Special:27 Things About Brunei

23 Februari tarikh keramat bagi Brunei. Hari bersejarah lagi bermakna. Hari Kebangsaan dinanti-nati setiap tahun. Semua lapisan masyarakat meraikan dengan semangat patriotik. Selamat Hari Kebangsaan ke 27 Brunei 'Negaraku Brunei Darussalam'
Sembah ucapan ikhlas dari salah seorang dari lebih 50,000 orang pendatang asing dengan izin (PADI) yang telah menetap di Brunei sejak tahun 1996.
Brunei had played an important part in shaping who I am today. Thus, in the special occasion of Brunei's 27th National Day, yours Truly had composed a special blogpost titled 27 Things About Brunei!
1. I would say MAJORITY of the people in this world do not know where Brunei is or a place named Brunei even existed in the world map. This is no suprise as Brunei is only a tiny small 'dot' in the world map
2. Brunei car ownership rate is one of the HIGHEST in the world, as quoted from today's issue of Brunei Times 27th National Day supplement
3. Brunei had very special relationship with Singapore. It is quite rare in this world to see 2 countries pegging their currency 1:1
4. Besides 'black gold' that gives Brunei a high standard of living, keropok udang/prawn crackers is a famous product of Brunei
5. In addition to those stated in 4, Brunei best export next to oil & gas is a people. Wu Chun, who is a part of the famous Taiwan group, Fahrenheit is a Bruneian
6. The Sultan of Brunei at one point of time was the richest man in the world. i.e. richer than Bill Gates!
7. Its interesting to see that a market of 400,000 population can support 2 English publications: Borneo Bulletin & Brunei Times
8. Brunei regularly becomes a part of Cambridge Hall of Fame as its students managed to achieved Top in the World/Top 10 in the world in O Level and A Level
9.For as little as B$1, you get can food that could satisfy your hunger fully
10. Should the 1997/98 economic crisis didnt occur, Brunei will be a much happening place
11. Brunei version of Malay is Bahasa Melayu Brunei which is a bit different from standard Malay.
12. His Majesty the Sultan annual Hari Raya open house is the closest that you can get to a ruler of a country (perhaps in the world too)
13. Brunei youths have jokes that people who have been living in Brunei understand them
14. Brunei is one of the oldest monarchy system in the world aged 600+ years old
15. Brunei is also home to one of the few 6-star hotels in the world, The Empire Hotel & Country Club
16. Bunga simpur is Brunei national flower
17. Brunei unofficial national dish is nasi katok, rice with a big piece of chicken which will force you to have 45min basketball session in Menglait just to burn all the calories earned from eating nasi katok
18. Brunei have 4 districts (Belait, Brunei Muara, Tutong, Temburong)
19. Brunei is also home to world largest residential complex, Istana Nurul Iman with 1788 rooms
20. I dont know whether its the real person but some Brunei VVIP have Facebook, which is quite a surprise for me
21. Brunei is only 5765 sq km
22. Brunei owns a cattle station in Australia which interestingly is larger than Brunei
23. Brunei philosophy of life is Melayu Islam Beraja/Malay Islam Monarchy
24. Brunei made in into world headlines in 2010 more than other years as I see it
25. Brunei has one of the lowest fuel price in the world which is rather good but ironic in the age of high oil price
26. The current Sultan of Brunei is the 29th Sultan of Brunei
27. 23th February of every year is the day Brunei celebrates its Independence

There you have it a mixture of serious facts and fun facts on Brunei.
Selamat Malam, Salam Kemerdekaan

Companion or Friend? Or Lover?

In 2008, when I went to Taiwan for a holiday, came across a feng shui shop. The sifu 'tilik my nasib', and apparently what he said was quite true. He said that in the future if I were to suceed, I would need to depend on people around me especially friends. The problem is my relationship with people is kinda 'cool' like. The sifu also knew I had this problem, but he say there is no feng shui remedy to this but instead you have to work it out on your own.
What do I mean by 'cool'? Definitely not cool fashion style! For example, when talking to people, I have problem starting up a meaningful conversation. I need someone to start the ball rolling! Perhaps I should join the Speakers Club to improve this? Another is when chatting, yes I do fare better in chatting with people online but sometimes I do run out of things on what to chat. I cant be chatting about the weather every time right? I cant understand why I cant communicate well in real life but can communicate in cyberspace. Am I living in my own dimension?
Since everything is a result of chain of reaction, if you dont have a good relationship with people/act cool to them, then if they have outing they wont ajak you. However, if you have quite a good relationship with people you will get invites to join them for movie, steamboat, clubbing, partying, dinner, etc. I must say some of these invites comes 'unexpectedly' i.e. Im on my way to somewhere but on the way met my friends and they ajak me to join them. However, I must say I am not invited to all of these outings! Excuse me, this is not a 'talian minta simpati'!
As I said in my previous posting, I may not have a lot of friends but I do have a lot of companion. From companion, if you have a good relationship with them, they could turn to be your friend. Some people categorize them into 2:'minum friend' and 'true friend'.
Minum friend is the friend that you ajak out for drinks and you talk to them about your problems (I dont think I have any since I havent went for round of drinks or clubbing yet)
True friend is self-explanatory. These are friends that stay with you when you are in need, dont take advantage of you, are difficult to come by and should be treasured. (I think I have a few of these).
From friendship it may develop into love. Am I looking for love? The answer is YES! And I have been getting a lot of signals already!

More open about myself

For the past year or so, I have been blog-hopping around a few blogs of people that I know or  maybe dont know. 1 of the blog that captures my interest is lonelyreload.blogspot.com by Mr Lonely or a 20 something Mr Lim. His blogposts as he describe it himself are emo in nature. Its very much focused on money and love. He also posts up some interesting stuffs that he got from Apple Daily as well as CARI mandarin forum (too bad I read no Chinese so too bad I cant understand). What do I know about this guy? Very little, his uncle, Captain Lim is a pilot with Air Asia (or retired already), he lives in Klang and studies in TAR College, Gombak. Thats it I guess! Interestingly, there are not a single photo of him in the blog. He is afraid of people knows who is him really, due to the nature of his blog I guess? However, if you people want insights to live his blog is worth visiting.
P.S. Im not being paid for advertising his blog!
This blog (Yours Truly 245isme.blogspot.com) have been around as long as your Go! Broadband is around. This blog is turning 3 come May. I also have been quite 'secretive' about my life, but not as secretive as the blogger, Mr Lonely stated above. This is because I have occasionally posted my photos up, but not always since I look bad in photos (I wonder why?). What do you know about me? My birthday is 24 May, an international Malaysian currently undertaking my degree in Monash Malaysia, dont have a lot of friends, loves to save paper (LOL!), very poor (haha), not smart (literally). Not a lot right? Well today, I shall be more open about myself. Studied in a chinese kindergarten, Tadika Chee Hwa in Labuan before. Moved to Brunei in 1996/97, and studied in St. Michael's, Seria til Form 4, Form 5 in St. Angela's & last but not least Pre-U in Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali. What can I say about myself last time? Hmm a 'pai kia' (bad boy) maybe? You have no idea how many damages have I done as a kid haha!
Wokay, I guess that's enough for this posting. I shall post up more about myself as I continues to open up more about my life. However, in a article that I have read recently it advises people who blogs not to be extremely private in disclosing your lifes!

Feature:Love is in the air for some and shattered hearts in the air also

99,999 or 9999 roses in a bouquet, a self-cooked candlelight dinner with a glass of wine perfect (if you are not underaged/your religion allows it),a romantic day in planning. Imagine how happy your girlfriend will be? However boyfriends will have sakit kepala counting the sens and dollars of the cost. I think its a small price to pay compared to what you get! LOVE is Priceless, for dates and flowers there is M*****card, LOL! If you get the 'correct formula', you might get what you want perhaps a kiss if you have never kissed before or 'that thing'. Dont need to be so specific this is not a 18SX blog. However, those thinking of 'that thing' better think careful its not 'Do and Go', its 'Do and Sign'. A very heavy price to pay for few hours of 'high'!
For those who are celebrating as a couple for the 1st time, it must be a great experience but however those who have been coupling for quite sometime and celebrated Valentine for a few times already, if each year the planning like 'plain air kosong' aka same every year, I think your partner will be sienz! The male need to think creatively to think something sweet and special for every year Valentine day, to surprise your partner. However in some other countries like Japan and Korea, I think on Valentine's day the ladies/female will be giving chocolates to the male, and the males will  'balas balik' one month later. This is 360 degree round from what is practiced here.
Righty let me talk about something I had read on the newspapers. The weekendT columnist(guy) didn't know what to give to the girl that he wanted to date on Valentine day and so ask his mum! What! Some people say mum knows best, right maybe in some cases but not this time! The mum said give a pandan chiffon cake (yes no typo)! So, this guy give to the girl the 'gift', and yes you guess it right She walked away and dated the guy who smiled at her! 'Durian runtuh' for that guy, and poor columnist he have to have his own cake and eat it too.
According to a magazine article, it says 'the Romeo' in the guys soul is slowly waning, some of the examples are instead of writing love letters, now you confess your love in Facebook (I wonder can you check in love in foursquare?), another is no more go all out to chase a girl, now its 'come we pak tor want or not?' Straight and simple or in Management terms efficient or is it effectiveness haha. No doubt, there are still people who go all out to chase a girl instead of terus popping that sentence out the moment you see 'the one'!
For singles out there (including yours truly and god knows how many more people out there), dont be despair if you dont have a girlfriend to celebrate Valentine with you this year. We all hope that this is the last year we will be celebrating solo Valentine. Valentine is a day of love not only for lovers, but also family and friends. No rule book say that Valentine day cant be celebrated with family & friends. Valentine is a day of love all day round!
For those who have already broke up (worst case is broke-up the day before Valentine), dont be despair. Your destiny have already been written that this is not 'the one'. As an old Chinese proverb say 'The old one dont go, the new ones wont came'. Who knows you will get a better partner in the future. For those who are still using 'GPS' to search the right one (like yours truly & others), when it is time then you will find your other half! Sometimes you dont realise when the 'right one' is just around the corner! Even if you are thousands of km away fate will bring 2 souls together if you are fated to be with the person. For those, who have someone in mind already but cant get it. Dont worrry, if its yours it will be yours!
Time to close this full of love posting, to lovers out there especially people I know my coursemates and friends, Happy Valentine Day and may you have a sweet & memorable time with your partners. To those celebrating solo Valentine, have a great one too and its not too bad either!
P.S. Dont jump jump jump if not ready (If you know what I mean)

Plain Crap:Gong Xi Fa Cai 2011

Tian Tian Ye She Hao Tian
Gong Xi Fa Cai
Happy Chinese New Year of the Rabbit 2011.
May You Have A Great 350+ days ahead in the Year of Rabbit. Have A Great, Prosperous, Healthy and Happy Year of Rabbit.
Like A Rabbit May You Jump/Hop Higher In Life, And Achieve More Towering Success in Life, Love, Career, Studies, or Whatever That You Do
Oh yes, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. So guys, Dont Jump Jump Jump (there is different meaning, if you know what I mean) if you are not ready! Its a big responsibility to take care of 'little Rabbits'!
Zodiac prediction for Goat baa.... me!- Success in education/studies (huh, I havent feel it yet, LOL!), success in love life and friendship (Have I Found The Right One Yet? Is the person just around me but I didnt sense it?) (Good I Wont Be Lonely Folk Again!), some obstacle related to money have to be careful. Suggested to donate blood or teeth scaling.
Note: These predictions are not from my unqualified crystal balls but from reputed feng shui masters from the TV/radio shows that I watched/listen to during CNY!
Lastly, CNY is not just about who have the loudest fireworks, who have the biggest angpau, but its all about the reunion of family and friends. The warmth hospitality of family & friends beat em all!

Review: Royal Brunei Asian hospitality part 2

After a week of CNY and chillaxing with little productivity, I returned back to KL on Sunday to sit for Summer Exams.

RBA Flight Brunei - KL

Similarly like the previous flight, check in and boarding was smooth. This time I am a bit early and managed to grab the papers. Not one but 2: Brunei Times and Daily Mail! 

Entertainment for KL bound is almost the same again How I Met Your Mother the same episode on suits. However, the music on the Chinese songs has been changed on a monthly rotation. Since, its CNY so most of the songs are CNY songs

Makan time! The choice nasi lemak with chicken rendang or beef lasagna! Finally, I can taste RBA nasi lemak! I had too much of MAS nasi lemak already for the past years but not these recent years. The last time I tasted MAS nasi lemak is in 2008, nasi lemak with omelette and kacang panjang, wot! This time around, dont know why no bread roll! But the nasi lemak is tasty and the chicken isnt spicy nice for people who dont makan pedas, and also the sambal! The condiments was an omelette, peanuts & ikan bilis (nyum so crunchy). The cucumber was kept in a separate container! 

In this flight apparently, someone forget to take their 'dont laugh too loud' pil, LOL! The laughter of this particular passenger god knows who he is can be heard as its so loud. 'Helo mister, this is an airplane not kedai mamak! 

Airlines are cutting costs are the trend now. However, my passion of collecting airline collectibles makes me want to ask for some souvenirs. Hence, I pressed the 'call' button & a flight attendant came, I requested for pen & postcard. She said she will be back in a minute and I saw her finding the things and returned soon after with not 1 but 2 sets of pen and stationery folder with an apology! Hmm, dont get it why she apologise. I was just expecting a pen but instead hey look what I have got to add to my collection! I was also pleasantly surprised that RBA still produces stationery folders in times of airlines cutting costs! I think RBA pen quality is also getting better!

The flight arrived 5 minutes ahead of schedule and baggage arrived within 20min of arrival! 

Well, thats about it for my Royal Brunei experience. Last time I remembered that RBA tagline was 'Giving the world the Asia's best'. Sadly, I saw some people in the forum saying RBA was a LCC! Think its better to acknowledge RBA as a small airline with big dreams! May the good Asian hospitality of RBA continued to be enjoyed by all of us.

Review: Royal Brunei Asian hospitality part 1

Before Summer Sem exam, I went back to Brunei in conjunction with CNY. Of course, I need to fly back, impossible I am going to walk back to Brunei (its across the South China Sea!). So there are 3 options MAS, Air Asia or RBA. MAS is super early so I discard this option. So left Air Asia and RBA. So I checked the price of both and asked my dad who is paying my ticket which one to pick since the price difference is only like RM$100+. He say better RBA so RBA is the airline that I use for this time!

RBA Flight KL - Brunei

Check-in was a breeze as I had performed Internet Check In earlier. Boarding was normal. However, since I was late in boarding, all the newspapers had been snapped up. So, I asked 1 of the flight attendant for a copy of Bulletin. I expect her to return ASAP with the newspaper but apparently either she forget or too busy. I end up had to beg/borrow the newspaper from a 'kakak' sitting beside me. 

There was a 'elder Chinese man' who was playing/reading some Chinese words on his phone even when the announcement for phone to be switched off is made. When the flight attendant was making her round before take-off to ensure nobody is using mobile phone, she tell the man to switch off but the man show the phone and say 'NO SIM', and she nodded. 'Fuh, takutnya aku tadi, rupanya tak ada SIM lega aku'! LOL! Can you imagine how takut I was when the man keeps on using his phone! 

Before the plane was ready for take off, there was a travel prayer being read to bless the journey. I dont know why some people make so much fuss over this. Personally, I feel 'safer' and since I had flown with RBA since 1997 (the 1st year I went to live Brunei, but the day I moved to Brunei I use ferry Suria haha can still remember clearly) its something normal to me. Mind you, that Singapore Airlines Brunei-Singapore sector also have this travel prayer video being put up.

After the plane had taken off and reached its cruising altitude, the crew sprang into action quickly and started preparing the meals as well as distributing headsets. Well to be honest, RBA Sky Show entertainment system is no match for SIA Kris World but its enough to entertain me for the 2hr short flight. The Chinese songs channel have some of the songs that I really liked example the one from Yen J Wo Xie Huan Bu Wo Ai and a few others. For the overhead screen, its How I Met Your Mother. Good choice I must say since everyone around me is talking about How I Met Your Mother. Hence, I changed my channel on my headset from the chinese music to overhead screen channel. The episode that they showed was about Suits. You want suit or the hot girl in the bar? After watching, I still dont get it why so many people like it, perhaps after watching more episodes I might get hooked to it or maybe not!

Makan time, the choice potato with chicken or fried rice with ginger fish. I choose fried rice with ginger fish. With the dish, there was a bread roll which apparently was 'imported' from RBC Brunei, LOL! And, also 3 slice of fruits (watermelon, pineapple & honeydew). Slurpp, now main course. Boy was I surprised, no more weird sayur like brocolli but instead a small piece of tofu, mushrooms and carrots. I was really pleasantly surprised that I can have tofu inflight haha. The meal was great, not at all any ginger smell, the rice was perfectly seasoned not too salty, and of course tiga sekawan was great too. Let me tell you something, previously I HATED inflight meal very much, I never/barely ate em! However, these few years I seem to like inflight meals!

Before landing, the flight attendants offered the passengers Fox candies. This is a good gesture I must say as the air pressure makes our ears pop and sucking a candy will solve this. So far, I had not seen any other airlines practicing this.RBA must be commended

The flight landed on time despite having to fly in a quite 'scary' weather as it was raining heavily. However, the baggage was so slow. I cant believe my eyes when I saw baggage of people that check in later than me come out 1st!

Thats about it for part 1 of my 2 flights with RBA. Part 2 will be coming up next