The Wonderful Brunei :: Capturing the moments

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2011-01-29T16:06:00.001+08:00

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Coming Back

2008-03-25T12:48:00.005+08:00

I know ... I know ...

I have been MIA (Missing in Action) for almost 2 years now!

Last post was 8th April 2007

Time to come back?

AM Gunners-PIP charity match sneak peak

2007-04-08T14:28:00.000+08:00

Uploaded couple new pictures to my online gallery. Still struggling with my ever slow Internet connection. Will let you guys know once I am done uploading. Click here to go directly to the album

Related posts:

AM Gunners-PIP charity match

AM Gunners-PIP charity match

2007-04-08T02:48:00.000+08:00

There was a charity football match between AM Gunners Junior and P.I.P (Projek Ikan Pusu) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium. The match start at 8:00 p.m. Rano asked me to cover the events since he is in KL right now. Oh how I wish we could switch places :)

The entrance fee was FREE. There were also donation boxes at the entrance of the stadium. The fund raised will be donated to the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans and the Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah AlHajjah Maryam.

The public is also able to purchase AM Gunners jerseys at only $5 each and money from the sales will also be donated. Those who bought the jerseys are also entitled for lucky draw. They were given ticket number and winners were announced at the end of the match.

HRH Prince Abdul Mateen was leading AM Gunners Junior FC. Both team played well. AM Gunners scored the first goal during the first half of the match. PIP FC events it at the last 15 minutes of the game. Match ends with a draw of 1-1.

I was there with Gemilang photography association. They were there to cover the events also. "Aku" was kind enough to join me. We did enjoyed the match a lot especially when there were around 250 Royal Brunei Police new recruits cheering for AM Gunners. They rock the stadium from the beginning till the end.

HRH Prince Abdul Mateen throw his jersey to them in appreciation of their spirit intensifying songs and cheers. They brought that big drum with them. It was spectacular~ One of them was my own brother (second from right on the picture below). He just joined Royal Brunei Police 2 months ago and now undergoes intensive training for 8 months. The guy in the center is their "cikgu" or instructor at the academy who is my cousin... hehehe small Brunei..

* The lucky lad (right most) that gotten HRH Prince Abdul Mateen jersey when he throws it to them.

I will upload pictures to my online gallery soon. I just hope my Internet connection can coupe with the loads :)

Proboscis Monkey - Uploaded

2007-04-05T16:02:00.000+08:00

I have uploaded around 40 plus photos of Proboscis Monkey at (http://www.bruneiforever.com/gallery/v/Animals/ProboscisMonkey/).

Proboscis Monkey outing - behind the scene

2007-04-03T10:20:00.000+08:00

You have seen the pictures (Proboscis Monkey). This is what a photographer had to go through in order to get a good picture so that you guys could enjoy looking at it while sipping your morning/afternoon coffee.

The pictures were taken by Mr. Syaf of shutterspeech (http://shutterspeech.blogspot.com/). He has uploaded a good pictorial documentation of our outing. You can view it at his multiply account (http://sinadam.multiply.com) or you can click here (http://sinadam.multiply.com/photos/album/312) to go to the album directly.

Thank you Mr. Syaf aka sinadam for the permission and letting me re-post these pictures on my blog.

I left the boat with everyone was still on it. Mr. Syaf took this picture from the boat. That's how far I was from the boat.

Found meself a comfy spot. Hehehe

Well, I have to go through several obstacles....

Coming back...

Pictures below taken by airbiscuit (http://www.castamara.blogspot.com/). This is where I felt like something tickling my legs. I was afraid that it might be water snakes or sort. First thing you should do is NOT PANIC.

I tried to calm meself and slowly looked down. I found small baby fish playing around my legs. phewww~~ So, that is why I moved forward to dry land.

Asyiiiiikkk Deh

2007-04-01T21:46:00.000+08:00

Went to the BSB weekend bazaar after our Proboscis Monkey outing. I was told that the expatriate workers from Indonesia always sing Dangdut music and dance passionately with the flow of music. My cousin, who has stall there, told me that there would be a larger crowd from the audience will dance later in the afternoon at around 4-5 pm before the bazaar close.

Check out my "The Dangdut Brothers..." that I posted couple of months ago :)

Proboscis Monkey outing

2007-04-01T16:28:00.000+08:00

Went to Proboscis Monkey outing today. We planned this since last week. It was fun! I took like 5 gig worth of pictures. Well not all of the pictures are of the monkeys. We also went for Kampong Ayer short tour. We also managed to take pictures of Istana Nurul Iman from a different angle.

Proboscis monkey can only be found in Borneo Island. In Brunei, you dont have to hike miles and miles of jungle tracks to catch these fellas in action. You just need to hire up water taxi/boat trip up the Brunei river, roughly around 45 - 60 minutes while you sitting and enjoying the scenery while the water taxi driver bring you to the the spot.

Btw, I removed the outing section from this blogsite. If you would like to know and be updated about our outings, please go to the forum (http://bruneiforever.com/forum) and click the outing section. You might need to register an account.

I brought some other group before touring Kampong Ayer. From one end to another. Please click here to read more;

Temburong Series 2

2007-03-30T13:47:00.001+08:00

Its been a while I have not posted some nature shots...

Pictures above were taken during my trip to Ulu Temburong while I was inside a small long boat called "Temuai"

Visit my nature online gallery

Temburong Series 1

2007-03-29T19:21:00.000+08:00

Picture above taken from my Temburong trip. A lot of interesting things we could take pictures of there. Nature lover's heaven~

More nature picture at my online gallery here

Updating

2007-03-29T11:21:00.000+08:00

Pictures taken during Gemilang outing

Sorry for the lack of updates. I have been smashing my head on my monitor. I thought buying a color calibrator would help me to calibrate my monitors at ease. Instead, it gives more complication to my already complicated work flow. The Lacie blue eye does not come with friendly end-user manual to start with.

All these while I have been processing my pictures with wrong color calibration. zadm came to my house and saw my so-called calibrated monitor as pinkish. Took me 2 days just to figure out how to fix that.

Hopefully, now things will be ok. Well not really. My 22 inches monitor is not as sharp as I was hoping. I can see noise on an ISO 100 image. Images that I shot using ISO 200 looks like I was using ISO 800. That is how much noise I can see on my monitor. I have to use my 8 years old CRT monitor to double check my color and noise (as you can see on my setup at the moment). I read somewhere that LCD is still not as good as CRT just yet.

I have to re-process my old images again. Sigh~

I am also learning to use Adobe Lightroom. It is different than Canon Digital Photo Professional. It redefined photography workflow. Different workflow that what I used to do. I am still trying to convince myself whether to use the Lightroom and learn new software and change my workflow OR stick with the old software and be left behind in technology :)

On another note this weekend is going to be hectic for me:

Maulud Nabi Muhammad S.A.W on saturday morning
Gemilang photo society meeting on saturday afternoon @ 2. I am not their member yet. Forgot to fill in their form and pay their life time membership fee. Hope I remember to bring them on Saturday. Oh ya, if you guys wanna come with me and register with them, let me know.
Proboscis monkey outing on Sunday. Please visit our forum for more info on this. Here is the direct link to the topic (http://www.bruneiforever.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=120). Go and register at the forum. We are very active and more things to come.

Temburong District

2007-03-27T20:10:00.000+08:00

On the previous post, I mentioned that Temburong District is separated from the main land by another country. We have to use boat or going through another country just to go to there.

I like telling things with pictures. Its not only easier to understand but also it is a lot more easier to explain things with pictures.

As you can see that Temburong District (the one that shaped like a leg) is detached from the main land. I wanted to post some facts about Temburong District but I need to sort them out first.

Map is taken from google earth screen shots

Virgin trip to Belalong, Temburong

2007-03-26T21:03:00.000+08:00

Went to Ulu Temburong today with Reza - Trip to belalong. Temburong district is one of Brunei's 4 districts. It is disconnected from the main land. The easiest way to go there is by boat. You also could drive your car there but you would have to go through our neighbour country Sarawak, Malaysia. Yes, you would need to go through a different country to go to the other side of the country.

We had to stop couple of times to stamp in/out our passports. I beleive we had to do it 8 times. 4 ins and 4 outs. So, in total 8 stamps on your precious passport pages just to get to Temburong. And you have to fill in number of forms.

I have a confession to make. This is my first time to go to the "Ulu" Temburong. Ulu is a malay word that roughly means the very remote end of the country, mostly covered by virgin jungle. I would love to spend the night there. It is very claming. The water is cool. Saw couple of tourists enjoying their time there. Even our boat operator had a dip. Couldn't resist the crystal clear water.

Sorry, not much picture for today. Click Reza's link above and watch the video. I am on it. Hehehe.. which one? Of course the one thats holding the big camera with huge lens.. hahahha

Pictures below are taken while we were waiting for our queue at the border.. thats the boring part of the journey. The rest are superb~

Oh ya, 2007 is Visit Malaysia year :)

Unleash the power

2007-03-25T21:15:00.000+08:00

My old desktop died about one and a half month ago. I was processing my pictures on my old laptop. I could not stand the stress. It was just extremely slow. A mentor of mine came to the rescue. He loan me the money to buy a new desktop. He has been helping me since day one I knew him. I will never ever forget your kindness. Thank you~

To SA,

You lead with your wisdom. You are always there when we needed you. You are very generous and friendly to everyone. You bring laughter to everyone next to you. There is no such word as "NO" in your dictionary when people come to you asking for help. May Allah the all mighty repay all your kindness

Its been a great honor working for you~ I wish that our path will meet again in the future.

Now...

Behold...

Unleash the power...

The specifications of the PC is as below:

Dell Dimension(TM) 9200 Core(TM)2 Duo Processor Desktop
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor E6600
2.4GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB
4GB (4X1GB) NECC Dual Channel DDR2 667MHz SDRAM Memory
256MB PCIe(TM) x16 NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) 7900GS w/TV-Out and Dual DVI
22" Entry Wide Screen Flat Panel LCD Monitor (Analog & DVI Only)
320GB SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive with Native Command Queuing
Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
Dual Drives 16X Max DVD-ROM + 16X DVD+/-RW with Dual Layer Write Capabilities
Genuine Windows Vista(TM) Home Premium 32 bit (English)
Integrated 7.1 Audio
Dell(TM) WL6000 5.1 Surround Speakers w/subwoofer & Wireless Rear Channel (SG)

More of Jenny M. Ali wedding pics here
Online gallery here

I am going Temburong tomorrow with Reza. I hope I will be able to get a lot of pictures. I really wanted to go there and know more of our 4th district. It is the largest district and the less populated one. Temburong is still covered with 80-90% of rainforest if I remember it right.

Jenny and the Kats~~

As promised - Jenny M. Ali picture series

2007-03-23T21:27:00.000+08:00

Okay.. this is the first of its series. I promised 6 days ago that I would upload at least one picture of Jenny's wedding pictures everyday. So, I owe 6 pictures. To make it up, I am going to upload double the amount that I promised by this week. Thats mean, by 12:00 midnight sunday, I should uploaded 12 pictures of her.

"Maktab Duli intake 96/97 reunion discussion this Sunday 25th March @ Big Papa's @ 9.30am. Please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MD9697/ Thanks!"

I am back.. well almost

2007-03-23T18:39:00.000+08:00

First of all, I am terribly sorry that I have not post anything for past couple of days. I was busy and sick. To sum up what happened to me past few days;

I got a new desktop. Yahooooo~~~ I have bought a desktop with 4 gig RAM, 22 inches wide LCD panel. Windows vista (I hate vista, will write something about it).
Moved everything inside my room 360 degrees. To give space for the new desktop
Got sick
Test the new desktop. The video / 5.1 sound system / system performance etc. Will post something about it also.
Install new software onto the desktop
Configure the new desktop. My life is not complete without customizing any of my desktop settings to my likings.
Learning the new Adobe Lightroom. It is different than what I used to use, the canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP). The workflow is completely different. I need to get used to it. The interface is a bit more complex and more buttons to play around (which is good). Will try to post something about this also :)
Went to JPMC to swim. Anakbrunei joined me soon after. We also went to the steam room (which helps to clear my sinus nose problem), then we went to the sauna and then jacuzzi, to cool down. hehehe .. it was nice! I wanna go again very soon.
Last, but not least, the most important thing is the bruneiforever.com/forum!!! Yes, people we have a working and extremely active forum. Hope by, register and join the fun :). The forum URL is http://www.bruneiforever.com/forum

As for now, I am still struggling with color management on my new desktop. As a photographer, it is very important to set my color ICC profiles working well throughout my applications. And it is also important to calibrate my monitor. Been calibrating for more than 10 times now and I think I am almost there.

You can see below the disaster if my color settings and color calibration are not set correctly. Please bare with me. I know I promise to post jenny's picture at least one picture a day. I will make it up~

The 2 pictures above are the same. I convert the RAW file to JPeG using Adobe Lightroom with the same setting. The only different is the ICC profiles.

** picture above was taken during Gemilang Photo outing. Read it more here (Padi Harvesting Festival at Kampong Tanjung Maya)

Related Posts:

Unleash the power

Mohd Ridha and Jenny M. Ali - Berambilan Night romance

2007-03-16T13:11:00.000+08:00

For the past couple of days I have been monitoring the trend people visiting http://bruneiforever.org photoblog. I've seen numerous searches on Mohd. Ridha and Jenny Malai Ali wedding. I am going to post at least a picture a day for another 2-4 weeks from today.

As promised, there will be website and gallery for her wedding once I have the time to make them. At the time being enjoy the pictures that I am going to posts. A thank you token for those who visit my site and to thanks Jenny's fan.

Related Posts:

Japanese Language and Culture Show at UBD

2007-03-14T19:36:00.000+08:00

There is a Japanese Language and Culture show going on from today until 18th March 2007. I received the schedule through my multiply account. I thought I might share it with you guys. I really really love japanese food. Its simple and very healthy.

I am sorry that I have been very busy lately plus processing images on my laptop is very frustrating. Its not only extremely slow but also very stressing. Imagine opening one RAW file takes almost 10 minutes. Doing minor adjustment takes 5 minutes to apply and another 5 minutes to see the result on the screen. I am very stress! hahahaha.

As you all know that I have been setting up my online gallery (http://www.bruneiforever.com/gallery) and forum (http://www.bruneiforever.com/forum). I am also giving FREE space and bandwidth on my gallery. You could register and your space will be created automagically. Please upload at least one image to your gallery. The gallery has this random "highlights" features where each album/pictures will become the highlight on the main page. If there is no picture on your gallery, it will display awkward empty page.

Update on JIS Netball Funday pictures - uploaded around 250 pictures to the online gallery (here). Those are from one CF card. I have used like 3 CF cards on that day. So expect like around 600-800 images of that day on that album

Older images will also be uploaded there. Its just the matter of how fast my e-speed can coupe with my demand :)

Ok, a little bit more on the JLCS (Japanese Language and Cultural Show). There will be a sushi making demonstration tomorrow at around 2:15 pm. The demo and the whole JLCS is held at Chancellor Hall, UBD (University Brunei Darussalam). I really really really want to learn on how to make sushi.

Related post:

JIS Netball Funday

2007-03-12T11:45:00.000+08:00

Nurul invited us to the Jerudong International School (JIS) Netball funday. I wanted to go there early but my car broke down. Arrived there around 10:10 am. Ucingitam was there too. Unfortunately "Aku" already left. Lots and lots of activities going on at the same time.

Rano caught me on camera. Lucky I had this feeling of someone was spying on me. I turned and yea, I saw a camera lens was pointed towards me hehehe. Rano, thanks bro~ I quote a girl was saying "Rano, you are everywhere, aren't you" He is the man! A resourceful one I might add.

They had like up to 8 netball sessions going on at one time. Its hard to just concentrate on every field. I managed to take at least 600 images.

It was scorching hawt~ (hot). It leaves sleeves mark on my arms. My SPF 75 sunblock is not strong enough for Brunei's sun.

Leave there around 2:45 pm. One thing for sure, girls know how to have fun!

On another note, I am giving free picture gallery accounts and space. You can register at http://www.bruneiforever.com/gallery and your album should be created automagically at http://www.bruneiforever.com/gallery/v/public/your_registered_name. This gallery will enable you:

Upload and share your pictures to everyone on Internet
Organize your pictures into albums
Backup your pictures online
Set private album in which only viewable to selected registered users
Others would be able to rate and comment
You can upload your watermark and apply to your pictures online. You dont need that expensive Adobe Photoshop anymore :)
Use the gallery remote to upload and organize your pictures. You can download the software for free
Reduce the size of your pictures online
and dozens of other features that are too many to be listed here

I will upload all the pictures that I took at the gallery latest by wednesday. I will let you guys know.

More pictures of JIS (Jerudong International School) Netball funday at http://www.bruneiforever.com/gallery/v/FunctionsandEvents/JIS/

Related post:

Mohd Ridha and Jenny M. Ali - Berambilan Night - Cutting the cake

2007-03-08T23:40:00.000+08:00

Time to cut the cake. Highlight of the ceremony that night. Every eyes were on the newly wed couples.

Hold my hands tight. This remind me of a poem that I wrote couple of months ago

Ready? Hold steady... cut slowly~

One more time~ I heard people screaming from the back. They want to take clearer picture.

This time with the mothers from Ridha's and Jenny's

Mohd Ridha and Jenny M. Ali - Berambilan Night welcoming gifts

2007-03-08T19:44:00.000+08:00

It is one of our tradition in Brunei to give present to the newly wed couples.

Ridha's mother giving her Jenny present as a welcoming gift. Sort of welcome to our family kind of thing. And it is also sign of blessing from the parents of their marriage. Such a warm welcome :)

Jenny is happy to receive the gift

Another gift

And another one

A kiss saying thank you~

Mohd Ridha and Jenny M. Ali - Berambilan Night cake

2007-03-08T16:43:00.000+08:00

The cake. Nuff said :)

Related Posts:

Jenny M. Ali - Berambilan Night behind the scenes

2007-03-08T14:43:00.000+08:00

Jenny Malai Ali smiles when her friends crack some married life jokes :)

Hello Jenny, may I request a song called "wonderful tonight" because you are b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l tonight

Details, details, details...

Jenny's twin sister, Paula Malai Ali checking out and happy with the make up.

Mohd Ridha and Jenny M. Ali - Berambilan Night behind the scenes

2007-03-08T12:25:00.000+08:00

Behind the scenes shots on the "Berambilan" night. It was lovely night where Mohd. Ridha and Jenny got to dance under the full moon. It was astonishing!

Related Posts:

Jenny M. Ali - Bersanding Tribute to photographers

2007-03-07T01:48:00.000+08:00

So many cameras in front of the newly wed couples. Its hard to pay attention to which one. End up not paying attention to anyone. I manage to capture several candid pictures of them in action :)

Related Posts:

Jenny M. Ali - The Bersanding

2007-03-07T00:37:00.000+08:00

One happy newly wed couple

Dato Paduka Malai Ali is so happy

Pictures of Mohd. Ridha and Jenny Dato Malai Ali bersanding. I could not stay long at my position as I was giving way for others to take pictures. Beside, I could not take any picture :) It was packed

p/s Next batch of photos would be the ber ambil-ambilan night. Stay tuned

Related Posts:

Jenny M. Ali - Bersanding the Arrival of Ridha

2007-03-06T23:03:00.000+08:00

The groom's ride

"Menepung tawar"

Cute little princess pouring flowers on the "red carpet"

Jenny M. Ali - Cute lil flower girls

2007-03-06T09:45:00.000+08:00

Cute little flower girls. So cute~ going down the stairs

They are flowering the "red carpet". Jenny is so happy~

Look at how happy she is

Quote "She is just so beautiful. I am so happy for her~"

Jenny M. Ali - Bersanding behind the scenes Pt. 3

2007-03-06T02:38:00.000+08:00

Before going out to the "pelaminan". Last minute moment, I managed to paused her for 1 minute to take these pics.

Jenny Malai Ali with her mother, Datin Wendy

Jenny M. Ali - Bersanding behind the scenes Pt. 2

2007-03-06T00:57:00.000+08:00

Jenny M. Ali - Bersanding behind the scenes

2007-03-05T16:27:00.000+08:00

Some pictures behind the scenes before the "Bersanding". I thought wanting to share this since not many people are allowed to be at the make up room.

Jenny M. Ali - Bersanding teasers Pt. 2

2007-03-05T03:15:00.000+08:00

Aint she gorgeous? She is as beautiful as the diamond

Jenny M. Ali - Bersanding teasers

2007-03-05T00:01:00.000+08:00

Today is "the day". The big day for Mohd. Ridha and Jenny Malai Ali. Today is the bersanding day. Relatives and friends come in thousands to see the newly wed couple. Today is the "Raja Sehari" for them where they will be treated like a king and a queen. Today is their day.

I just came back from the "Malam Ber-ambil-ambilan". I have not process the bersanding / wedding pictures yet. Here I am sitting in front of my computer listening to Kristal FM online radio with my big cup of coffee.

These are the teasers. Lots and lots of pictures coming soon~ Check http://bruneiforever.org for updates

Related Posts:

Jenny M. Ali - Pacar Time

2007-03-04T18:57:00.000+08:00

Henna being applied to Jenny

Paula, as usual, cracking jokes

Alan came later that night

Pacar or henna is one of Brunei wedding tradition. It usually being applied to both fingers and legs. I read somewhere that this tradition came from Indian tradition.

Henna usually being apply to the groom and bride the night before the big day. It symbolize a newly wed couple. But dont be fooled, sometimes the relatives of the wedding couples might also wants their fingers to be applied with henna.

Some couples do not want to do this especially the groom. They might compromise by just henna'ing one finger.

Jenny M. Ali - Malam Bepacar - Pt . 3

2007-03-04T18:05:00.000+08:00

Jenny's Father "Menepung Tawar"

A kiss of blessing from a mother

A cheerful twins. Its like seeing reflection of yourself in a mirror :)

Jenny M. Ali - Malam Bepacar Pt. 2

2007-03-04T16:34:00.000+08:00

Jenny and her family would like to have a traditional wedding ceremony. One of the tradition is the father of the bride has to carry his daughter to the "pelamin" on her berpacar night.

Dato Malai Ali lifting up and carrying his beloved daughter

Jenny M. Ali - Malam Bepacar

2007-03-04T10:56:00.000+08:00

More pics to come

zadm coverage at the groom side here
ucingitam coverage at the groom side here

Mohd Ridha and Jenny M. Ali - The Nikah

2007-03-03T18:48:00.000+08:00

I quote rano (ranoadidas.com) "4:05pm was the time that Ridha and Jenny M. Ali both are officially married". They were officially married yesterday, March 2nd, 2007. Congrats to Mohd. Ridha Hj Asmat and Sharifah Jenny Dato Paduka Malai Ali.

Jenny and her father signing the Nikah document

Waiting for the "akad" moment

He is "The One" as most Dj radios at Kristal FM said.

A very happy father

"Doa" for long life happiness

Jenny M. Ali - Arrival of Ridha

2007-03-03T14:34:00.000+08:00

It was raining yesterday. Our elders would say it is a sign of blessings. Everything went well yesterday and thats another sign.

Ridha enters the house with confident.

Jenny M. Ali - The preparations before Nikah

2007-03-03T12:49:00.000+08:00

The MUA (Make Up Artist) doing her work. She did a good job

Friends and relatives helping out

Jenny still have time to do final touch up to her beloved mother

Behind the scene before the Nikah. Jenny's friend helped. Everyone do what they do the best which include giving opinions on the details. They were thorough on everything for sure.

zadm coverage on the groom's side here

Related Post:

Happy Birthday Paula M. Ali

2007-03-03T11:03:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to Paula Malai Ali. Wishing you all the best and many more happy returns.

Pictures taken during her twin sister, Jenny Bedak Mandi

Related Post:

Happy Birthday Jenny M. Ali

Happy Birthday Jenny M. Ali

2007-03-03T09:28:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to Jenny Malai Ali. Wishing you all the best and many more happy returns.

Pictures taken during her Bedak Mandi

Related Post:

Happy Birthday Paula M. Ali

Jenny M. Ali and Paula M. Ali

2007-03-03T09:17:00.000+08:00

The twins - Jenny Malai Ali and Paula Malai Ali

I am still processing yesterday's nikah ceremony pictures. My old notebook is really slow. Will upload once I am done. Please be patient :)

Picture taken during Jenny's Bedak Mandi ceremony which was held on wednesday, 28th February 2007.

Related Posts:

Jenny M. Ali - Sneak Peak at Nikah Ceremony

2007-03-02T18:29:00.000+08:00

Congratulation to Jenny and Ridha. They tied up the knot 3 hours ago. They are now officially married. And happy advanced birthday to her and her twin, paula :)

More pics coming soon. This is just a teaser. Stick around ..

Rano's coverage here

Related posts:

Jenny M. Ali - Bedak Mandi Pt.2

2007-03-02T09:13:00.000+08:00

Sharifah Jenny Malai Ali going to tie the knot this afternoon with Mohd. Ridha Hj Asmat. Mengantar Berian and Akad Nikah going to be held this afternoon. Let us pray for their long life happiness in their marriage *Amin*.

Related Posts:

Jenny M. Ali - Bedak Mandi

2007-03-01T21:21:00.000+08:00

Jenny with her beloved mother

Rachael applying the traditional powder to her sister, Jenny

Paula teasing her twin sister

Attended Jenny's Bedak Mandi together with Reeda to cover the ceremony. For those who are not familiar with Brunei's wedding ceremonies, Bedak Mandi is performed to blessed the soon going to be bride by close family members especially the parents, siblings and elders.

It is also a ceremony where the bride is scrub with traditional body-scrub powder applied to the whole body by the close family members. It symbolize fertility and wealth. Hoping the newly wed going to get lots of children. For us, children are blessings and wealth.

After this ceremony is performed, the groom is not allowed to leave the house until the whole ceremonies are over. That means until the grand finale, which is the Bersanding and Berambil-ambilan which usually held on Sunday. Read Reeda coverage here

Jenny M. Ali

2007-02-28T21:08:00.000+08:00

Sharifah Jenny Malai Ali

I would like to congratulate Jenny M. for her wedding this weekend. We all hear her voice almost everyday on Brunei Kristal FM Radio. She also reads the local English "News at 10" on Radio Television Brunei (RTB) which is aired on TV everyday at 10 pm. Rano wrote something on her wedding on his blog (here). He will be covering the wedding together with Reeda and yours truly.

"Selamat Pengantin Baru, Semoga Kekal Ke Akhir Hayat"
Amin...

p.s. I will upload the pictures once I am done processing. My desktop died couple of days ago. Processing on my old laptop is extremely slowwww.... bare with me or buy me a new desktop :) hehehe

Related Posts:

Paddy Harvesting Festival at Kampong Tanjung Maya

2007-02-28T06:42:00.000+08:00

First of all, I would like to sincerely thanks persatuan GEMILANG for inviting me to their outing day. I got sms message from their president (Haji Amzah b. Haji Abdul Rahman. PHd.) inviting me and other shutter bugs to the Paddy Harvesting Festival at Kampong Tanjung Maya, Tutong District. Also thanks to Ahim for the invitation.

I got to talk to them after the festival. We spent the whole afternoon together. They shared some insights stories about their association. The history, the vision, the people. I am very impress with them. To sum up, they are very down to earth kind of people that will get the job done and I love that. They have achieved a lot, things that I would have never known if they did not tell me. Well, actually I have to ask them, digging the stories one by one.

I am definitely going to join them. They are extremely friendly. Easy going yet, they get the job done. I like their relaxed attitude. Taking things easily. But when come to archiving something, they all come together doing their part to make sure things will get done.

I will post more pictures on the paddy harvesting after my laptop is done with the processing.

A patriotic father and daughter

2007-02-26T20:50:00.000+08:00

I saw Vixennova 's post (here) about her father and his patriotism. I saw a picture that she posted there and I remembered that I took a picture of him during the reading of the pledge. He is one of the pledge reader.

To Vixennova, here you go. Your father is very patriotic and he really loves Brunei. I quote from her blog "He's a true patriot and has been involved with National Day Celebrations since the day I laid eyes on handbags. "

She participated last year. She was asked by her beloved father to do so. Her father must be proud of her taking oath together with him in front of His Majesty the Sultan.

As we can see from the picture above. He memorize all the oath lines while others still read from a piece of paper. That shows his commitments and devotion to our beloved country, Brunei Darussalam. Hats off to Mohd Amin bin BPKDP Hj Sirat

Brunei's 23rd National Day Celebration - The makeups

2007-02-26T17:54:00.001+08:00

Its not only woman need make-up to look good. Men needs them too.

"Hmm.. Damn, I look good. Look at those sexy eyes."

I'll pluck yours if you pluck mine .. :)

Man makeups, SPF 100. Protect against harmful sun light. Protect against harmful enemies. Best used in the jungle. hehehe :)

Brunei's 23rd National Day Celebration - Exceptional people

2007-02-26T12:25:00.000+08:00

The parade was held on 24th February this year. It was colorful. Lots of people participate. Amongst them are the exceptional people. They are extraordinary people that are gifted with abilities which are not given to us, the ordinary people.

They can see without their eyes
They can talk without their voice
They can walk without their legs
They can hear without their ears
They are exceptional!

They put smile to our beloved Sultan when they were marching passing in front of him. Everyone gives cheerful applaud to them. We can hear the claps from inside the invited guests sitting area.

Tears of joy dipping out of my eyes moment I see them and during I process their pictures at the comfort of my chair. I wish I could have taken more of their pictures but I was giving way to the official photographers.

Brunei 23rd National Day Celebration - His Majesty

2007-02-24T14:37:00.000+08:00

HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU'IZZADDIN WADDAULAH, SULTAN AND YANG DI-PERTUAN OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Brunei 23rd National Day Rehearsal - Pembaca Ikrar

2007-02-22T22:04:00.000+08:00

I love Brunei. It is such a peaceful country. Brunei is blessed by Allah, the Almighty. The blessings are endless. Bruneians are extremely friendly. We respect one another. Smiles everywhere, anytime.

**Happy 23rd National Day Brunei**

Note:-
Ikrar means pledge
Pembaca means reader

Brunei 23rd National Day full-dress Rehearsal

2007-02-21T17:08:00.000+08:00

There was another rehearsal held today, 21st February 2007. This is suppose to be the full-dress final rehearsal. We need to strike the "bestest" because best is just not good enough. We need to be best of the best, as stated by Ministry of Youth Culture and Sports (MYCS).

So, there will be another rehearsal tomorrow. Hope I will be able to come again. I was shooting in JPG today and I aint that happy. I got to use to shoot in RAW. I lost all the flexibility of pre-processing. I dont trust the camera to think of what setting should be used and embedded into jpeg file. I am ordering 2 new CF cards to satisfy my RAW madness. hehe!

Canon Extender EF 2x Mark II - Test shot 2

2007-02-19T22:55:00.000+08:00

Another test shots using my new Canon Extender EF 2x Mark II and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM. Pictures below were taken during Brunei's National Day rehearsal on 17th February 2007.

Canon 2x Extender test shots

2007-02-19T15:44:00.000+08:00

I just bought 2x extender couple of days ago. What this baby can do? It will multiply the lens focal length by 2. Example, if you have 100-400mm lens, it will double the focal length to 200-800mm. It will also increase f-stops of your lens by 2.

Canon Extender EF 2x Mark II

I already own a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM lens. The extender will increase my f-stop to f/9-11. Thats a very small aperture. I will need a very broad day light in order to use this lens without tripod or monopod. Actually my focal length should be 320-1280mm because my camera has 1.6 crop factor.

I have done several test shots and I must admit that it is tad sharp to my likings. But with a broad daylight and high ISO, I should be able to capture wild life from far away.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM

Below are some test shots I have done with this baby. All of these shots are taken with my camera setting set to ISO 100 hand held.

Kampong Tamoi Ujung Mosque. Taken from Kianggeh, the place where people embarking the boats to go to Temburong. Thats a very far distance and yet I could get a full frame of the mosque.

Moving Perahu Tambang (water taxi) taken from Kianggeh. These boats are moving fast and yet, I am still able to capture them despite in fact I was zooming in with f/11. I am one happy shutter bug :)

Miniature Brunei Flag distributed

2007-02-18T23:55:00.000+08:00

Thirty thousands (30,000) small sized Brunei Flags distributed in conjunction of Brunei's twenty third (23rd) National Day. Launching ceremony was held on Friday, February 16 at 8.15 am located at Rizqun International Hotel (Main Entrance), The Mall, Gadong.

The guest of honour was Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports.

The flags are distributed at Gadong Center point in Brunei Muara District. Vehicles passing through or parking near by the area will be stick with these cute miniature flags. Some vehicles made couple of U-turns just to get more of this flags. I was there 2 consecutive nights. The traffic was outrageous.

Those flags are also distributed at different districts. Distribution figures are as follows;

Belait – 3,000 flags
Tutong – 2,500 flags
Temburong – 1,500 flags

Brunei's Giant Flag Hoisting - The Center of attractions

2007-02-15T12:18:00.000+08:00

The center of attraction on that day was not the flag raising itself. Every photographers and videographers that were there focus on one subject.

Yes, you are right. This young chap here was there together with his loving father showing their loved for the country. They were standing still for almost 2 hours in rain.

Despite in fact there are zillions of photographers wanted to take picture of him, he did not cried. He was wondering why on earth these photographers taking his picture from high and low, back and front. His father is cool. Cool as ice. Very supportive of him.

Serasa Beach Sunrise - Life's so short

2007-02-15T08:42:00.000+08:00

Good Morning Brunei..

Its good to wake up very early in the morning again. I have changed from a night to a morning person. I used to work until 2 to 3 am in the morning daily. That is one of the reason I quit my job. Life is so short. Dont make it shorter by working extremely hard and under paid.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been actively going out with my best buddy, reza faizal (contactreza.com). I came across with a lot of familiar faces asking me why I quit my job? I told them that for the past 3 years (before I quit), I was working on a mega e-government project. I practically work 7 days a week, at least 12 hours a day.

Most of them (not all) complaint about having the same problem. They realize now that they do not like what they are doing. They realize that they are on the wrong line of work. They hate their job.

I told them to quit with a big laughter. Told them be a man and go after your dream. Suddenly millions of reasons came up. This and that. Commitments and sort. Long lists of loan repayments and bills came up. hahaha... I do understand that. Believe me I do.

Plan ahead if you really want to quit your job and do what you really want to do. Stop spending on those luxury items. Stop buying those expensive cars. Stop subscribing to the pay per view TVs. Stop building big expensive house that you dont need. Stop the lust! You will be surprise on how basic life could be.

Again, everyone has different priority in life. Some willing to give their souls to the material world. Some want to be as free as the birds.

O well, Life is too short... enjoy~

I quote "I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none. (Macbeth 1.7.17-18)"

note - picture taken at Serasa Beach sunrise. Post processed with High Dynamic Range

Brunei's Big Flag Hoisting Ceremony - The Choir

2007-02-13T16:21:00.000+08:00

Some of the many outstanding choir girls and boys that sing patriotism songs during the ceremony which was held 2 days ago, 11th February 2007. Their gorgeous voices fills the entire venue. Entertain everyone that was there attending the ceremony. They also lifted everyone's patriotism spirit up even though it was raining but it doesn't dampen our spirits.

A comprehensive writeup can be found at the Brunei's 23rd National Day official website done by Information Department. Please click here for direct link to the article.

Brunei Darussalam celebrate its National Day on 23rd of February every year. Due to the fact that this year the 23rd of February falls on Friday, the Government of His Majesty decided to move the celebration to 24th February which is on Saturday.

Press briefing will be held on 15th February (Thursday) at 2:30 pm. It will be held at the Citra Budaya Hall, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Building, Jalan Kebangsaan. For more information please click here

Related Posts:

Brunei's Giant Flag Hoisting - The Center of attractions

Brunei Flag Raising Ceremony

Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP) Bowling Fun Day

2007-02-12T20:09:00.000+08:00

Emphasis on the word "FUN". They sure knows how to enjoy the fun, lots of em. Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP) had their bowling fun day yesterday, 12th February 2007 at Utama Bowling, Batu Satu (mile one).

They hired me to be their official photographer for that day. Yesterday's atmosphere was amazing! It made my job very enjoyable. Smiles and laughters are everywhere. They were not camera-shy. I was dragged here and there to take their group pictures.

I was at the Brunei's big flag raising ceremony in the morning with the shutterbugs. We went to jing chu right after that.

What a coincidence, I met Mohd Reza, the guy that contacted me last night for today's TAP fun day photography service. I was talking to my buddy, Dino when he overheard me mentioning going to the event later in the afternoon. What a small Brunei :)

A very cool and extremely friendly guy~

Brunei Flag Raising Ceremony

2007-02-11T12:36:00.000+08:00

We went to Bandar Seri Begawan early in the morning to capture the big flag raising ceremony for our National Day today. It was raining but it didn't stop us. Most of us and our cameras were wet but the love to our lovely country made us to ignore that. Our patriotism spirits are stronger than to worry about the rain and our wet cameras.

Brunei celebrate its national day on every 23rd of February. But for this year, we will celebrate it on Saturday, 24th February, at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin field, Bandar Seri Begawan.

I will upload more pictures later after I process them. I have to go to Tabung Amanah Pekerja bowling day in 5 minutes time. Until then ...

Related Posts:

Brunei's Giant Flag Hoisting - The Center of attractions

Brunei's Big Flag Hoisting Ceremony - The Choir

Brunei Energy Association Golf Tournament

2007-02-11T06:39:00.000+08:00

Brunei Energy Association hired me yesterday as their official photographer. It was fun. Dehydrated myself because I was so indulge into taking pictures and forgot to drink a lot of water. My knee was hit by golf ball and it hurts a lot. The heat and pain did not stop me nor ruined my motivation to take lots and lots of pictures.

Minor buggy accident? Nope, that did not stop me either. That shows how much fun I had!

BEnA Golf Tournament was organised by their secretariat;

Smart-Thinking Administrative Resource Services (S.T.A.R.S) Block A-2, Unit 5-D, Bangunan Haji Luidin, Beribi, Gadong, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

I love working with S.T.A.R.S, they are professional and very friendly people. Helpful in any situation. Kudos to them.

Traditional meets Modernization

2007-02-09T22:03:00.000+08:00

A blend of traditional and modern houses
A blend of living on the water and inland
A contrast of old and new
A contrast of simplicity and complexity

Fixing the web

2007-02-08T17:49:00.000+08:00

The Inevitable

2007-02-08T17:22:00.000+08:00

Everyone wants to run away from it.
Tried everything to avoid it.
Invent lots of things to slow down the process.
People make fortune out of it.

Nonetheless, it is still coming.
No matter what, it is the inevitable.
One thing we could not avoid.
One thing that is certain.

Serasa Beach Sunrise - Tribute to Adidarwish and Aunidayini

2007-02-06T19:36:00.000+08:00

A tribute to a lovely couple, Adidarwish and Aunidayini. They are such inspirational. Both teaches our younger generations to be the future leader. RESPECT!

I know Aunidayini first through her delicious food postings. She post lots of food recipes for her students especially those who are currently studying abroad. They are so lucky to have a teacher that still helping them in any way she could. She is a biology teacher at one of the pre-"U" college in Brunei.

Adidarwish joined the blogging world soon after. I guess inspired by his wife and other fellow bloggers that shared the same passion with him. He loves to exercise and keep himself fit especially running. He sometimes shared very informative lesson on Biology.

I think the above picture does assemble them in one way or another. Two lovers that share their life together and support each other in anything they love to do. And they are buying new Canon 400D camera soon! Yay~ welcome... *click* *click*

Both of them are frequent visitors of http://bruneiforever.org. Thanks guys :) You guys keep roxin~

Serasa Beach Sunrise

2007-02-06T17:16:00.000+08:00

Went to Serasa Beach on Sunday morning. Brought the Huiwen' and Jean to see our magnificent sunrise. Picked them up at around 5:30 am from Brunei Hotel and drove to Serasa Beach. I was at first disappointed because seems like its going to rain. Luckily, the wind was very strong.

The sunrise turns out very good. It was lovely. Got ourselves golden sunrise.

Bz bz bz

2007-02-06T05:40:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the no update. Was busy touring 2 Singaporean University students. They are here to study life in Kampong Ayer especially the children and modernization. We spent a lot of time with the people living in Kampong Ayer.

Which camera?

2007-02-03T09:48:00.001+08:00

Canon 400D BODY
Selling price is at BND$ 1,328
(Free 1GB CF card and screen protector)
Click on the image above to find out more

Canon 30D Body
Selling price is at BND$ 1,998
(Free 2GB CF card and screen protector)
Click on the image above to find out more

I have been thinking to buy a new camera. I would love to get the 5D thou but unfortunately I cant afford it yet. Anyone want to sponsor? I will work for that baby. I will clean your car, house, heck even you! for the canon 5D :p

Soon baby~ Soon!

Canon 5D Body
Selling price is at BND$ 4,488
(Free 2GB CF card and screen protector)
Click on the image above to find out more

Well, I am still deciding which camera to buy. Its either the 400D or 30D. My preferred choice currently is 400D thou. Mainly because of the 10 mega pixel compared to 8 (of 30D). And the auto cleaning sensor. It is very useful for me.

Added 4th Feb - Canon 30D has spot metering! This is what I really miss when I was using Canon 1D MK II. I use it a lot. hmmm.. now seems like 30D is more appealing... *think harder*

BUT, but, but.. I want Canon EOS 5D!! HELPPPPP... hehehe

A place called dream - Pt. 3

2007-02-01T22:21:00.000+08:00

Dream, dream, dream. Why are you so beautiful. Why do I have to wake up. Why cant I dream forever.

A place called dream - Pt. 2

2007-02-01T18:30:00.000+08:00

A place called dream

2007-02-01T16:57:00.000+08:00

Why cant dream comes true? Why cant I dream forever?

A Droplet

2007-02-01T13:02:00.000+08:00

Tang Soo Do Brunei - The Sensei

2007-02-01T01:27:00.000+08:00

Friendly . Dedicated . Solid . Passionate

Tang Soo Do Brunei

2007-01-31T16:53:00.000+08:00

Ber arranged for us to take snapshots of Tang Soo Do practice in Brunei. It is held at Mabohai sport complex ever Tuesday and Wednesday night. They start at 7:15 pm and ends at 9:00 pm.

Tang Soo Do is Korean martial art. I was made to understand that Tae Kwan Do was originated from it.

If you are interested in joining them and learn the martial art, you could go to the Mabohai sport complex at the stated date and time above. They are friendly people especially the sensei.

Below is a synopsis of article paste from en.wikipedia.org. For more detail information please click here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_Soo_Do)

Tang Soo Do (Hangul: 당수도) is the Korean pronunciation of the Hanja characters 唐手道 (in Japanese these characters mean Karate-do but it in contemporary Japanese Karate-do is written as 空手道. The Japanese pronunciation of both sets of characters is the same, but the newer version means "Way of the Empty Hand" rather than "Way of the T'ang Hand")

The first recorded usage of the term "Tang Soo Do" in contemporary history was by Chung Do Kwan founder, Won Kuk Lee . Prior to the unification of the "Kwans" under the Korea Taekwondo Association, most of the major Kwans called their style Tang Soo Do, or Kong Soo Do. The Chung Do Kwan, along with the rest of the Kwans ceased using the name Tang Soo Do, and Kong Soo Do when they unified under the name Taekwondo (and temporarily Tae Soo Do). The Moo Duk Kwan, being loyal to Hwang Kee, pulled out of the Kwan unification and remained independent of this unification movement, and continued to use the name Tang Soo Do. The majority of Moo Duk Kwan members followed Hwang's senior student, Chong Soo Hong to become members of a unified Taekwondo. Their group still exist today and is known as Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan (Moo Duk Hae) and has it's office in Seoul, Korea.

In 1995, the late Hwang Kee officially changed the name of the Moo Duk Kwan style to Soo Bahk Do.

Most schools of Tang Soo Do uses the transcription "Tang Soo Do". However, scientific texts apply the official transcription "tangsudo" (written as one word). Some authors write "Tang Soo Do" and they give "tangsudo" or "dangsudo" in the parenthesis.

Rain.. rain.. rain~~~

2007-01-30T00:03:00.000+08:00

Went to Tasek Lama on Sunday trying to capture the wall climbing in the afternoon. Unfortunately, it was raining. Anakbrunei and kantalensa went in the morning and they captured excellent pictures of Brunei youth in action. Kantalensa got to climb the wall himself.

Its been a while I have not been active in wall climbing. I think its been 6-7 years? Time do fly~

Ohh well, perhaps next time

Agnes Monica Coming to Brunei

2007-01-29T21:54:00.000+08:00

Yes folks, she is coming to Brunei. I am in early stage discussing with the organizer of me becoming the so-called their official photographer of the events. Mind the "s". She will be here for 7 days and they are asking me to cover all the events.

For those who are interested to be one of the photographers, please let me know. They will give "all access" passes to the photographers. Yes, that include backstage pass :)

BUT, there is a big but, as I said earlier on my tag board that, the organizer require 110% commitments and they also have expectations. I cant discuss it here, only over good tea tarik :p

Details that I got so far are as follows;

Main concert will be held at indoor stadium on 10th March 2007 at 20:00
Agnes Monica arrive in Brunei on 6th March 2007
Meet the fan schedule at 9th March 2007

I will update the above details once I have more info

I wish I could fly

2007-01-29T01:01:00.000+08:00

How I wish I could fly...

Muara Port Sunrise

2007-01-28T23:29:00.000+08:00

Muara Port Sunrise taken from Serasa Beach. You can see reflection of the lights at the port on the low clouds.

I am sorry folks for the non updates. I was recovering from very bad diarrhea. Plus, I have tons of errants need my attention. I was also a bit distracted emotionally of some news that came to my knowledge. Nonetheless, life goes on. What goes around comes around :) I will leave it to the God the all mighty, to decide .... and of course to guide and help me

I still owe;

1. Kampong Ayer Tour - Part Deux
2. Brunei Malay Wedding

Kampong Ayer - HDR 2

2007-01-26T04:25:00.000+08:00

Another HDR post-processing. A view Mukim Tamoi from opposite side of Kampong Ayer. Anakbrunei, ber and myself was there last week on our first Kampong Ayer outing.

Kampong Ayer - HDR

2007-01-26T03:58:00.000+08:00

I just cant resist on not taking HDR during our Kampong Ayer Tour. The cloud was stunning! Too bad we were in a boat. Couldn't take bracketing shots.

I hope I am fully recovered by now. Oh my, its 4 a.m. I could not sleep. My migraine is just killing me. Plus I have slept earlier today.

Things to write:

1. Kampong Ayer Tour - Part Deux
2. Brunei Malay Wedding

Blueberry and Orange Friands. Want some?

2007-01-26T02:40:00.000+08:00

Sorry for not being able to update my blog. I have been sick. I thought I already recovered 2 days ago from diarrhea. It was pretty bad. I ordered mee goreng udang besar for my brunch, and that was a bad move!. I shouldn't have taken oily food. Lesson learn, I promise myself not to take any heavy food at the moment especially those oily ones.

Picture taken at Pablo's crib during his mudcake demo. They are so delicious that I couldn't believe that they have just made it. Its so simple (well it seems like, I was busy with my clicking while they do the cookin')

I went there right after I finished our Kampong Ayer tour, was exhausted. The cakes were lovely~ and most importantly the people there were just marvelous. So much fun! They made my day.

Read more at Pablo (here), Tina (here), bullimic (here), ZT (here)
More pictures at eyan's blog. He has captured wonderful pictures of that day gathering.

I copy/paste recipe posted from whatyeemandid

Ingredients

200 gm unsalted butter

250 gm icing sugar

50 gm plain flour

170 gm ground almonds (available from Le Apple)

6 medium egg whites (eggs should be at room temperature)

Grated rind of 1 orange

Blueberries (they were so fresh and firm - Bunny bought them from Soon Lee)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200C/Gas 6.

2. Butter the muffin tins and put aside.

3. Melt butter and set aside to cool.

4. Sift icing sugar & flour into a bowl.

5. Add almonds and mix icing sugar, flour & almonds together using your fingers. (Bowl 1)

6. Whisk egg whites in another bowl till they form a light & floppy foam.

7. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients in Bowl 1 and tip in the egg whites and orange rind and cooled melted butter.

8. Now comes the tricky part of GENTLY but firmly folding in the egg whites into the mixture to form a light batter. Bunny stepped in at this stage.

9. When mixture is smooth and well mixed, divide them into the muffin trays.

10. Pop some blueberries on top.

11. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until firm to the touch and golden brown. Test with skewer again.

12. Cool in tin for 5 minutes before gently removing them onto a serving tray.

Kampong Ayer Tour - The Picture Break

2007-01-21T15:32:00.000+08:00

A break from the long article. Something pleasing for the eyes... Part deux coming up soon...

Update 22nd January, I am sorry for the lack of update. I am having bad diarrhea. Am improving but still weak. I promise, I will make it up to you guys~ I will upload lots of images moment I am fully recovered.

Kampong Ayer Tour - Part One.

2007-01-21T11:06:00.001+08:00

Venice of the East, some call it. The famous Kampong Ayer is where most of Bruneians came from. Houses are built on stilts. A very simple architecture used to build them during low tides.

Planned was made last week when Anakbrunei, zadm and myself went to tour the Kampong Sultan Lama and Mukim Tamoi. We just want for more. Kampong ayer is photographers and shutter bugs alike heaven.

Headcount by Friday was around 6 including myself. I started to worry as we would require bigger boat than the normal water taxi. I tried to call my cousin that lives in Kampong Ayer and asked for his help to reach big boat owners for us. Unfortunately he couldn’t reach any. I started to worry. I leave everything to fate.

Set my hand phone’s alarm to ring at 5 am, 6 am and 7 am. I love my cheap hand phone. I must say it is very good despite it only cost me like 58 bucks Brunei (around USD 36). I can set multiple alarms to beep at different time. I couldn’t do that with my other branded phones.

Was working late the night before processing pictures and crawling the Net. I was worried that I might not be able to wake up the next morning. I was processing HDR when I heard a loud and annoying sound. To top that, I can hear an object vibrating vigorously. Opened my eyes and saw my phone is beeping and vibrating. Yes ladies it vibrates also hehe..  Was I dreaming of processing HDR all these while :) Man… this HDR fever is getting worst. Hehe..

It was still 5 am. My eyes are forcing their counterparts to not to cooperate with my will to wake up at this time. Without realizing, I am back to my dreamland.

All out of sudden, I heard someone was calling my name urging me to open up my eyes. I woke up and sit by my bed straight away. Peeked my wall clock through my half opened eyes. Oh my, its 6:30 am. Rushed to the shower. I need to be at Jing Chu at 6:45 am. I am going to be late. Received sms from Mr. What to do by 6:47 asking me where am I. I just came out of the bathroom. Replied telling him that I am just started to go to Jing Chu.

Arrived at Jing Chu at around 7:03 am. Reza was already there. As usual, nothing going to top up having Tea Tarik Halia early in the morning. Soon after, saw ber trying to find us. He didn’t txt’ed me or anything that morning. He is confident enough we are already there. Waved to him and I introduced him to Reza.

Saw kantalensa opening the door and following him is his youngest son. He was driving from KB (Kuala Belait) since 6 am in the morning. Now, that’s a dedication. Introduced him to reza and ber. This is the first time they meet each other. Our group is growing. A very good sign. I guess its because we are enjoying ourselves everytime we go outing. We have one common goal, that is to have fun! Indeed we are. We don’t care of who will get the best picture, we don’t care about showing off. All we care is, making new friends. And of course a lot of fun!

Without them realizing, my nervous started kicking in as I start to remember that I have not gotten any big boat yet. I don’t want to let them down. I have to be cool. Go with the flow. Hope for the best. Pray things would go right later. Managed to stay Mr. Cool as I hide my concerned with laughter and jokes. Man, they are so cool. They just met each other and they already laughing as if they knew each other for years.

Someone pat my back. Oh, its Ucingitam. How could I miss him coming in. I guess we were so deep into our jokes and laughter. Introduced Ucingitam to Reza and ber. We felt something missing. Yes, we do miss something. One of our hard core members, Anakbrunei. Not 5 minutes after he showed up with a bang! No, no, not like the cowboy style. But he brought in 2 new members. His missus and a long lost friend of mine, Reena! Its been what? 5-7 years I have not seen her? Again, photography has brought me my long lost friend.

Clock showing 8 am. We need to go off before 8:30 am. My anxious starting to build up again. I can feel my brain start doing analysis, start thinking of the possibilities, start thinking of plan B. Trying to think out of the box. I got it. I know how.

They are asking where should we go and whats the plan. Told them that I leave the itenary open for now. We will see how things go later. Everyone agreed to drive to Kianggeh and park our cars there. We re-group there.

The tide was low. The Sungai Kianggeh was dry. I was transferring all my equipments to my back pack bag. I cant use my hand carried bag for this. I should have been using the back pack for the past outings. Shoulders aching because of carrying tons of equipments everywhere and that include my near accident Subok Hill outing with David earlier this month.

Some of us was still trying to find parking space. Some of us already at the meeting spot and we decided its best for us to start walking to “Tambing”, another spot, where Kampong Ayer people depart to cross the river. It is where the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation shopping complexes (YSHHB) is build now.

We sms’ed the rest to meet up there. My brain still processing on how could I pull this off. There are 11 of us now. We need 3 water taxis to accommodate all of us at least. Anakbrunei was suggesting that we take the boat tour. Moment I heard that, I had to make up plan C quick!, because my plan B was to bring everyone to cross the river and start walking around Kampong Ayer. Think.. think.. must think fast.

I tried to find familiar faces amongst the water taxi drivers. Couldn’t find any. Where are all my cousins and uncles when I need them  … I saw a big boat anchoring at the middle of the river. Saw no one was on it. Its not that big but its suffice for 11 of us. And the boat also has shades. That will help a lot!

I got a plan. I should wait for someone that I know to help me out. The low tide really makes things a bit harder. I suspect my relatives’ boat must be stranded under their houses because of the low tide. They could’nt move at all.

All our of sudden I saw a man inside that boat pulling off its anchor. He must have been lying down on his boat or something when I saw no one was on board. I started to wave at him and he responded. He started the engine and drive the boat nearer to the Tambing. But, I am still nervous because most of the time, they would usually booked in advanced. I was just hoping for mere luck.

As he approach the steps. I run towards the boat. I rushed there with a high hope, hoping that they are not booked yet. Thank god, they are not!. I started to make a deal with them. He was offering a good bargain. But, its my nature to get the best deal. I got it! I got one hell of a deal. I slashed the price more than half :) yes, we agreed upon 3 hours ride and its dirt cheap.

Told him that it’s a deal and ask him to wait. I ran off the boat and to where everyone was waiting. Some shutter bugs already started to take pictures. Hehe.. I wont blame them as its their nature. Told them about the deal and everyone is happy about it. We all went to the boat. Mind you guys, some of us have not been into a boat ride. I can see smiles on everyone’s face when they see the boat. They are comfortable enough.

Wow, what have I been blabbering on? I have not write this long before. I am afraid of writing and hate writing ... especially in English. I think its because English is a second language for me. I am afraid of making spelling mistakes, and the worst, grammar. Its really hard for me to write. I am always stuck at the first sentence. Cant get through it most of the time.

I am bracing myself to write. I used to be afraid of height. You know what I did? I went to Singapore and took sport climbing just to try to overcome my fear. I still am afraid of height but I am still trying to overcome it. Its an uphill battle but I will not give up.

I would like to thank Mr. Pablo for his supportive and motivation speech yesterday at his house. It brings more confident for me to write. I am now on a quest! to overcome my fear of writing. I hate fear, I must overcome all my fear except for one! Fear of the one, Allah, the almighty! That is the only thing that I should be afraid of.

I have to go now. I will write the touring part later…

Beside my lengthy article, I am trying to convey a message to the readers that;

Never ever panic when things goes wrong
Have faith
Be confident
Think, use the brain because it is the most valuable possession that we have
Dont give up that easily
Its not over until its over

Please visit Anakbrunei (entry 1, entry 2), Reza, Kantalensa (entry 1, entry 2, entry 3), Ucingitam, ber (entry 1, entry 2), zadm, zul entries on the outing

So many entries. That shows how much fun we had!

So, if you want to hire a tour guide around Kampong Ayer that knows it very well, drop me an e-mail or you could call me up. My contact details are on the right hand side of this page.

Kampong Ayer Outing - Mission Accomplished

2007-01-20T14:36:00.000+08:00

Just came back from Kg. Ayer outing. It was superb. Spent at least 4 hours touring the whole Kampong Ayer. Will upload pictures later. I need to go off to Mr. Pablo mud cake demo :)

Go with the flow..

2007-01-18T23:41:00.000+08:00

Sit back and relax. No problem is unsolvable. Why worry too much? Go with the flow... Life is too short to waste it on unnecessary tense :)

Pay more attention to your surroundings. Listen to the wind, listen to the trees, listen to the water flowing. Close your eyes, clear your mind, take a deep breath. And your problems will fly away~ miles away.

Tasek Lama Waterfall - repost

2007-01-18T15:30:00.000+08:00

I have posted this before but I am reposting it again because I like it so much :)

** Previous post here (Taman Peranginan Tasek Lama)

Run baby run

2007-01-18T08:51:00.000+08:00

I received couple of inquiries about my work such as printouts, posters, compilation of my pictures possible in a book format, etc. I would need some help on that as I am very new to this industry. First off, I am not sure on how and where to do the postcard printing. And most importantly on how to market them.

I know we are now aggressively trying to promote Visit Brunei Year 2008 and some already indicated to me that my pictures would be perfect for the campaign. Again, I would need some pointers here and the how-to's. On that note, I am looking for business partners and sort. If you have some brilliant ideas, I am all ears. Drop me a line! Thanks :)

p/s she was running from this

Tranquility

2007-01-17T19:46:00.000+08:00

Tranquility.
We search to the end of the world but yet its in front of us all the time.
We dream of it but in reality its already with us.

Sunset Series

2007-01-17T19:11:00.000+08:00

Kampong Ayer here we come

2007-01-16T21:18:00.001+08:00

We have a date. Its confirm that we will go outing on the 20th. Its a public holiday in Brunei. We are planning to go to the infamous venice of the east, Kampong Ayer. I will be the official tour guide since I lived there for more than 2 decades.

I am proposing that we meet @ Jing Chu as early as 6:45 am. This is because we need to move out by 8:30 the latest. We would need to go across the river by the fast and furious water taxi :) and start our 3-4 KM walk.

Or we could take the boat tour. It is faster and we could go to the upstream to shoot monkeys and if we are lucky, perhaps some crocs :) We could go to Kampong Bolkiah 'A' and 'B', the re-settlement build by the His Majesty Foundation. It is suppose to be the modern water village. I lived there for couple of years.

Everything depends on majority, what the majority wants to do. I am flexible and will be able to adopt to any decision made.

zadm asked me questions regarding this that is why I am making this entry.

btw, if you are looking for a Kampong Ayer tour guide, I am for hire! hehe. I am not only going to act as your tour guide but will take pictures of you and your group included in the package :)

Added 18th Jan: Confirmed list of people joining: zadm, ber, kantalensa

Macro Flower Series

2007-01-16T19:45:00.000+08:00

More macro pictures click here

Water of Life

2007-01-16T11:30:00.000+08:00

SOAS Mosque re-visited

2007-01-15T10:57:00.000+08:00

My first post on SOAS mosque here

3 Frames Tale Series Pt. 3 - Merambat

2007-01-15T00:27:00.000+08:00

Merambat is one of Brunei's traditional ways of catching fish.

Visit my other 3 frames tale here - part 1 and part 2

The fast and furious water taxi

2007-01-15T00:03:00.000+08:00

Brunei's very own fast and furious
You got to focus fast
Because they are gone before you realize
You got to snap before they vanish

Kampong Ayer

2007-01-14T20:44:00.000+08:00

Alarm beeping at 6 a.m. on Sunday morning. Used to hate waking up early especially on Sundays. Promised to changed for a better me, a new me, a reborn! No longer intimidated with early mornings. I love waking up early. I used to wake up very early when I was younger. It’s a good sign~. I am on my way for that healthy life living that I have been wanting. Be gone that heavy headache every mornings. Excellent!

Woke up and asked myself, why am I waking up this early? Oh ya, I promised ber yesterday that we are going to Kampong Ayer, Venice of the east. Well, thats what I learn when I was learning geography during my primary school. Some say that Venice of the east is at Thailand floating market, some say its in Brunei. Whichever it is, I am sure both is unique in its own way.

Head out to our usual meeting place, Jing Chew Restaurant. Met ber there at around 7 a.m. Ordered "tea tarik halia" and their specialty, the "roti kawin mentega". We indulge ourselves with stories and photography talks. Man, I love this guy, we think alike!

Received sms from Anakbrunei, he is joining us! Yes, nothing like an early Sunday morning sipping that tea tarik with good buddies talking about anything. Mostly man stuffs :) Things that will bore the female species :p (jut kidding ladies)

Ber was really surprised that we ordered heavy meals. Anakbrunei with his all-time fav, the Kwey Tiaw Zima and mine, the fried noodles with big prawn (mee goreng udang besar). Told him that you going to need the energy later.

So, we decided to go to Kampong Ayer. But which part? It is huge, if I am not mistaken, the houses spread in 6-8 km radius. We want to take things easy since this is our first outing there. We decided to go to the one that is connected directly with the mainland. We don’t have to use that “fast and furious” water taxi.

Parked our car near the judicial building. Walk towards the famous landmark in Brunei, SOAS Mosque. The usual questions always came out, “where are you from?”, “are you from the media?”. Water taxis start approaching us offering a tour around Kampong Ayer. Not today. Perhaps next time, we replied.

My main target for today’s outing is children. I just love shooting children. They are adorable, innocent, happy goings. Put on my 100-400mm and I am on my hunt. We came across a lot of modern wooden houses in Kampong Ayer. I wont be surprised since I know they are very modern. You can see satellite dish, astro dish, air-condition compressors everywhere. Some even use cement for their flooring.

We walked through the houses on the wooden plank build by the His Majesty’s Government without realizing that we are at the SOAS mosque compound. Its been more than 1 hour. Did not realize the time since were enjoying ourselves snapping photos. Its Photographers’ heaven!
Asked them whether they wanted to continue on and excitedly they agreed. So we marched on. Its getting interesting. The past 90 minutes was just a warm up. Lots of children, the villagers “merambat” (netting) on their boat, parents bringing their children out to the town, the lists just endless. Most of them are shy at first but once we smile back at them and talk to them, they are pretty much very friendly people as what Bruneians suppose to be. Yes, we are very friendly people. Smile and we will smile back, wave and we will wave back :)

We didn’t realize that we have been on our foot for 3 hours! That’s a 19 holes golf, as Anakbrunei said to crack us up! What? 19? Yes, 19 ..hehe Only in Brunei! We burst in laughter.. By now, everyone is already looking at the LCD screen of our digital cameras, not to see what shots we have taken but to select which photos we can delete because we need more memory! Need to delete some to make room for more and better shots! Its quite a walk and we were enjoying ourselves. We justified those heavy breakfast that we had earlier~

To sum up, it’s a lovely outing. Lots and lots of things that we wanted to captured but we don’t have enough memory cards and time. Need to re-visit Kampong Ayer again, and this time, must across the river to the other side, where I came from. So, if you want a Kampong Ayer tour guide, I am for hire! I know the routes from one end to the other. Or, perhaps use the water taxi tours :) I love Kampong Ayer! That is where I was born and that is where I belong!

Visit ber entry on this

Healthy life style

2007-01-13T23:43:00.000+08:00

People asked me how could I managed to NOT wear glasses since I am practically stuck in front of computers at least 10 hours a day. That was my job for the past 13 years or so. And yes, its computers with an "S". I have at least 3 computers at the office and another 3 at home. That not include laptops that I carry everywhere.

I still remembered one of my lecturer told me to always see green natural trees and plants every morning. I never missed doing that and it served me good. Also, carrot juice. Its good for the eyes. Used to drink once every 3-4 days.

I can feel that my eyesight is deteriorating now. I need to be "offline" more. Need to go out more. That is why I am indulging myself with my new hobby.

And now, I am going to start another new healthy one, running. Reza, ber and adidarwish are very good avid runners. They are inspirational. I will start to run again. Used to run a lot before and I love it. I can sleep better at night :)

Healthy life, here I come.....

Three Generations..

2007-01-13T22:29:00.000+08:00

Some are lucky enough to see up to the fourth generation. My grandparents got to experienced that. They live a long and healthy life. I am their 3rd generation. They always shared the story about their struggle during the old days. They had to work extremely extra hard just to bring a bowl of rice at the end of the day.

There were no "stable" job back then. No 9 to 5. All dependent on your extra hard work and lil bit of luck. I got to taste some of this while I was still very young. We had to wake up as early as 4 am in the morning. Rush to job site and wait for any job given. Sometimes, it was just easy delivery and sometimes, we had to fill in 100 sacks of sand a day. I guess those things make me appreciate life more. Makes me tougher. I am glad that I grow up hard. Materialistic is not a word in my dictionary. Its a sickness :)

Sometime to think about ....