Chicken pox "on the loose"

16th September 2011

During this festive season, visiting family and friends is definitely one of the main activities. Unfortunately for us, that had to be limited. The reason - chicken pox. Safiya got infected about a week ago and is now almost completely healed. Unfortunately, it's Safwan's turn at the moment. Thankfully, both my siblings did not have any fever and only complain about the itching and a bit of pain when the lesions burst. One good thing coming out from this - my parents won't have to worry about any of us having chicken pox anymore!

Openhouse for Malaysian visitors

3rd September 2011

This year, our first few days of Hari Raya were a bit busier than usual. Our grandparents had catering reservations to attend to, and at the same time Nini Laki was welcoming a group of visitors from Malaysia who were here to experience celebrating Hari Raya in Brunei. Their main aim definitely was to visit the Sultan's palace (Istana Nurul Iman) since it is open for three days to the public. Who wouldn't want the chance to roam the palace grounds, and meet the monarch and the royal family up close, right?

In support of their intention of experiencing the warmth of Bruneians, mummy had agreed to Nini Laki's suggestion to invite the visitors to our home last night. Nini Bini cooked a lot of Brunei traditional dishes. Unfortunately though, due to limited time, daddy's plan to serve ambuyat had to be cancelled. It would have been a great experience for our guests.

Before the night ended, they performed a zikir or marhaban and kindly presented some gifts to show their appreciation. We surely hope that they bring back home fond memories of the Abode of Peace.

Wishing all Muslims Eid Mubarak

31st August 2011

To all Muslims in Brunei Darussalam and all over the world

We wish you Eid Mubarak

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin"

These pictures were taken this morning during our short visit to a local photographic studio for our annual family picture, together with our cousin, Kaka Eyah

Hair cut for Hari Raya

30th August 2011

It's moon sighting day today to determine whether tomorrow will be the first day of Eid or Hari Raya. Everyone seem to be busy doing last minute preparations in case the moon is sighted, and we were no exception. All barber shops are full of customers, but we were lucky to locate one which looks like was just recently open, as such we did not have to queue up.

It was fun teaming up with my baby brother. He finished first of course, having lesser hair than me! Hehehe...

NBT Eid display 2011

28th August 2011

Every year, one of Brunei's famous car agents, NBT, prepares amazing displays in celebration of various events, including the upcoming Hari Raya festivities. This year, the display is beautiful as always, and we did take some pictures on our way home in the afternoon today.

Cousin Nazrah's birthday party

31st August 2011

Our cousin, Nazrah, actually celebrates her birthday on August 11th every year. However, since we are welcoming the fasting month very soon, Ngangah decided to have the party in advance for her beloved daughter. The event was held last night at Sugar Bun Manggis.

Here are some pictures taken last night:

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims

Ramadhan Mubarak!

May this holy month bring forgiveness, happiness and all the great things Allah has to offer. Happy fasting everyone.

Our night out in Bandar Seri Begawan

27th July 2011

As is the tradition every year, during the celebration of His Majesty's birthday, stalls are put up in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan offering various things on sale. In Brunei, we always refer to this as "perayaan".

We had dinner at one of the open-air restaurants, and then took a short walk around and went home. Hehehe... we couldn't spend a long time on our feet since mummy is pregnant. The night was short and sweet, nonetheless.

Ballerina Safiya

25th July 2011

We did mention in the previous post that Safiya had performed at the private birthday dinner for His Majesty The Sultan. Safiya actually performed two routine together with her dance group (one of whom is Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah), i.e. ballet and hip-hop.

As a sign of respect to the hosts, we decide not to publish pictures taken during the event. However, here are some pictures of Safiya taken at home as soon as mummy finished doing her hair, and backstage when Safiya was getting ready to perform her ballet dance.

Safiya was definitely happy becoming a ballerina for a night!

Too good to be true

24th July 2011

In conjunction with His Majesty The Sultan's birthday celebration this year, Safiya was among the lucky few chosen to perform at His Majesty's private dinner presented by the royal family last night.

When attending a full rehearsal the day before, mummy brought me along so that I could have a glimpse at the performances (since seats were limited only for Safiya and my parents at the actual event). I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a familiar face on stage... it's Maher Zain! Our family have been admiring the famous singer for quite sometime. His Islamic-themed songs capture our hearts everytime we hear them.

I immediately said to mummy, "I can't believe a real singer is in front of me!". Nevertheless, mummy didn't get me at first since she was busy helping Safiya change into her dancing costumes. I think it was only when I repeated my words the third time that mummy realised who I was talking about.

It took me a while to finally get the courage to come up to my favourite singer and asked to take pictures with him. Oh, I was sooooo excited!

Of course, being a fan himself, daddy caught up with Maher Zain backstage during the main event and snapped a photo as well.

We love you, Maher Zain!

Safwan at the tailor shop

17th July 2011

Hehehe... Just want to share pictures of our brother at the tailor shop, in preparation for Hari Raya next September. Being happy as always, he even made the tailor smile.