when average isn't just ordinary...

Although I'm not a local here in this great country of Brunei... I've grown up here perhaps for the majority of my life...

So I guess part of me will always belong to this small humble country... I mean come on... where else can you get oil prices this cheap and enjoy the peace and stability of a great nation?

But perhaps the most awesomest thing that has happened to me... that makes me love this country even more so is this...

I'd be lying if I said that I'm keeping this blog frequently updated. Fact is I'm not, but well there's not much I can do about it with college being my main commitment. So here's a small update on my status before I get into the main content of this post.

Well for those of you who are in the same college as me, you would know that it's exam time once again, and this time it's our mocks (mocks=fake, but in this context we gotta take "fake" seriously" o.o)

I just finished my Biology papers and am left with 2 more papers to go (THS 2 and Physics 2). And since those exams won't be sat for anytime soon (by this I mean the very next day), I've decided to take it down a notch and slide myself into "first gear". Being in "8th gear" till the wee hours of midnight for my exams this pass week has definitely taken it's toll on me, physically and mentally.

College so far has been interesting, and nothing but eventful. Met great new friends who have made the college experience amazing. And during this period of "blogging absence" things have changed around here. Friends have left overseas for further studies (you know who you are ;D) and well it's natural to miss them. So for those of you out there reading this at the moment, I've not forgotten you and am always thinking about you =D.

With that, let's move on to the main post...

BRID EX 2009!!!

BRIDAL EXHIBITION 2009!!! THIS my friends, is what all them boys in this country have been all worked up for. THE BIGGEST EVER BRIDAL EXHIBITION has come to showcase, in all it's splendour, here in Brunei!

A guy can never be too early to start preparing... weddings are an expensive business after all and it would do all guys good to get researching well ahead to save up enough ;D

So... YOU CANNOT IMAGINE HOW EXCITED I WAS!!! T.T

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Ofcourse, I'm kidding =__="

What BRID EX really is the BRunei Darussalam International Defence EXhibition.

This is the second year that BRID EX is organized in Brunei, the last one in 2007. The expo basically is a conference and exhibition where participating countries meet and showcase (snob off and show off) their latest in military technology for everyone to see. And of course us being the sakai public we are, who wouldn't wanna go and see things that go boom... and MORE.

I was lucky enough to score a ticket to the event (courtesy of Fadhli).

It was Friday, 14th August. Hung and I met Fad at his house and then we were on our way to Jerudong Exhibition Centre.

It took a while to reach Jerudong, not just because Jerudong is far but because so many people we're going to BRID EX that the road there was jam packed.

Fad



Hung

We hoped to reach there before 3pm, because the airshow would start at that time. We reached the Jerudong Park Playground Carpark, with 15 minutes to spare before the air show, and took a shuttle to the site. (All visitors had to park at JPPC carpark and take a shuttle service to the exhibition space.)

Bouncing like little girls eagerly awaiting the newest Barbie doll, we hopped into the shuttle, hoping that we would be in time to catch the air show.

Our shuttle to the Exhibition Centre.

The first glimpse of the domed exhibition centre.

Now this building, in fact, was built specifically just for this exhibition (if my sources aren't wrong). A domed structure, sandwiched between 2 main exhibition halls and more exhibition space to boast, surrounding it.

This event is HUGE! Throngs after throngs of people swarmed the area by the bus loads...

We were at the main entrance, waiting for Fad's sis when out of nowhere, this ear-thundering sound came from above. An F16 fighter jet was actually flying above us! My gosh, it was so effing loud T.T We screamed like little girls, eager to get in to watch the airshow.

Looks like something out of a space sci-fi movie huh?

When we finally passed security and the H1N1 health check counters, we were on our way to meet up with Fad's dad at the exhibition hall.

That's enough of the small-scale model jetplanes... lets go for the real thing.

THERE IT IS!!! THAT MONSTROSITY OF A MACHINE!!! Burning by the gallons of aviation fuel, showing off its maneuvers and fierce awesome roar of its engines. By the time we got there, we only managed to catch the last few stunts it was performing. Showcasing the pure adrenaline rushing speed of its afterburners, to a steep vertical spiral!!! It was so awesome!

The activities for the day aren't over just yet.

As the air show ended with the F16 making its way back to base, we decided to roam around. Turning around to face the dome, I noticed something rather... peculiar >.>

There seemed to be some kind of metallic material covering up a section of the dome. It looked so... out of place.

Perhaps... they couldn't finish building it in time... so they decided to patch it up with aluminium foil? HAHA!!!

Builder: Eh boss... no more glass... still got big hole? how leh~?
Boss: STUPID KAH U DUN BUY ENUF GLASS!!!
Builder: =X
Boss: JUST USE THE LEFTOVER METAL YOU DUMB@#$%

o.o

...well that's how I would've imagined it >.>

That wasn't the only peculiar thing on the buildings. Over to the left and right of the dome, the roof of the main exhibition halls, black uniformed figures loomed over us, scouting the area... seeing them I went into total WTF condition.

There on the roofs, appeared to be a team of SWAT or Counter Terrorist units.

At first I dismissed them from being real, that they were mannequin soldiers... but well mannequin soldiers... don't move o.o

They were real, and everyone was looking up at them, staring transfixed, wondering what the hell they were gonna do, whether if all this was just part of the lineup of events planned.

After like 10 minutes of making everyone in the vicinity look like stupid ducks with their beaks up and opened, staring wide eyed, they finally did something.

CT-dude~... CT-dude~

Does whatever a CT-dude does~

Look out!~... o.o

Here comes the CT-dude~...

"Awaiting orders SIR!!!"

Seeing a team of counter-terrorists repel down a building was definitely *thumbs up*

Just when things seemed to be dying down, in the distance we heard the emcee, announcing something happening on the beach. Turning around to the sound of whirring blades of a helicopter... the three of us dashed to the beach as fast as we could.

We ran across the courtyard towards the congregation of people at the beach side. I had my bag slung around me, and well... it hindered my running... and let's just say...

...I'm not proud of the way I ran, on the count that it kinda gives an impression that would make others judge my own sexuality >.>

...*cough* no matter... We reached the beach and on one end, there was a team of soldiers readying themselves to storm into a house...

They stormed in, flashbangs first and then a barrage of bullets... it was all so very real.

More helicopters came in to the beach side...

Now, the following scenes are not out of a movie... it's all captured on me camera, and I swear it was so mind-blastingly awesome!

I love these shots, but it came with a price. The helicopters flew really low, so they threw up gusts of sand that got into my camera. I wasn't a happy camper after that. BUT OMG!!! It was like exactly in the movies... but in REAL LIFE!!! How awesome is that?

This scenario at hand, apparently was a drug trafficking bust, where the "drug-gies" are trying to escape with the authorities on their tail~

BUSTED!~

This was followed by a demonstration by the army, as it infiltrates a beach by entry from the ocean. It also showcased the formations assumed during such a mission.

As the army approached us, suddenly out of nowhere...

BOOGAAWOOGAAWOOGAA!!! O.O"

This guy from the sniper unit pops up from under his bush-camouflage and scared the shit out of everyone O.O"

They assumed prone positions, assessing the area...

Things just got better and better...

Up from the sky came parachute after parachute... like flowers falling from a tree...

The army infantry demonstration then ended with the formation of the foot soldiers in their "arrowhead" formation and then the raising of the BRID EX 2009 flag.

It was then, that I was sure that it was over... I mean what else is there left to show us?

Oh... how wrong was I...

There were explosions... real BIG EXPLOSIONS!!! Not them firework kinds... I'm talking about fireball-burning-in-the-air-feels shockwave- kind of explosion.

Yes, I felt the shockwave from aaaaaalllll the way there.

And then, from the right side, out of the trees, rose yet another helicopter. But this one, ain't no ordinary copter...

This was the...

CHINOOK!!!

In it's double-bladed awesomeness~

This copter is already much heavier than normal copters (hence the double blades) but before it left us, ending the demonstration, it dipped its nose into a bow, going almost vertical. O.O

Now, I can assure you confirm-confirm, that was the last of the demonstrations for the day.

However, our day was long from over. The three of us were left awe struck by the technical prowess and skills of these men and women of the uniform, but we have yet to finish viewing the exhibits on display.

When I started this post, I had a goal of posting my entire BRID EX experience here but, I think I'll save the rest for another time...

Till then...

-End of Part 1-

At the 'coolest' place to hang out in Gadong...

KA-ME... HA-ME... HA!!! o.o'"

o.o

-It's been a long time since I've updated this blog... and it's almost dead. I apologize for the long absence, things have been hectic for me with college life and all so here I bring you an update-

So where did I left off from my recount of the trip to Niah...

Ah.. ok...

You are here!!!

Obviously Hazel wasn't paying attention considering she can cover her face in time

Not long after that briefing, we then proceeded to the boats waiting to bring us to our next destination. Me, being very gullible as always thought that it would be a very long boat trip and I got excited about it.

I thought we would travel down the river...

Turned out all we did was cross the river to the jetty a few metres down... =__=""

Our trek through the jungle was a long one, but one that was most enjoyable.

Everywhere you turn to, you're surrounded by nature. It was simply beautiful and relaxing to be able to appreciate nature untouched.

And of course, at every national park there are rules and regulations that must be followed so that the park can be enjoyed by everyone. Niah National Park is no exception.

They even put it in 2 languages for you, to make sure that the message is clear.

And if that's not clear enough... there are diagrammatic representations as well...

"I LOVE YOU!!!"... Park Ranger walks up and cuffs me... o.o... tough love =S

It was still a long trail ahead of us, but one that kept you in awe at your surroundings.

Enveloping you, pricking at your senses, intriguing you...

Our guide working his magic

A small herb, similar to that of Tongkat Ali (Or so I think, from what I could make out from the explanation)

We came across this spot, that I believe caught everyone's attention.

According to our guide, this very spot was where a scene from Jurassic Park was shot. I don't know how true this is, as I for one cannot remember seeing this in the movie.

See the velociraptor? o.o

Then again, Jurassic Park was set in a forest setting, everything looks the same. I mean for crying out loud... it's a forest =__="

Well, if we didn't get to see real dinosaurs, this rock formation was cool enough. See the figure and outline of a face?

Now those are some of the biggest roots, I've ever seen!!! It stands taller than me T.T

We met not only other trekkers on the trail, but some of the local residents as well...

...rather small local residents to add...

As the bugs got weirder and weirder... the mood started to ermm.. well "spice" up as well...

Viewer Discretion is advised.

... no further comment...

We were now close to the caves, but before we entered them there was a souvenir stall where we browsed through and admired some of the very impressive handiwork.

And now, finally the highlight of the trip, we entered the first cave on our trek.

The majestic limestone caverns of Niah, in all it's splendor. The size and feeling of claustrophobia started to set in, increasing as we got deeper and deeper.

The first cave we visited was called the Traders Cave.

A site where trade of weapons, food and many other essentials used to take place.

These structures were built, amazingly without any use of nails or binding material. Based on a design where the frames were held to each other by a 'snap on' technique, where they fit snugly with each other.

I guess the concept of Lego appeared much further back in the past than what we might've thought.

This picture was taken in the next cave, preceding our next destination, much deeper into the caves. Notice those long structures hanging from the ceiling?

Those are stilts, used by the locals to collect and harvest the valuable bird's nests perched high above the cave floor. Altophobics should look away when they see these skilled climbers in action.

Soon we were deep into the caves itself. Deeper and deeper we got, where the bats lived free, now entering their territory... which was as much their toilet as well.

The floor was littered with filth from well... need I explain more? I think you get the picture considering birds and bats fly in and out of these caves. Caps on peeps~

It was really dark in the caves, and when I mean dark... I mean DARK!!!

At the end of our trail, our guide told us to turn off all our flashlights and experience the sheer depth and expanse of the darkness in those caves.

That was indeed an overwhelming experience. You feel yourself being closed in, by the darkness with birds and bats flying above you. Yet somewhat, I felt calm, just simply appreciating the magnitude of the situation we were in.

Experiencing pitch black darkness for 10 seconds was amazing. Doesn't sound much I know, but it really is something.

Now, the reason being why I don't have any pictures towards the end of this post is a simple one...

One, not only was it so dark in those caves that trying to take a picture would be pretty much a failure... but that...

...my camera died on me as we reached the deep caves. Talk about a perfect time to have my camera's battery die on me like that. I resorted to using my phone, but really, the quality wasn't good enough.

So as we made our way back from the caves and back to our living quarters, it was already late in the evening. The trek back was a different one, with the sun setting on us, plunging the forest into darkness.

Tired as we were, we were not dismayed... after all the night was still young...

Part 3... coming soon...

Here's a very popular game that I'm sure most of you are very familiar of...

In case your wondering, yes the ends of the glasses actually are suppose to go behind the ear and well, not like that =S

... well sticky tape.

At least now, when I pick up a PSP, I'm sure I'll be able to beat Heihachi =P

I cannot believe it o.o ...

Not many of us are fortunate enough to meet THE Bumblebee in person. I mean after all the hype of Transformers 2 meeting Bumblebee would be like G.G

Ermm... Dude... >.> we've got a problem O.O

...but that didn't turn out too well =S

Halfway through this transformation dear old Jollibee lost his wings.

Luckily for him though, this guy was standing by to lend a helping hand.

And after many attempts at trying to attach the wings back on...

...and Jollibee trying to save the act by continuing to dance (obviously not being very helpful to his dear friend who was trying to reattach the wings)...

only after many attempts...

could Jollibee have the chance to fly again...

And so the show goes on, with Jollibee dancing with wings =P

So if any of you are still wondering if this famous mascot has or has no wings... I can bet you that he indeed DOES, just that it may not stay on long enough =S

On a side note, perhaps that wasn't the only weird thing the audience noticed during this performance...

I think some of them were staring at me wondering to themselves...


"Why the heck is this guy taking pictures only of the back of this mascot whilst everyone else is taking the front of it?" o.o

*Phrases in asterisk are of course purely fictional. But I ain't lying that the wings dropped off =P*

Well at least Shaneel has. It's been quite a journey for both of us. Him improving his skills at recording and me in well... procrastinating posts >.< (apologies for that). But since hosting his first song, I've picked up a few tricks in managing a blog and it's all good =D. Since Shaneel started recording his work,now he's even got his own channel on YouTube.

Armed with a HD video camera and superb vocals, you can now watch video recordings of some of Shaneel's work on YouTube.

Without fail, Shaneel has yet again brought to the table, superb vocal control in this recording. Proving that R&B is perhaps one of his strong traits.

With beat-boxing done by himself, and a wicked electric guitar solo (at around 3min 10sec, loved it T.T) this is another song worthy of praise, talent brimming at the edges.

It's hard to believe that it's been about 3 months since Shaneel made his debut on the Internet scene to showcase his work, making this blog his first stage to the world to his musical creativity and talent. Which I thank you, Shaneel, for making this blog your choice ;)

You can definitely see, or should I say hear, the progress and improvement in his work. From the first to the next, improvement upon improvement can be heard. Each song inspiring and beautiful, I only hope for the best in future works to come.

So with that, I shall leave you to the distinctive and superb sound that is, Shaneel. You won't regret it...

You got it bad~

*You know the drill, the song will be hosted on this blog's side bar. Feel free to leave comments and any constructive criticism that will help improve this budding artist's work. Such criticism is greatly appreciated.