Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Back here after seven years.

Salam, good day. The last time my wife and I visited Kota Kinabalu was back in October 2003. After seven years, now I'm back here again. Very very very happening here in KK! The kids seems enjoying themselves as well:)

On board BI0821.
Thanks babu amit and co men for those pocket money for the kids.

Hands up! The traffic jam is not welcoming.

Superb scenery

The room aint ready yet

Salma Hayek on Rachael Ray's show holds me on bed

The internet connection is FOC *excellent!


Bay Watch Idol!

My wife having Banana Boat by the pool side

This is one brave boy



I cant afford to buy those lobsters

Its very rare for Zahra' to see Tiger Prawn and Lobster alive

Our dinner for the first night out

...and its cost us RM$236.000!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Its time to get rest.

May Allah bless him, Al-Fatihah...
My condolences goes to his family, may he rest in peace.
(Image fb Jefri Salas)
The last time I talked to him was at Kianggeh Cemetery during last Ramadhan, taking picture of my grandfather's cemetery for The Brunei Times publication. The last time I met him was at Jame Asre during Aidiladha, which he could only smile to me. Although we are not that close, but I would consider him as a very good friend of mine. I'm gonna miss you bro, Allahyarham Jefri Salas Metali.

Abdul Khair shoots PIP to glory

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Hitman Abdul Khair Hj Basri fired a brace against Sports School to crown Projek Ikan Pusu (PIP) the Under-14 National League champions at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.

Two incredible first half strikes from Abdul Khair and a late own goal by Sports School defender Md Azim Hamidoon gifted the champions a 3-1 victory in the final. Md Zulkhairy Hady Razali scored Sports School's lone goal in the 20th minute.

In recognition of his winning performance, Abdul Khair was honoured as "Best Player in the Final" to add to his "Top Scorer" award with 35 goals.

For PIP coach Hj Omar Hj Jamil, the victory was well-deserved for a side that had not tasted a single defeat this season.

"In my personal opinion, we must be champions. If not only because our performance had been improving at every stage of the competition," said Hj Omar, who also led PIP to the title last season.

Meanwhile defeated Sports School coach Pg Serfuddin Pg Hj Mohd Salleh attributed the lost to his players' physique and luck.

"It's just hard luck. As I have said before, our players are at a disadvantage when it comes to physique," said the Sports School coach. "Yet I'm happy with their performance because the goals we conceded came from mistakes. Plus, our original target was to reach the semi-finals but we were able to take it one step further and (Md) Asri (Hj Aspar) was even named 'Player of the Year'. Overall, they played very well against PIP and I'd also like to congratulate PIP for becoming champions," added Pg Serfuddin.

The champions were duly awarded with a $1,500, while runners-up Sports School received $1,000.

Joint third-place winners Muara Vella Academy and Tutong Co-Curricular Education Department (JPKK) Scheme were presented $500 each.

Menglait Department of Youth and Sports (JBS) Scheme also claimed an award last night when Abd Hafiz Abdul Rahim was named "Best Goalkeeper" while Tutong JPKK notched the honour of "Fairplay Team".

Present to award the winners with their prizes was Hj Shahbudin Hj Musa, BLNG Deputy General Manager of Marketing.

Sports School kicked off the final and started strongly when Md Zulkhairy outmuscled the PIP defenders and fired goalwards only to hit the side netting.

His other attempt was comfortably saved by PIP goalkeeper Syazani Hj Yussof.

Md Haif Hamir also tried his luck with a long shot but it sailed wide over the crossbar.

It took none other than Abdul Khair to turn the tide of the match around in PIP's favour soon after. He penetrated into the Sports School box and the defenders were made to pay when they failed to stop his advance, Abdul Khair shot from point blank to give PIP the lead in the 7th minute.

Sports School were determined to not remain in the backfoot for long. A long ball into PIP territory was met by Md Zulkhairy who rushed into the penalty area.

Goalkeeper Syazani stifled the attack but the defenders failed to clear the loose ball, which Md Zulkhairy happily fired into an open goalmouth to level the scores in the 10th minute.

Yet an unexpected mistake by Sports School goalkeeper Burhanuddin Hj Edy Asmady surrendered the champions the lead in the 17th minute.

Abdul Khair fired a rocket from 30 yards and the goalkeeper should have been able to get a solid grip on the ball, yet it bounced off and landed in the net to make it 2-1 in PIP's favour.

When the second half started, PIP were more energetic and took hold of the match. However it took an own goal by Sports School to extend their lead in the final minutes. Bursting from the left flank, Muhd Akramul Ameerudin Md Sambri's attempt to square the ball was met by Sports School defender Md Azim, who accidentally diverted the ball into his own net in the 68th minute to crown PIP the 2010 grassroots football league champions by 3-1. (The Brunei Times).



The U-14 Champs!

My photo opportunity with the 2010 MVP Abdul Khair Basri

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Condolences.

The Brunei Times - Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday sent messages of condolences to King Norodom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, following the loss of life caused by the stampede at the recent Water Festival in Cambodia.
In the message to King Sihamoni, His Majesty expressed his great sadness upon learning of the incident. On behalf of the government and the people of Brunei, His Majesty offered heartfelt condolences to King Sihamoni and his people, especially those who had suffered personal loss as a result of the tragic incident.
In a similar message to Prime Minister Hun Sen, His Majesty said he was deeply saddened to learn of the great loss of life caused by the incident. His Majesty, along with the government and people of Brunei also expressed their deepest sympathies to the prime minister and the people of Cambodia.
A news report from the Associated Press yesterday said that a stampede by thousands of festival-goers left at least 378 dead and hundreds injured. The prime minister called it the country's "biggest tragedy" since the murderous 1970s reign of the Khmer Rouge.
The report also said that Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered an investigation into the cause of the stampede, and declared that Thursday would be a national day of mourning, where government ministries were ordered to fly the flag at half-mast.
Hun Sen said that the government would pay the families of each dead victim US$1,250 for funeral expenses and provide US$250 for each injured person.
The report stated that a panic-stricken crowd, celebrating the end of the rainy season on an island in a river tried to flee over a narrow bridge in Phnom Penh late Monday. However, many people were crushed underfoot or fell over its sides into the water as "disoriented victims" struggled to find an escape hatch through the human mass, pushing their way in every direction.
"After the stampede, bodies were stacked upon bodies on the bridge as rescuers swarmed the area."
The report cited a government spokesman, Phay Siphan who said total casualties reached more than 1,000 with 378 people killed and 755 injured. However, the report said the figures were not the final count.
It also mentioned that there were no foreigners among the dead or injured, according to authorities.


Getty Images

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Insya Allah, next year.

Salam, good day. As at today, 2010 is only 45 days left. Heayyy, times running very fast. Times never pending but we are the one who is overdue. Alright, today we celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Adha which begins with the sunat prayers held in mosques nationwide which starts at 7.30am and followed by the slaughtering of 'korban' livestock namely cows, goats, sheep, cattle and camels *Allah bless*. Celebrating Aidil Adha is very much depend on how each family observe the occasion, which marks the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim Alaihissalam when he was put to the test by Allah the almighty to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Although Aidil Adha annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Zulhijjah on the Islamic calendar, however the festivities last for three days which known as 'Tasyrik Day'. Now, I can't wait for my 'daging korban' and wish all my readers a 'Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha', Allahu Akbar:)

Monday, November 15, 2010

Study hard, study smart dear...

Salam, good day. Zahra' has completed the first part of her educational studies (in kindergarten), with the graduation ceremony held yesterday at Chung Hwa Middle School. Next year she will be in Year 1, of course it will be a new environment for her, new faces and new challenges. As parents we are very proud to see the progress she has made throughout the years and we are very hopeful that she can cope with those challenges coming. As the eldest sister, we also hope she would achieve and deliver in her studies and be a good role model to her siblings. May Allah guide you, love babu & bapa:)

Post graduation concert with the theme 'Around the World'.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Over a decade.

Salam, good day. 1st November 2010 marks my 10th year with Radio Televisyen Brunei. Over a decade, I have learnt a lot of things in this challenging carrer. Working in this field (broadcasting), it requires you to be proactive, creative, active, reactive and positive. Sometimes you will face tension and working under pressure, but that's life here. I love every minutes of my time here with RTB. Talking about loyalty, I never had any intention in my mind to cross department or ministries neither to condemn them (RTB). I got married while I was with RTB and I raised my kids while I was with RTB as well. RTB are very special to me! My mentor once said, 'focus on your job and never talk about others' and this does help me throughout my career. I always keep reminding myself not to cheat your boss because they know and never resist order because they trust in you. I believe they never bully you but to give you a valuable experience and to explore what you have inside you. Although I don't have much to say, but I'll share with you few pictures of mine below to commemorate my 10th year. I put special part here for my outgoing colleagues and friends as well. I paid tribute to my mentor, my senior colleagues and my fellow producers whom I working with from day one. My tribute also goes to my parents, my wife and my three angels who has inspired me to gain more success in my future undertakings. Thanks to Allah the almighty who have chosen me to work here and may Allah guide me to face those upcoming challenges, Amin ya rabbal alamin:)

Half of my accreditation passes


One of my favourite moment, everyone of us looks cheerful.

On my right is one of our driver during my stay in KL. From what I heard, now he is paralysed.

On my left is Mr.George Ang, sound engineer from Singapore.



With my senior colleagues at Istana Nurul Iman during The Royal Wedding

Somewhere abroad

(C) Abdul Adis Lakim and (R) Mohammad Daud Matarsat in Singapore. We were on transit flight from Kuala Lumpur. In KL we save $$$ and spend less but in Singapore we spend like crazy!




Farewell dinner for our friend Mr.David Brookefield of Bristol University
Tagaytay, The Philippines.
(L) Norjuma and (C) Saliah Ahmad. About Saliah, search her on facebook 'Liya Ahmad'.



4th from left is Man Keedal

Actually behind me was a highrise building, thicked wallet residence in Manila.



Pictured with Brian Iman (3L), Mohamad Taha (L) and Ali Aji (R).

At the Ceremonial Hall

On my left is Omar Abdul Hamid, currently he is one of NBD Consular in the UK.



Makati, Manila. (During SEA Games)



Getting ready for live commentary on TV



I just cant place this picture, those tight pants fits me no more!

FIFA Media Course, on my right was Jorge Baptista. I wish to be at the World Cup Final one day!



Sports coverage abroad *can't remember*

My fellow broadcaster Mohamad Taha Chuchu *he is a cousin too*

I cant place this picture *again*

Ninoy Aquino Manila with my cameraman friend Zulkifli Tassim

In Terengganu, Malaysia. I was at the bench end.

Late night outing at Makati, Manila.

Break time after 7 hours of work before for another 7 hours to go!

Interviewing Dollah Salleh, they seems really like my question!



Being a broadcaster you have to master everything. 
Able to operate a video camera is one of them.





At the famous bridge in Batam, Indonesia.





The Manager of Soto Rindu Restaurant, Zainal Sapar. He is one of the most
successful restaurateur and a very humble person as well. I insist, he is very down to earth!



As a Brunei supporter, we are very brave enough to have a walk around the stadium in Kedah.





Takbai, Thailand. Due to current situation, it is not safe to go there.







You can see how skinny I am *lol*

Live on TV...




My Singaporean sister & brother, (L) Isadhora and (R) Ibrahim.



Jerudong Park VIP room, (L-R) Norleha & Fidelia.

Best place for seafood in Batam, Indonesia.

On my left was Masri Osman (he is no ordinary photographer, but he is somebody).

Live report on state's radio


(C) Datuk Jack Ting, prominent businessman & (R) Serijaya Tajuddin, most acclaimed designer.

(1L) Ali Aji, (2L) The State's Mufti Aziz Juned, (1R) Tajuddin Manggong.


(C) Shaikh Malai and (R) Allen Shim. Both of them are very talented.

The region's most acclaimed motivator Dr.Danial (I am addicted to his talks).

(1L) Nona, (2L) Aziz, (C) Me, (2R) Dyn and (1R) Zaza. 1L, 2R and 1R is my Singapore counterpart.

Very respected scholar, Datuk Dr.Harun Din

Ladies & Gentlemen in black at the Sultan's Palace

From here and below, special place for my outgoing friends.
My ex-boss, Osman Mohamad (Retired).


My ex-boss, Hamiddon Ibrahim. 


My ex-boss, (seated) Kamarul Azam Mohamad.

My ex-boss, (C) Mohamad Sah Salleh (Retired). We are very very close until his retirement day. Also, this picture is taken during his last day in office.

My ex-colleagues, Dk.Maskupah (Retired).

My ex-colleagues, Nurul Nazeerah (Transfered).

Those tribute also goes to Mohamad Daud Matarsat, Hazwan Abdullah, Norizan Julaihi (Almarhumah), Rosnani Puasa, Rosnah Ibrahim and Yusri Abu Bakar whom has been very close and dear to me. May success be with all of you, Amin:)

Semester Break!

Assalamualaikum, good day everyone! Of late I've been busy juggling between work and study whilst also supervising them kids e-learning ...