Brunei Pinoy

So Much to Do and Yet Find No Time to Update

2010-07-24T13:15:00.000+08:00

I have not been taking my time to update my blog for a very very very long time. I went back to the Philippines with my wife for 9 days in the Philippines this early July. Then we make another trip to Kuala Lumpur for 7 days together with the children. KL trip was a last minute arrangement since my in laws would like us to join in for the travel trip organized by the MLM company that he is involving with. So it was a paid holiday for us. We spent 2 days at Genting and then another 3 days at KL. We also witnessed the grand opening of the factory plant of the MLM company at Puchong area.

The MLM company had been expanding its business influence at Middle East & Africa though it was first started at the Philippines. My father in law was spending most of his time out of the Philippines to train the distributors at Middle East & Africa to do the MLM business.

Actually there is so much to talk about running your own business to achieve your financial freedom. But this will definitely take time and perseverance to do so.

Recently, I came across an article at The Strait Times about a Filipino maid inherited a wealth of 6 million Singapore dollars from her employer. She was working for her employer in Singapore for 24 years. Her employer (who was single) decided to pass the wealth to her when she passed away last year. So the maid is now a MILLIONAIRE... You can read more about this article by clicking the links below. Happy reading guys...

1. Article from the Straits Times
2. Article from Manila Bulletin

Hello from Singapore

2010-06-25T16:52:00.001+08:00

I was here in Singapore for training since last Sunday and I will be going back to Brunei tonight.

It was raining heavily here this morning and there were certain areas that was flooded. I am glad that the rain has finally stopped since I need to catch my flight back to Brunei.

You can read more about the flood in Singapore this morning by clicking here.

More Photos on Gyver on RTB Talentime 2010

2010-06-18T22:18:00.000+08:00

Gyver managed to send me his photos while he was on stage during the RTB Talentime 2010.

Gyver's Photos During Talentime 2010

2010-06-14T16:52:00.001+08:00

These are the photos I got from Gyver. No photos when he was on the stage. If you have some photos to share, please email to me at bruneipinoy@gmail.com. Thanks a lot

112th Philippine Independence Day

2010-06-12T09:29:00.001+08:00

Philippine Independence Day is celebrated on every 12 June. This year Philippines is celebrating its 112th Independence Day. The theme for this year is "Kalayaan - Tagumpay ng Bayan".

As usual, there will be a flag hosting ceremony on 12 June. It was held at Ang Bahay during the term of Her Excellency Virginia Benavidez but this year it will be held at the Philippine Embassy.

The Philippine Embassy is inviting the Filipino community to join the Filipino Community Leader's Gathering which will be held on Sunday, 13th June 2010 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Philippine Embassy Chancery. Gyver, who is the winner of RTB Talentime 2010 will render a song during this event as well. So come by if you are free.

Gyver is the Winner of RTB Talent Time 2010

2010-06-11T23:51:00.004+08:00

Congratulation to Gyver for winning the RTB Talent Time 2010 at Amphitheatre, Jerudong. I really missed the show since I was at the Manggis Mall attending my friend's daughter wedding.

I am waiting for all the photos so that I can upload it into the blog. So just stay tune.

Those of you who would like to congratulate him can either call or send him a text at +673-8816635.

Additional Article:
My interview with Gyver
Article by Borneo Bulletin

FIFA World Cup 2010

2010-06-10T22:29:00.001+08:00

The great happening for the next one month will be at South Africa. Oh yes, it is the FIFA World Cup.

I am not a football fans but do watch football once in a while.

For those who are interested to keep track of the World Cup, you can download the schedule.

Gyver on RTB Talent Time 2010 This Friday

2010-06-09T18:10:00.002+08:00

Final for RTB Talent Time 2010 will be held at Jerudong Amphitheatre at 8:00pm on this Friday, 11 June 2010. Gyver is one of the finalists for this competition.

There are seats allocated for all the supports of Gyver. So those who are interested to support Gyver on that night, please contact his mother Edna (8816635) for more details.

I am going to attend my friend's daughter wedding at Hua Ho Manggis Mall. So I can't attend the show. Those of you who are going, please take some pictures and email to me so that I can update in this blog.

Lastly, enjoy the show everybody.

Additional Article:
Get Set for Talentime 2010 tonight (Source taken from Borneo Bulletin)

Health Check Promo from JPMC

2010-06-05T18:17:00.007+08:00

My friend, Maricel passed me some flyers mentioning that Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) will be running a Health Check Promo for Lovely Mum and Greatest Dad. I missed out getting the promo last year and I would definitely want to avail for the promo this year. There is a saying - "Health is Wealth and Wealth is Health." So don't neglect our body. We can spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to buy hand phone, LCD TV, Home Sound System, laptop, desktop, car, etc... but not willing to invest a few hundred for our health. I think it is time for us to really look into our health seriously since most of the food we consume nowadays are mostly processed, frozen especially FAST FOOD.

Offer will end at 4:30pm on 30th June 2010 but last day of redemption will be 30th November 2010. So whoever would like to treat his/her mum & dad for this health check, please call the telephone number shown in the flyer. Click the image for bigger view.

The Counter Attack of Royal Brunei Against Cebu Pacific

2010-06-05T01:59:00.004+08:00

Just a few days after Cebu Pacific launched its promo fare from Brunei to Manila, Royal Brunei Airlines came out with their weekend sales. With B$370, the airfare includes Brunei airport tax, fuel surcharge, up to 20kg baggage allowance, option to choose your seat and they forgot to mention FREE MEALS ON BOARD. Haha.

To avail for this fare, you need to purchase your ticket at RBA Ticket Office and Service Center on every Saturday and Sunday until 29 August, 2010. Traveling period valid from 14 August to 31 December 2010. There is definitely a great challenge to Royal Brunei on the Manila sector since they are the only airlines flying direct from Brunei to Manila before Cebu Pacific announced of its operation to Brunei. But to the customer point of view, this is good because they could now pay a lower fare to go back to the Philippines. I remembered paying around B$580 for my airfare to Manila last year. A great savings for all.

So which airlines offers a better rate to us as customers? Let's just do some calculation. With the normal fare (B$99 per way) of Cebu Pacific with insurance and Web Admin fee, you will pay B$214 for the return flight. This will give you 15kg baggage allowance. So if you want to make it to 20kg, you need to pay B$40 extra (online rate only) . Then you need to pay Brunei airport tax of $12. It will be a total of B$266 for a return fare. This is B$104 cheaper than RBA. Para sa baon na to.

With comparison to flight schedule, Cebu Pacific flies 2 times a week whereas RBA flies 3 times a week. Flight time for Cebu Pacific from Brunei is at 2:25am and arrive Manila at 4:15am. Many said it is a good time dahil walang trapik. Haha. I totally agree with them.

Lastly, RBA lands at NAIA Terminal 2 whereas Cebu Pacific lands at Terminal 3. Again, for those who are connecting their next Cebu Pacific flight to their province, they don't really need to transfer to another terminal. Unlike using RBA, you definitely need to go to Domestic Terminal, Centennial Terminal or Terminal 3 for any connecting flight depending on what airlines you are using.

But overall, the choice is yours. Do write some comments if you have anything to add. Maraming salamat po.

Cebu Pacific Fare in December

2010-06-03T01:00:00.001+08:00

Cebu Pacific is running its normal fare (B$99) per way for the month of December 2010 onward. I am not sure whether they will have any promo fare offer in Sept or Oct. Budget Airline promotion is really hard to predict.

The fare from Manila to Brunei on 4 Jan 2011 is now B$139. Yesterday morning was only B$99. So now there is an increase of B$40. So better grab it fast before the price goes up again.

For those of you who are traveling within Aug 21 to Nov 30, try to buy your ticket latest by 4 June for the promo fare of B$29 per way with 15kg checked bags.

Gyver Not In Top 4 of WGT Season 2

2010-06-02T11:07:00.000+08:00

Gyver had the biggest fan group on 30 May when he performed at the Mall. I was there and indeed he put on a good show to all.

The final result was announced on 31 May night. Gyver was not chosen to be in the Top 4.

I believe this is a good exposure for Gyver. This talent show is not just based on singing so it's not easy for all the judges to give their scoring.

Gyver would be performing again at RTB Pilihan Talentime 2010 at Amphitheatre on 11 June 2010. So, for all the fans of Gyver, please go and support him on that night. I would like to say to Gyver - "Go for the GOLD and make your dream becomes reality."

Cebu Pacific Is Coming to Brunei

2010-06-02T00:06:00.014+08:00

After a long wait, Cebu Pacific is finally coming to Brunei.

The flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Manila is at 2:25am and flight from Manila to Bandar Seri Begawan is at 11:50pm. Only 2 flights in a week.

Sales Period is from 2 - 4 June 2010. Travel Period is from 21 August to 30 November 2010. You can go to www.cebupacificair.com to make your booking.

I think most of the people would like to see the travel period extends to December since most would like to go back during that time. I had traveled with Cebu Pacific on both domestic and international flights. These were my experiences. The service is good but beware of excess baggage. The price for excess baggage is extremely EXPENSIVE as compared with Airasia. ~~If you need to size up your baggage, you can only do it during the time of buying the ticket. So you better make sure of your weight before you book the ticket.~~ I just found out that you can actually Purchase Add-ons like Excess Baggage after you purchase your ticket. This is basically a new feature from Cebu Pacific. Thumb UP to that.

To those who will fly back to Manila on 22 August 2010 - Bon Voyage and enjoy your first Cebu Pacific flight from Brunei to Manila. Better give me some comments after that flight.

Checkout the Fare from Bandar Seri Begawan to Manila - 22 August 2010 to 21 Spet 2010. Promo Fare of B$58 (excluding airport taxes) with 15 kg checked luggage. WOW!!! That's really really really CHEAP.

Click on the image to see a bigger view

Filipino Food Festival at Season's Restaurant

2010-05-30T15:14:00.001+08:00

In conjunction with the Philippines Independence Day on June 12, 2010, Season's Restaurant is having Filipino Food Festival from June 1 to 7.

Baiduri Card Members are entitled to special discounts during the promotion period. There will be cultural performance incorporation with Regina Villajos on 1st, 4th, 5th & 7th June at 8:30pm.

Dine with Season's Restaurant and stand a chance to win Special Prizes. So KAIN NA TAYO!

Gyver Advancing to WGT 2 Final

2010-05-30T14:59:00.000+08:00

I received a sms from Gyver last night that he made it to the Top 10 of Who's Got Talent Season 2. The final will be held today (30 May 2010) at the Mall today at 6:00pm.

So bring the whole barangay to support our Kababayan, Gyver. He wants to go for GOLD and be the winner of this WGT2.

All the best to Gyver Concon.

Sorry for not updating so far

2010-05-18T21:56:00.000+08:00

I am kind of busy for the past few days. A lot of projects that I need to look into. It's good my children had finished their mid year exam.

I am going to feature some more Filipinos within this month. If you would like to be featured, you can email to bruneipinoy@gmail.com so that I can arrange a time to meet with you.

Take care and God bless you all.

E-Passports And New Consular Fees Starting 17 May 2010 at Philippines Embassy

2010-05-14T17:26:00.003+08:00

Please take notice that the Philippine Embassy will start accepting and issuing e-Passport applications beginning 17 May 2010 and will no longer issue machine-readable passports (MRP).

The new e-Passport will cost BD102.00 and will be compliant with world standards in travel documents. At present, e-Passports are already being used in more than 60 countries worldwide. In the ASEAN region, five countries (Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia) are already issuing e-Passports. In the future, all countries will be switching to e-Passports due to the need to enhance border security.

Please click HERE to read more.

Updated Votes as of 11:24pm - May 10

2010-05-10T23:54:00.000+08:00

This is the update votes as of 11:24pm.

For President - Noynoy is leading with around 8.9 million counts. Estrada is around 5.6 million counts.

For Vice President - Binay is leading with 8.9 million counts. Roxas is around 8.2 million counts. Neck to neck.

Live Streaming for Halalan 2010 Counting

2010-05-10T22:43:00.001+08:00

I just came across this URL link that perhaps you would like to watch the live streaming of the Philippines Election counting.

As for 9:45pm, COMELEC tallied 38.25% Votes. Noynoy is leading the Presidency Vote and Binay is leading the Vice Presidency Vote.

Please click HERE to watch it online. Happy viewing.

Halalan 2010

2010-05-10T01:00:00.001+08:00

Today marks the important day for the nation of the Philippines.

Who will be chosen to be the next President of the Philippines?

How successful will be the automated voting since we are still hearing so many bad news about the PCOS machine?

I think all of us have tons of questions in our minds but we need to wait for another few days before we can know who will be chosen President. Let's pray that the election voting will run smoothly despite of so many shortcomings.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T13:46:00.001+08:00

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers on 9 May 2010.

My children are having exam from this week onward and we can only celebrate Mother's Day after their exam on next Thursday.

Here are some of the good quotes that I come across and I would like to post them to greet all the mothers.

Motherhood is tough 24 hour job,no pay,no day off, sometimes it is unappreciated, but yet resignation is impossible. A mother is a woman who created by God to bring love, joy, happiness and caring into his world. I am so glad God has created a woman to be a mother, even though motherhood is a full time job, a mother's work is never done.
| ------------------------------ |
A mother's love is something that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring came what may.
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away.......
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking..
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest brightest gems....
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanations
And it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation...
A many splendoured miracles man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender loving hand.

The Resting Place of Edwin's Body

2010-05-06T22:58:00.003+08:00

Edwin's body was transported back to Bacolod on early Monday morning this week (3 may 2010). His body was buried yesterday. It was indeed an emotional moment for Thess because only at that every moment when the coffin was lowered to the ground, that Anya knew that his father was no more alive. She cried and wanted to go with the father. Anya was very close to her dad since she was with him most of the time.

Thess will be coming back to Brunei via KK on this coming Sunday because her reentry visa will expire by next week. Anya will be left in the Philippines for the time being. Thess will then go back again in June since that was really the actual plan for the whole family to go back for 1 month vacation. She will bring Anya with her after June vacation. It was indeed a blessing for her to have an understandable employer who is giving her another time off again in June. Let's take some time to call or visit when she is back here in Brunei. This will serve as a great support and encouragement for her. She needs more friends to be around her at this time.

This blog started because of Edwin. Though Edwin is no longer here, I believe this blog will still go on since there are many lives to be featured here. Let's live a fulfilling and fruitful life while we are here on earth so that we can leave our legacy behind for people to read about our story and remember the works that we had done.

5 More Days Before May 10

2010-05-05T01:27:00.001+08:00

Have you voted yet? There are 5 more days to go before May 10. Please vote as soon as possible. Your vote is important.

There are some issues with the PCOS machines in the Philippines at this moment. Image recalling 76,000 memory cards. Pray that the technical problems can be fixed on time or else they might postpone the voting date.You can click the links below to read more about this issue:

1. Voting Machines Fail (from Inquirer)
2. PCOS Machines Fail (from Manila Bulletin)
3. Voting Machines Mulfunction (from Philippines Star)
4. Postponing Election "The Only Remedy", Arroyo lawyer says (from GMA News)

Important Announcements at Philippines Embassy

2010-05-02T15:33:00.001+08:00

There are some important announcements which are posted at the main entrance of the Philippines Embassy.

Please view the photos below:

Please take note the training is in KUALA BELAIT

Just For Curiosity

2010-05-02T15:22:00.003+08:00

Just for curiosity, I went to the Certified List of Overseas Absentee Voters (CLOAV) folders to check whether Edwin Serevo name is in there.

YES, his name is there. Who do you think he will vote as President and Vice President?

Again a reminder for those who have not voted, please go and vote as soon as possible. Please cast your vote at the poll on the left widget on this website as well.

Edwin in CLOAV folder