From Brunei With Love: Eda Brig - Unplugged Sessions For Pelangi FM

Eda Brig (formerly The Chief Brigade) was recently invited by national Bruneian radio station Pelangi FM to do an acoustic session for them. The set consists of several of their own songs and several covers including one from The Police and another from Foo Fighters. It's a great session overall.

Check it out after the JUMP.

From Brunei With Love: Dayfuckers - Trainwreck Blues

  Dayfuckers - Trainwreck Blues

This is one of several demo songs available on Bruneian four-piece Dayfuckers's Purevolume. Their music style varies from song to song, with elements of Britpop, indie pop, Southern American rock and garage rock with a tinge of grunge all contributing their influences. I wish they used something other than Purevolume though. Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing what these guys have in the near future. Maybe a studio version of these ace tracks?

Signing out

Over and out

The Monopolist - At Sixes And Sevens

The Monopolists - At Sixes And Sevens

Our favourite Strokes 'tribute' band, The Monopolists has released their new single, At Sixes And Sevens. What's captivating about this single is the fact that it shows how much The Monopolists has grown and matured as songwriters. All this while maintaining their knack for catchy, guitar-driven garage rock that comes with all the right hooks and staccato rhythms.

Download the song after the JUMP.

Interview with Adi Rani: Projectunes, BeAT, & Manchester United

Adi Rani is a pop musician, producer and co-founder of record label Projectunes. I'm honoured to have interviewed a person who is one of the leading names in Brunei pop right now, while taking under his wings upcoming talents such as Juju Junaidi, Feez Madea and Aziz Harun.

Citing influences such as Pharell Williams, Paolo Nutini and Timbaland, Adi has produced and performed with many such as Lo Ryder and Wilma Moshek (which I have covered HERE), stamping his own brand of acoustic pop with a passion.

- What's your role in BeAT (Brunei Authors & Composers Association)? What excites you most about it's establishment?

I’m one of the pre-selected directors for Brunei’s first royalty collection agency. What excites me the most will be how this will help the local music scene as to give authors & composers the respect & rights to their written/published materials. For the first time ever, they will be receiving royalties for their work.

- How do you think BeAT will help the music scene in Brunei?

Since BeAT will be enforcing royalties/rights for both local & international authors/composers, those who has been licensed under BeAT Berhad will hopefully start playing local composition as this will help both Brunei’s economy (as money will be paid back to local composers) and also make people more aware on how Brunei have the same quality as what they have overseas.

- What's next after BeAT? Do you have anything planned?

The official launching of BeAT Berhad will be sometime after Hari Raya, so stay tune as will keep everyone posted via Facebook (BeAT Berhad) and the soon-to-be launched official website.

- Tell us about Projectunes. You've got some exciting names in the label. What kind of qualities do you look for when looking to sign someone?

Projectunes Records is an Independent music label started by me (Adi Rani) & Diana Latip back in 2000. Our first hit single was Diana’s “Don’t Wanna (featuring Reza_” which has earned recognition in the Kristal FM international chart & Kristal’s listeners choice award for Best English Song & Best Group/Duo.

We are proud of our repertoire of artists namely NJ, Juju, Spade, Ali Morphine, Khairy, Aziz Harun, Nafee (producer), Diana & myself. We all have different approaches to music so this what makes us more distinctive in the music scene.

Being different & with raw talent is what we usually work for, not those who just want fame, as according to my personal belief, it won't get you anywhere.

- Do you have any new or upcoming releases we should be excited about?

We’ve received tremendous support from the fans after the release of Khairy’s “Hanya Kamu” and now we’re excited to be releasing a new upcoming artists Aziz Harun & Yean (winner of Who’s Got Talent Season 2). Both of them definitely bring something different to the table so everyone should be excited as we were producing their very first single.

- As a producer, who did you enjoy working with most? What's a typical session when collaborating with someone?

I probably enjoyed most of my producing session with Nafee. We try to say whatever we can that will help make the best possible sound and music. Most of the time it's just us both getting into each other's headand making fun of each other's creations, and then there are those that lead to great tunes. Nafee is undoubtedly one of the best in the business and we’re at Projectunes are so proud to have us be the home of his music.

- When did you start learning to play and make music? When did you start thinking you can be a producer?

I was in primary school when I learned my first guitar chords - thanks to my oldest brother - and in 2000 I was then approached by Diana to do a remix of her new single. And the rest we can call it history.

- Who would you like to collaborate with?

I know it’s a long shot but I would love to work with JT, Usher & Jason Mraz (I would like to put MJ but that’s just over shooting it). hahaha

- Who are your idols? Who was the person that made you think "I want to make music"?

My parents, though they’re not musically inclined but they’re the one that always believed in what I can do and proud of what I have achieved be it in music & career.

- What do you listen to in the car? How about your workout music?

50% of the time, both my daughters screaming for formula and the rest is just what the missus usually decides to burn onto the CD. She has a really great taste in music, no wonder she decides to marry one.

Workout? Is that a trick question? haha

- the Projectunes line-up (you especially) did brilliantly in the 2010 VIMAs. How did it feel to receive regional recognition? How do you think it has helped you and Projectunes?

Honestly I wasn’t expecting to win anything during VIMA. I was invited to perform and that itself is an achivement for myself and our artists. Winning the crystal award is just icing to an already delicious cheese cake.

- Are you a gadget freak? What are you favourites?

I am totally a gadget freak. I have a never-ending wishlist of gadgets. Currently I have my iPhone, Macbook Pro & Lumix GF1 to satisfy my lust. Haha

My birthday is coming soon… (12-core Mac Pro anyone?)

- This has nothing to do with music, but I gather that you're a Manchester United fan. What do you think of their prospects this season?

Have you been stalking me? Hahaha

I have a feeling this will be an MU season. Last season was bad with loads of injuries in defence but watching them in pre-season games in USA, Mexico & Ireland, I must say MU is the team to beat.

-----------

You can find Projectunes's official website here, and Adi Rani's profiles on various social networking sites.

http://www.popfolio.net/adirani/
http://www.myspace.com/adirani
http://www.purevolume.com/adirani

Brunei Band Of The Week: Hero For The Day - Shattered Dreams

[If the player does not show up, click HERE to view post in Tumblr]

Shattered Dreams (Hero For The Day)

Now it’s time for something different.

Now technically they’re a band from Brunei, since they formed as a trio there. But Syam (frontman/guitarist) is a Singaporean who lived in Brunei and had to leave because of the compulsory National Service. Bryant ‘Ozozo’ Leong (bassist/backup vocals) is a Bruneian born and bred, but left for Singapore to study. David Chin, the drummer, was left behind.

And now they’re a fourtet, with Arneez on drums and Ardillah as second guitarist (who are both brothers and Syam’s cousin). They’re also based in Singapore now.

Confused?

Don’t be. All that should be irrelevant because at the end of the day, Hero Of the Day (see what I did there?) is an energetic band in the alternative punk rock mould that takes in elements from The Ata… Oh wait, let the boys tell it themselves. Take it away, boys!

Life would be much more easier if each band had their own well-done, professional-looking presskit. And by life, I mean my attempt to introduce you to bands.

Now, about the song itself, it’s a relentless three-and-a-half minutes of post-hardcore with a dash of pop punk. Right from the start, it drags you into the moshpit with its electric riffs and energetic drumming, unwilling to give you any time to even have a second for a breather.

For easy comparison’s sake, imagine Senses Fail, Taking Back Sunday and Amber Pacific brought up a baby together under one roof in a TV sitcom entitled ‘3 Punk Bands & A Baby’. This is what that baby would become when it grows up.

Yeah, go on. That sitcom is going to work, I tell you. I’ve got the script for the pilot episode ready. I just need a TV network to sign me into a multi-million dollar deal. C’mon, anyone?

So if you like that song, (I know I do!), then here are some links for you to indulge yourself in more Hero For The Day.

Download the MP3 HERE.

Visit their myspace HERE.

Become a fan on their Facebook page HERE.

Signing out

Over and out

Interview with Not Famous: Cousins, Chemistry & Caffeine

This is my first interview in quite a while, and I'm stoked about it. I managed to contact Paul Bokhari, drummer of Bruneian punk rock band Not Famous, and he has kindly agreed to be interviewed.

Before I direct you to the Q&A, you might want to check them out all over the interweb. They update their Twitter quite regularly, and they also have a video blog, which you can check out to see what they're up to. Songs from their first album are up for listening/scrutiny on their website.




Not Famous recently performed a series of gigs to mark their comeback after a four-year hiatus and are planning to record a second album very, very soon.

Not Famous is, despite the name, one of the more well-known local bands. Their comeback will definitely mark a change in their sound, and presumably a new-found maturity that might make their second album a more polished, more defined sound than the first. The first was a great pop punk record, akin to early Blink-182 pre-Take Off Your Pants & Jacket/Enema Of The State. The second, well, only Not Famous knows for now. Even Blink-182 had to grow up. And oh, even Blink-182 is planning a comeback record.

I'm M, and Not Famous is NF.

M: What are your primary influences? You remind me a lot of early Blink-182.

NF: A bit of everything. Honestly, we don't see ourselves being synonymous to other bands/groups. We mix it with our juice. Hahaha... and yes, we did started out sounding like Blink182 in the early days but since then, many has changed. Every one of us listens to different kinds of music nowadays.


M: For how long has punk rock been a part of the band members' lives?

NF: It's been way back. We don't think we could recall specifically.


M: The band was formed in 2001. How did that happen? Were you friends a long time before that?

NF: Actually, Adam and Asa are blood brothers and as for Paul, he's a cousin. FIRST cousin. So pretty much, we've been close since we were still running in diapers. Haha. Seriously.


M: Why the name Not Famous?

NF: We were actually participating for a small battle of the bands event held by some friends and we have not named our band during the periods of practice. And it all came in randomly when Paul said 'Not Famous'. Adam & Asa were puzzled but agreed for the name to be used for that event. The name just echoed into our ears from the chant we had from the audience. We kinda liked it and that's how it happened.


M: You recently performed your first show in quite a while. How was it? Any other memorable performances?

NF: It was pretty exciting but at the same time nerve-wrecking. Since we've been on a long 4 years hiatus, things weren't the same anymore. 'We're NOT 18 Anymore'. During the hiatus, we've all learn new things that we have incorporated into making the comeback. There were a lot of hard work and lots of practices as well as new songs to be written to achieve our next goal, the second album for 2010. Although we did screw up some of the songs in on the first show. But we're good. All we need is more practice. As for previous memorable performances, there were many but let's just focus on the future. :)


M: What or who are you lyrical influences? Any musical/non-musical heroes that have influenced you musically or ideologically?

NF: As lyricists, there isn't any other lyrical influences other than life itself. Over the years, we've encountered lots of things. We seemed to be writing our life experiences into our music.


M: I hear you're recording your second album. When will it be released and what's the title?

NF: We have yet to step into the studio for recording until January. We are actually preparing our music accordingly until we can find the best structures and elements for the songs. As for the title of the album, it has not been decided yet. For all we know, we could call it 'The Return Of The PooBags'.


M: Why the long wait for the second album? And what got you guys back into the music scene?

NF: As we got older, life is not what it seems years ago. We've been busy with work and our social lives and in between that, it was difficult to keep track with our schedules together. After all, 'We're NOT 18 Anymore'. Haha :) How we got back into the music scene? Well, its simple really....We kinda miss it! One of the best things being in a band is performing on stage with people you know all your life.


M: How will the second album compare to the first? How have Not Famous developed both as musicians and as people between these two?

NF: It's way different. But then again, we'd rather have the listeners differentiate between the two albums once its out. We'd love to hear the feedback. We've changed a lot over the years as musicians and as people. That's all we can say for now.


M: Suggest us a local band other than Not Famous that you think we should check out.

NF: Well, during our first two recent shows, we got acquainted with a few local bands such as 'Klip', 'D'hask' and 'Bulan'. Check them out.


M: What gear do you use?

NF: Gears? Simply, we are still using our first album equipments. A Washburn Hollow Body guitar, a Fender Jazz Bass and a PDP Drumset. For the second album, we will be using some new equipments to go with the taste of our music including a ukulele, a monkey bass and bongos for audience attractions.


M: What's the song in the first album you guys are most proud of?

NF: We wanna say we like all of them but then, that would be a vicious lie. So in our honest opinion, it's not even a song from the album because it was unofficially released online a month after the album launch and it's called 'Day After Tomorrow'.


M: How far do you think Brunei is from a music industry where musicians become professionally appreciated and can be viable career choices rather than side-projects?

NF: For now, we don't really see that happening but maybe, just maybe in the near future. Don't you think so, Jay? Hmmm....?? Hahaha :)


M: Last question, in five words, describe your band, without using genre labels.

NF: Commitment, Chemistry, Creativity, Curses. And the next other 'C' word will have to be........... Caffeine.

*End of Interview*

I apologise for the constant Blink-182 comparison. I only do it because I was absolutely in love with Blink-182, like everyone else. And I was gutted when I found out they broke up. When I heard that they reunited, I felt like a child again. Not Famous reminds me of that special feeling.

Signing out

Over and out

Loot & Conundrums

So Brunei Hall is fucking empty right now. It's feels almost as if it's deserted.

But hey, even with the few left here to wait for their flights home, Brunei Hall is still dear old Brunei Hall. Here's some things that never change:

KITCHEN KONUNDRUM

Some people never clean up after they used the kitchen. It's irritating as hell when I have to scrub for five minutes just to use a pan for two. And then it's fucking irritating when the BH permanent residents blame it on us, the A-Level transit students. I remember last year someone posted a note on the fridge saying that people should clean their own mess in the kitchen, and I quote, 'especially the A-Level students.'

Ex-fucking-cuse me?

Most of the time, the A-Level students I know wash up, and they wash up properly. In fact, for most of us, we're used to it. No, being in a boarding school doesn't mean all our plates are washed for us.

And damn it, people keep stealing other people's food in the fridge. It's bloody annoying. Just now I found that someone stole 3 of my Quorn sausages. I haven't even fucking opened the box yet. In the past people have drank my soya milk, ate my cheese and stole my sausages. Cheap bastards. Even when I'm fucking starving, I've fought off the temptation of stealing other people's food. Even naming your stuff doesn't eliminate the risk of it being stolen.

LAUNDRY LOOT

The laundry room is a battleground. There's only a few who do this, I think, because this happens less than in the kitchen. But some people have moved my laundry out from the tumble dryer while they were still drenching wet, stole washing powder and just throw stuff anywhere just so they can use the machine.

---

But hey, there's a few good stuff. Like the two massive HD televisions. I mean, they're bloody huge.

And oh, it's cheap, obviously. And it's in Central London.

Signing out

Over and out

Futuristic Demons

I think this Mach 5 looks cool rotating over Hamley's. Hahaha. I still haven't seen the film though.

Anyway, I've delayed my flight back to Brunei for one more day. It's now on July 7th. So I'll be in Brunei 10am on July 8th.

The temporary 'singletons' went out on Wednesday for a Singles' Day Out, since our partners were still all in school doing, well, school stuff. We had a buffet lunch at Pizza Hut just beside Primark, and then we went shopping. It was a good laugh.

I've been watching 'Back To The Future' again, from the start. So far I've revisited Part 1 and Part 2. Part 3 will come soon enough.

'Back To The Future is one of my favourite trilogies ever, probably only second to 'Lord Of The Rings.' I'm not even sure. BTTF is more fun than Rings, definitely. But Rings is so, so epic. It's a masterpiece of storytelling, special effects, and acting.

I want the Nike Airs McFly wore in Part 2, they look amazing. Power-lacing, what an idea. But then after about 23 years, it doesn't look like Nike will ever release it for production. But hey, this is the closest thing to that. And damn, it's pretty damn close. This is the Nike HyperDunk McFly 2015

And this is the one in the film:

They both look wicked. I want a pair. Now.

Oh well.

I can't wait to live in London. Fingers crossed.

I'm still waiting for Pill.

Signing out

Over and out

In Time The Inconsequentials Will Become The Inevitables

So tomorrow is my flight back to the UK, and my feelings are terribly mixed about it. On one hand, I can't help but feel I haven't spent enough time with all of my friends, especially Fee and Yumnie. On the other hand, I simply can't wait to go back.

So what has the first two months back to Brunei taught me? I'm not quite sure. A lot, yet so little at the same time.

Things change. People change. Unexpected new relationships blooming. Unexpected old relationships staying alive or breaking off. This side of the world has changed during my absence, and it feels weird. I'm not thinking country-wise. I mean my friends. It's strange to think that for the past ten months I haven't been directly a part of their lives, and they in mine.

It's unbelievably weird - and incredibly selfish of me - to see and feel envious that these people are doing well without me. Heh. I know. What did I expect. Not that I'm self-centred or anything. I think most would understand what I'm trying to say, rather than intepret it as self-centred.

It's raining planes and helicopters, and one of them is my flight HOME.

Signing out

Over and out

Two Afternoons Of Caffeine & Chocolate

I’ve been working for the British Council these last couple of days, and I enjoyed myself. Maybe I’ll do this again next year. Not to mention to get some extra money. Ahaha. Ha.

The Education UK exhibition was fun, even though I was just a promoter for the feedback survey. I was quite happy with myself, especially when we managed to overshoot the 250 mark by about 100 people. Nice touch. Apparently Bruneians like doing surveys. And oh, getting the free sports bottle that came along with filling them.

It’s amusing what people would do just to get a free souvenir. Some of these people weren’t even considering doing the survey, until I mentioned the free stuff. After that they didn’t even mind queuing up for up to twenty minutes just to fill in the computerised survey. But encouragingly, I must add, a lot of people said yes before even finding out we gave out these free metallic red cylinders of water-containing wonders.

And on Friday afternoon, I volunteered to help out with the pre-departure briefing by of course, the British Council. I was only expecting to be involved in the Q&A section of the whole thing, but Jances & I got asked to give an impromptu talk of living in the UK. It was a short one though, and we did pretty well. One nice touch was when Jances mentioned her experience of the girls in UK talking about how much bigger each other’s boobs have grown. I burst into laughter, holding my face in my hands, in front of the whole audience, and while we weren’t really embarrassed about talking about it, I could see some of the audience actually surprised. That was what made me laugh.

Anyways, I met Vanessa with who I think is her boyfriend Darren. She’s got a new haircut, and dyed her hair, which looked really nice on her. And oh, I think Aainaa must have did her hair too. Both of them look really great with the new hair. Sorry I didn’t mention that when talking to you two.

Signing out

Over and out

Waiting For The Eight Months To Start All Over

I'm again back at Bandar, at Coffee Bean, probably overdosed on Coffee (latte, mainly). I was gonna do research, but I decided to sod it. So I took some personality tests based on my blog, since I recently got my blog listed on Brunei's Blogging Nation. Here's some of the results:

My blog is distinguished by verbosity, and I don't actually know what that word means.

My blog shows I'm 31% male, 69% female. Oh, hahaha. There goes my ego.

I write mainly about myself. Self-centred, anyone?

And I write mainly about the present, then the past, and then the future the least.

My writing style is conventional and the readability is decent.

I see my blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great.

One moment I may be working on a new dramatic design for my blog...

And the next, I'm passionately writing about my pet causes.

My blog is very important - and I'm careful about who I share it with.

So that's that. Basically I'm an effeminate, self-centred, conventional but passionate and artistic. Not bad, I guess.

Signing out

Over and out

A Mention For An Amendment Decades In The Making

For the second day in a row, I'm having breakfast at De Royalle Cafe, here in Bandar, with really not much to do than go online, check Facebook & Multiply, and recently, starting to read blogs from Brunei's very own Blogging Nation. But in all honesty, going online isn't always unproductive. Just by a few random clicks and and BAM! You find out something you didn't even imagine could even be true, likely or possible. That's literally how I ended up being a vegan. A few random clicks and there I was, pondering over the ethics of animal exploitation.

[skip this part if you get bored easily. Hahaha]

With creativity though, there's a lot you can do online. There's this Wikipedia game that people play, where you have to link two seemingly unrelated topics. Here's how it works:

Choose two totally unrelated topics. Eg. Mitsubishi, and Anne Frank

Then choose a starting point. I'll choose Anne Frank as an example. Enter it on Wikipedia

Then read the article, looking for any links for articles that might get you one step closer to achieving your final goal, Mitsubishi, in as few clicks as possible.

I've gone from Anne Frank to Germany to Japan to Mitsubishi. Accomplished!

Hahahahaa.

I know what you're thinking. This is the saddest game I've ever heard. And yes, it kinda is. But it's still good fun.

[Yes, it's safe now]

Anyways, so I'm bored here. I'm not gonna say I'm bored out of my mind because the truth is, I'm not THAT bored. Facebook is a good companion. BBC News is on the telly, so you can't really say I'm not learning anything while I'm sitting here sipping my Caramel Latte in De Royalle.

The rain is soothing. It's a soft drizzling delicate shower. And unlike when it rains in the UK, the sky is still bright. Makes for a good walk under the rain. Although since I've got lunch later at somewhere else, I don't plan to get wet here and now. And since I've been spending much more time in Bandar (no, don't call me a Poklen. Hahaha), I've noticed there are loads of tourists around. And they all look the same, with their khaki shorts and oversized camping bags. And oh, a big-ass camera hanging around their neck. I guess it's some kind of tourist uniform rule that all European/American tourists wear when going to a tropical country. Hoho. Ha. A lot of them hang out at De Royalle too, apparently.

By the way, there's an Education UK / British Council exhibit going on tomorrow at Rizqun, the Mall. Fourth floor, Sutra Hall. I'll be working there as a promoter for the feedback survey. Sounds fun. Ish. The task, though simple, seems a bit daunting. They're aiming for 200-250 people to answer the survey, and I'm supposed to get those 250 people. A bit of a struggle, I predict. It'll be from 1pm to 6pm, if anyone's wondering. Be there. I'll be at the entrance. And do come in hundreds. Makes my job easier to get those survey forms done. Hahaha.

I guess my holiday isn't as unproductive as it seems at first glance. So far I've been to two pre-departure briefing for new scholars, and is expecting another one this Friday. I've looked after my grandfather in the hospital, essentially learning how to take care of the elderly. I've looked at universities, courses and grade requirements. I guess this amounts to being (somewhat) relatively productive, considering I've had three attachment applications unreplied and ignored.

And oh, being in UK for eight months, you gain new insight to how Brunei is, against how it seems to be. I don't intend to elaborate on that point, because it could get too tedious.

Signing out

Over and out

A Predicted Epiphany Amidst Life And Death

Grandpa will be out today. Mainly this news is a relief. Five of my last eight nights were spent here, in Ward 4, staying up till the wee hours of the morning.

I won't say it's been a nightmare though. I've always enjoyed taking late night and early morning walks, when it's quiet and lonely. Pure solace. I remember the walks I used to have with Daeena, from Brunei Hall to Piccadilly Circus. We browsed through Bond Street till 4am. I used to go to Portland Stores at 1am with Farah (She's back today, from Dhaka!) just so I could get out for ten minutes. That was time well spent.

And apparently it's attachment time for the Nursing College students. At least there's something you look forward to seeing everyday. Hahaha. Ha.

Wi-Fi is weak today, so I'm blogging using my phone. I'm gonna miss the free wireless internet here. Hoho. Ha.

Signing out

Over and outinternet, Brunei

Mixed Emotions & Two Thousand Minutes Of Boredom

This guy is a Koopa Troopa, a turtle species in the Super Mario video games, whose members work for Bowser, the villain.

I felt like posting the picture, because I'm currently playing Super Mario 64, which was released about a decade ago. I've been playing it on my laptop, and I still find it so fun even though it's an old game.

There's also another reason I posted this picture. She will know. Hahaha.

I had a mixed day today.

The afternoon was wonderful. I spent it with Fee at Gadong. I thought it was worth it spending my few free hours from the hospital, with her, after a while not seeing her.


Shopping was fun. I'm probably one of the most patient guys (not including boyfriends) when it comes to shopping with girls. At least I think I am. But I don't know. I don't think it's because I'm patient. It's probably because I do enjoy it.

But the night. Oh wow. I remember now why I didn't like family gatherings that much.

I hate the back-stabbing, the feuding, the hidden agendas... All this while my grandpa lies on his bed asleep, trying to recover from whatever is wrong with him...

Oh well. I will be far away from this in one month.

Signing out

Waiting The Night In Three Different Devices

I'm scared.

I'm here, sitting beside my grandpa's bed, in Ward 4 of the hospital, wondering, "what next?"
His words are weak, and he keeps on asking the same questions, and patiently we give him the same answers.

He's stable. I'm thankful for that. He looks like he'll get through.

But then, I'm still scared.

I wasn't in Brunei when my grandma died about four months ago..

Now, whatever happens, I'm here.

I'll stay here until tomorrow afternoon, then someone else takes over. It's like taking shifts, I guess.

I can't say much at the moment, because I can't really think..

Signing out

Over and out

Tired & Thinking

You would think, that having your holidays would at least mean having a few days doing nothing, staying at home the whole day, renewing your bond with the TV and the microwave oven. But so far, twenty days later, I have had no such days. I've been one way or another out every single day.

There was this one day I almost got through without going out at all, but my parents had to ruin it by saying "Mau ikut jalan shopping?" 5 hours before midnight struck. Yeah, sure, I could've said no, but when parents say that, there's a chance you get to shop without spending your own money. Haha. Ho.

Weirdly, most of my going-outs have been food-related. Well, it isn't really weird, I guess. But the fact is, me being a vegetarian doesn't lend myself to a lot of choices. For example, at Excapade, out of a diverse choice of sushi and japanese food, I could only order three dishes.

Okay, sure, sushi is primarily fish anyway. Good point. But everywhere else, it's the same. So far, Caper's is the best place if you're vegetarian like me. At home, it's actually much worse. You can't get the kind of soy milk that acts as a substitute for cow milk. Bruneian veggie dishes are appalling on their own. Everything has chicken/beef/shrimp/eggs. And so on. I need to go. Sleep. Zzz.

Signing out.

Over and out

Cars & Carousels

Seeing that it was HM's birthday yesterday, we, the three MJs, went out to Bandar, y'know, just to get a taste of the festivities. And fuck, the capital didn't feel festive at all. It wasn't exactly dead, but it wasn't that lively. There was a lot of people, but there simply was just nothing happening. Meeting up with my other cousins felt awkward for me.

Y'know the connection people have with their cousins? Well, I kinda wish I have that with some of my cousins. Meeting them sometimes felt like just meeting an acquaintance. At least I had a bit of fun with the two other MJs, since it was a long time since we hung out together. Too bad the other MJ is in Kuwait. Happy 23rd birthday to her, by the way. Haha.

Since Bandar was too fucking boring, we decided to get something to eat in Kiulap, at Sugar & Spice. I was supposed to meet up with Fee & Dibs at Au Lait Cafe, but that didn't happen. Got back around midnight, and by the end I was so tired and full I crashed onto my bed straight away. Oh, by the way, the other three MJs are my cousins, Messoni, Nana (Mel) and Yayai (Melline). Cool, eh? Haha.

Signing out.

Over and out

Time & Taste

I went out today for the umpteenth time since I got back one and a half weeks ago, which I think is bloody impressive for a person who didn't bother to get his license, lives 45 minutes from anywhere in Brunei and is still supposed to be jetlagged. Oh well, stranger things have happened.

So I went out for dinner at Caper's at Kiulap with Fee and Afham - my treat - and we managed to have a good time. It was quite chilled. My first time at Caper's, and I think I quite like the place. Before dinner, I was at Coffee Bean in Gadong just doing some holiday research, and I bumped into Ruzaidah and Anisah, and I'm not kidding you, a few years back they actually formed a fan club of three, just for my hair. My freakin' hair, though I must say, it's quite flattering. When was the last time someone formed a fan club for a part of your body? Haha.

We actually chatted for quite a while in the Bean, before we parted ways. It's not often that I update my blog with pretty mundane stuff. Forgive me.

Signing out.

Over and out

Thinking & Hoping

I'm still trying to move on, after the shock of hearing the news that my grandmother had died. When I heard about it, it took a few hours for the sadness to sink in. And when it did, I found myself in lessons staring at thin air, ignoring everything around me. It was hard enough to concentrate in lessons. It was even harder to hold back the tears in front of everyone.

It was ironic I found out about it after more than a week it happened. Through my cousin's blog. It sucks, having to find it out by yourself like that. I felt angry because no one told me about it directly.

But when I rang my parents, I kinda understood why they didn't wanna tell me. They were simply being pragmatic. I respect them for it. They didn't tell me right away so I didn't have to fly all the way back for the funeral. It would've cost a lot of money. And it would've severely disrupted my studies. My dad was calm. I knew he didn't want me to get too emotional about it. "Belajar saja... Jangan tah ingau. Doa kan saja nini mu atu.. Karang kau balik, tarus kita ke kubur, bertahlil." It's really strange - but I guess, entirely predictable - that what my dad said was so similar to what my uncle said to his daughter, who's also in the UK. It took me quite a lot of composure to construct the next sentence, because I could feel the tears trying to pour out. "Camana nini laki?"

That's one thing I'm really grateful about, is that my grandfather is doing well. He's relieved of intensive care, and is now home and healthy. He collapsed in the jungle around the same time my grandmother was in the hospital, he and was sent to intensive care. When my grandmother died, he was unconscious. So he didn't find out till later..

This is an excerpt of the blog from my cousin (21st April 2007), which broke my heart when I read it...

"It tears me up even more to hear that my grandfather doesn't know my grandmother has passed away. His heart is weak, and they don't want to make it worse. Apparently they had a few minutes to each other, as though they knew their time was up. So maybe he does know, though no one has told him. How can a heart not break hearing that?

... But today, even with a heavy heart, I felt thankful that her death made me realize I'm not a robot. That I can feel again. That I can shed tears and ache at a loss. That I am weak and have fears. That I am human and have regrets. Regrets that I didn't always treat my grandmother well. Regrets that I didn't spend as much time as I should've as her favourite grandchild. I wasn't bad to her, but I wasn't good either. And yet, she loved me."

One recurring image that's been going through my head since her death is the image of her with tears, in the airport, when I was about to leave for the UK. At the time, I was really touched, because I didn't spend as much time with her as her other grandchildren, but she still loved me as much. But I didn't think much of it at the time, because I thought I would see her again during the summer. She was such a strong character, with such a beautiful laugh, and a generous hand. I liked going to my grandparents' house, and I regretted the fact that I didn't go there as much as I should have.

She was the midwife and the masseusse of the village. She was quite the woman. Everyone in the village knew her. Every weekend there would always be someone visiting her for a massage.

Nini bini, you will be forever missed

Signing out

Over and out

Changes & Cages

I am just bloody fuckin' jaded of school right now. I just can't be bothered. It's two and a half months away till the summer holidays, and already I can't stop thinking about it. And the non-stop attacks of the mocks isn't really helping either. I think I screwed up my English mocks. 45 minutes isn't much time to write 1,000 words. And one and a half hours isn't enough to write two 1,000 words essays.

The fact that I'll probably have four weeks of attachment (2 weeks with RTB, 2 weeks with Borneo Bulletin) doesn't deter me from the summer holidays. I think it's good I'm getting to know this media stuff. I'm currently looking into it. I've been wanting to do journalism or even TV for a while now. Media studies would be cool. Just wait. Ten years from now, there'll be a Bruneian TV channel (or better, something like ASTRO or SkyTV, a network service) called JTV. Hahahaha. Sure, it sounds cheesy. Sure, it sounds narcissistic. And sure, it sounds just like MTV. But hey, I've got ten years to think about this. It won't be JTV by the time I'm done with it :P Haha. Ha. Ho.

Before I sign out, I'll show you guys a poem I wrote. :D

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I remember you
Far and away
But close and cherished
Over the imagined waters
We'll soar
We'll conquer
We'll make us together again
The voices will whisper
And the laughs get louder
And the heart gets warmer
Heaven's smile brings no relief
To this expectant soul
For he waits for the summertime

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Signing out

Over and out

P.S. Yeah, sure Deebs. You can have your own cooking show or travel journal show on my network :P Hahahaha.