Muses of daily lifestyle issues with a Bruneian flavor
Wow its really seem ages that I havent post anything here. I log in and got a number of comments, more to positive (thanks guys) and were all motivating, even the negative ones…Dont worry to say sorry…I dont mind. Comments are free right?
So, Happy Chinese New Year to all Chinese all around the world…and to the rest of us, life goes on…I will try to write more 
– though not a promise there.
Take care
Whoah, been awhile. My body is here and my mind’s elsewhere. I have been putting my thinking cap on for awhile. Too much thinking.
So what’s new with Brunei? I guess the hot news just a week ago was this girl who stood for almost three hours under the sun, clad in pink baju kurung and, (okay thats nothing, right?) AND, contemplating whether to jump or not from a rooftop of an eight-storey Government building.
Internet-savy Bruneians were quick to upload images and videos as the drama unfold via Facebook and Twitter. Apparently, the girl was one of those who are under-going counselling at the building for troubled girls. Nasty as well as empathy comments were thrown to her and some humour added to that. Personally to me, I felt sorry for her. I mean, what if she is your sister, daughter, cousin, friend? Would you joke about the situation? I think the good news was that she spent three hours on that rooftop, admiring the view? Maybe. Joke aside, I think she may not be that suicidal as she would do it the very moment she reached the top and ended her life there and then.
The issue here for me is: why does Brunei have troubled or disturbed people? Those who have psychological problems? Their minds not in peace? Is the world too much for them? Brunei, as far as I can say, is the most peaceful country on Earth. We dont have political instability here. Our health and education are among the best in the world and for many, we are the luckiest human being on this planet because we have the cheapest petrol, right?
So whats troubling you that you wanted to end your life, please tell me? I need to chill down myself for now, thank you.
Haji Rais, seated, left, in one of the production sets for a local drama series, Perjalanan or journey made in 2008. Pic from: RegalBlue Production
At press time, Liau Badar is still missing, three days after his fishing boat was found floating near Jerudong beach without him. Liau Badar whose real name is Awang Haji Rais bin Banih, aged 74, is a very well-known artist especially from Brunei’s hit Tv drama series, ‘Keluarga Liau Badar’ or ‘Family of Liau Badar’. He plays the main character as the head of his family of three in the series.
It was reported in the local news that Haji Rais left for his usual fishing outing last Sunday morning. By ten, a relative found his boat floating and alerted Search and Rescue team, said the report. Until now as I post this, he is still missing. The news report said that he is feared to be drowned. Search continues. The news shocked many Bruneians. Facebookers gave him the title the ‘Living Legend’ and there’s even a community page in Facebook with the name Keluarga Liau Badar.
On the ‘Kelaurga Liau Badar,’ I think if there is a vote, I would choose the series as the best ever Brunei drama with the whole cast winning an award. The drama is popular here in Brunei as the language use is a truly Bruneian dialect, only understood by Bruneians obviously. There are hidden messages in the drama as it tells the daily issues faced by Bruneians, from money to health to education but relayed with humorous scripts. For Liau Badar, his character is more to a fatherly-figure, advising his wife and his only daughter, Dang Limah on everyday life. Here is a post from the Blogmanison blog on one of the series entitled ‘Ribut’ or storm. The dialogue is very funny; you have to understand Brunei dialect though.
For the family of Haji Rais, I pray for the best. Only Allah The Most Knowledgeable knows. Wallahua’alam. He would surely be missed.
Brunei’s over-night YouTube sensation – A tribute to Zek – My apology has Bruneians talk and discuss endlessly on the video. My whole family, from mom to mom’s youngest grand-child gathered around the small notebook as if we were waiting for an official announcement on the result of the sighting of the moon, and watched the video. I think this is the best reality show from Brunei. I have never seen a guy’s sincere face in making an apology.
I have no idea who this Zek is, the guy in the video. Heard that he was making a sincere apology to his gf who is now studying in the UK. He has lost contact with her – email, twitter, facebook, IMs, in fact lost in communications and he has no idea how to reach her. The only way was to make a video and upload it in YouTube, with a little help from a friend.
The video, edited with a sentimental, soft, background music was uploaded by Zek’s friend. Check out the video – it’s ten minutes long. We couldnt help but felt sorry for Zek but laughed at the same time. It’s funny at times. Up to now, the video has been viewed 28,099 times since it was uploaded only yesterday. Brunei’s got talent!
Now the video in turn has garnered support from the country. People are supporting Zek. Here’s a song called ‘Tribute to Zek Kaachhinggzz’ produced by Nasi Katok Production. Love the lyrics! The video:
Ya Allah, berkahilah puasa kami
Bimbinglah kami untuk menyempurnakan puasa kami
Berilah keberkahan pada kami di bulan suci ini
Berilah hidayah pada saudara kami yang lain
Agar hati & jiwa kami bersih serta cenderung pada jalan yang engkau ridhai
Amiin. Amiin. Yaa Robbal ‘Aalamiin
~ from Islam terbukti benar Facebook page.
Alhamdullilah, we meet the holy month again this year. Maher Zain, the popular Muslim artist in his post said that he will be participating again in the ‘Celebrate Mercy’ during the holy month and share his thoughts and views with Muslim scholars around the world.
His post of Sunday, 8 August 2010 says: “While Ramadan is around the corner, I ask you please to be extra kind in the next 30 days by doing acts of good. Let us all remember the destitute people of Pakistan, Gaza and Darfur and elsewhere around the world and give from what Allah has given us. Don’t worry about the amount or value…just do your best and leave the rest to Allah.”
In Brunei, the fasting month is usually mark with more donations like donating cash (more to credit actually) via SMS for the orphans. I dont want to start arguing on how the system is managed, lets just donate sincerely and whole-heartedly.
With the humblest feeling, I bow to Allah’s greatness. Personally, I hope this year will be better than last year and as always, I pray for all Muslims around the world for eternal peace for mankind. May Allah gives His forgiveness and blessings in this holy month, amin.
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