Bruneians Looking Forward To Another Year Of Events

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei has developed a reputation for being dull, however, there are many annual events in Brunei that residents in Brunei can not live without.

From His Majesty`s birthday celebrations, to the Brunei Grand Sale, to cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, a handful of the residents that were interviewed said that it is these events that make Brunei.

"I look forward to His Majesty`s birthday celebrations every year, there`s so much to do, and it is a time in the year when the whole country is celebrating! The crowds, the families gathering at the SOAS field, the food at the night markets, and more," said Ziana Mahmud, a teacher in her 20s.

"His Majesty`s birthday is one of my favourite events, because of all the festivities that are happening," said Nina Ibrahim, a professional working in the private sector.

With the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, many of the Chinese communities are already preparing for it with some of them saying that the celebrations with their friends and families make it one of the highlights of their year.

"Some of my relatives from overseas frequently come down to Brunei specifically for Chinese New Year because the celebration mood and the environment are different from their home in Canada. There are more traditional family dinners at home, and visiting our friends` and relatives` houses is something that makes Chinese New Year a happy time," said Ong Siew Ling, a clerk working in a computer company.

Of course Chinese New Year! There is so much food and we catch up with friends we don`t usually see during the year," said Jeolyn Pang, a part time student from Micronet.

Some have said that the one event they look forward is annual events organised by companies or associations such as NBT`s Treasure Hunt, or the annual Sultan Cup basketball tournament.

"Last year was the first time I joined the NBT treasure hunt and it was so` much fun it was worth every penny, even if I didn`t win," said Izzah Filzah a golf enthusiast. "This year I will be joining again and hopefully I`ll do better" she added.

"Every year, without fail I look forward to the basketball events that happen in Brunei, whether its something big like the Brunei Cup, with teams from around the world coming to Brunei, or if it is something local like the Sultan Cup, where some teams bring in` players from overseas to compete, it is usually filled with excitement," said Yong Yaw Ren, a basketball enthusiast.

"Hari Raya, His Majesty`s Birthday celebrations, the Grand Sale and many other events that we have grown up with is what makes Brunei our home. I can`t imagine celebrating Chinese New Year anywhere else!" said Jeolyn Pang.

The perception that Brunei has no activities for people to do may bring members of the public down sometimes, but with these many events, Bruneians are still kept busy.

Source: www.brudirect.com (14 Januari 2008)
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