Rano says I've got a few events under my sleeve today but I'm probably gonna take my sweet time. Today I'm gonna treat my Sunday like a real Sunday and not take it seriously LOL. Normally I will rush myself to cover as many events as possible but naah.. I'm just gonna take it easy.. and plus the weather was great to sleep in as well. [Ok, this was actually meant for yesterday's post but I couldn't be bothered to update lol]
I was chatting to Natalie last night and wow, for such a young kid, she really has a brain of a matured person. Last time I saw her was when she came with her dad to Brunei last December and but sadly she won't be coming this time round with her dad this coming weekend. Anyway, I would like to share one of her entries from her blogspot.
I realised that I'm bad with names... I may know a lot of people but when it comes to names, I'm terrible.. But Natalie did raise a good point that if you call people by their names, it will empower them. And this applies to every single person that u deal with - mutual friends, waiters that serve you in a restaurant, the bell boy, the flight attendant, the cashier, you name it, the list goes on and on..
It will make them happier and enlightened especially when he/she won't expect it coming from you. It will definitely have a lasting impression on them. I know some cafes where waiters/waitresses know my name though it wasn't required of them to do so. So it would be nice if I could return the favour.
Well, according to Natalie's post, if you can't remember people's name, then do either of this - 1) write his/her name down 2) memorise his/her name 3) remember it by heart and let me add that looking back at his/her business card does actually come in handy. Anyway, thanks for the tip, Natalie and I shall see you in April :)
The new X6 now at Dee Jay. So guys, do you want to get hold of the new Nokia X6? Well, it's now available at Dee Jay Home Video and yes, it's a touch screen phone too. It has an internal memory of 32 Gig.. And the X6 is kinda handy for surfing as well.. It's also Facebook ready.. They could have included Twitter too ;)
It uses the Symbian OS v9.4 but I'm not much of a Symbian fan though. The phone is kinda light to my surprise. Definitely a great gimmick phone and it's affordable as well.. So go down your nearest Dee Jay Home Video store to check out the new X6.
Ready to be vaccinated? Yes, the vaccination campaign has been revived after a few weeks of break. According to the Minister of Health, they regret the suspension of the programme as they needed to ensrue that the new batch of Influenza A (H1N1) vaccines in the country meet the Ministry's quality and safety standards. He also released the figures that since March 1 to March 5, there have been 114 H1N1 related cases recorded in the country.
"We don't take this mater lightly. We don't just issue statements saying that it's safe. We say it's safe because we know it's safe. Otherwise, we will not be doing our responsibility to the public," said the minister. "We should have enough vaccines and there will be more vaccines coming in."
Two weeks ago, I had a Twitter survey for the public's thought on vaccination campaign by the MOH. Out of the 180 entries, only 26 said "YES" that they would take the vaccination if the campaign resumes.. Is this because of the lack of confidence from them? or they simply hate needles? LOL perhaps it could be a mixture of both.
Let me recap the public's feedback from my Twitter survey and oh yeah, do follow @ranoadidas on Twitter ;)
Results of the H1N1 vaccination
14.4% said yes they will want to be vaccinated
15% said they have taken the vaccine
53.4% said they won't be vaccinated
17.2% said they will take once the vaccine is considered 100% safe and pure
Secret Recipe still attracting crowd. I remember when it first opened a few months back, there have been tons of complain from the public from the service to the quality of the food. Perhaps this is normal whenever you open a cafe/restaurant. Most of the feedback came from the patrons who dined at Secret Recipe at The Mall outlet.
I made a decision to pay a visit a few weeks later and I had my hi-tea with Jessie back then in January to see what the big fuss is all about. Then again, it was during hi-tea and not during peak hours (especially lunch). But I must my experience then was not bad... Jessie liked her tom yum noodle.
A few weeks later, I went to the Serusop branch with @farah15 and it was a much better experience. Service was surprisingly fast and the outlet is pretty big too. Then my third round was with @stephanie_yi who had a so-so experience because she didn't like her salad and Japanese Soba but the curry mee kinda saved her night.
My fourth experience was just last week and I bumped into Lela who "tapau-ed" her favourite which was the Lamb Stew... So I actually ordered what she had and wow, I think I'm in love with the lamb stew.. I won't say that it's the best lamb stew but it's a good recommendation.
So what's my take on Secret Recipe? From all the earlier feedbacks that I received, I believe SR has finally buckled up and acted on the constructive criticism. But in my opinion, I like the Serusop outlet for some reason. I can't comment much on the food just yet because I haven't tried most of them. But the lamb stew, you can't go wrong with that..
5th Belait Travel Fair. It's partnership between RBA and Abacus (Brunei) that has brought a lot of success in the annual Belait Travel Fair which will take place on Saturday and Sunday. I hope I will be able to wake up in time for the official launch and there will be tons of prizes to be won as well. According to Halim of Abacus, the Belait Travel Fair has always been a popular event, attracting the people from town to visit OGDC for the travel fair.
So for those interested to book your tickets cheaper, do drop by OGDC tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to 7pm and you will stand a chance to win vouchers from many vendors. I know I have yet to make my bookings for my KK and Kuching trip.. So perhaps I can make mine tomorrow. So it'd better be an early night for me tonight (easier said than done).
Reasons to visit the Belait Travel Fair at OGDC:
1) If you book, you stand a chance to win a flight to the UK for 1st prize
2) If you book, you stand a chance to win a flight to Aussie or NZ.
3) Cheaper fares during that period
4) Chance to win prizes for "Fly a Plane" game for those who make bookings
5) Purchase a trip to Shanghai business class and get one FREE (cool)
6) Earn triple mile points
7) Public will be distributed with 30% vouchers from RMS Diner, Fratini's, Zaika
Three locals watching Man U vs Liverpool match. Oh well, Liverpool's season may be over because it's a three way race among Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal. Then again, it's for the love of the game and three people from Brunei will be watching the Manchester United vs Liverpool at Old Trafford on 20th March. I was there last season where Liverpool thrashed United 4-1 but I doubt it will be a repeat. But should Liverpool win, they will do a huge favour to Arsenal and Chelsea.
Hj Abdul Mutalip Shahminan won the grand prize of the BPL SMS quiz competition organised by b.mobile and Cool Tones. The other lucky draw winners were Md Nazeli Hj Md Salleh and Janariah bte Daud, both who subscribed with BPL WAP and Cool Tones. All the three winners will get a chance to watch the match from the VIP box seatings.
Second place winner Hj Mohd Hairol Hj Sani took home a LG 42' LCD TV, along with an exclusive Manchester United jersey signed by Ryan Giggs. Third place winner Ak Mohamad Herman Pg Duraman walked away with an iPhone 3GS (16GB) and a Liverpool jersey signed by Fernando Torres.
b.mobile Senior Manager Nurul Haniah Jaafar (Nana) presented the prizes during the ceremony.
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Rano says it sucks to be me sometimes because I don't abuse my power. Today I felt that I can be powerful as I want to be. Few years back, I have abused it and regretted what I have done and apologised to the parties concerned. Like in the Spider-man movies, they have stated that with great powers, come great responsibility. So guys, better be nice to me LOL ;)
So yesterday, I ran a bonus question on @KRISTALfm on @JennyMalaiAli's show and wow, great, great responses from the listeners especially my followers on Twitter. Some would disagree with my prediction that Twitter will one day take over Facebook.. Well, it's hard to say for now but if you ask me, I normally update my Twitter more than FB for the simple reason that it's quick and plus it's addictive to get updated on my followers on current events.
Did you know that those who uses both Twitter and FB, the majority chose Twitter over FB? We are talking 70% of them and that's such an alarming rate. Give it another six months and you'll see a high usage of Twitter. All I can say is Twitter has more purpose than FB. Anyway, a big shout out to @JennyMalaiAli for pulling off a great interview.
Congrats to @farahanas for winning a small gift for guessing the bonus question on @KRISTALfm and yes, you can collect your prize. Just show our IC to claim your stuff. But sorry, you didn't get the 20 points for the bonus question. Congratulations to @redhotlover307 @JNHhmz @Muizziskandar for winning the 3rd bonus round of RA Twitter Competition. Next bonus question will be posted next week. Thanks for participating guys.. You guys rock!!!
5th Belait Travel Fair. It's partnership between RBA and Abacus (Brunei) that has brought a lot of success in the annual Belait Travel Fair which will take place on Saturday and Sunday. I hope I will be able to wake up in time for the official launch and there will be tons of prizes to be won as well. According to Halim of Abacus, the Belait Travel Fair has always been a popular event, attracting the people from town to visit OGDC for the travel fair.
So for those interested to book your tickets cheaper, do drop by OGDC tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to 7pm and you will stand a chance to win vouchers from many vendors. I know I have yet to make my bookings for my KK and Kuching trip.. So perhaps I can make mine tomorrow. So it'd better be an early night for me tonight (easier said than done).
Reasons to visit the Belait Travel Fair at OGDC:
1) If you book, you stand a chance to win a flight to the UK for 1st prize
2) If you book, you stand a chance to win a flight to Aussie or NZ.
3) Cheaper fares during that period
4) Chance to win prizes for "Fly a Plane" game for those who make bookings
5) Purchase a trip to Shanghai business class and get one FREE (cool)
6) Earn triple mile points
7) Public will be distributed with 30% vouchers from RMS Diner, Fratini's, Zaika
Ok, guys, do you know that the F1 Sepang is just around the corner? And it's on its 12th edition (Has it been that long already?) and it's confirmed that they will have Lionel Richie for the F1 Gala Cocktail. According to Razlan Razali, the Sepang International Circuit, the responses from fans for the search of the opening ceremony dance crew has been overwhelming and he predicted a grand show of 1Malaysia spirit for the world that day.
Expect a strong 160,000 spectator in the three-day event in the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix which will be on April 2nd to 4th.
So do visit the Tourism Malaysia booth at the Malaysia Showcase happening now till Sunday.. If you're at the booth, you can drop by the "Shopping Secretariat Malaysia" counter where you can have information about the F1 Grand Prix Sale, The Malaysia Sale Carnival and Malaysia Year End Sale. You can also purchase F1 tickets at the counter.
It's still not confirmed if I will be sent again to cover for the F1 in Sepang this year. Let's hope the Tourism Malaysia HQ will bring me once again to KL ;)
Win Cash Reward$. “B-Mobile’s Loyalty program is organising a new ‘Flash & win Cash’ Campaign from this 1st March -31st May 2010. This campaign is aimed at creating more awareness of B-Mobile’s Loyalty Program in which B-Mobile customers (both postpaid & prepaid) can enjoy great savings when they spend at over 70 of B-Mobile’s participating merchants. Each month for 3 months, B-Mobile will be giving away BND$500 cash for those who purchase & dine by using the Loyalty Club Card or flashing the SMS Rewards (type ‘Rewards’ and send it to 38383 for prepaid user). Some of the merchants in conjunction with this ‘Flash & Win Cash’ Campaign are also coming up with better offers/promos than the usual offer for the next 3 months.
There are QAF Eurokars, LJ Tuition School, Sin Hup Huat & Max Centre, Rizqun International Hotel, Laniege, The Centrepoint Hotel, Century Travel, Abdul Razak Apartment, Underten, Shopilicious Zone, Ideal Cafe & Grill, Baklasia, MS Titanstar: Aussino, Paloma, Pick & Mix Chocolate Paradise, Dewi Martha Tilaar, Cheezbox, Gripps Cafe, QQestore, QQ Mobile Shop, Eyewear Optical Co., Twinkles Jewellery, Rainforest Gallery, J.L Jewellery, Deseo , Classic Touch House ware and Gifts and Pro Auto K.
For a full list of the other merchants (click here). Any b.club member that spends at any of the listed merchants will be given a voucher in which they have to fill in and attach with their receipt of spending and that will be pulled into a draw for the cash prize. Winners will only be announced in June 2010. For more info visit www.b.mobile.com.bn/rewardclub or call B-Mobile’s call centre177.”
Visit the Malaysia Showcase tomorrow. Where? At the ICC.. You've seen the Consumer Fair before and imagine this expo but on a smaller scale, exhibiting Malaysian products and services. There will be around 80-90 booths participating in the first ever Malaysia Showcase. What can you expect? Well, definitely Tourism Malaysia (lots and lots of prizes and special promotion especially for the F!1), investments and health care (which is a growing industry in Malaysia).
Yesterday a press conference was held at the Malaysian Hi-Com hosted by the Malasian High Commissioner Dato Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari. He highlighted that Malaysian SMEs have participated in a lot of exhibition before but the great thing about the upcoming Malaysia Showcase is that it's very focused because it's all about Malaysian products and services.
He sees a strong relationship between Brunei and Malaysia and this is one valid reason why the showcase will be a success. He did raise a good point that sometimes both parties take each other for granted without realising the potential benefits in business and consumerism. Who knows we will see more Malaysian companies venturing into Brunei and contribute to the local economy.
William Ng, the Managing Director of Eventneka, believes the showcase will be a success and he hopes to bring the exhibition to Jakarta and other regional places. He chose Brunei as the first stop because Brunei has been very supportive to Malaysia and the track record of tourists to Malaysia speaks for itself.
So guys, the dates for the Malaysia Showcase is 5th to 7th March at the ICC. Do check out the exhibition. And those traveling to Malaysia, do visit Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines as they are having great fares and prizes to be won as well.
Give Navara a try. Why? Because it's damn rugged. The media had a test drive a couple of weeks ago at Tungku Link Beach and this machine has got what it takes on different terrains. Two weeks ago, the Nissan Navara was launched at Boustead Showroom in Beribi and it was officially launched by Boustead MD Dato Paduka Lim Beng Thai.
To give more blessing for the ceremony, they had a lion dance performance by the Chung Hwa Middle School. Anyway, do drop by the Boustead Showroom and you'll be amazed by the price which is at BN 36,000. This is a big contender to the current Hilux that you have seen on the road. Expect the Nissan Navara to make an impact in Brunei Darussalam.
The Lion dance performance. Ah, I missed this event at P'Fection Beauty at Kiulap. Thanks Joyce for the pictures and stay tune for more updates of P'Fection Beauty at Kiulap.
Torrance, Woosnam, Lyle favourites. The Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters is about to kick off tomorrow and we have top names like Sam Torrance, Ian Woosman and Sandy Lyle playing in the tournament but for Torrance, he has been in Brunei a few times already and perhaps he has an advantage. He loves the golf course and the Empire Hotel too. He hopes to win the tournament this weekend. When asked on the Tiger Woods' situation, he declined to comment. Good luck, Sam.
As for Woosman, it was his first time playing at the par 71 Jack Nicklaus designed course. He couldn't say much about the course just yet and he was still acclimatising to the our humid weather. But he is wary of his opponents such as Sam and Sandy. Woosman will be competing in the pro-am this morning as a practice round for the big event. We shall see how they fair on the first round which kicks off tomorrow.
Yesterday Torrance and Woosnam were invited to play blindfolded to raise awareness for the International Blind Golf Association and it was organised by one of the event sponsors, International Sports Promotion Society. According to Torrance, "It's fantastic that blind people can play golf and they need a lot of trust in their wife or caddy."
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Rano says I'm feeling stressed, restless yet hyper... I guess it's the coffee and I have a few deadlines to meet.. Furthermore, my 7th year anniversary is just around the corner.. I've nothing plan as yet so far.. I'll see how it goes but I won't be celebrating it like I did last year.
On Friday, there will be a big event hosted by Event Neka which is the first ever Malaysia Showcase 2010 at the International Convention Centre and the official opening will be in the morning. So the exhibition is open to the public and do expect products and services from Malaysia to be exhibited during the event. I shall share more details after the press conference later this evening..
I think I've decided to join my SuperFriends (SF) buddy for our annual KK trip this March and that's something I'm looking forward to as it has been a while since I traveled with my buddies.. Last year was fun and it also coincided with Breeze Mag's 1st Year Anniversary.. This year, I won't be able to attend which will fall on the 26th March. So it looks like KK will be first international trip unless I accept a one night trip to KL to cover an appreciation dinner event.
Ok guys for the bonus question... it's coming up tomorrow but only to be revealed on Kristal FM at 1:30pm Thurs, 4th March 2010.. I won't tweet the bonus question but of course, you have to answer in by mentioning @ranoadidas and your answer.. And the bonus question is worth 20 points (equal to 20 lucky draw vouchers).. So I will be on air with @JennyMalaiAli on @kristalFM to promote my Twitter competition as well as revealing the 20 point bonus question.. And as the saying goes from me, "Spread the Love".
Oh yeah since it's @JennyMalaiAli's birthday today, let me do a little plug for you for your tasty Tortilla (nice with the salsa) which has been selling like hot cakes and it will be available tomorrow but u need to make your orders today and the pick up point will be at D' Anggrek Hotel from 10am onwards with Kitchen of Jasmine's Bake Sale. For more info and orders, you can SMS 8723 809. Spread the love...
Twitter is the new FB? Nah... Probably not in a few months' time LOL.. So is that where I think Twitter is heading to right now? Remember the "has-been" Friendster? Who uses that now? I'm sure it's still around and it has lost its steam already since Facebook came into the picture.
Now we have Twitter which is less complicated than FB yet addictive in a way. Do you know that I'm more active in Twitter than FB? And it's something that I can't really explain why and hence, it brought me to the idea of running it as one of the "Question of the Day?" (QOTD) to see if we are more addicted to Twitter or FB.
Perhaps it could be a bias outcome because I'm running the poll on Twitter but I'm sure that 95% of Tweeps have Facebook accounts too. So the winner after 324 votes is Twitter with 71.3% which is a landslide victory over Facebook. The feedbacks have been interesting as well. Most Twitter users are fed up with the application and some even said it's gone messier than before. I noticed that we like it simple and straightforward and even if Twitter only allow 140 characters to type, we still find it as a useful tool to update status and share information.
So the saying goes... will Twitter eventually overtake Facebook one day? It can happen but I doubt that it will topple Facebook as the leading social networking website in the WWW. If you ask me, I prefer Twitter because it's easy, straightforward and I get my information pretty fast on my iPhone. Very, very powerful tool if you know to use it.
Results of Twitter vs Facebook
Twitter - 71.3%
Facebook - 18.5%
Both - 10.2%
So don't forget to tune in to @KristalFM 1:30pm Thursday and catch @ranoadidas on air with @JennyMalaiAli (who celebrates her birthday today.. and when's yours, Paula? LOL) and the bonus question will revealed then and it's worth 20 points. So do play by ear ;)
Our sporting icons. Let me acknowledge some of our local sporting icons in Brunei. Football is still our main sports in the Sultanate but sadly the trouble with FIFA has disrupted DPMM FC's journey in the S.League and now with the DST Premier League season done and over with, there's not much going on in the football scene.
But as of late, Brunei has been some sporting icons that has made it big. Our marathon hero runner Sefli Ahar has recently won the Hong Kong Marathon which is a big international feat and he surely has put Brunei on the world map. He grabbed gold in the Master-1 division of the half-marathon event at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon last Sunday.
It was also his personal best with a time of 1 hr 5 mins 9 secs. His previous record was 1 hr 12 mins which he set at the Arafura Games back in 2005. Congrats dude and make our country proud.
Another sporting icon is our young and potential swimmer, Amanda Liew, daughter of my friend, Mr. Johnny of Olive Tree Company. The 16 year old swimmer recently competed in the Japan Open 2010 at the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Centre. She missed the finals but she managed to break her personal record in the 50 metres freestyle with a timing of 28.85 seconds. This is Amanda's third national record in the event.
This is a great exposure and experience for the young swimmer and hopefully she can make the finals one day at the rate that she's going. Expect Amanda to make headlines in the near future.
