverts, i.e. .99 this and .99 that!

People will thought, " iRambutnya tiga puluh labih saja! ", (thirty something only), when in fact, it is $40!

So customer beware, caveat emptor!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

ABSTRACT | DANGER not DENGAR!

Something different from the previous posts.



Just a simple sign, sprayed on a makeshift wall.

Thou, the above image can be done entirely with Photoshop and such, but it just ain't the same as capturing the actual one.

Still remember a real story, told by my dad, during their early college days, the time when English was not widely spoken.

Whilst walking back home from school, they saw a sign, very similar as above, but it was put at an electrical sub-station, stating "DANGER".

So, one of them said, "Hei, look at that sign, DENGAR, perhaps they want us to listen to it", hence they approached the station and listen to it!

Luckily nobody get hurts.

("Listen" in Malay is "Dengar")

Friday, March 28, 2008

Random | People of Brunei

Just a quick post, showing some of the faces of Bruneian.


The foreground, is one of the well-known DJ on the local radio scene, but at the background, is a different story.


Well, some of the other team members, very eager to be captured in the frame.


Just another photo, to complete this post.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

RANDOM | Kids & More Kids

Still in the topic of children, here are some more images about cheerful kids.


Beware, Do Not Cross The Lines, but do they listen, nope, obviously, they are having a good time.


Despite the photo is in Black & White, you can still feels their happiness, joy & laughter.



Trying to squeeze them all in a "box".

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

BRUNEI | Children,Our Future

What I found quite touching, even til now, is to see children mesmerized in such a patriotic ambience.


A child holding the National Flag, moment like this, for sure will linger in their memory, until they are old.


Something, that they can share and tell their school friends, families, and perhaps to their small kids.

So bring your kids, let them experience the experience, be a part of the national history.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

RANDOM | Hold-on

Holding On.

Hold-On Tight.

Holding Tight.

These may sounds the same, but do they really mean the same.

Some smart English teacher might disagree with me, or might wanna argue with me, well you are more than welcome.

Anyway, from my understanding, Holding On, is like, eerrm Holding On, i.e. Lewis is still holding on to what his mentor had taught him, not to flirt with danger.

While, Hold on tight, is like, when the bus driver tried to overtake the Nissan Skyline, he asked the passenger to Hold-on tight, so that they will not be thrown over board.

Then Holding Tight, is holding, grasping something tightly.



So Hold-On, what does the above photo represent, neither, the hands are actually stroking the arrows!

;P

Monday, March 24, 2008

RANDOM | Tutup Kedai?

I guess, by now, most of the locals would have heard about this new huge franchise supermarket coming to town.

Is it good for the economy or not, that is not what I am going to discuss about here.

But whatever it is, one should grab all the opportunities and learn some business tactics from such regional, if not global, players.

The way how they market themselves, luring and having some MOU's with the local SMEs, creating job opportunities for the locals, plus some spill-off effect that other business gain from it.

Just by looking at their adverts, some "small shops" might step back (kira gagar, macam kalah sebelum bertanding), as some of the ads are spotted as far as more than 10KM radius, up to the border Kuala Lurah, and even to the neighbouring country i.e. Malaysia! ( mun inda caya agatah liat sendiri.)



Mother and child walking pass a closed shop.

Such competition exist everywhere, not only in business, but also in schools and offices etc.

A competitive world have two options, you can lose, or if you want to win, you can change.

A competitor is good at times, as it can stop you from being too complacent.

Furthermore, no body is perfect, even those huge one have their own weakness, which only those small ones could fulfill.

It is funny how, those customers who like to complaint, they are actually the one who will keeps on coming back for more, compared to those who does not complaint.

NOTE: Oh by the by, the shop on the above photo, is not a direct result of the new opening, but they're close because it was a public holiday. :)

Sunday, March 23, 2008

RANDOM | East Meet West

What happen when a guy from the west meet a guy from the west side of the world.

" Do you know that, during my younger years, I never flirt with any woman, instead, it is them, the woman who flirted with me, including some English ladies...."

Saturday, March 22, 2008

RANDOM | The Unsung Heroes

In any big event, I'd assume not only in Brunei, but the world all over, after any major event, the venue will usually be in a mess, and as if by magic, few hours after that, the venue will then be cleaned.

So what happened?

Don't tell me that it was all clean by some magician, nor it was as easy as clicking the undo button, no such thing in the real world, (how I wish there's such button thou).

Well, what actually was these:


No matter how technologically advance the country is, a dash of manual labour are still required.
Cleaning those hard to reach places.


All those tiny bits and pieces, sweeping all those glitters away.


Then, will only leave the place, after the place is spanking clean.

So, people, please, do not litter as you wish, help them to help our environment.

A big round of applause should be given to these ladies and gentlemen, who are very dedicated in doing there job, no matter how menial it may seems, without them, we won't be enjoying a clean place of living.

I still remember back in the ol' skool days, during those college days, at the usual daily morning assembly, some students complaint to their parents because they were punish to clean the school's toilets (obviously they must have done something wrong, otherwise they won't be punished), hence the Discipline Master made a disclaimer something like this:

"Mengapa mesti malu?... ADAKAH HINA ibu kamu membersihkan jamban di rumah? Adakah hina orang-orang yang bertugas membersihkan tandas?"

Loosely translated as "Why one must be ashamed(to clean the toilet)?, Is it shameful for your mother to clean the toilet back in your home? Is it shameful for those people whose job is to clean the toilets?"

Well, what ever he said, still rings in my head, even after so many years. So ironic ain't it.

P.S. Why does the Discipline Master/Teacher in school have more or less the same name, Cg. Dollah lah, Cg. Abdullah lah or Cg. Ali lah.

Friday, March 21, 2008

RANDOM | Friendship

Just some random thought


Friendship and aging, the older one get, the more friends one will accumulate, unless the person is not popular, then perhaps, people will tend to go away from them.

A friend is someone who is not afraid to tell you, if what you are doing is not right, someone who will tells you the truth, no matter how bitter the reality is.

Whereas aging, it will depends on how one look at themselves, I guess the saying, age is a number, is still correct to some extend.

We are the one who make ourselves young or old. Thinking that you have reached a certain age, and acting older than your age, does not seems to justify your well being, unless, you want to be old, then that is a different story.

It is good to feel young at heart, despite what age you may be, yet, there is a limit to it.

In age, we are the exclusive members of the ten years club, i.e. we are only allowed to be in a certain age club for only a period of ten years max,.

So which ever age club you are in, be it the 20's club, the 30's club, the 40's club or what ever club you may be, just make yourself comfortable.

It is funny thou, a small kid always wanna be a grown-up, a youth obviously wanna stay in their youth, and grown-ups most of the time wanna be kids again.

Why wanna be a kid? ... coz it is troublefree... what Bruneian always called "Abis Bank".

Thursday, March 20, 2008

GREETING | Maulidir Rasul 1429 Hijrah

Today, most major Islamic regions are celebrating the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him). Celebrated every 12 Rabiulawal of the Islamic (Hijrah) Calendar.

As usual, in Brunei, the national celebration were held at the Taman Omar Ali Saifuddien, BSB.



One of the many gates at the Taman.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

RANDOM | Enjoying the Sun

Some people do enjoy being under the heat of the sun, even thou the show had finish for quite a while.



Woiits! What are you guys up to eh?

Monday, March 17, 2008

RANDOM | The Joyous Moment

A joyous moment to celebrate after a fruitful event.


Hugging each other, happy as everything went well.

On another note, it was a joyous moment for the McLaren's Team as well, as Lewis Hamilton won the 1st place in the Melbourne ING F1 yesterday (16.03.2008).

It was an exhilarating race, even as early as before the first turn in the 1st lap, accident happens.

Then there was another accident on Lap26, which affected Coulthard.

I think the new regulation of disabling the Electronic Traction Control has taken its toll, when instead of turning the tyres, Raikkonen just drove straight ahead after passing Kovalainen.

The Safety Car was "put-on-action" for couple of times.

At the end of the race, only 7 cars managed to complete the race, with 3 different teams on the podium, and for the very first time, none of the Prancing Horse team completed the race.

Nevertheless, Raikkonen were awarded 1 point for "finishing" 8th.

Well, there's still a long season ahead, so many drama to come, and the next one will be Sepang Petronas F1 race in KL this weekend.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

NDP | BRUNEI | Looking for ...?

Amongst the greens, there's a turquoise and red.



What is she looking for? Looking for something? Looking for an angle ( yeap not angel) ? Looking for someone? or perhaps looking for Romeo Razali?

Saturday, March 15, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | The Patriotic "Youngsterz"

Some of the familiar faces in the crowd.



I was told that, they will always be in the crowd, every year without fail, sitting at the same spot, wearing the same dress and waving the flags fanatically eerrmm... Well I was just exaggerating a bit, ignore the same spot bit... haha

Friday, March 14, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | The Police Cadets

Just a random photo

The young Bruneian, enjoying themselves as members of the College Police Cadets.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

RANDOM | Face the Music

Song & rhythm are meant to be together.


A simple note can make or break the music.

On a different note, I had the opportunity to be invited to the High Schools' National Patriotic Choir competition.

Watching and listening to the choir performances was really something.

During my school days, I always wanted to join the choir, or just to join anything that could represent the school.

I might have represented the school in few occasions, but not the choir.

Oh well, back to the choir competition, it was quite an enjoyable event, listening to the harmonious voices singing those patriotic songs, injected more "patriotistic" boost to your body system!

Not only that, but they are now more innovative with their showmanship, not only the hands are moving but the whole body as well!

A big round of applause for their dedicated teachers in conducting their rehearsal for their performances.

As well as all of the participants, and congrats to the winners.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

RANDOM | The Modern Dinosaur

These are the "modern dinosaurs", with their long neck and such.


The Dino vs the Lamp Post



At another side of the field, despite being high above the ground, the spirit of patriotism is in fact very high! Just look at that flag.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | Zooming to the March Pass

Amongst those involved in the march pass were the school children.

They were quite eager to participate in the National Day's Parade.


The young school boys, marching happily.


The Female Students also took part in the parade.

Monday, March 10, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | The MoFAT's

Nope, that one is that artist, The Moffats, and nope it doesn't mean that there are more fats.

It is the MoFAT, the Minstry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Established on the 1 January 1984 as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,(MFA), it was then renamed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MOFAT) on the 1 August 2005 as the International Relations & Trade of the Ministry of Primary Resources was merged to MFA.


Some of the members of the MoFAT's.

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Saturday, March 08, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | The March Pass

There are still "tonnes" of photos, wanted to post 'em all, but don't wanna hold-up the bandwidth, so just post these photos.


The very young school children, charmingly passing by the street.


The Brunei Association of Banks, with their nice outfits.


The Scouts, marching by the once the tallest building in BSB, i.e. the BIDB Building.

Happy weekend everyone.

Friday, March 07, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | The Green Girls

Now, representing, eeermm, not so sure.



I assume they are students from one of the high schools, any idea?

Thursday, March 06, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | Belait District FC

Another group of participants, from the Belait District.


The TechnoKid smiling widely seeing the "huge" lens.

Eh lebar jua senyum u atu mister!

The Belait District group comprises of their senior officers, staffs, Penghulus & Head of Villages, as well as those representing their local ethnic groups.

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | Royal Customs & Excise Team

Most people nowadays are beginning to enjoy those "photojournalistic" style of photography, where "supposedly", the photo would be those of the candid type, without the subject actually "realising" they were being photographed.

But, "photojournalistic" style are not merely taking any candid photo, at times the subject are aware of it, but what matter most is the story within the photo composition, just like making a proper sentence in the English Grammar, i.e. one needs a proper "verbs" to make it complete.

So now, rather than taking the typical candid photo, for the next couple of days or so, I'll just post photo of "not-so-candid-photo-yet-not-so-posed-photo"

Well, who knows, in those post, YOU might be in the photos, or perhaps, someone you know.



First on the list, the participants from the Royal Customs & Excise Department, which previously a.k.a Customs & Bea Department, established in April 1906, is one of the oldest government department.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | Mana Orang Meliat?

In my earlier post, I've mentioned about the number of public viewing the parade seems to be decreasing compared to the previous years.


Only a handful watched the parade along this stretch of blocks.

Monday, March 03, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | Begagas Sulnya

For the past so n so years, the national day celebrations were held at the same venue i.e. Taman SOAS, as such, the modus operandi were almost the same year thru year.

Hence the challenge in photographing such event, is how to capture it differently, finding new perspective, a different view from the others, and most importantly, to make it different from the one that we ourselves took during the previous years.

Some of the photos, have already been taken by the others, or yourself previously, so need to find something new.


The colourful march.

I was browsing thru my past National Day Parade photos, and I know I have not taken such shot as the above.

So go ahead, and challenge your own selves. :)

Sunday, March 02, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | The Veterans

I wanted to post load of photos for each post, but some complaint to me that, it took some time for the site to be fully loaded.

So in that case I'll just upload a minimal photo for each post.


Some veterans reminiscing their good ol' days.

Saturday, March 01, 2008

BRUNEI | NDP | At Ease yet Ready

White gloves can represent anything, thou it is usually worn by uniformed personnel, but it can also be worn by waitresses, or by magician or even Micheal Jackson!

Thou the later only wore a single glove.



The one with the white gloves.

Speaking of which, by now, the local community would have heard about the incident regarding this guy who wanted to leap off the overhead pedestrian crossing at the busy Gadong Road yesterday (29.02.2008).

I personally think that, this guy is confuse, very confuse, he has taken the term "Leap Year" literally, so since it was a "Leap" February this year, hence he tried to "leap-it-off"!

And, some interesting fact about leap year, why February 29? Why not January 32 or so.

It was told, that during the Roman Empire of Julius & Agustus, they grab the two days off February to make July & August to be 31 days, hence to compensate the shortened February, hence it was chosen to be a part of the leap year.