By Yulz.
Saturday, 10. November 2007, 12:42:48
Brunei Darussalam, Celebration
Bandar Seri Begawan - Lambak Kanan Ugama School held a Hari Raya celebration for the Brunei II Area Religious Teachers yesterday as the month of Syawal came to a close.
Present as the guest of honour was the Islamic Studies Officer for the Brunei II Area, Hjh Dayang Laki Ibrahim.
In her speech, she spoke of the role of teachers in creating awareness among students about appreciating the meaning of Hari Raya.
Among those attending were 683 teachers from 30 special and co-ed religious schools, 26 primary and 24 private schools.
Organised by the Brunei II Area Leaders of Religious Schools Committee, the event was held annually with the objective of fostering close relations among teachers and to celebrate the Hari Raya festivity.
Among the scheduled entertainments were eight performances by mix groups of teachers and principals from different schools including Hari Raya songs and tausyeh.
A donation presentation to a number of teachers, who will be doing their Haj and a memorial souvenir to the guest of honour in appreciation for her services, closed the event. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
By Yulz.
Tuesday, 16. October 2007, 03:30:08
Brunei Darussalam, Royal, Celebration, Hari Raya
Bandar Seri Begawan - Nearly 30,000 people from all walks of life thronged the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday at the start of the three-day royal open house to greet Their Majesties and other Members of the royal family.
It's the joyful time of the year again when the palace is open to the public irrespective of their belief and position.
The Istana Open House is very much a part of the country's tradition, which over the years has also been a key event for tourists.
Yesterday, 29,019 (17,549 in the morning and 11,470 in the afternoon) visitors thronged the Istana to meet and greet His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and other members of the royal family.
Also present were HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and HRH Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and Pg Bini Hjh Faizah, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen.
HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah, HRH Princess Hafizah Sururul Bulqiah, HRH Princess Hjh Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam, HRH Princess Hjh Norehsani and grandchildren of Their Majesties were also present.
Amongst the many thousands of well wishers to greet the royal family were foreigners, either residing in the country or currently visiting, who grabbed the opportunity to join the locals to meet and greet the royalty.
Shuttle buses ferried the visitors to the palace gates. Posters of proper dress codes were posted on the shuttle buses and at the entrance to the palace. Special seats were in place for elderly citizens while a booth was set up for paramedics.
Prior to exchanging greetings with the royal family, the visitors have to register their names and pass through security checks before being entertained to a lavish spread of food and drinks.
Amongst the first to exchange greetings were Pengiran-Pengiran and personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and other uniformed personnel.
In an interview with the Bulletin, a visitor, a local Chinese mother of three, said that it was her third consecutive year visiting the palace. She along with her children hoped to be able to visit and greet the royalty personally at the open house every year.
Another mother of two from Limbang, Ruyap anak Sangau, also said that ever since she and her family were aware of the Istana Open House, they have always made it a point not to miss the golden opportunity, which does not happen elsewhere. She said that she usually leaves home as early as before six in the morning just to avoid long queues at the border.
Twenty-seven-year-old Yiew Meng Hong from Sibu, Sarawak, who happens to be in Brunei coincidentally, was delighted and proud to be able to attend this rare event to get up close with the royal family, especially Their Majesties and the opportunity to visit the palace.
What came as a surprise to him and his family of seven was the sumptuous spread of buffet for visitors, which he said portrays the generosity of His Majesty.
He also said the Hari Raya card from His Majesty was something that he would treasure.
Johnny Wong, a counsellor from Sabah, travelled to Brunei by road, which took him over seven hours. A similar story is that of Bapak Ali from Indonesia who came to Brunei to experience Hari Raya in its royal splendour.
According to Wong, the officers at the palace were extremely helpful, not to mention the huge feast that awaited them, and of course, the opportunity to meet the royal family. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
By Yulz.
Tuesday, 16. October 2007, 02:36:21
Hari Raya, Celebration, Brunei Darussalam
Bandar Seri Begawan - During the month of Syawal, many Muslims open the doors of their homes to welcome all, bringing together people irrespective of creed, culture and position to participate in the joyful celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
An open house brings people together regardless of their religion, position or background.
Open houses usually come with delicacies such as local favourites "Ketupat", peanut sauce, "Rendang", "Ayam Kurma", and "Nasi Minyak".
Pengiran Hj Besar bin Pengiran Hj Ahmad, a former principal at Sekolaii Rendah Delima Sam and a Deputy Principal of Maktah Science said, "1 am so happy that all my sons, daughter, grandsons, granddaughters as well as "Cicit" are gathered today on the first day of raya.
"We normally hold an open house on the first day of Hari Raya when hospitality is extended to all and this year is merrier compared to the previous year. I've- been looking forward to the celebration since the start of the holy month of Ramadhan.
Now the month long celebrations have begun and this is my chance to meet my family members especially my grandsons and granddaughters," he added.
The open house saw family members nibbling at delicious homemade raya cookies while they mingled with each other.
Meanwhile, 83-year-old Hj Saidin bin Taram also held an annual open house on the first day of Hari Raya for his big family, distant relatives and close friends.
It is a tradition for all family members to gather at his place during the morning of the first day of raya.
He has six siblings, seven children and 17 grandchildren, most of who gathered at Hj Saidin's house to meet and catch up with all relatives during the festive event.
It was an opportunity for him to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
The open house concept is prevalent in Brunei culture especially during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam also holds an open house for the public at the Istana Nurul lman.
A steady stream of visitors can be seen making their way to the palace during scheduled times, not only to eat and have fun, but to meet the nation's leaders.
Tourists are most welcome to such events. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
By Yulz.
Friday, 22. June 2007, 11:51:36
Contest, Karaoke, news, Brunei
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Bandar Seri Begawan - Forget "American Idol" or "Akademi Fantasia", local aspiring singers from Mukim Berakas B will try out their karaoke prowess as a first step towards stardom. The competition is organised to commemorate the 61" Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam next month.
Organised by the Consultative Council of Kg Kawasan 3 RPN Lambak Kanan, Berakas, the contest is open to citizens and permanent residents residing at Mukim Berakas B who have never won any singing competition organised by Radio Television Brunei (RTB).
Interested participants can obtain the entry forms from Sulaiman Abd Samat (8882406), Hj Aliakbar Ali (8892473) or Hj Apong Hj Omar (8873038). The deadline is June 30 and not later than 8pm.
Contestants may participate in any of the two available categories: Category A (songs of 50s and 60s) and Category B (songs after 60s).
However, dangdut numbers are not allowed to be sung. Contestants may change their songs at different levels of the competition as long as they stay within the same category, said Sulaiman.
"A singer needs to bring his or her own CD to be given to the DJ prior to the competition. "Ten contestants will be selected to enter the final in each of the two categories," he said adding that winners will bring home electrical appliances as prizes.
He said the participants will be judged for tempo, vocal and showmanship.
"Details of venue date and time of competition will be announced later," he added.
Sulaiman said the main objective of the contest is to discover singing talent in the area.
"It is also to forge closer relationship between residents in the mukim.
"The contest will give the mukim a chance to share its joy and happiness in celebrating our ruler's 61" birthday this July," he said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
By Yulz.
Friday, 8. June 2007, 06:47:39
The Sultan, Royal Wedding, Brunei Darussalam, Love
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Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday attended the "Istiadat Akad Nikah Diraja" or solemnisation of the marriage vows of Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah to YM Pengiran Khairul Khalil bin Pengiran Syed Hj Jaafari.
Also in attendance at the ceremony, held at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque in the capital, were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.
Prior to the ceremony, His Majesty performed the highly recommended `Sunat Tahiyatul Masjid' prayer.
The ceremony began with Pg Khairul Khalil led by Pg Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pg Anak Hj Abdul Rahim proceeding to the mosque. Men carrying 12 Sinipit, six Pedang and Perisai, six Tumbak Bendarangan and four Kabok and Penastan accompanied the entourage.
Pg Khairul Khalil was invited to sit at Kasur Namat, a square cushion, surrounded by four ceremonial candles in the centre of the room.
The ceremony began when Pehin Dato Dr Awang Haji Hussain informed YAM Pg Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Haji Abdul Aziz that the Istiadat `Akad Nikah Diraja' was ready to proceed.
YAM Pg Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abdul Aziz informed His Majesty that the solemnisation of marriage or 'Akad Nikah' was ready to begin to which His Majesty gave his consent.
Pehin Dato Hj Awg Abdul Salim then approached His Majesty along with two men carrying a marriage vow certificate placed in a brass receptacle.
The `Akad Nikah' ceremony began with Pehin Dato Hj Awg Abdul Salim reciting the Surah al-Fatihah. Pehin Dato Hj Awg Abdul Salim then performed the `Akad Nikah' with Pg Khairul Khalil affirming his acceptance of the `akad nikah' or marriage solemnisation. Outside the mosque, cannons were fired 17 times to mark the conclusion of the ceremony.
`Lafaz Ta'liq' was then read by Pg Khairul Khalil who later signed the solemnisation form followed by Pehin Dato Hj Awg Abdul Salim. A doa selamat was read by the State Mufti.
Pg Khairul Khalil later paid his respects to His Majesty, HRH the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.
Pg Khairul Khalil also paid his respects to his father Pg Syed Hj Jaafari. His Majesty and other members of the royal family later left the mosque followed by Pg Khairul Khalil, who was accompanied by Pg Anak Hj Abdul Rahim and entourage. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
By Yulz.
Thursday, 7. June 2007, 04:07:51
Brunei Darussalam, news, Awards, Celebration
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Tutong - The best performers of Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah were rewarded yesterday morning to further encourage the outstanding students during an appreciation ceremony held at the institute in Jalan Tutong.
The event's guest of honour was Acting Principal Ustaz Dr Ashraf Mohamed Fouad Mohamed Amin, who advised them to continue working hard and get excellent results in their future.
He also called on the students to be sincere and humble, as well as to perform prayers, read the Quran, look after their health and carefully choose friends who'can guide them on their true paths.
"If you do all things with good intentions or reasons, then you are on your way to achieving success, both in this world and the hereafter," he said.
The students, who topped Quran classes, achieved academic excellence and obtained the best results in public examinations, received gifts presented by the guest of honour.
The institute's Exemplary Student award went to Mohd Yassir Dr Hj Ibrahim, who has completed his course and with honours before furthering his studies at the Islamic Universiti Islam Sharif Ali.
The students who topped their classes were considered very good performers, while those who obtained marks of 90 per cent or higher were called excellent achievers.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
By Yulz.
Thursday, 7. June 2007, 03:46:44
Royal Wedding, June, Brunei Darussalam, Celebration
Kuala Belait - In Conjunction with the Royal Wedding of HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah and YM Pengiran Khairul Khalil Bin Pengiran Syed Hj Jaafari, the capital of Brunei Darussalam is festooned with colourful banners announcing the Royal Wedding at lampposts, shop houses, public buildings and other places around Bandar Seri Begawan.
The four districts of Belait, Tutong, Temburong and Brunei-Muara have also been spruced up with Royal Wedding banners, and one of the highlights of the event will be the Royal Procession to be held this Sunday, starting from Istana Nurul Iman heading towards the capital and back again.
Meanwhile, the media centre, which was previously located at the Information Department, has now been moved to a more strategic location. It is now at the Sheraton Hotel in the capital, in order to accommodate and facilitate the media personnel who will be covering the Royal Wedding.
The media centre is divided into two floors, with a few desks stationed at the hotel lobby while the main media centre is on the sixth floor of the hotel itself. More than 15 foreign media personnel from various press agencies are expected to cover the Royal Wedding.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
WIDGETIZE