anehff9™

On hiatus

2011-11-07T19:57:00.000+08:00

It looks like I'm heading towards the impending doom... I mean, hiatus. I hope I can get back here soon. I procrastinate too much.

My good ol' car

2011-09-12T09:09:00.000+08:00

That's my car. Ford model, Festiva body, Korean made. Runs on 13" tyres, 1300cc, 14 years old.
My car. Broke down by the roadside just as I left for work.
Let me rephrase. It didn't break down; it died.
The battery's been giving it life for the past 5 years, so I guess it's a given that it ran out of ions, or electrons, or whatever is the chemical.
Buying a new one is not cheap either, but we still have to decide on what comes first in our priority list...
"What doesn't kill you make you stronger"
So, dear car, I'm counting on you again for my daily trips.

I'm currently doing this...

2011-08-18T23:29:00.002+08:00

I've been putting this off for the longest time in my wedding coverage history... Time hasn't been a good friend since his marriage; what with two times overseas assignments, super-exhausted body after badminton training and other disruptions from my part...Not to mention the endless coverage during His Majesty's 65th birthday celebrations.

I'm halfway into finishing this and I hope to present the album before Hari Raya...

Thanks for your patience, Shibadang.

While editing I'm also watching the ever-so good "How To Train Your Dragon" that I've been keeping since early this year. I won't remove this because I need to watch it when I'm bored. Same goes to BECK the Movie and Megamind...

Now going back to Photoshop.

Eventful July ~ Part I

2011-07-31T15:44:00.001+08:00

July has been a very eventful month due to His Majesty's 65th birthday celebrations. Though not entirely involved in all the programs, but in those I was assigned to, they were all lengthy.

I started with covering the bestowing of State Honours / Decorations to 61 officials and individuals at the Istana Nurul Iman, which is the Royal Residential Palace of His Majesty on the date itself (15th July). It was lengthy indeed, yet exciting. It's been a long while since I last covered big scale events at the Palace.

From www.infofoto.org.bn

The next day was a public holiday; but I was assigned somewhere in the capital that ended up it being postponed. I just wasted 50 minutes going there. But a public holiday it was. My occupation denies me weekends and public holidays..

The next program I was in was the Banquet presented by the Uniformed bodies of Government agencies and NGOs. This was the lengthiest one; I ended up spending the night at the office because I became too tired to drive back home. I couldn't sleep at all though...

After the banquet His Majesty proceeded to shaking hands with thousands of the Uniformed members from the Royal Brunei Police Force, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Fire Fighters, Army Cadets, Scouts, Red Crescents, Girl Guides, the likes. I was so drenched my white baju kurung (the dress code for night functions) was becoming a see-through, thanks to my tudong that covered half my body. I really adore His Majesty for being so patient in meeting members of the public first hand...

Photos from www.infofoto.org.bn

It's bad enough that I had to spend the night not in my own bed, but I had another assignment the next morning too. I drove home around 5am, to reach at 6am; I couldn't resist the sleepiness and fell asleep the moment I arrived. More like a nap, though, since I had to leave at 9+ am to be on time for my 10am coverage at the Ministry of Finance.

My job on the 19th involved Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha for the Domestuc Science Exhibition 2011 in conjunction with His Majesty's birthday celebrations. The title translated into "Pameran Urusan Rumah Tangga 2011". It was quite lengthy as well; probably because I was abandoned halfway by my colleague who decided to ditch the event before noon.

On the 20th I was assigned to Kuala Belait, both in the afternoon and at night. They were also a part of His Majesty's birthday celebration, in the form of Khatam Al-Quran.

The 21st on Thursday, His Majesty was scheduled to arrive at 10am in Tutong district for the annual Get-Together session. I dread this not because of the duration, but from the sea of people who showed up to greet His Majesty. The event was so exhilarating that I couldn't have my lunch on time. I had to finish the photo uploads before pampering myself with the goodness of Ideal Cafe and Grill's chicken meal.

I didn't finish it though.

Just like this post because it has become a bit too long for a blog...

Now if you could excuse me..

7th Month of Every Year..

2011-07-28T01:55:00.001+08:00

We're always busy this month...

Impending storm...

2011-07-22T09:35:00.001+08:00

I'm on my way home from covering an event earlier this morning. The day started fine but it's raining now a minute after I took the picture.. This kind of weather is perfect for a sleep-in. The rain is gonna be long, albeit not heavy...
Posted from my Lollipop

Brunei skies are the best

2011-07-21T08:12:00.000+08:00

I'm blogging on the go again. Previous mobile-blogging was interrupted when my SEG900 got damaged. Ever since then blogging has become very seldom..
After G900 I reverted to good ol' SE W200i..now I'm holding a red-coloured LG Lollipop, a slick, flipping Java phone. It has good 3MP camera, is a 2G/3G phone and has EDGE/HSDPA connection. But the email function didn't work. Not until I set it last night.
I'll write about it again, now it's time to go to work. His Majesty is gracing Tutong today.

I.Want.To.Watch.This... Seriously.

2011-07-17T16:18:00.001+08:00

I've actually been wanting to watch THIS movie ever since its release late last month. In fact I have PROMISED myself that I'd watch this one first before Transformers 3 : Dark Side of The Moon.

But I lied.

I blamed it on the inconvenient screening times by local cinemas. I usually catch lunchtime movies instead of prime time ones (haha, this isn't a TV show!). With it being one-half hour long, I'd assume I'd be allowed to return to office half-hour later after lunchtime break. I'm not one to go home late after work so daytime watching hours are my only chances.

However, I need to watch this tomorrow before the screening ends. It looks like it's gonna end soon so I should make my way to the cinema tomorrow. Seri Qlap Cineplex is airing it at 12.30pm tomorrow, just what I need. The Mall Cineplex has only one screening time left, and that's 6.00pm, very inconvenient. I still have to do my badminton drills every afternoon.. so The Mall's is a no-go.

Now, I should get my tickets soon for tomorrow. Hopefully nobody is gonna stop me from watching Shaheizy Sam's wonderful acting in this one.

Taken from http://filmasia.blogspot.com

Should be a good watch with a loved one, shan't it? Hehe

Random change

2011-07-16T23:04:00.000+08:00

気まぐれにバックグラウンドを変えたかった～
んで、そうになりました☆

ミナトさま、いままでブログを飾っていただいてたいへんありがとうございました。

This background of Namikaze Minato a.k.a. Yondaime has been decorating my blog for quite sometime now. Now I want to show some of my own photos to be used for my own writing. I might want to change it again soo enough :)

In the meantime, ミナトさま、お疲れ様でした。

Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik

2011-07-15T13:08:00.002+08:00

15th July of every year is a national holiday. It's the date when we celebrate the birth of our beloved Sultan, king and ruler, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and this year marks His Majesty's 65th birthday anniversary.

Photo by Sahrizal, www.infofoto.org.bn

I'm sure it's quite common when we celebrate something of great importance, the sky will also celebrate it together with us. Previously during the Maulud Nabi Muhammad S.A.W. (peace be upon him) I took this picture below during the procession held in Bandar Seri Begawan..

And this morning when I left the house to work at the Istana Nurul Iman (the residential Palace) I saw this one decorating the sky as well.. This was taken at 7.20am...I'm sure it would've been more scenic had I taken it with my camera instead of my phone.

But still.. my point is... this country is blessed with things that we sometimes overlook. I've always looked up to the skies anyway..

Long Live His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik.

With the birthday celebrations come the night markets and light entertainment nights for a fortnight. But it'll be the same with last year; just 'light entertainment' and more towards religious, since we are entering the fasting month of Ramadhan in two weeks..

First time

2011-07-03T23:56:00.000+08:00

Well... first time riding a horse. Though, not EXACTLY riding.. someone from the Equestrian guided the horse.

I'm quite an animal lover; I like animals, I like cats and dogs, I want to cuddle with them furry animals.. I like dogs like Collie, Labrador, German shepherd.. ahh.. but of course, I can't touch them. Actually I can, but the cleansing will be troublesome...

This photo of me riding a horse was taken during the Family Day of Ministry of Communication held today at the National Stadium. The event was a bit draggy, so I decided to kill time and paid $5 to ride on this one... He ambled in gracious gaits... but deep down I pity these babies because they probably have been under the sun since morning.

I asked the staff and he said, a horse costs in the $15,000 to $300,00 range, depends on the breed (I presumed). OMG!!??! That's a galloping car / house!!

All in all, I enjoyed the ride, albeit very short. When I showed my photos to my nephews and niece, they wanted to ride one too! Maybe next time...

Maharaja Lawak Final Akhir - Jozan 2 - Minggu 13

2011-06-26T13:36:00.006+08:00

Gotta say, I love JOZAN. I love Zizan and I love Johan.
It's too bad that they didn't manage to grab the winning prize of RM350,000 as the champions. Their musical skit in the final was so damn good I always watch it on my long drive to work :)

I should do this...

2011-05-29T22:16:00.001+08:00

I really NEED to update this blog. I need to make time for myself.

This was how a part of the sky looked on 19th May 2011 at 2.17pm (when I pressed the shutter)

But seriously, I need to update this blog...

I'll do it soon after I collected some materials worth blogging about :)

A new addition...

2011-04-15T22:53:00.000+08:00

If I'm not collecting manga, anime and figurines, I guess this one below is also included in that category...

Yup... a new addition

My good friend and I have been adding new cameras into our collection since the past 6 years. The first cameras we had was Nikon Coolpix 4300, a small 4MP camera that cost $600 that time. Nowadays you can get a decent 12MP digital camera with that price.

I was assigned to The Philippines on my first overseas sports assignment, covering the SEA Games and I had no camera, to be honest. The office loaned me Fuji S1, and my friend who recently bought a Fujifilm S9500 lent me that very camera, which wasn't even a DSLR to begin with. But heck, I managed somehow.

Next came D80. We kind of fell in love with its 18-135mm kit lens that came with it. He bought his camera, then a 17-55mm f2.8 lens, and another 80-200mm f2.8 lens.

A few years after that he got me my own D80, with the same kit lens.

Just at the end of 2009, Hua Ho Manggis Mall held a "Crazy Sale" for its D700. My friend then bought D700 + 24-70mm f2.8 lens. I was about to go to Bali for assignment and guess what? You guessed right (maybe)... I took the D700 with me.

Overseas assignment will always require us to bring at least two cameras. Office provides me with Canon 50D with 17-40mm f4 and 70-200 f2.8 lenses in default. But changing the lens in the course of action might be problematic so having two cameras is the solution. Here's when the Nikon comes in.

However, getting the colours right will always be a headache, especially when one is already used to Nikon's colour. Canon's and Nikon's can never get the same result even when the same settings are applied.

I simply need another Nikon.

So here I go. I got my Nikon D300s, just the body though. I don't think I can afford another D700, since it will mean I'll have to get that 24-70mm again to maximise D700's full-frame function. After all I still have the 17-55mm f2.8.

Now, if the rumours of me going to the UK for the Royal Weddings is true, I'll be bringing both D700 and D300s with me, instead of the Canon 50D.

Because I work better with Nikon. Who doesn't?

That's really nice!!

2011-04-05T16:31:00.000+08:00

Lookey here!! It looks nice right?

I've been using the browser RockMelt for quite some time now, because I like how Tweetdeck looked. But since Tweetdeck is not a web browser, I'm looking for one that has most of the social networking integration embedded in to it.

And I found RockMelt. I found it on Twitter, of course. Somebody tweeted using it, so I checked it out!

However it still doesn't have most features Tweetdeck has, like Retweet and Edit (it only does retweet without edit, unlike Tweetdeck). Both don't have Direct Messages though. But it allows me to update my Facebook status along with my tweets. More over I can share almost anything on the web using the Share button on top of the browser!! Coolness!!

Anyway I'm going over the line with the extended introduction to RockMelt. I've been wanting to say about the new extension I installed. Since this browser is built on Chromium, the idea behind Google Chrome it supports most Chrome extensions. And I found this one on Chrome Web Store.

The dynamic looks on my blog is amazing. I simply love it.

Omigosh!!!

2011-03-24T23:18:00.000+08:00

I just realized I've been away from this blog for many weeks!!

Embarrassing!

The last being the wedding of my former hostel mate, who's also my distant relative. A few days after that a breaking news about the catastrophe befalling Japan; then the birth of my new niece... It was hectic!

I'm also more involved in badminton now and recently the girls have asked for my participation in the office's netball team.

Actually I'm very tired already.

The moment I touched down into my bed, it didn't take much effort to doze off. Not even five minutes.

Seriously.

Looks like I have lots of catching up to do here (-_-;)

But... my niece is so very lovable and cute!!

Adorable!!! She weighed 2.945kg at birth. Through Caesarian..

"Azan" or the call for prayers was heard to her ears, so that it'd be the first she listened to..

From New Girl ♥

The Coolest Man on Earth!

2011-03-07T06:52:00.002+08:00

Looking back thirteen years ago when I was still in Pre-University classes (Sixth Form) I couldn't imagine this day would come. Most of my high school friends are now like strangers because we hardly meet, but it's different with the friends I made during that short two years at Sixth Form.

Was it because we stayed together at the hostel? We pretty much spent more time together especially in the afternoons when they were playing their football at the small opening near the school compound that we fondly called "The Cliff". I was their only spectator most of the time anyway.

Fast-forward... now we're all in our early thirties and even though we don't meet often the bonds are still there. What's that saying "distance makes the heart grow fonder"? hahahaha That's why when there are weddings a good few of us would show up and it's a good chance to catch up with each other.

Yesterday was this big guy's wedding day. He asked me to be his photographer. I was honoured. There were some of the guys and gals coming and because of my assignment I couldn't really chit-chat with them. But seeing them doing fine and getting 'bigger' made me happy to see them, even for a while.

Me and Badang (^_^)

Letting this old crush go to a decent woman almost broke my heart, too!! Hahaha. But the feeling was different yesterday. I felt like letting go of a son, and I was either happy and/or worried. Hahaha. That was kinda useless, I think. He'll be in good hands.

To dear Zain Azman a.k.a. Shibadang, I wish you all the happiness in this world and the afterworld. May you be blessed with beautiful and pious children, and that you and your wife be together for all eternity, amiin.

"I sisterly-love you very much!!"

Brunei Darussalam: 27th National Day

2011-02-23T13:46:00.001+08:00

So it's the actual event today.
I woke up quite early than usual, in fact I couldn't sleep at all. I kept waking up every hour or so. In the end I just woke myself up at 5+ am to feed the cats outside.

The cats are my priority, so it seems. Because I know I'll be so tired after work that I might take a brief shut eye at the office to regain a bit of my energy.

Because I pretty much lacked sleep.

Now, some photos that I took and uploaded to our Infofoto Gallery for newspaper's use before I fall asleep. My shoulders are already begging for rest! I used two cameras, office-owned Canon EOS 50D mounted with 70-200mm f2.8 and my personal Nikon D80 attached with 17-55mm f2.8.

The grand finale; the field performers 'spelled out' "Negara Zikir". I was just lucky to have the wind helping me spread the flag, albeit backwards...

Here are some more... now I don't have to worry about watermarking my images anymore, hahaha. Any images uploaded to the gallery automatically have the Brunei's crest embedded. Enjoy the photos...I don't usually invite for comments and I don't mind having them commented. So.. enjoy the photos.

I should get me some sleep now.

This stand is built every year for the public to witness the procession of National Day. After that they're taken off..

The reading is "Allahu Akbar" Allah Maha Besar = Allah is Great.. entering the finale...

The participants were still coming into the field. I think this year received groups close to 120?

The field housing some 7000+ field performers from schools, private and government agencies

The oath reading ceremony

"Negara Zikir"

"Negaraku Brunei Darussalam"

Brunei's 27th National Day

2011-02-22T21:44:00.000+08:00

I'll be out working VERY early tomorrow covering Brunei's 27th National Day.

What I know, I'll be knocked out, tired! I'll share some photos if I'm not-lazy enough, heheh. In the meantime, here's one shot that I took this morning. I don't do much manipulation on my photos, because my point in taking photos is "freezing the moment". It simply means I'm recording that moment in time only for that purpose.

Eh? I don't make any sense. Must be too tired.

Our national flag, and the world-renowned Masjid SOAS, built in 1958

Happy 27th National Day, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Maulidur Rasul 1432H

2011-02-22T21:37:00.000+08:00

Last week on the 15th, corresponding to 12th Rabiul'awal in the Islamic calendar was the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) birthday. It's called "Maulidur Rasul" in Arabic, but in Brunei we pretty much use the same term, it means "the birth of the Rasul (Prophet)".

As with every year Brunei celebrates the event with a parade, or a march. This year it was 5km, and our very own His Majesty the Sultan led the march.

I remember posting the video of Maher Zain titled "The Chosen One" which primarily was dedicated to our beloved Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. It inspired me to make this "wallpaper" when I managed to take the sunset when the day turned 12 Rabiul'awal. (Muslim calendar changes date when the sun sets, or during Maghrib prayer)

Beautiful sunset.. just as I was heading home..

The next day lots of 'decoration' sprawled across the sky... I took this picture when the parade was on-going in the capital...

Apparently a halo was seen in the sky, this photo was taken on 15th Feb, 9.27am

My boss who was in the Belait district in the western part of Brunei came across the writing of ALLAH (in Arabic letter) in the sky among the clouds.

It is said that in the commemoration of Nabi Muhammad S.A.W's birthday, all things, that include human, animals, plants even the sky are "celebrating". If one is observant enough, one can find many unusual yet amazing scenery anywhere around us.

I was also taking the new YJT = Young Japanese Teacher out for a stroll in Bandar Seri Begawan. It was a fun day out.

Saw this on the footer

2011-02-09T22:37:00.001+08:00

I saw this picture at the bottom of the post on www.brudirect.com on the KFC coverage. Scroll down to see my name credited :)

My photo was the second from top, clearly watermarked... I took the scenic view of the Kianggeh Food Court almost three years ago while having a night out with girl friends. It was taken from my Flickr account and I almost totally forgot about it.

Historic scene, that's true.

Brunei's own KFC : Kianggeh Food Court

2011-02-09T13:10:00.000+08:00

I was away in Temburong the other day when news circulated on Facebook about KFC burnt to the ground in the break of Sunday morning, 6th February 2011.

Not the franchise KFC Kentucky Fried Chicken, but our localised KFC : Kianggeh Food Court is a popular hang out among midnight snack-hunters, especially those in the Brunei-Muara district. This food court opens till late at night to the break of dawn to cater for these night owls. It's a happening place not just it's on the Brunei River bank where one can overlook to the scenic Kampong Ayer at night, but also because it has lots of varieties to choose from. I don't want to admit it though, but fattening oily foods are quite popular among us Bruneians.

So it being part of the country's development (if I'm allowed to say that) having lost it in a tragic fire accident if not much, at least part of us would feel its loss. One would say "there goes another hang out spot" or similar. I would say the same too, for it's been around for as long as I can remember. And I'm already in my early 30's.

Ironically, we were having supper at KFC a few days earlier, on 3rd February. The stalls were occupied especially the ones in the frontmost. Cars would be parked alongside Jalan Residency along which it is located.

The usual menu we can have at any other stalls, tongkeng ayam and ayam salai. Oily, I tell ya!

The 'aftermath' of supper (or dinner, whichever is applicable for 9pm eat-outs)

Ladies in red catering for customers. There's even a large screen projecting a football match..

The ayam salai / tongkeng ayam vendor by the river side

The last time I came here before this last one was a few years ago... So it felt a bit nostalgic to be eating here again before it was ravaged by fire a few days after.

To be honest, the area seriously needed some look-into since it's already old; there's bound to be some 'miswiring' somewhere. The only stalls left were the ones to the left of the foremost stalls. Luckily not all vendors were affected, since the layout of the food court was separated by walkways.

I returned from Temburong only to catch the remains of the affected lots.

The remains

Cleaning work was immediately carried out

There's always a "stand back up" when there's a "stood down". We'll be waiting for your revival :)

DISSIDIA 012 Final Fantasy : DUODECIM

2011-02-02T11:15:00.006+08:00

Ahh... the gamer in me.... I just got seduced by the imagery in Dissidia 012 : Duodecim...One of the new battle stages is designed from FF9's Tantalus Theater Troupe famous play by Lord Avon!!

Final Fantasy IX's "I Want To Be Your Canary" stage setting in DISSIDIA 012 : Duodecim for the PSP.

It's been 12 years since Final Fantasy IX on the Playstation console, and it's been two years since the epic battles were shown between Good and Evil, headed by Cosmos and Chaos in the opening of DISSIDIA Final Fantasy for the Playstation Portable console.

EPIC battle, I tell you. EPIC.

Too bad this trailer isn't the full one from the actual game opening scene.

I must tell you, Zidane Tribal's CG character is so damn HOT!! He gets along well with Bartz Klauser (Final Fantasy V) in the game, probably because they're both cheeky monkeys. Heheh.

Zidane Tribal in the FMV rendering from DFF *drool* I love his hair!!

Besides Zidane from FF9, I actually like Squall in FF8. His introvert personality, in my eyes, is his charming attraction. Heheh. It's quite a surprise Bartz and Zidane get along well with Squall; most likely because of their opposite personalities. Fans of FF in general, after seeing DFF combine these three characters and name them '589'. In fact, search Photobucket there's even a grouped albums of "589", like this one below...

Image belongs to its respective artist. I got this from Photobucket.

I am yet to finish DISSIDIA since I got it last year, because my nephew keeps asking for the PSP and I got almost no chance. Plus, I've also stored the game FF9 in it, making it all the more impossible to spend time with that little gadget.

Now, almost two years later, comes Duodecim!!

Since I never played the coming FFs on PS2 let alone PS3, my knowledge on other FF heroes on these platforms are limited to Tida and Vaan. I can't offer my comments on characters beyond Vaan, except that the gameplays are far different than the classic turn-based on the PS.

But I like how Lightning looks! She looks so cool! Not a damsel-in-distress type, but she's the lead. I didn't really like Yuna in FFX and X-2 because of her somewhat *bitchy* design especially in X-2 (sorry to say, but IMO) so Lightning comes as a fresh idea in FF heroes. She'll be one of the playable characters in Duodecim. I never got to know her stats, but she seems to be using a blade or sword of some kind.

I like blade-wielding female leads! Heheh.

One thing that didn't get a thumbs-up from me is the lack of inputs from FF9. Of course with the FF9 with its lack of warriors-type characters maybe it's kinda hard to get them into DISSIDIA, seeing the characters are all fighting type (including Yuna, and especially Tifa). Furthermore, Aerith appears as an optional assist character for Cloud, unlocked from the Demo version (so I read).

Can't we have at least Freya Crescent into the party for FF9 in Dissidia? Just Zidane and Kuja look lonely. Other titles have at least three characters added into the game, like Cain and Laguna! Can't we have at least Garnet or Vivi as an assist character as well?

Seriously, FF9 is so under-rated!! I thought Sakaguchi said it's his favourite of all FFs!!

Zidane in his first alternate in DFF in indigo blue and as a Pluto Knight in Duodecim as second attire

The game Duodecim is set to be released in Japan on 23rd March. Personally I like the JP version better because of its quality voice acting. We'll still be hearing Paku Romi as Zidane, Hoshi Souichirou as Bartz and the new face, Lightning will be voiced by Sakamoto Maaya.

Now.. where's my PSP?

RTB Media Carnival

2011-01-28T10:08:00.000+08:00

Brunei, despite its small size on the map, and the small population, can actually host a number of major events. Previously we hosted the SEA Games in 1999, APEC in 2000 and the ASEAN Summit in 2001. From then on quite a number of international meetings and festivals have been hosted as well. Talk about the Disney On Ice that we had a few years back...

This time around the national TV broadcasting 'company' is having its annual carnival, namely RTB Media Carnival. RTB = Radio Television Brunei, quite simple, and this carnival is a real excitement! There are live radio broadcasts, on-the-spot quizzes, the Dungeon (like a Ghost house), exhibits on drug abuse, sales of local-made products, OGDC exhibits, extra large wall decos that boasts information on Stone Age, Inventions, Plants, Periodic table of the Elements, and what brought out the girl in me when I went there yesterday was the "Once Upon A Time" section.

I wonder which part of the fairy tales is this from. Narnia came to mind, though...

I was lucky to get in for free yesterday because I was covering His Royal Highness Prince Azim's visit to the Carnival as part of his working visit schedule. In all the rush I managed to snap a few of the settings inside the big hall, which included Alice in Wonderland, I don't know what else.. there were mushrooms.. which tale had mushroom in its background?

The ticket is $5 per adult, $3 for children, and below 5 years old is free.

I've been thinking of going there with my siblings this afternoon because it's pretty and it's not always there, if you know what I mean.. I'll have to work first at 2pm though, and then another one at night. Can you just imagine I'm only in this house for sleeping! I'm out of the house most of the time, even on Fridays and Sundays.

As usual, no weekends for me.

Revenge of the Genomes!!

2011-01-24T17:18:00.000+08:00

Look at that womanising genome named Zidane :)

He's the cutest and charming of all FF heroes :)

I'm replaying my Final Fantasy IX after I got my PSP back from my nephew. He's been hogging the gadget ever since I put FF9 and DISSIDIA previously. Recently I put in The Legend of Dragoon. Got the torrent at TPB and it's now filling my memory stick to the max. Because it's only a 2GB capacity :P

I just have to relive all those memories of my early adulthood through retrogaming.

I don't own a PS2, let alone a PS3. Not even a Wii or XBox. I only have my old Playstation console and this gold-coloured Playstation Portable which I bought almost three years ago.

Trust me, had Final Fantasy IX be remade for the PS3, I WILL buy that console.

I love this game. Notably because it was my first ever FF title in the RPG genre. I played FF8 and beat it; played FF7 and abandoned it. I played The Legend of Dragoon and it's in my top three list. I didn't play more games after that and just got back to anime-watching and manga-reading.

As of late I've been active on Twitter and found the hashtags #ff9 amusing because I found many FF9 fans, most of them Japanese who reacted if I replied to their tweets. And we even follow each other, updating our progresses while also giving tips and info to the newbies. It's fun!! Twitter is fun!!

I use Tweetdeck most of the time and almost abandon Facebook entirely. Hahaha.

Right now I'm going into Cleyra to protect the Cleyrans from Kuja's army of Black Mages. I can't stop adoring Zidane Tribal; not just because of his tail (I almost ignore it anyway) it's his blonde, shoulder-length hair and attire than got me. He's charming :)

Well, back to the game now :)

Attack of the Sand Golem at Cleyra

My poor left index finger (T-T)

2011-01-22T23:08:00.000+08:00

As expected I was being self-conscious when driving the newly-repainted Honda out for the first time today. Almost to the point of paranoia. Hahaha. Funny, since I decided on the bright metallic orange myself. But seriously, that shade of orange really stands out, especially on the long stretch of road Bandar-bound.

I purposely came into office late today because I didn't want the morning rush to catch a glimpse of the car. I'd be the more embarrassed. Seriously. Unless somebody tags along in the passenger seat. Then I'll just ignore the surroundings.

A-nyway, I was feeling drowsy after a short nap when I reached home. Somehow I always become sleepy if I go home early from work, say, 4pm early (work finishes at 4.30pm though), though I seldom leave around that time. I might as well be one of the last persons to leave the building, thanks to badminton.

I was moving the car out from the garage because it was blocking my sister's car. Once I drove it in and ready to lock it, I didn't realize my left hand was too close to the door of my car. I was placing my hand on its roof. I was being oblivious and BAM! sharp pain went through my body. The door had bitten my left index finger!!

My already aged hand given more "spice"

My body felt warm and cold at the same time.

I had to endure the throbbing pain for almost one-half hour before it receded. It's very sensitive and it's turning blacker by the minutes. I tried to ease the pain by trying to find out what people usually do when experiencing the same thing. Some said put ice on it, etc... I did, but it became more painful. (T-T)

At last I just wrapped some tissues around it after swabbing some ointment on it. Imagine me wanting to have shower or wash myself from using the toilet (-_-;)

My Honda EK3 :)

2011-01-21T23:55:00.000+08:00

I'm beginning to get more personal in this blog... but anyway, look!!

Honda EK3 1.5l, 1997, Automatic transmission

That's my car. I'm the proud owner of this old horse. I bought him from my closest friend for about BND7,000. Cheap? No problem, because he already promised to let this car go once he bought a new car. So he bought a new one and let this one go.

I used to own a Honda Prelude 1.8l 1983 model ten years ago. It was golden colour, very sporty to boot. I loved the car; even installed sound system that could rock the settlement area where I live.

But alas, one day it was stolen, from our parking area, in front of my own house!! I remembered crying my way to work that day, my face getting all red. The date? I wouldn't forget that date forever. It was 5th December 2001. Up till now I still miss it. I nicknamed him "Golden Dragon". Hahaha.

After Prelude I got another car, a red Ford Festiva hatchback, 1.3 GLi, registered 1997. Not European Ford, this was a Korean-made Ford. Hatchback? Yeah. Two doors, five passengers maximum. I've been driving the car since then.

I fell in love with EK3 when my then newly-employed friend drove it to work. It made me remember my Prelude. So with my wanting the car, he promised me he'd sell it to me once he's ready.

And boy, he did. According to him, that was the "single, fulfilled promise he ever made". The car's quite old now, but according to my count, there were 19 people asking to buy this car.

This car WILL NOT be sold in whatever conditions at all. When I first got the car, it didn't have insurance and no road tax. My recently deceased late Mother left us some money from her savings and was divided equally among us siblings. The remaining dollars were spent on this very car. To buy its insurance. So whomever wants the car so bad, I'd want my Mother's money back, which, of course is impossible.

It's not for sale, simple as that. Plus my friend would be upset.

The paint job was already fading when I got it. After more than a year I decided to repaint the car using my bonus salary that I received recently. Guess the colour?

None other than ORANGE. It took quite some time to decide on which shade of orange that I liked. But then I settled for this GT Orange Gold Effect. Though it didn't really finish like the McLaren's in my previous post, but seeing the colour so bright... I think I'll be quite shy. A bit.

Ready to 'fly'? Honda's given final touches after the repaint :)

This "H", while representing Honda, also represents my name...

Tomorrow I'll be heading to the Land Transport Department to get my blue card stamped with the new colour change... Actually I loved the silver colour. I have things for silver and orange colours...

That's actually referring to GINTAMA's Gin-chan and NARUTO's Naruto.

AVANTGARDE!!

2011-01-14T20:07:00.001+08:00

A new single!! It debuted on Pelangi FM radio station yesterday at 5pm but I completely completely missed it! And I missed its airing AGAIN today during the Saya Suka segment on the said radio station.

I first heard the demo during the "There's No Gig Like X-Pression" at Jeruton Hotel in 2009, but they released "Di Mata Dunia" first before this one.

One of their crews posted the official release of the song in form of a video, although not a music video. But I think I can call it that. The video looks really cool!

The previous release that I missed to post was this one, "Di Mata Dunia"

What can I say? ROCK ON, AVANTGARDE!! \m/
Make Brunei proud!

Loving How To Train Your Dragon

2011-01-12T22:39:00.000+08:00

Hey! It's been a while... I have lots to share actually, but somehow I can't bring myself to it. I feel tired every night... (￣Ｏ￣)(－.－)(＿＿).ｚＺZ must be my age. I guess I work it out too much at badminton. I don't seem to improve, however.

A----nyway, I just want to post this snapshot up. I really love Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon. Now it's out on DVD I watch it a few times a week. Sometimes, on repeat! Hahaha. Gotta love Toothless!!!

Haha.. Toothless. That expression is EPIC!!! Feeling funny at the hind? Wahahaha

Can I have a Night Fury on my birthday this year, please? It's because my birthday is SO specially dated I could only have that date ONCE in this lifetime. Hehehe

TOOTHLESS!! Be mine, please!!

The reason for this blog's name

2011-01-07T10:55:00.002+08:00

I simply love Zidane Tribal from Final Fantasy IX. Why would you think I put ~ff9 on this blog's name?

Zidane Tribal staying true to his promise to "do his best in kidnapping Garnet". I'll be with you either way...

I finished the game a decade ago on the Playstation. I remembered having played this one first before the other FFs. I moved on to play FFVIII because Squall looked so tempting, albeit having none the cheekiness of the hero in IX. I finished VIII after many long hours, because I'm a level-up freak in RPGs. Having read VII was a 'must' in FF, I gave it a try. But somehow I didn't like it. I abandoned the game, still on Disc 01, only after few hours of playing.

That game was so over-rated. And don't flame me for this input, because it's my opinion. I think VIII was better than VII and that IX was the best on the Playstation. Well, at least among the three. I never played the others anyway.

Taking another RPG title into my collection was The Legend of Dragoon. The gameplay, although not as flexible as in FFs, the CG graphic was amazing. As expected from SONY. The battle system was okay as well, but we couldn't skip turns. Every characters HAD to take action when their turns came.

The Legend of Dragoon on my PSP. That's Dart on the left, and Rose.

LoD was a three-character game play, just like FFVII and FFVIII. FFIX returned to its root of four characters, using Class system.

I'd pick the THIEF anytime!

I'd turn on my PSP whenever possible. Sometimes when I have to wait long minutes at a queue (sitting of course) or when the events I go to cover don't start on time, instead of having idle chatter or gossiping, or eavesdropping, I'd play either IX or LoD. Or better, even SCRABBLE.

I should've done something more productive, no? Hahahaha

Mini birthday celebration for Bakhtiar

2011-01-05T23:50:00.002+08:00

The cake I got from GORDY's. My first time buying there... it was delicious!

We need more children in this family (^__^)

My birthday, your birthday :)

We just threw a mini birthday celebration for Bakhtiar. It's a bit inconvenient for it to fall on a week night, but we'll throw a proper BBQ and party for him next time.

A birthday just needs a birthday cake. So it's pretty much celebrated already, Heheh.

Happy Birthday, Bang Iai. Mwaaahhhhhsss!!!

New members of the family

2011-01-05T16:42:00.001+08:00

I like animals, especially the small furry ones. I just show off these cute little chicks first :)

Happy Birthday, beloved nephew!!

2011-01-05T01:17:00.000+08:00

There's only three important men in my life and they're my Babah, my nephew, Muhammad Bakhtiar, and my other half. I call him my Bunshin 「我が分身」

My other half had his birthday last Sunday, and now it's my nephew's turn to climb yet another step of the teen age ladder. I wouldn't be eager to call him a teen ager though. He's still too green...

Muhammad Bakhtiar (Arabic for "praiseworthy" and "fortunate")

He turns 10 today... Time sure flies fast. It feels just not too long ago when I was still taking care of him and carried him around the house. He's a big boy now...

Ohhhh.. he's 10 years old. Soon he'll be 12 and he'll have his own Brunei NIC and then go to secondary school and he'll be out of our sight for half day, mingling with who-knows who. I hope he won't be making friends with trouble makers.

Ugh!! I'm thinking too far ahead.

Happy Birthday, Muhammad Bakhtiar. I love you :)

Unplanned Sunday : Family BBQ

2011-01-02T22:33:00.001+08:00

The three days since the New Year were spent outside most of the time. I was getting tired and had to postpone all my photo uploads.

It's not my fault I'm procrastinating. Heheh.

My eldest sister had a day off today, and it was rare for us to be able to share a Sunday together. Unless planned. Today was unplanned. We just decided to have a BBQ at the village's beach.

It's a very clean and serene beach. My brother who works at the Forestry Department used to be assigned to take care of the park, now named Telisai Recreational Park, but we just call it Telisai Beach anyway.

Previously it was just another run down beach, with nothing to see, just the classic beach with sand and sea, some downed old trees and very very quiet. But recently efforts have been made to beautify all beaches in Brunei. So, Telisai Beach now has huts and proper seats for families to gather and have fun at the park. Albeit just small, but enough green field to have games of football and nerf wars.

Personally, I'm quite afraid of going to the beach, especially the sound of waves.

But I enjoyed playing in the water, ironically.

It was a good day out for all of us. Oh! There were only US, the siblings. It's a bit sad, but we just had to enjoy ourselves. There were other families and group of friends coming today as well. It wasn't as quiet as I thought it was. The others were even having Nerf wars on the other side of the huts.

Now some photos, just to show who were there. Except me, since I was the one taking photos :)

These kids wouldn't stop soiling themselves :p

And the adults just couldn't stop fattening themselves, hahaha

Very busy Dec 31st

2011-01-02T22:05:00.002+08:00

I was not home on December 31st. I left the house early at 11 am to find some paint for my Honda. The car needs some serious repainting job since it's now 12 years old and some of the parts have faded silver spots. I pity the car; it's a very handsome Honda EK3 hatchback, 1997 model and yet I haven't done much to return its glory.

Seriously, with that extra money from my bonus, I'm determined to colour it new, in nothing else but ORANGE. Say, NARUTO orange. And not just any orange, it's GT ORANGE with GOLD EFFECT from DuPont. It'll be in metallic orange, but will give out shades of gold under the sun.

This is a McLaren though, but the colour will be close to this... *swoon*

I hope nothing else will come up to stop me from this big project.

I wouldn't say big though. There's still that sports rim I'm considering. After the repainting.

Now, now...I got carried away.

In the afternoon I went to cover my colleague's daughter's Mandi Belawat ceremony. Basically this is a ceremony to celebrate the couple's first baby. Theirs is a healthy, handsome baby boy named Haziq, in short. His name is longer than that.

I spent about two-half hours there, I was getting weary.

Bazilah celebrated with her baby at the back, her husband sprinkling fragrant chopped flowers in celebration

I had another function to go to, this time a family one. They're all coming to Penanjong at my Uncle's house to have a family BBQ. I only stayed there for a bit because I had to go to Jerudong Park Ampitheatre to cover yet another event. This time a Rock Music event.

AVANTGARDE, alongside other Brunei underground bands, Uroboros, Karacoma, AKO, The Chief Brigade, to name a few. I wasn't really familiar with some of these bands, I came only to watch Avantgarde. Heheh. But they were all very good, I must say. Uroboros and The Chief Brigade deserve a mention.

Uroboros performing their numbers. Each band sang three songs.

But then, I didn't wait till it finished. It was also a countdown to the New year 2011. I had a place I needed to go to once I finished taking photos of Avantgarde.

Aerul is one of Avantgarde's guitarists. They performed their hit numbers, remixed :)

I went back to Penanjong to my Uncle's house and enjoyed myself with the rest of the family.

Games of darts, scrabbles, stack (Jenga) and not forgetting NERF were all part of the gathering <3

I didn't care much about the countdown, or when the clock stroke 12, or when the date changed to 01.01.2011... it's still the same.

Only the date changes.

Date change

2011-01-01T02:23:00.000+08:00

So... what else is new?

New plans and changes that might take months to be realized? New resolutions that might lack the motivations and drives from the ones wishing for them?

In fact all of these are the same, no matter when, where and why. It's all down to the "who" and the "how".

I stopped making new resolutions every year since, I don't know, 6-7 years ago? Because I'm not the one who goes by her own words, hahaha. It's a shame, but it's the truth. I lost interests in my own resolutions after a few months, primarily because I forgot what they were. But it's not the end of the world anyway; I just hope I can make little changes one step at a time.

With constant reminders from my friend.

It's 2011 and it's still the same. The world still turns; I'm still broke and my cats still don't like me. I'm still with the person I've been with since eight years ago, and I still have that procrastination problems every time I'm stuck with something.

So, I just hope, I can make changes to myself. Even with baby steps at a time. I've been doing that since earlier last month (Dec 2010) though I tend to roll back once in a while. Sometimes changes are necessary. In attitude.

'Tis the day to be jolly!!

2010-12-28T13:26:00.000+08:00

Today is probably what Bruneians think as "special" ... in unison.

Big sum for a middle-class worker like me

Brunei government staffs receive a bonus of one-half month of their monthly salary at the end of every year. Basically, we receive 1.5 times more at the end of December. You don't have to count my basic salary from that figure above, I'm sure you all have higher pay than mine.

Despite receiving big sum of money (it's big, because I'm a middle class citizen) I worry that I might spend them on useless stuff. So, in preparation before receiving the money today (I haven't gone to the bank yet, I had work in the morning), I jotted down the things I need to clear up first. Most of them are bills, of course, and some money I owed to people.

Owing money, no matter how little, is a big burden, especially when we act by conscience. I don't find it amusing owing from people, but in my times of desperation sometimes I had no choice. But I'll make sure I pay them back when I earn extra.

The teachings of Islam don't encourage us to have debts. We can but we have to pay back as soon as possible because in cases of untimely deaths, debts that we haven't paid will make the souls linger around as part of "unfinished business" (some might call it that). If the lender doesn't cross off the debts, the remaining family members will have to pay them, and this will pose as bigger burdens to those left behind.

But in Islam, we are also taught to forgive the dead and possibly give up and cross out the debts (if only small amounts) so as to allow for easier passing of the deceased.

Some friends have also borrowed money from me, some have been in debt with me for three years. I'm not good with asking for repayment, but I hope they understand that I, too, have my difficult financial moments. I'm not rich, but since I'm one with very little desires, Alhamdulillah, my salary can keep me breathing till the next pay day.

神楽、Kagrra, says goodbye

2010-12-26T01:39:00.000+08:00

I was reading through the ups and downs of my life within this year (and the years before that) and realized that I haven't written much about Kagrra, lately. My friend who follows news on Japanese artistes told me about it months back, and that Kagrra, decided on disbanding after their 10th anniversary tour.

Somehow I remembered to go to their website and this image replaced the usual background...

A screencap of what was shown. The kanji on top reads SHUUEN = Demise = End of Performance

With my level of Japanese, I don't want to spend time looking through all those kanji to be able to understand what the notice is about. So I went to their official MySpace page and read the bits and important pieces.

So... the story goes like that, huh.... (after some reading). Still, Akiya looks smashing as always (^_^)v

神楽の皆さん、おつかれさまでした。

Eleven days wasted

2010-12-24T18:49:00.001+08:00

I've been meaning to spend my holidays (annual leave, I mean) doing something productive like finishing the photobook I've been working on (whose wedding was last October), and also changing the ambience of my room (since four years ago).

Now that's super procrastinated jobs I've been stalling.

Somehow I just can't the moods right to get motivated. Not with falling sick just when I started my office leave, because I did fall sick that one week. I only applied for eleven days off, with seven out of the calculation, it doesn't take a Maths genius to figure out the remaining days to actually start the 'BIG' projects.

Oh well, it's never too late I guess. It's like I'm not going anywhere, anyway...

The photobook software that I use. Very easy but making layout is time-consuming :(

I'm still on pages 10-11, out of 40... that's a long way.. (T-T)

Dramas, Songs and PVs

2010-12-24T18:06:00.001+08:00

Every once in a while I'd check out new Japanese dramas that I usually get from D-Addicts and decide on which ones to watch after I find out who the cast are and if the story is interesting enough.

This month alone I've been watching Q10, starring Sato Takeru (kyaaaa~~~!) alongside Maeda Atsuko (AKB48), Freeter, ie wo kau with ARASHI's Ninokazu (Ninomiya Kazunari) and trying the mystery side, Keizoku 2: SPEC, starring Kase Ryo and Toda Erika.

Of all these three, Q10 has the best catchy ending (Honto no Kimochi by Takahashi Yu), Freeter has real-life sceneries (with theme song by ARASHI, Hatenai sora), and Keizoku 2 has the best opening by The Ricecookers, NAMIno Yukusaki.

Of all three, not of all dramas.

Here's 「ほんとのきもち」by 「高橋優」who sings the ending to Q10

This one is 「THE RICECOOKERS」 singing 「NAMIno YUKUSAKI」

The insert song from 「フリーター、家を買う」, sung by 「西野カナ」titled 「君って」. But as with many 嵐 members' dramas, they'll sure be singing, if not the opening, the ending of the said dramas.

Here's 嵐's「果てない空」

Wow.. this has become the post promoting Japanese artists. Anyway, for sure I'm a fan of Sato Takeru. I love his dance in the LOTTE's Fit's CM.In ARASHI, though I'm not as big a fan, I like Nino Kazu, because he looks 'normal and plain'.

Well, I'm wasting yet another thirty minutes of my time, doing nothing.

MANGANIME fangirlism revived...?

2010-12-22T01:29:00.001+08:00

Being on leave makes me want to rummage through all my manga, anime / game soundtrack CDs and youtubing, which is what I have been doing since afternoon. Even refreshing what happened in the world of Groove Adventure Rave in volume 35 of the manga; I even read the shoujo (erggh! not really!) Hot Gimmicks by Aihara Miki and 「天からの贈り物」by Mizutani Ai.

Then I just realized that I haven't been doing the loads that I am supposed to be doing during my eleven-day break from work. I just lost the sole purpose of my having holidays in the first place. Ugh!! I need me a slap on the face once in a while!

Anyway, why the youtube video, of Saiyuuki? Well, I spent my youth reading manga and drooling over hot manga guys, like Sanzo and Gokuu up there. In 最遊記 they were my sole favourites. I just shifted from Hibino Hareruya from Hareluya II Boy a few years earlier, heheh.

I really love the song that was used in the video. From the info and description I only found out it was "RAD". So I used my 'slow technique' of finding unknown songs by listening very carefully to the lyrics, and just googled it. Apparently the title of the video IS the title of the original song, 最後の歌, Saigo no Uta, and it's by RADWIMPS.

I love the lyrics. "Just being alive is the happiest thing", the lyrics go something like that...
Edit: I found the lyrics here... I want to memorise this and make myself sober, hahaha

Back to fangirlism...?

Wow! A mobile template

2010-12-17T12:37:00.001+08:00

I can't wait to get a new handphone so I can view my blog using the new Mobile Template. It still runs on beta though, but still, I like how it looks.

Ugh!! Why did my SEG900 quit on me? (T-T)

I'm still thinking of what phone to get with my bonus pay at the end of this month. I'd still want a Sony Ericsson. But hopefully it won't get in the way of my wanting to repaint my Honda, into ORANGE. Like, NARUTO orange? Hahaha.

Facebook impending ban?

2010-12-17T01:05:00.002+08:00

Since I'm on a ten-day annual leave, I stay home most of the time. In fact, I stay home. The only times when I drive out is to buy some groceries and cat food. The farthest I went so far was Tutong town.

So I was saying, rumours have been going around about Facebook to be banned in Brunei... According to some, it lazes people, and truth bites though, Facebook is the first thing we open when we get to the office. Well, I don't want to admit it, but it's also one of the first few websites that I open every morning, besides our online news website and BT. Besides the official news, we'd want our daily dosage of social news that come around in the form of "Top News" and "News Feeds", right?

I admit that Facebook really distracts my concentration in doing my every day work. That's why I've been turning to Twitter lately, because I can just tweet without having to worry who reads my rants. I've been trying to understand the limbo in Twitter too. Plus I use Tweetdeck; I can access both Tw and FB accounts at the same time.

Funny thing is, some of my friends even considered re-opening their Friendster accounts, and also back to blogging.

Rumours are just rumours, though. "It'll be banned in schools", so it goes. Another says "it'll be banned in the whole country". I'll just have to see what the news headlines say tomorrow. IF there's gonna be any.

Non-identical Twins

2010-12-14T01:37:00.002+08:00

My good friend's twin sons (did I say it right?) visited the office the other day. It was my first time seeing them since they were born two years ago. I don't care much about other people's twin children. Just because. The older took the face of my friend, and the younger took to the other half of the mould.

Fair huh?

Found a picture

2010-12-12T18:19:00.001+08:00

I'm always taking pictures. So much so that sometimes I don't remember what I took. I don't print the photos anyway so they just lie in the My Pictures folder most of the time.

A few weeks back my laptop died on me, but luckily the technician managed to back up almost all my files (except those in my Shared Documents, which I regret). Today I was browsing through them which I have saved in to my external hard disk drive, and found this image, that, as I said earlier, I forgot.

This was probably the very last family photograph that we took together with my late Mother. This was taken in October 2008, two months before she fell sick.

I really miss my Mom. This house is so empty without her... I love you, Mama.

What I regret: My Shared Documents which stored the images I took with that special someone, all gone.
Another regret: I didn't take a lot of photos together with her, side by side...

His Majesty the Sultan's surprise visit

2010-10-21T12:11:00.001+08:00

I've always been late to know the happenings around the country because of my hectic morning activities at home. Trust me, even as a Government staff, I can't just abandon the house chores. But I'll act appropriately should my work come very early in the morning (very early as in 8.30am early). Journey from home to workplace is at least 50 minutes. I don't want to get myself killed on the road for speeding.

Anyway, His Majesty the Sultan made an unscheduled surprise visit to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital yesterday morning. Another event to remember the 2010:2010 by. I waited in front of the TV last night to catch His Majesty's titah (speech) mainly touching on "the need to review the maternity leave", "hazardous chemicals found in medicines and foodstuff" and "the need for (local) medical specialists".

His Majesty consented to mingle with a mother (Photo from www.infofoto.org.bn)

Pelita Brunei's online news version can be viewed here and The Brunei Times had the visit covered here.

Allah bless the Monarch and the country, amiin.

2010:2010

2010-10-20T20:10:00.010+08:00

This post is a lie, because I didn't post it on 20:10hrs. Hahaha. I just felt like doing it because it looks unique.

Anyway, I'm still sweating from the badminton games, which I haven't shown a lot of improvement in. I'm just weak and very tired. But that's just an excuse, heheh.

Tonight I'll also be attending my Japanese class. Apparently all my classmates in Level 4 are taking the next class next year, cleverly named Level 4. Heheh. The level doesn't go up beyond Four. But the students are encouraged to join since there are no exact level when learning languages. You can never have enough lessons, if I may add.

But I won't be joining them next year. I decided to take on the Level One class again instead of leveling up together with my students. My experiences are not enough to take on Level Two.

So, here's a post for today. Back to badminton.

Edit: I became too tired after badminton that I skipped the class. Oops!! My bad...

BPY'04 Mini Get-Together

2010-10-18T17:21:00.000+08:00

Our friend from 2004 BPY batch, Ali is getting married soon to another BPY from 2007 batch. Ali is my friend during SSEAYP, while Jennifer has been my friend since 6th form, and my colleague to boot.

Since I'll be going to another overseas assignment soon, I decided I should come to this mini-gathering before their marriage. To be also absent on that special day is our Youth Leader (YL) Fak-san. He'll be accompanying the Haj pilgrims as a Medical Officer.

So, gather we did last night at D'Tymz in Kiulap since 8pm. I was also getting hungry from the long assignment that I did before (Primary School Sports Fest). I opted for the Sambal Fried Rice and Ice blended Milo. IBM has always been my favourite. I'll choose it in 2/5 occasions.

Other than that, we're just chit-chatting, crossing over other's conversation and get down to business, which was, Ali's passing of his wedding invitations. There were only nine of us BPY'04 and one BPY'07. But still it was a merry gathering.

Besides that, it'd be more unusual if there were no photos posted. So, here goes.

May you share your new life together filled with love and joy till the end of time, Ali and Jennifer. Amiin.
Click here for more of the photos on my Facebook account.

Half day gone!

2010-10-17T18:48:00.004+08:00

I was supposed to cover a closing ceremony of a sports fest at the Stadium by, as stated in the book, 1 pm. If it was written 1, I assume it'd be starting the earliest at 1.30pm. So out I went at 12.35pm to make sure that I arrive on time. Hopefully.

A few minutes before arriving at the office, my reporter texted me saying that the event would start at 2.15pm. I was 45 minutes early. I wasn't cursing, but you'd know how PISSED I was. It was a long drive in the middle of the day; I almost fell asleep on the wheels!!

I shrugged it off and told my reporter that I'd be killing time at the office, maybe take a short nap. I never did, though because I got worried after the time showed 2pm. I left the office at 2.10pm, just in time to get there for the 2.15 schedule.

ONLY to find the events not completed, yet! We still had to wait for about one-half hour before the actual closing ceremony started.

It was hot, I must say. But the students, them being primary students did pretty well adapting to the heat in racing their athletics... I was already in the air-conded room of the Stadium Restaurant with fellow RTBans, having tea break.

This picture below showed a girl injured after their 4x400 race (the last race) and her running members crying in defeat (I presume they lost, otherwise she wouldn't be crying and being consoled).

I took athletics too during my primary school years, but we never had sports fest this huge. OR, the name was simply changed to sound more fancy?? Heheh. I did the long jump by the way. (^^)v

Maher Zain - The Chosen One | ماهر زين - المختار

2010-10-17T01:34:00.001+08:00

سبحان الله

That was my first reaction when looking at this video. Maher Zain is going on a fast pace in gathering his fans due to his nasyid-like songs that remind us that this world we live in is a loan... It's not forever.

I haven't liked Maher Zain on his Facebook page yet, but I know I do want to be one of his fans. I was browsing his Page when he published this video, that was dedicated to our Nabi and Rasul, Nabi Muhammad S.A.W.

The video shows just exactly what the basic teachings of Islam are. It doesn't relate to what colour, what race and what religion you are, that very act of kindness is one of the main traits of Rasulullah S.A.W.

It may sound somewhat funny to some, but I was crying when I watched this...

Astaghfirullahil 'azim...

Open up your mind

2010-10-16T00:51:00.001+08:00

Ehem..

I've recovered from that sentiment now. What I did? I just took things positively, and always think that we can't please everyone. We should just do things our way, and hope for the best. Complaints and all will disappear eventually.

Thanks to 高橋先生 for his words of encouragement. For that I felt I could do more than I expected.

So, now, with a broader acceptance to critics, I feel like I can do things that I thought I would never improve in before.

In the meantime... please give me your support. Just little words can give me a push from behind to keep going. I'm not the narrow-minded small-hearted person that I used to be anymore.

Here's to a more improved me.

おつかれさまでした。

Pictures tell stories

2010-10-14T12:11:00.000+08:00

I did mention the other day that I was covering the visit of NZ's Governor General His Honorable Sir Anand and spouse, Lady Susan's to the Long House in Kampong Amo, Temburong.

I've always loved the boat rides, that's what I said. Temburong is a district fully covered in greenery, heheh. According to statistics, it only has some 8,000 residents; my grandmother being one of them.

So, cutting idle chit chatting short, I took many pictures and published them on the Infofoto gallery for show, and hopefully, for use, by our newspaper. I had hoped that one particular photo would be used by our newspaper, Pelita Brunei but when I checked the next day, they didn't. Instead they selected the not-so-telling pictures to the story.

PB Online dated 13 October 2010

In fact, it was The Brunei Times that used the picture... I'm glad they did.

Lady Susan Satyanand dancing the Iban tribe's dance, Ngajat Bini

I believe pictures tell a story. So when there are no texts to display in a news coverage, just appropriate photo captions are enough to tell that "Lady Susan visited a Long House in Temburong" using this picture.

Beautiful serene day today

2010-10-13T10:00:00.003+08:00

If it's this pleasantly shady every 9-10am, I don't mind dilly-dallying on my way to work every day..  
Brunei is blissful. I love this blessed country! 

I've always loved the boat ride

2010-10-12T17:33:00.000+08:00

I really do!

My job always takes me to some places, old and new, and this job also allows me to go back to our roots, in Temburong.

I was there to cover the visit by Governor General of New Zealand, Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Susan. I came by boat, and of course, went back by the same means of transportation.

Some normal (and a rare) scenery along Brunei River Temburong-bound would look like these. .

This scene is quite rare : a yacht on the River...

Forestry Department's boat

I believe these are all erected for fishing purposes :)

Till next time.

I'm actually very small..

2010-10-12T00:07:00.000+08:00

When you talk about "how big" and "how small" are, you won't realize that you're actually the opposite of what you think you are. I think I'm cheerful enough, because I haven't been in a bad mood for ages.

But tonight, I'm so depressed. It's when I realized how small I really am. My heart is so narrow.

I also realized that to feel this depressed I feel like hurting myself. I feel like staying up till very late tonight, knowing that I have early work tomorrow, in Temburong (another district accessible by boat) to boot!

In fact I don't feel like talking or making any other facial expressions at all. I'm just staring into this monitor, =w=eezer playing on iTunes, and my mind just goes blank.

I have a lesson plan to prepare for tomorrow actually, but I just can't start.

During this time, even Naruto, Zidane and Gin-chan can't help me. Because they're not real.

I am.

Another birthday?

2010-10-11T02:09:00.001+08:00

Well, yesterday it was the double celebration for my most beloved 2D men from NARUTO and GINTAMA, namely Naruto (duh!) and Gin-chan.

Apparently, the seiyuu (voice actor) for Gin-chan, Sugita Tomokazu a.k.a. Sugitomo, celebrates his birthday today (Oct 11th) as well!! How convenient!

Pic taken from FB fan page / Kojima_Hideo twitpic

I've heard him since Chobits days, though at that time I was more into Seki Tomokazu, who played Kyonkichi (Kyo in Fruits Basket).

You know, I really have things for guys in orange (Naruto, Kyo) and silver (you-know-who). Sugitomo has made quite a name for himself despite being so young (Chobits were aired some 8 years ago), I'm sure he started well before that.

So, I hereby announce that I'm a BIG FAN of Sugita Tomokazu. Out of the three beloved characters that I adore (Naruto, Zidane and Gin-chan), only Gin-chan is voiced by a real man. Naruto and Zidane are voiced by Takeuchi Junko and Paku Romi (DISSIDIA version)... but they still are a part of my youth.

And I'm still young. No problem. Let's just say I grew up with them :)

It's that day again!!!

2010-10-10T00:00:00.003+08:00

UZUMAKI Naruto. SAKATA Gintoki.

You'll wonder what the ninja boy and the samurai have in common?

Yup. They share the same birthday!! It's October 10th!!

Ever since I found out from the GINTAMA characters book about Gin-chan's birthday, I was surprised! I never expected TWO Jump (as in Shonen Jump magazine) heroes having the same birthday.

NARUTO will be turning 17, I guess? And Gin-chan? Hmm... nothing much is known about his age. He's in the late twenties, just about the same age as Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin) some pointed out...

With the double celebration for my two most beloved 2D men, I asked my friend to draw me that illustration above. I love how it turned out; them sharing a cake!! Despite having told him it's Gin-chan (Gintoki) he put there "Gintama".. aiyaa..

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIN-CHAN. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NARUTO! I super love you both!

Hahahaha. Fangirlism.

Suicidal diet

2010-10-09T23:50:00.000+08:00

I had lunch all by myself today, because my closer-than-close partner was still on leave... Actually I'd have no problem getting hungry, especially after that month-long "puasa" or 断食or fasting. But if this was done in that month, I could persevere, otherwise I'd have to satisfy my hunger.

I thought I wasn't hungry by lunchtime, but in the end, at around 2, I heard the growl that was sung by my not-so-empty stomach. So, with the teaching from my late Mom, "whenever you feel hungry, eat", so ate I went. Not so far, just the next door canteen. It was already 2.30pm anyway.

The usual meals I order at this place are soto, nasi ayam penyet and mee goreng indo mie. Those also depend on the level of hungriness between me and my friend. But today I went for the mee goreng indo mie, two packs, with telur mata lembu on top. To wash it down, I chose Coke.

Indo mie it was, 2 packs..

Now, please don't go for this kind of combination (oily food and carbonated drinks) unless you're the type that work out your calories. I had 2 games of badminton in the afternoon, though I doubt I finished all those fatty oils that I consumed. This kind of food is suicidal. I only eat this once a month anyway.

I always go for Nasi Ayam Penyet anyway. And it's not just any NAP, it has to be at Safari Jaya in Kiulap.

THE Nasi Ayam Penyet that always makes my mouth water, heheh

But, we can also have only buns and pastries for lunch. We're not that picky, especially when both our wallets have about the same thickness. Hahaha

Brussels and after

2010-10-09T03:36:00.000+08:00

I was in Brussels to cover 8th Asia - Europe Summit (ASEM 8) which took place at the Royal Palace Brussels, in Belgium. This was my first time going to Europe and I didn't say I didn't enjoy it, but I didn't really. I enjoyed it while it lasted. The people were oblivious of their surroundings, of course, except those who were directly involved with us the Mediamen.

I forgot the name of this place; we were in such a rush, names were not important anymore!

I'd like to touch more on that, but I'm very lazy now. It's because of what happened earlier.

I really missed my Japanese language students, Lvl 1 Group C, to be exact. They were doing tea ceremony with the Japanese teachers with the combined classes A, B and C. Well, something happened there that just killed my mood, and I tried to lower down my enthusiasm in watching my students learning the culture hands-on with their friends, complete with a little cosplay on whatever Japanese costumes they had. Alvyn with his kendo gi, Fang and Emma with their yukata, and Nazirah with her onsen yukata. Me? I came with an Indian style outfit that I had in my closet for so long.

Anyway, for all I know I'll be in trouble in these days to come, all because of my appearance tonight (or last night) I mean, sometimes I just hate that part of you.

My kawaii students, with one going home early (Nina) and one was absent (Hanif)

Too busy (T-T)

2010-09-27T17:47:00.000+08:00

I've been having morning assignments the past few days that I jerked myself to wake in the morning, for fear that I might miss the coverage. At some points I even dreamed about missing the events. Dreamed. Now that's something!

Together with that, I came down with a flu. I thought it was the usual allergic reactions I get from the morning chilliness, thanks to the runny nose. But it continued well until the afternoon, that's when I realized I was having cold. I was driving towards office to have games of badminton when I almost fell asleep on the wheels.

Too tired; simple as that.

Then today I was assigned to cover events that ran from Tutong to Belait (Eastern side then back to the West, even passing my own house). I decided to leave it at noon, and suddenly feeling feverish I didn't return to the office. I took my time resting at home and waited for tomorrow's assignments be posted on the Net.

When I finally saw it, I was shocked. "On Overseas assignments 29th September - 9th October, 2010"

WHAT??!!

I didn't hear any of this. I didn't leave the office that long and nobody said anything? This was actually an unpleasant surprise, because my family decided to have Open House on the same day.. Now I'll have to think about how are they going to send me to the airport while they stay at home preparing the food for the guests? I'll have to worry about that later, I think.

What I'm blurred about at this time is, packing. In such a short time... And it's Belgium. Instant noodles, again?

2nd Place

2010-09-25T21:15:00.001+08:00

My participation in the 24th Japanese Speech Contest for Brunei Darussalam with a speech titled "See You Tomorrow" 「また明日」gained me the second place, out of four contestants. I joined the Open Category.

I didn't join it to win, but rather to convey the bottled up regrets that's accumulated since the decease of my beloved Mother. Maybe I was too emotional during my presentation.

Either way, this was in the memory of my late Mama, Allahyarhamah Hajah Dayang Sadah binti Tahir.

Semoga rohnya sentiasa dicucuri rahmat dan ditempatkan bersama ahli-ahli Syurga, amiin!

「また明日」

2010-09-24T15:30:00.002+08:00

This day, today, I'll be one of the participants standing in front of a lot of people, delivering my speech for the 24th Japanese Speech Contest in Brunei Darussalam 第二四回日本語弁論大会held at the Institute of Civil Services in Tungku. I don't know how I'll do, because I posted this way ahead of time; three weeks before the actual day.

I hope I'll do well.

It's a memory of my late mother.

いつかまたははに会えますように、ずっと願っています。

いつかまたははの手にキスができますように、それが私の願いです。

私は子供の時から家を出る時ちゃんと両親の手にキスをしました。

子供の私にとってはそれが親を尊敬する証拠です。

働いている私と兄弟にとって、家に戻ったらすぐ食べられるのは、当然のことでした。

母はいつも私たちの食事のことを心配をしてくれていて、休まずにずっとはたらいていました。

そのためか、母はある日突然入院しました。入院したらゆっくり休めると思いました。

でも、私は甘かったんです。そんな簡単な話ではありませんでした。

体調はよくならず、日増しに身体は弱くなっていきました。

入院してから二週間、それでもまだ私は「母さんは必ず直る」と、強く信じていました。

寝ている母の手をそっと引いてキスをして、「また明日」と言いました。

母はなんだか笑いました。

次の日、母は昏睡状態で眠りました。そして、そのまま目を開けてくれなかった。

昼に、さよならを言わず、愛しい母は亡くなってしまいました。

あれから一年半がたちました。

「また明日」という私の最後の挨拶で　笑ってくれた母の弱い表情、

ずっとずっと心に残っています。

みなさん、明日は、かならずきますか。

人の一生は短いです。ですから、皆さんもご両親のことを大切にしてください。

私は母のために何もしてあげられず、今感じているのは、ただ深い悲しみと後悔です。

母のような強い人になれないかもしれません、ただ、あの人に生んでもらえて感謝する気持ちは

間違いありません。

最後に、これを言わせて下さい。私の大好きな歌の一部です。

「時を眺めていずれ一緒にいられますように、待っています」

私は信じています。私達父と六人兄弟を見守ってくれる母は、今、もっといいところにいます。

ご静聴ありがとうございました。

Edit: My Japanese friend Mihoro somehow stumbled upon my blog today and wrote some encouragement on her own blog.. Thank you, Mihoro!

Tweaks here and there

2010-09-06T18:18:00.003+08:00

With the new background, comes a new layout.
With a new layout, comes new accessories and widgets.

Have fun with all the widgets. If you use Chrome, you might get a translated version of the website. Though, I wouldn't give it much thought.

Jollibee choc sundae treats

2010-09-03T20:51:00.005+08:00

The lovely trios : Adik Nina, Abang Iai, Abang Udin

I'm spending some quality time with my little family of four sisters, three bros-in-law, two nephews, a niece and one domestic helper, grocery shopping in town. Since my Babah remarried it's become lonelier at home. So, with the Hari Raya coming up, it gives us the chance to move as a family again, albeit with just us siblings..  I miss my Mama, but I miss my Babah's presence around the house, too.

ROTI Plastar for Sungkai

2010-08-31T23:04:00.001+08:00

With the fasting month of Ramadhan, people are hanging on to extra calories that piled up during normal months to get through the day in hunger. Thought I doubt that does the job done in keeping us energetic throughout the day, hahaha. It's all about mentality, I must say.

Since Ramadhan started, I never bought my dinner at Ramadhan stalls set up all around the country. Mostly because, they're cash-consuming, of course, and the traffic that leads to these places are unbearable. I'd rather buy the ingredients at supermarkets and ask my sisters to cook.

Because I can't cook. I can't handle fire at the stove. I get scared. Especially when putting in red onions in to sauté. The noise it makes startle me!

Anyway, if I don't have dinner at home, I have my break of fast a.k.a. sungkai (in Brunei language) or berbuka puasa (in standard Malay) in cheap restaurants, say, Indian restaurants with my friend. In a rare occasion, say once a year, we Brunei Participating Youths, BPY for short, as in participants of The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme, fondly known as SSEAYP, will have our annual gathering on either 30th or 31st August, whichever is convenient for most of us.

So yesterday we had our gathering at Serikandi. The buffet dinner was $12.90. I didn't eat at home. And today, I ate out again. This time at my favourite Indian restaurant in Batu Satu. The roti here is good because the curry is good! I never tasted chicken curry to dip roti with before, so when I first tasted it I fell in love with it. I come here occasionally with my good friend, sometimes after games of badminton.

I burn some (calories) and gain some. Balanced, eh?

Somehow the roti plastar that I always order didn't look so tasty in this picture. Must be the fasting month. Hahaha.

My scrumptious sungkai menu.. everything cost only $7.60. Wahaha.. cheap?!

Apa lah Google Map ani... I placed the marker on the exact restaurant where I had my dinner, and it said Kianggeh... talo!

31st SSEAYP 6th Anniversary

2010-08-30T22:07:00.001+08:00

Standing left: Wan, Marul, DD, Sadri, Me, Ali, KJ, Mel, Fak-san
Sitting left: Razz, Big Boss the NL, Ailah, Shaarul, Dena

We do this annually since two years ago :)  We officially became BPYs on 31st August 2004 and ever since then our YL, Dr. Fakhri will try and fix a date for us to gather every year, either on 30th or 31st August, which recently corresponds to the Muslim Calendar of Ramadhan, when we duly perform our fasting. The break of fast (sungkai) gives us that very chance. Otherwise we wouldn't be having this kind of get-together at all.

Thanks Fak-san. You're the best!!

And by the way, some of us increase in size everytime, hahaha

New background : Fangirlism

2010-08-28T20:13:00.002+08:00

I've updated only one story from my Summer break during the JENESYS program, hahaha. And it took me quite some time to properly compose my report. Such unskilled staff wanting to start over as "photojournalist"? I don't think so. I'd be passing my news way over the deadline.

Anyway, I liked my previous layout, because I put my incompetency in designing my own blog into practice. Hahaha. But I kind of disliked how the posts were generated; not by title, but by archive numbers.

This one just exposed my fangirlism over Namikaze Minato 波風ミナト, whom fans of NARUTO ナルトmight come to know him as the father of our title hero, Uzumaki Naruto うずまきナルト. The latest chapters were so heartwarming and we can't help but feel the happiness that engulfed Naruto.

The movie ナルト疾風伝ザ・ロストタワーThe Lost Tower that I watched twice while in Japan helped expose my fangirlism over Minato all the more. Hahaha. Actually I'm a big BIG fan of Uzumaki Naruto, so it's only natural that I want the best for him.

Ewah ewah... I'm talking as if he was a real person. Such is the impact of the manga on us fans.

So, drool over Minato while he still decorates my blog before I grow tired of this layout. Given ample time I'd like to work on it more.

By the way, credit to the image goes to saishuu-hinoiri.deviantart.com. This vector art rocks!

夏の甲子園: Semi-Final

2010-08-20T21:59:00.002+08:00

I've been wanting to follow the games at Koshien ever since I came back from Japan. I watched ROOKIES drama and movie, watched TOUCH the movie, read Diamond no Ace, but didn't know any of the rules, before I came to watch the preliminary games at the Jingu Baseball Stadium in Tokyo.

Sakuma-san, in addition to taking me under his care while I was attending the JENESYS Program back in July, also taught me the rules in baseball. In short, the rules, the number of players and their positions and their corresponding back numbers were only made known to me only very recently. It was a month away from the finals at the Koshien Stadium in Hyogo-ken, but still, those games opened my eyes to the beautiful atmosphere of High School Summer Baseball Tournament.

After my return to Brunei, I switched the channels to NHK every once in a while to check if there's a recorded game broadcast on that channel. Usually I just watched it on their Biz & Sports News at 9.50pm, but watching a game in its full 9-innings is way different from watching bits and pieces of a game on the News. But I happened to change the channel to NHK this afternoon and saw there's a game between Tokai and Narita schools competing in the Best 4, or the semi-finals. It was recorded maybe from yesterday's or earlier in the morning. And it was 15 minutes before it ended when I started watching.

The score was Tokai 10 - 7 Narita on the top of 8th inning. When the game changed to bottom of 8th, Narita actually had a good chance of turning the results around, when they had 2 outs and loaded bases. The player at bat was their pitcher, probably one of their best. I was hoping he could get a home run so they can get 4 points...

But alas, this was not manga or movie, not ROOKIES. He did get the pitch hit, but it wasn't strong enough, and the opposite team just had to get one player out to end the inning with 3 outs. I was already seeing tears down the Narita players' faces.

By the top of 9th, Tokai squeezed another point to make it further from Narita's reach at 11 - 7. So in the bottom of the last inning, Narita's very last chance, the first two batters were out after two consecutive flyouts at bat. They had a runner at first though, and the last batter, face already wet from tears, kept hitting foul balls and eventually struck out when they submitted to their inevitable defeat.

I was urging my older sister to watch the high school boys cry at their loss. I told her that they do cry in baseball games in Japan, especially in Summer Tournaments.

Before sinking deeper in their sorrow, with trained discipline, both teams lined up before the umpires and bowed at each other, exchanging greetings and thanks. Both teams then lined up in front of their supporters; the winners with smiles and joy on their faces, the other bowed deep in apology to their supporters, crying, as their dreams to enter the Finals crushed. I felt their sadness too, for I've seen a team cry in front of my eyes before at Jingu during the Prelims.

Video taken at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium on 23rd July 2010

I don't want to forget what I saw before my eyes. So I need to keep this one posted to remind me that I've lived this part of my life before...

I miss my blog (T-T)

2010-08-16T20:46:00.000+08:00

I haven't been blogging for a few weeks. Initially I had wanted to report on a day-to-day basis whatever I was doing when I participated in the JENESYS Program for Creators in Japan. It surely wasn't meant to be forgotten, so while I am still fresh from those experiences, I want to keep the memories alive, before I completely forget about it...

I will definitely do my report on this blog; it is more spacious compared to Facebook or Twitter. I can ramble in whatever language I use, no matter how distorted the contents will be... but surely, there will be photos :)

The posts will be back dated to the actual day of the happening, just to remind myself that I did live those days at some point in my life. I'm just lucky.

Day 8 三軒茶屋と選挙の取材と

2010-07-11T23:46:00.139+08:00

I took a day off yesterday only to have myself worked till late at night today. It's my 8th day in Japan and I was still not used to the time here. It made me anxious just by looking out the window how bright the day was at 8am. It was bright bright, if you know what I mean. Brunei sure is different...

I promised Kiwa-chan that I'd go visit her at her place in Sangenjaya 三軒茶屋 a station away from Shibuya 渋谷. It's her day off as well, so we decided to meet. She's a very busy person... I managed to get myself down from Akasaka Station 赤坂駅 to Omotesandou 表参道 on Chiyoda Line 千代田線, and transferred to Hanzomon Line 半蔵門線 to get there. Kiwa-chan met me at the exit and we just walked down the street.

Life in Sangenjaya : cheaper stuff than Tokyo, too!

The roads were particularly off-limits to motor vehicles on Sundays for pedestrians to roam the streets. Just like they do somewhere in Ginza when I went there three years ago., I forgot the name. But close by it has Matsutaya Ginza (duh!)... Anyway it's like Jalan Sultan in Bandar Seri Begawan on weekends.

First thing's first, lunch. Had Tempura soba at this soba-ya. This guy is cool with beard and all, right? hehe


I can't read this one.. Takeshi-ya? Take-ya?

I'm not a fan of tempura, ebi (prawn) tempura to be exact. I just had to order it because I couldn't eat anything else, save vegetables and seafood. But they are actually my weakness. I don't eat prawn usually, not because I'm allergic. Just because. Hahaha. And vegetables, I eat fruit vegetables, like pumpkin and only a few of the leaf ones. Anyway, there were three ebi tempura in my serving, I couldn't even finish one. So I gave the rest to Kiwa-chan. She seemed happy (^^)v

We paid a visit to Softbank branch there to file a complaint on my new handphone. It couldn't send and receive e-mails. We spent over an hour there without any progress, mostly because the staff didn't know what to do with the system. He even said my phone was "broken". Only after two days?? He's gotta be kidding!

What he didn't know was, the phone was already unlocked. I don't know how it's done by the Brunei Embassy staff, but for sure, it affected the networking for the e-mail services. For a start, though, Kiwa-chan made my e-mail address for me. An obviously obvious aneff9@softbank.ne.jp. Heheheh. I love that e-mail address.

Kiwa-chan talking to the Brunei Embassy staff, KJ's brother

All that time wasted at Softbank ate up all the time we had together, as well! I had wanted to lepak more with her, but I promised Sakuma-san that I'd be at The Asahi office by 4.30 pm. Going from Sangenjaya to Akasaka to get my stuff, then going to Tsukijishijou must have taken me over one hour in total. I had to run getting my stuff from the Mansion. See? I'm bad with my time management. In fact, I'm very bad with it.

The office was quiet, because it's a Sunday. Nobody goes to the office on a Sunday. It's still too early for an editorial meeting anyway, so, yeah, it was empty. Sakuma-san then took me to Lvl 5's Photographer's Unit to get the assigned photograper for the Election. The name escaped my memory.. ugh! So sorry!!!

We went as early as 5pm and reached the designated place in Azabujuuban 麻布十番 , or Roppongi 六本木 by 5.30pm. It rained a bit too. Roppongi and Azabujuuban are just next to each other so my apologies for mixing the two. Hehehe. The place were packed with news reporters and cameramen already, and I was getting hungry.

I took the liberty to go across the road a few hundred meters away to get myself some custard cream bun at Lawson's. Should be enough for now. Now, some waiting until the results were released.


Me and other newsaper's photographer, Katanuma-san (I'll get back to this soon) (-_-;)

Even before my arrival my friend and I had wanted to buy a Nikon Speedlight SB800 , and our guess is that Japan should have at least a used camera and accessories shops somewhere. Katanuma-san, after some suggestions, told me there's a big used camera shop in Nakano, called Fuji-ya. I just had to remember the name and then I'd look into it on the Google Maps.

Google Maps on Japan is so detailed. I envy them. Full of details, even time and prices of travel.

So, after 5 hours plus of waiting, the results of the election were out. The place was to celebrate Tokyo's candidate from Minna no Tou みんなの党 or "Everyone's Party" , Matsuda Kouta.The supporters donned a specially designed apron, since Matsuda opened the first Tully's Coffee branch in Japan. Matsuda even wore the apron to the celebratory gathering.

Supporters congratulated each other


Matsuda Kouta celebrated with his supporters


Banzai! Banzai!

Enough banzai! and it was already 11.40pm. Sakuma-san and I had some distance to cover to get back home. I knew I had been to Roppongi before, the day before to be exact, when I got lost at Roppongi Hills, so the streets were somewhat familiar.

The line around that area was Oedo Line. For Oedo to go back home, I had to transfer to Namboku Line. I actually got as far as Azabujuuban and was ready to make a transfer. The subway train never came. I went to the other side of the platform and saw the sign "Not in Service".

Eeeekkk!! That means I have to walk back!

I exited Azabujuuban station and looked carefully at the street directory. Took a picture of every street maps that I came across, to make sure I followed the right turns.


Long way to reach home...

I actually boarded the subway at Roppongi, only to go back to Azabujuuban where I was supposed to make a transfer. Aiyaa... wasted my money. The clock was already past midnight and it was chilly, because it had rained earlier. There were few people on the street, but keeping in mind that the Japanese people don't have a nosey attitude, I pressed on to go back to Akasaka. On foot. With burden on my back. To my surprise it wasn't scary at all.

ぜんぜん怖くなかったってばよ！

Trudging in the dark and chilly summer night, I spent about one half hour finding my way back home to Weekly Mansion, Akasaka. Time was almost 1.30am when I reached home. I was beat. But did take my shower to end the day (or night).

edit: Just remembered that Asahi's reporter / photographer was Nomura-san. Hohoho...

Day 7 恵比寿ガーデンプレス　花より男子 Memories

2010-07-10T23:42:00.000+08:00

I didn’t have anything planned for today, since it’s a Saturday, and a Saturday is not a working day, except for a newspaper company, it’s still a working day. Sakuma-san couldn’t find anything for me to do this day so he asked me to go see the World Press Photo Exhibition held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography 東京部写真美術館or Syabi for short (Japanese people have this knack for shortening words into clever acronyms. SYABI actually stands for “Shashin Bijutsukan” (Photo Museum in English).
Anyway, I went first to Shinagawa to get my long-awaited handphone with Japanese number; it’s a Softbank of Samsung model. The attache said they already unlocked the phone so I can use it in Brunei when I get back… そうかなぁ。。。
After a long walk in Shinagawa, I went to Ebisu (It’s spelled Yebisu by the way). I was super excited looking at the direction sign : Ebisu Garden Place. Ever since I saw it in the guide book I’ve wanted to see the place. I didn’t know it was only 15 minutes away by train, eheheh.
The first thing I did when I came there was to take picture at the sculpture in the Garden, where Matsumoto Jun who played Doumyouji Tsukasa in Hana Yori Dango series waited for Makino Tsukushi for hours on a Sunday afternoon. I upped the photo on facebook and my friend Sasz went gaga over it.

I was actually on the brink of passing out (again!) because my head was heavy from the lack of sleep, the distance and the heat. I entered the Syabi and looked at the impressively moving war photos from around the world exhibited in the basement floor. Some photos didn’t have that much effect, but still, in photojournalism where the “decisive moment” only comes in an instant, it’s that that instant what’s important. I cried looking at this photo of a young girl, probably only around 4 years old whose whole body was buried until up to her neck. She was beautiful… It was a scene in Palestine during the attack on Gaza Strip.
I was there until about 4 pm and decided to go back through the Hibiya Line and alighted at Roppongi Hills. This way I didn’t have to transfer and save a bit on my PASMO commuter credit. Hahaha. After all, it’s a Saturday, I could use some good look around Roppongi since it’s only in the neighbouring town.
Roppongi, other than its hilly traits, is mucho grande! Lurus kah tu jua… antam saja lah… I took the wrong exits and it led me to the centre. When you get out from different exits, you are bound to go to either one of the four NESW points. TV Asahi’s building is here, so I got to walk into it and looked at some goodies, mainly DORAEMON and Japan World Cup team goodies. And this LARGE TV screen glued on its wall…

Well, time to find my way back to Akasaka. I’m glad all the roads are connected; it’s only a matter of which turns to take…I took pictures of the City Guide Map whenever I see one, so that I can keep tracks with my directions.
The map above was not drawn to scale; this is the general directions to take. The closer you get to the main points / landscapes, the more detailed the maps become. I think this will bring me 5km in total? Maybe.
All I knew, I was beat!

Day Six 福島県高野開会式

2010-07-09T15:18:00.000+08:00

So, I’ll just draft this one post before going ahead with the article. It’s the ASUKA, a jet owned by the Asahi Shimbun that will enable us to go to Fukushima and shoot the opening ceremony of the High School Baseball in Fukushima perfecture from above.

Ready to go?

Here’s the view. I was airsick soon after this. This was taken on the last few moments before I passed out. Technically speaking.

I love ROOKIES, so I gotta like baseball.

Day Five Asagaoichi / Tanabata あさがお市・七夕祭り

2010-07-08T23:19:00.001+08:00

Things had been lined up for me since the day I started. I am more interested in cultural and traditional aspects of Japan than the shopping and entertainment side. Of course I still have NARUTO and BLEACH and ONE PIECE and Akuma to Love Song to think about, but still, I didn’t come here to engross myself in otaku-ism (though I WILL after my internship).
So, first thing first, I went to the Embassy to get my handphone. They didn’t help much, I was stranded half the time because I couldn’t find the place. They should’ve said it’s across the Sony Archive in Takanawa 4-chome.
Anyway, I journeyed along the usual trip until Hamamatsucho where I changed to the JR Line to get to Shinagawa-ku. It took about 20 minutes, I think. So, with no experience in Shinagawa, I took a taxi ride, even he couldn’t find the place. I was only 3km away and the charge was already 1000+ yen. Bye bye my money… I decided to walk the remaining distance. Having asked the staff at the Prince Hotel (this was across the West exit, on the contrary to the East exit I took when I got off (hence the “getting lost” in the process) to find the Embassy I was given two different types of map, another I received from a parking assistance somewhere neat the Embassy. I think I walked one-half hour just to get to them. My roaming bills is running high!!

So, I reached the Embassy around 11.10am (I left Akasaka at 9am) and spent another 10 to 15 minutes to get my business done (paid 20,000 yen for my phone – which cost 15,000 yen). Actually I had requested for a ride to the station, to which I was laughed at, because “the station is nearby”.

NEARBY my A$$!!

That’s what I thought. I spent an hour plus to get there without much assistance and it’s “nearby”, she said. I had on my back, my full equipments of camera and laptop; it’s damn heavy okay!! And, I had promised to go back to Tsukijishijou by 11.30am. Luckily I had called Sakuma-san about my business, so he took notice. I guess I couldn’t stay truth to my time just like back home. I remember your name lady, but I won’t sell you out! It’s not my style.

I arrived a little over 12pm (say, 12.20pm) and Sakuma-san then took me to the Asagao-ichi in Ueno-okachimachi. It’s not really there, but we alighted there. Apparently he found out about SAMRAT, a food chain that sells Halal Indian food. It’s been a while since I had curry chicken. As a Muslim traveller we have this rationale called “darurat” especially in a non-Muslim country. I could only have faith in their admission of the Halal food. But I did stuffed myself out. Sakuma-san paid for me. It’s a 1000yen set lunch.
In Japan most of the set lunch is 1.000 yen. That’s $13 if you ask me. In Brunei, for $13 you can already have two people eating the full set of rice, veggies, main course and drinks. Well, that’s Japan for ya!
After lunch we had a look around; it’s Ameyoko shopping promenade, and they sell stuff at market price, cheap! I think the Yukata is sold at less than 3,000 yen. My student wants one, but the one she likes is with a butterfly design… I’ll try UNIQLO next.
Anyway, cutting long story short, we took pictures of the Asagao-ichi which is held only once a year during the Tanabata festival.

Wiki Tanabata and Kappa it if you want to find more about them, ehehehe. I cannot explain much… Basically people make wishes on a piece of paper and hang it around the decorations. They usually wish for their children, the children wish for their studies and karate, judo or whatnots and some even wish for “peaceful world to live in” like this one below.

Well, that’s it for a full-blast day of exasperation and excitement.

Today and tomorrow

2010-07-08T07:12:00.001+08:00

I’ll just be quick in posting this one because I’m very bad with managing my time, so I’d better take my shower now for I have a long day today. First off I have been saving some stories from day one to day four now, but I’m always tired in the evening.

The journey to the Asahi Shimbun Head Office in Tusikijishijou takes about 35minutes from Akasaka if I dawdle. I’d rather be slow than get lost in the way, and that’s not funny. It’s a total of 2.5km just doing the walking among the stations where they stop. I’ll get slim hopefully.

Today I’ll be going with the other staff photographers to Azagaoichi (and around Kappabashi) to take some photos of the Tanabata Festival. That’s the only thing I’ll be doing today.

Tomorrow I’m boarding a plane that belongs to the company and travel some 300km north to Fukushima and take photos of the opening ceremony of the high school baseball tournament for that area from above. Then we just go back to the office. And that’s my only assignment for me tomorrow.

But with the long walk and high-rise buildings I still can’t rest my head. I don’t think my body is used to the time here yet. I need a nap, hahaha.

Day Four : Asahi Shimbun　朝日新聞社

2010-07-07T21:16:00.000+08:00

I began my internship with The Asahi Shimbun Company 朝日新聞社 today.

Ms Hoashi accompanied me to the said newspaper giant company at Tsukijishijou 築地市場. From where I live, in Akasaka 赤坂, the train doesn’t connect to the Toei-Oedo Line 大江戸線 where the office is. So the only option is to walk a kilometre away to Roppongi 1-chome 六本木一丁目station which is on the Namboku Line 南北線. The station is numbered N05. We’ll travel southward to Azabu-juban 麻布十番 at N04 to switch to the Toei-Oedo Line. From here we’ll pass three stations namely Akabanebashi 赤羽橋, Daimon 大門 and Shidome 汐留 before arriving right below the Asahi office complex two flights underground.

We were early as office hours is from 10 am. Mr Sakuma 佐久間さん, the director of the Institute of Journalism ジャーナリスト学校 received us and we exchanged greetings. Back in Brunei I didn’t care about getting business cards for myself, because I always forgot about it. Here, wherever and whenever we meet new people they’ll exchange cards. It’s a bit embarrassing, right? Well, I’ll exchange with mine before I leave the Asahi. I’ll be in their care for two weeks only.

I brought along the Nikon D700 and they were quite impressed. With the camera. Not me. Even Mr Sakuma, former photographer still uses D80 and maybe D90. One of the staff writer still uses a D70. But the good thing about this company is, Nikon and Canon companies come to Asahi to service their cameras ONCE a month. Imagine that! Once a month. I don’t even clean my cameras that often. All I do is put them in the drying cabinet. It’s good to be in Japan, eh?

For a start I was brought along the different floors and divisions to be introduced. More cards. I can’t even remember their names and faces. But I’ll stick to ones that I’m familiar the most; Mr. Sakuma. He is a very kind and respectful guy, and is familiar with the Halal / Haram issues of food we Muslims eat. He even searched around for Halal restaurants and took me there. Apparently a few months back there was a Pakistani photographer (wire agency) who also took internship at the Asahi. Worse than me, he didn’t eat much, not even sashimi. Meat is a given, but fish? Fish is halal all the way, with exceptions if it’s cooked with ingredients not allowed to us.

So, the day ended with me going back when the working time was over, which is 10 am to 5 pm. Lunch time is liberal. Hahaha. Once your work finished then you’re free to go. Quite different from the hataraki-man 働きマン image I had about the Japanese people. But still, they’re a working hard society. And they’re all legs. I need a bicycle!

おつかれさまです。

Day Three : Orientation

2010-07-06T09:05:00.001+08:00

Between the walks and transfers among the subway lines, I think the most important thing I should take note of is which one to take… At times I forget do I take the 1st or the 2nd because in going to and back from they are reversed. So, I make sure that I have that Tokyo Handy Map / Handy Guide in my possession wherever I go.

So the journey will start again…this time to attend an orientation program with the rest of the participants which include the ASEAN countries, New Zealand, Australia, and India. Of course Japan has a participant, too.

After the presentation and all, Hoashi-san guided us to a Chinese restaurant at downtown Shinjuku

Err.. everybody else except me and an Indonesian (there’s also an Indonesian woman and a Malaysian but they also) had beer. Me? Coke as always.

The others decided to have another round of drinking but I’d rather be home. So home I went.

So, that wrapped up my third day.

Day Two : Exploration began

2010-07-05T22:53:00.002+08:00

Having deep interest in 日本生活 in general I tried to be a bit adventurous on this second day. I just arrived in the morning though, about 8.20am JPN time (that’s 7.20am back home). I couldn’t stand the 7hr long flight, so trust me, I won’t go to the Western side. I hate long flights. Anyway, since my conversational Japanese is at a level where I can be understood perfectly (#snob!) I had no problem getting the Airport Limousine tickets to get to ANA Inter Continental Hotel in Roppongi, as directed by the Japan Foundation coordinators. The journey took a little more than 80 minutes though. I had a good look around.

Arriving at ANA, I was received by Hoashi-san, one of the two coordinators that would be taking care of me under this program. I had three luggage with me; one for my clothes, one for my electrical what-nots and another full of food. I can never be sure of what to eat here, so better fill it up with those unhealthy instant noodles, say, IndoMie.. uh!! can’t live without it, I guess. Oh, one of the baggages I had was the one which always rode on my back; my Lowerpro camera bag. This alone weighs 8kg in total. Plus the laptop.

She took two luggages, and we walked uphill towards 赤坂二丁目 (Akasaka 2-chome) just across the Hotel. Walked about half a kilometre, half of which is uphill. Roppongi is a hilly part of Tokyo, if I can say. I checked in at this apartment called Weekly Mansion. I learned that most of the participants for this program stay here, but most of them are curators and performance artists though. I don’t understand art. Seriously.

Having checked in, I was directed to go to the Japan Foundation office in Shinjuku in the afternoon with a curator from Indonesia, Farah. I’m not familiar with the subways but having been here a coupla times, I guess getting lost won’t be in the picture.

To go to Shinjuku-ku, we boarded the subway at C06 (Akasaka Station) to C07 (Kokkai gijidoumae) on the Chiyoda Line and transfer to Marunouchi Line at M14 and after three stops at M13 Akasaka-mitsuke, M12 Yotsuya and finally M11 Yotsuya 3-chome we got off and walked a bit to find The Japan Foundation. We were given our stipend (mine a total of almost 300,000yen, help yourself converting) for the whole period of 38 days / 37 nights. This will cover my expenses from travelling to basic needs, minus the souvenir. Aww… how cruel…It rained when we got back, makes me wonder, it’s summer, but it rains in Tokyo…

Day One : 一人ぼっちの旅

2010-07-04T18:33:00.002+08:00

I never travelled alone before in my life; I’ve visited several countries, accompanied by a partner, mostly on official trips. With a more experienced partner I never felt lost in whatever process I should undergo especially during arrival at the airport.

My first time flying was during SSEAYP and our Youth Leader, Dr. Fakhri was the one handling our passports during the transit from Bangkok to Japan, and we were moving in a group so nobody was lost…

The next trip was covering the SEA Games in the Philippines; there were six of us, me being the only female. So it was a hard task when I felt nauseated and needed a head massage. Nobody could help me and in the end, I vomited in the middle of the night…

In 2006, I was sponsored a trip to the newly-established Brunei – Ho Chi Minh destination. I went with a female reporter, because we would be put in a room together to save the accommodation cost. It was a worthwhile trip; because it was a more relaxing assignment.

Coming from then on, I’ve been flying several times a year, mostly last year, where I flew five times within that year. Singapore, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur and Bali. Somehow I always end up in Singapore…

This year, last May, was my first overseas assignment after Bali, and guess where? Yes… Singapore. It was a laid-back conference between ASEAN countries and The Gulf Cooperation Council from the Middle Eastern countries. I reunited with several media men from Singapore and the Public Relations Director (yes, a director, not an officer) Mr. Brandon remembered me. I think it was my 5th time working with him all these years…

Now, I’m in a budget room of Ambassador Transit Hotel in Terminal 2 of the Changi Airport. In Singapore. I just got back from here and I’m back here again. I must love Singapore that much… I paid SGD 41.20 for this room which is charged on 6-hour block, with SGD15.80 charged for an extra hour. I’m here on transit, where my next flight is at 2345. Japan-bound.

Earlier this year, Mr Sato from the Japanese Embassy back home prompted me of a Program for CREATORS he mentioned last year. He was offering if I would like to participate in it, because this program is for Creators, which include “Photography” (Photographers ultimately). He had asked me to refer back to the Embassy the next year (this year). Though I wasn’t anticipating it much, he was the one who called me to discuss the matter further. It turned out it was a JENESYS Program, sponsored by The Japan Foundation.

After all hassles, which include getting permissions from JPM and what-nots, I flew at noon today to start my 38 days/ 37 nights away from home; all on my own. I already miss that someone, and of course my family members and my animal family of cats, chicken and fish. I’m not sufficiently funded, honestly speaking, but this program gives stipend that totals up to BND4K+ for the whole period. If even this money is used up while in Japan I don’t think I have somebody to turn to. I’ll be stranded in Japan till my visa runs out in September.

My flight was that of Singapore Airlines. I couldn’t memorise the Doa Safar, so all I could recite was Al-Faatihah and selawat. And later tonight I’ll be boarding another Silk Air plane for Japan, a journey which will take 7 hours. I will arrive tomorrow morning and the program will officially start on the 6th. Guess what? The first thing I would buy is MANGA. Fresh from the oven.

Time to take a nap before 9.30pm.That is the wake-up call before my 6hr block runs out. Otherwise I’d be paying extra SGD15.80. All my money is in YEN already…

Edit: I’m ready to go to Terminal 3 to board the plane bound for Narita. Before I hop on, let’s have more pictures, shall we…

Happy 1st July

2010-07-01T18:02:00.001+08:00

There’s always something special about the month of July in my country; ultimately because it is the month where we celebrate His Majesty the Sultan’s birthday on the 15th. It’s a public holiday and from 15th onwards there are festivals carried out in every district.

The festivals start off, usually, with a giant flag-raising ceremony nationwide. I covered the event in my home district of Tutong which began at 11.15 am at Tamu Serbaneka in Serambangun. The weather was fine; hot and a bit windy. Enough to trickle sweat down my temple and back.

Anyway, I wasn’t always this diligent in carrying out my assignments, as of late. Recently I just took some pictures and left. But today, since my trip to Japan doing photojournalism is in a few days I stayed put and took some flag pictures that I think could be of some use when doing my assignments over there.

It was hot, but the sky was blue. Fitting for celebrating a Sultan’s birthday.

“Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik”

Tired, and fumed

2010-07-01T08:27:00.001+08:00

I was covering the Karate-do event at Tutong Sports Complex since 3+ pm, because the finals were supposed to be starting around that time. My friend had been taking photos at the venue since two days ago, and I believe he's taken quite a few hundreds of the karateka in action. Anyway, the event finished WELL over 7pm, and I had to rush to another event at Jerudong Polo and Country Club.

Scheduled to start at 8.10pm, it didn't start until 8.35pm, where it started with a long speech by the Chaiperson. I was getting hungry and wished it to end by 9pm. Luckily the second speech that was planned didn't go on so we helped ourselves to the dinner served in front of us. I left at 9.20pm taking into account the 40 minutes drive home to upload the event for tomorrow's news.

When I get to my car, I almost screamed; a car was blocking the way! Not only the driver didn't give ample space for my little car to go through (at least!) he didn't give out his contact number. Seriously, how selfish one driver can be. If I were blocking a car, I'd always leave out a note to apologize and my contact number on the dashboard.

I couldn't wait for the driver to come and clear the way (I didn't even know who he was) so I tried to squeeze my way through the very limited space that was provided. On my own I wouldn't have done it because it was very very narrow… Luckily I had my friend coming over, because I had promised to meet him up on the road to get my phone charger. So he looked out for the possible collision between the two cars on both two sides. After a few minutes, thanks to him, I was freed.

Whoever was the driver of the blocking car, I "thank you" for being selfish!

PSK: KARATEDO

2010-06-29T09:58:00.001+08:00

I've been covering the above events since yesterday, mostly because it's a hassle to drive the long journey to the office. After all, given choices between covering events at long distances I'd rather take ones that are closer to home, say, 20mins drive.. The above is snapped from the screen of the camera, showing the athlete from MS ABDB giving a punch to the opponent from Temburong, I think..

UBD FM: This week on UBD FM...AVANTGARDE

2010-06-23T20:36:00.002+08:00

UBD FM: This week on UBD FM...

Avantgarde live on UBD FM. Have a listen. I'm recording the clips using Screamer Radio so if I've finished I might upload it here soon.

Now, back to UBD FM...

Fine weather

2010-06-23T11:05:00.005+08:00

The heavy rain which pelted my windowscreen that reduced road visibility to almost 0 meter last night has blessed us with beautiful blue sky today.. I love taking snapshots while driving..it's a very bad habit that I develop recently, and blogging while at it is not bad, it's dangerously suicidal! This is my last on-the-wheel post, I won't do this again. But syukur Alhamdulillah for the beautiful sunny day :)

In Love with =w= Weezer again

2010-06-22T14:51:00.004+08:00

I first listened to weezer back in 1995, from the Blue Album... that album was the best, and after a few lower-than-good releases they came back with the new album Raditude. But I'm just loving the "Heart Songs" from the Red Album.. though "Love is the Answer" and "If You're Wondering if I want you to (I want you to)" are not bad at all :)

[via FoxyTunes / Weezer]

Congratulations : Emi & Saiful

2010-01-10T03:02:00.002+08:00

I’m on leave for 15 days, for the purpose of helping in the preparation of my lil’ sister, Emi’s wedding ceremony scheduled within the first ten days of January. Their nuptials took place on January 1st and their Majlis Bersanding will take place today. Family members from near and far gathered just now for some family entertainment… biasa lah, karaoke =)
I didn’t really help much with the preparations because I was already occupied with the photography sessions throughout the whole wedding ceremony. What turns me cold is the photo selection after every thing’s done. We’re taking literally thousands of photos for her.. for free. What are family for? But she’ll have to pay for the photobooks later d^_^b
I took the above photos during their nikah ceremony. It was my first time taking newlyweds to the beach for a quick photo session. It was almost Maghrib.. not good not good.. Can’t go against my own rules (of not taking photos during sunset). After a quick manipulation (about half hour) I sent the image to the lab for a 8x12 print. She said she wanted to show it on her wedding tomorrow.
The least I could do. Right? So to Tutong I went at about 7.30pm.
All in all, congratulations Emi and her husband, Saiful. Semoga jodoh berkekalan hingga ke akhir hayat, amiin.
p.s. I did the date wrong on the photo. Should’ve done 010110. Hahaha. And it’s already hung up her wall.. oh well… it was a rushed job.

AVANTGARDE EP on sale

2010-01-08T21:46:00.003+08:00

It’s been forever since my last post. You can say it's been a year, hahaha.

On the night of the gig, [There's no Gig like X-pression, xX-Pression] (that’s what’s written on the backdrop on the stage), I witnessed several bands worthy of my compliments. They got my head nodding to their music most of the time. Though only a few sang their own songs, most notably AVANTGARDE, of course, they performed them well much to the fans’ enrapture. Some even chanted “we want more, we want more”…
For someone who’s never been to a ‘peaceful’ gig before (I went once to a rather ‘thrashy’ metal gig but I didn’t like it) this kind of gig opened up my mind that we can enjoy rock music without sending negative vibes to our parents and maintain security, at the same time having fun with all our peers. (I could smell alcohol at the previous metal gig I mentioned earlier… scared me to bits!)
AVANTGARDE also went out of their way to promote and sell their EP album priced at BND7 throughout the night. The sale didn’t end there. Now I’m posting to inform the fans where you can find the CD sold in Brunei (according to Syaeful AG himself)

CD shop within the vicinity of Happy Star, near Red Canopy (Batu Bersurat)
edit: Sia and Tang, Kiulap
edit: Sia and Tang, Gadong. Across EGM / Excapade

However they’re now priced at BND8. It’s within the price range of :-

Stamina bento at Misato,
A two weeks’ worth of EASI (recharge) credit
A lunch set for two at any decent restaurant
More importantly, it’s far cheaper than any other CDs produced locally (tell me if otherwise, maybe I didn’t do enough homework)

I bought my copy at the gig. First buyer. I think. Heheheh.

Happy hunting, fans. Especially to “Liz” on the shoutbox. Sorry for not replying sooner, hope your search is over. Please buy the EP to support your favourite local band (^_^)\/
p.s. I’m in the middle of authoring a blog dedicated to AVANTGARDE (Brunei, not Spain) addressed avantgardeans hosted on blogspot for a start (since we’re somehow connected to avantgarde themselves)… I’m quite occupied lately it hasn’t made any big progress. I used to name it avantgarde-fanblog but Syaeful would call us “dear Friend” in his messages so I decided we’re “avantgarde friends”. This blog will hopefully have direct links with the band members, insya Allah.

The day (or night) has come

2009-12-26T17:35:00.001+08:00

Ready to rock?

Rock on, AVANTGARDE!

COUNTDOWN TO AVANTGARDE'S Gig

2009-12-23T00:45:00.001+08:00

To BALI, on assignment

2009-12-08T15:54:00.001+08:00

It would’ve sounded better if I typed “to Bali, with Love”. Tia karang. This is the first time I’m going to Bali, Indonesia. I was against the idea initially because I wasn’t told about it. I just got back from Malaysia last month, so I didn’t think my turn to fly would be this quick.

Turned out I have another two times in order to catch up with the rest of the photographers. Goes to show that I was somewhat stepped on… whatever.

SSEAYP country program in Brunei started today. I’m gonna miss it completely when I realized that my flight back home is set to Saturday 12th at 2205. That’s crazy!! I’ll be arriving in Brunei by midnight. And the ship is probably on its way back to Japan by then. Maybe the plane I’ll be on will be passing over it from the sky above…

Woarrggghhhhh!! It makes me old just thinking about it.

Right now I’m waiting to get on board Singapore Airlines going Bali-bound in about 10 minutes (we’ll fly at 1630hrs) and will, insya Allah arriving in Denpasar at 1910 local time. What a waste of time.

Anyway, some photos to bore you more.

Stuck in bad traffic congestion

2009-12-06T20:34:00.001+08:00

This is happening as I type. I've been stuck here for a good half-hour. I was only 5 minutes into the slow flow when my car's temperature acted up; more like the temperature went up to almost the red zone. Luckily where I stopped was a u-turn area so I stopped by the roadside (still am here..). The traffic flow doesn't show any sign of speeding up anytime soon so I guess I'm stuck..anybody who happens to go KB-bound should see my car here..hahaha. Bagi malu saja (-_-) nasib baik aku sudah makan soto tadi, hahaha

The Big Plan : Flop!!

2009-12-02T01:32:00.001+08:00

I joined SSEAYP (Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program) five years ago in 2004, spending 45 days of my youth among the many kinds of people from ASEAN member countries and Japan. I made friends that I pray I would meet again someday. I had the chance last year, though only a few, not even five people, out of the 300 youths that were on that ship during my time.

Kiwa-chan and Naoko-chan were my in my batch; they were lucky to have been able to work on the ship as Admin staff, in their second year. Masa-san has always been on the ship for as long as I remember, and Takehiro a.k.a. Piyo joined my (friends) list last year (though I met him in 2007 with Iku-chan).

Don’t mind the names. They are all Japanese (of course.)

Then there were ex-SPYs, Phoebe, Daphne, SY Low, and ex-TPY Tong; we relived our days five years after, in Brunei. And I already planned to excuse myself from work in those four days when the new ship Fuji Maru berths at Muara Port.

Alas, we humans can only plan.

The ship, scheduled to arrive on Dec 8th and leave on 11th, will not have me boarding on it for the Reunion on Board, because, I have been assigned to cover the Bali Democracy Forum II, in Bali, Indonesia, on the exact same dates as the SSEAYP in Brunei.

I am so disappointed in the turn of events. I’ve been anticipating the arrival of the new ship…though it’ll be nothing like Nippon Maru, but I’ve been wanting to meet my friends since we parted last year. I can’t word my feelings any better than this…(I’m bad with descriptive words).

But I’m really disappointed. 希和ちゃんに会いたい。ナオコちゃんに会いたい。ピヨに会いたい。皆に会いたい。奈良にいる岡本家にすごく会いたい。名古屋にいる貝沼家にも会いたい。和世のお母さんとタツコのお母さんに会いたい。会いたいよ、会いたいよ、

こんなことがしたいのです。

Let’s just go to Japan, shall we? APEC 2010 is in Japan, I WILL make sure I go there for coverage.

AVANTGARDE’s scheduled gig

2009-11-27T23:31:00.001+08:00

Every once in a while AVANTGARDE will update me on their activities. A new one just came in a few days ago (my apologies for not posting earlier).

Here’s some info : I will compose a proper post soon after (I’m still occupied with editing the wedding photos I took last week…)

Date : Dec 26th, 2009. Saturday

Venue : Jeruton Hotel, Jerudong

Ticket : not sure yet, maybe less than BND10. Contact AFEC 8615767

Performing : AVANTGARDE, and 9 other bands

Singing : 4 songs, 1 new (^_^)

I will post another one, I promise. I will also post the same (duh!) on the unofficial AVANTGARDE (fan) blog that I’ve been working on. When it’s ready it’ll be available to public.

In the meantime, AVANTGARDE fans, make sure you’re available on the 26th of December. Meet your favourite local bands there and have fun!

This is just a video collage, nothing professional in it =)

AVANTGARDE “Pelangi Awards” Photos

2009-11-23T01:28:00.001+08:00

Here’s a teaser. Heheheh. Photo of vocalist, Syaeful, with Jeff on the left screen.

Yeah, I know, I know, it’s been forever since I last posted about AVANTGARDE and their photos. I’m still in the middle of uploading them. But with the time now I think I should retire, or else I’ll lose in badminton games tomorrow (due to lack of energy and sleep, duh!).

Another announcement though. I’ve been getting a few hundred more hits on this page every day, to which I feel quite embarrassed for having you all read my jabber of a blog, when it is not actually what you want to see and read. For Avantgarde fans who might stumble into this blog from search engines, I’m going to publish a fan blog dedicated to the band themselves, with contents supplied by the band, with photos and updates, and if they consented, maybe samples of their songs so far.

I’m still thinking of the name. I’ve chosen “avantgarde-fanblog” hosted on blogspot though, but it doesn’t sound quite right. But anyway, once the contents are ready, I’ll publish and make it public.

Not much of an announcement, is it? =)

Anyway, more photos coming. Uploading from home is so slow ~

A new kind of “begging” technique?

2009-11-09T19:20:00.001+08:00

I was making a visit to Masjid Al-Ameerah in Jerudong last Friday afternoon, Nov 6th. I noticed as I entered the gates two boys riding a bike together, but I just took a glance, maybe they were just killing time riding around Jerudong area.

I parked my car near the wudhu’ area and then heard a boy saying his greetings, “Assalamualaikum babu”. To be honest, I don’t look that old yet, haha. Anyway, I replied and he then said he wanted to shake hands. I shrugged off any bad thoughts and accepted his hands.

Then he said, “Babu, kami lapar, bu.” (Auntie, we’re hungry”).

I asked them if they wanted some food (not that I had some…) but he said he’d want to buy the food himself. So, I gave him some cash, quite a lot for a boy. I was thinking, since it’s Friday I could give some for charity. Then off I went to take my wudhu’.

I was in the toilet when I heard him call again.

“Adik-beradik ku 15 orang, bu.” (We have 15 siblings, auntie.)

Thinking that I might be a victim here, I told him that that’s all I had on me and said the money I gave would be enough. I ignored him after that and continued inside the masjid.

What would that case be? Don’t you think it’s an act of ‘meminta-minta’? I’m anxious in going there anymore. Maybe we should just be cautious once in a while. Sometimes an act of kindness can land us into some trouble.

AVANTGARDE still rocked the stage!!

2009-10-31T23:39:00.004+08:00

AVANTGARDE as seen on the screen

AVANTGARDE with their young fans.

AVANTGARDE : you guys really rock!! Your music is one of its kind in Brunei. Too bad not too many people realize your talent. Like my sister said as she texted me after the concert…

“Haha.. kim salam avantgarde, gtau aku ikut nyanyi tadi, haha”

“Gtau durg tukar lagu, biar genre mengindon ja, ikut zaman, pyh anak muda blank pasal muzik catu, aku ganya hafal tadi, urg kiri kanan ku melirik2 ja mendangar, wahahaha”

The point she wanted me to tell you guys, was, from where she was sitting she was probably the only one who knew the whole lyrics to Menatap Waktu. Don’t worry, you actually have a good fan base, maybe your music style hasn’t been widely accepted yet. Since, it’s one of a kind.

Which, I think is far better than the in-thing. This kind of music gives you an identity. And you should be proud of your music.

Hoping to hear more from you guys again. It was great meeting you all (I just noticed Yus wasn’t there..ahaha). And seeing those two young girls taking photos with AVANTGARDE made me happy all the same.

All the best in your future undertaking.

YOU ROCK!!

p.s. : More photos to come soon. Don’t worry. I took a whole lot!!

The Day of Reckoning

2009-10-31T14:22:00.001+08:00

One night. One Stage. One Aim.

Pelangi Awards 2008/2009.

Jerudong Park Ampitheatre.

7.30pm onwards.

Witness history in the making.

(well, not really…)

ALL the Best to AVANTGARDE.

Be there and support local artistes.

I’m just too lazy…

2009-10-19T00:55:00.001+08:00

Just face it, I’m just too lazy to do anything. Hahaha.

I took tons of pictures, but can’t find the time to edit and upload them. Ah! Correction. Too lazy to select them. Had I known I was this much of a lazybum, I’d just snap one every ten minutes…

But I’ll just upload this one photo. I didn’t take this, of course, since I was in it. One of few that have my face in them, eheh. This was taken at our (respectable) Youth Leader’s, Dr Fakhri’s house. We had just attended BERSATU Open House that afternoon, and the girls just decided to golepak-lepak and beguring-guring at his house. Haha. Beguring-guring. I don’t know if I even spelled that right. Basically it means ‘rolling over’, kan?

We had a brief brainstorming session on how to handle the Homestay Matching Program this year. The format was made known; each Solidarity Group (SG) will be taken care of by SSEAYP previous batches. Our batch of 2004, the 31st, I heard, is gonna be assigned to SG D. So, we had to, like, come up with ideas on how to stand out among the previous batches, hahaha.

We were in group F last year, assigned to, well, Group F. Hahaha.

This year, we have to think of something that represents ASEAN and Japan. I wonder how we’ll turn out. Outstanding, hopefully. (^____^)

edit: I forgot to mention that our group won last year. I’m not sure by what factor, maybe because of our standardized yukata. I just knew about it today. And we were actually presented with a gift: a box of biscuit. Hahaha. Oh well…

Happy (17th?) Birthday!

2009-10-10T23:58:00.000+08:00

I can’t let this pass before I go to bed. I just had to post this. So here goes.

Happy birthday, Uzumaki Naruto. Maybe you’re 17 now? Heheh. Those ten years you’ve lived in NARUTO manga only had you grown by four years. You were 12 when you’re a Genin, and after the time-skip you are still a Genin.

But you have a Hokage-level technique in Fuuton: Rasen-shuriken. Avenge Ero-sennin, become Hokage, and exile Sasuke.

Images credited to: Photobucket and deviantart

666 – circled in the image

2009-10-07T00:28:00.001+08:00

Hmm…nice number of hits. I guess I’ve received 666 visitors, huh? Since I only set the counter to every unique visitors.

Thanks for visiting, guys and gals, ladies and gentlemen. There’s nothing in here except for inconsistent personal rants but hope you all enjoyed your stay, no matter how short it was. Good night おやすみなさい。

君に届け＋劇場版ブリーチ

2009-10-07T00:11:00.001+08:00

Falls in Japan will always bring us new anime titles to choose from. Albeit none come in original plots and storyliines, but there are a few that I look forward to watching starting today.

One of which is the anime Kimi ni todoke, 君に届け, or as it’s called in English Reaching You. It’s from the manga of the same name by the mangaka Shiina Karuho (who also created the manga Crazy for You). First time I read the manga I fell in love with the storyline, and of course the main protagonists, Sawako and Shota. The anime is actually starting in 15 minutes, Japan time, at 0059, which makes me wonder, why would an anime be aired in the middle of the night?

By tomorrow morning I’ll be haunting anime torrents websites that might have the files uploaded there for me to hog for myself. The seiyuu (voice actors) aren’t unknown either, by looking at the info on ANN I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. But the information hasn’t included the music composer, yet…background music is one of the essential part of an anime, besides OP and ED themes. Sometimes I choose my anime based on the seiyuu alone. Hahaha.

Most anime are adaptations of manga and video games nowadays anyway, so we pretty much know what’s going on in its storyline. If Kimi ni todoke were to be adapted into live-action drama (or a special drama at least like the manga adaptation Boku no hatsukoi wo kimi ni sasagu) I’d like Aragaki Yui to play Sawako, and maybe Seto Koji playing Kazehaya. Hmm…those two are two Koizora cast, from movie and drama. I don’t know…Seto Koji looks ‘refreshing’ to me. And Aragaki Yui with her trademark black long hair wouldn’t fall short in terms of similarity. But she needs to look serious to the point of being scary like Shibasaki Kou, at least, if she were to play Sawako.

Wth? This has become a fantasy drama talk!!

We leave Kimitodo at that and I’ll say something about Bleach Movie 3 ~ Fade to Black :)

Credit of the image goes here: http://images.saiyanisland.com/ I googled it actually, hehe

It’s a pretty image of Ichigo and Rukia. This should be marked spoiler? I guess not. In a few hours it’s gonna be available on Brunei market anyway. Damn those people, I download my anime too but I don’t go out and sell them to make profits. Shame on those people!!

Anyway I finished downloading from nyaatorrents a few days back, but the large watermark on the top-centre of the screen bugged me a lot, so I got me a new file from the kind people at Dattebayo and it finished downloading today. I’m actually in the middle of watching it as I type, while also folding my laundry…But yeah, Ichigo and Rukia…I like this pairing. Heheheheh.

And I also like Naruto and Hinata; Tamaki and Haruhi; Keele and Meredy; Zidane and Garnet; Cloud and Aerith; Squall and Rinoa; Me and my-other-me…Shaddup now!!

One more thing, I cried watching Tasogare, ep 126 of Naruto Shippuuden a few weeks back. Those who follow the manga will feel the same as me.

And on a totally unrelated matter, please Square Enix, if you can make the prologue to FF7 with Advent Children (and Crisis Core, Dirge of Cerberus, what have you), why won’t you make the prologue to FF9 and show us die-hard fans of Zidane’s whereabout after the Iifa Tree went amok and killed Kuja? Just adapt the stories on DISSIDIA and make a CG movies out of it, okay? DISSIDIA’s Zidane is hot!!

And…Kimi no todoke is now airing in Japan, for already 8 minutes. Enjoy the anime you Nihonjin. I’ll get my dose of it tomorrow, hopefully. Anyway, title of this post says KIMI NI TODOKE + GEKIJOUBAN BLEACH (Reaching You and BLEACH the Movie). You don’t want to know that.