Kellaz, A Journal

Have you ever swallowed paradise in your mouth? Have you tasted heaven? If you want to, try Seafood Paradise at Kiulap next to Sugar and Spice. We had our final get-together of the year with a big bang (to the stomach!). Enjoying a sequence of delectable ala Thai and Chinese cuisine. See, the thing about me and food. I'm hardly pleased by it. (Ironic with my gain weight and waist size) But this time, it was heavenly and absolutely pleased. I ordered just the normal Tea 'C' (Tea with milk), and was surprised by the creamy texture and the succulent sweetness it creates in you mouth and cheek. Indeed, that was the best Tea 'C' I have ever had. Then came the appetizer of Fried Wantons and Papaya Salad. Followed by Sambal Prawns (I think, it was too good to even bother knowing what I was eating). Crispy Cuttlefish, Abalone Mushrooms, Steamed fish swimming in Tom-Yum soup (I think) then, the Fried Pineapple Rice and more... (I can't think, I am salivating already)...

On a very laid back Sunday, Redz, Kayoy and I decided to drive up to Kuala Belait (KB) to pick up Toni. We invited Toni to come up Bandar due to high requirement demand for him to celebrate New Year together. Toni, can be defined as the gracious man I have ever met. He's like a mother, caring and loving. To me like a 'babu-babu' (aunty). Yes, he's a guy too. But his loving and caring nature, could not be separated with a grace of a mother. When we reached KB, we hung out at Riviera Cafe off the Belait River. Click Kayoy and Redz to know what we did there. It was a great hang out. It was indeed a lazy day. But at the end of the day, I was knackered after driving around nearly the whole day and night. But it was all worthed.

I am injured. My friend Redz has injured and abused me. Hopefully, it was not intentionally. He punched me with his elbow, gave me a headache, dropped me from a bench and burn my skin. Either one of us are extremely clumsy today. He told me that it was not intentional. PUNCHED: Whilst Redz was driving to pick up Kayoy in Kiarong, I was trying to help Redz move his laptop that was sitting behind on the floor of the car behind him. Redz was distracted by Kayoy approaching the car, and he remembered his laptop was sitting, thus he turned with his elbow smack on my mouth. OWCH! HEADACHE: This is a rare thing. But today Redz manage to give me motion sickness by driving and stopping abruptly. I am very immune to motion sickness, but today was different. Perhaps there's more cars and idiot drivers on the road. SCARRED & BURNED: At the gym today, we had a game of badminton, and it just so happen,that I wasn't feeling it. I didn't play well, so I decided to just lay on the bench...

In the midst of a lot (and that word does not even justify itself) of work that needs to be completed. I am in my EOY (End Of Year) mood. I just couldn't get myself to touch the work piling on my desk, my floor and behind my chair. I suppose it is one of those days. Lazy? A little. But it is like rushing to wait kind of situation. Why rush to get things done to wait for other people to come back from their holidays to process what you have just done. Especially during these holidays season. Everybody is out. And if not, they are somewhat spaced out because they're no different that I am. No one seems to be in the mood. The weather lately has also been contributing the mood. Most work haulted due to bad weather. So that means more times for us to 'watch the paint dry' . So what did I do instead? I went online and browse through the many blogs listed in Simpur's Brunei Blogging Nation . And I read a few and browse a few. If blogging is a competition, I a...

There are so many things that I wanted to write in my blog this time, but as soon as I signed. My mind refuse to budge. I am thinking, what did I log in here for? So anyway, I decided to click other links with the intention to snoop at what's new on other threads by our Bruneian bloggers at Simpur's Blogging Nation where I am also listed as an 'occupant' . Some of the bloggers are people that I know of. And "Dear Reader, if you're not Bruneian, well, here in Brunei we more or less know nearly everyone, let's just say with the population of Brunei in relation to Six Degrees of Separation , is more like... may be 2 or 3 Degrees of Separation and you're well connected!" In fact some of them who I only and only know of, I felt like some kind of perv, that I am reading their life stories. Okay writing them all down for all to read about is hardly peeping or pervious (is there such word?) on other people's life but... I feel like I have been given a ...

Warning: Before you start reading this post... This is going to be a long one... I just came back from Bangkok, tonight and since I am a little hungry, I'm found myself eating and surfing at De Fountain at 1am. I arrived at about 8.30pm and we were exhausted as hell. We in this sense was Redz and myself. Our Bangkok (a.k.a Heaven) trip, started of a week ago. We arrived with my brother and his wife. The main purpose of this trip was to introduce Bangkok to them. I'm not an expert or a perfect guide to Bangkok, but I know the geography of Bangkok pretty well. (Going to Bangkok 3 times every 2 months before helps). I won't dwell too much about what went on there. Our main catchphrase was "What goes on in Heaven, stays in Heaven". But there we many moments which was hilarious, stressful, and out-right ridiculous from begining to end. My brother and his wife was on a budget, and thus, we'd have to cater to their requirements. Also, my brother, is some-...

When me and my friend turned back from Berakas, we were stuck in a traffic jam, It was a mini-flood at the highway junction to the Government Offices off the highway. To our shock, a car was caught in it, Wish the occupants are alright. Note: Blogging using my mobile.

This world welcomed the arrival of a new angel. She is the daughter of my two best friend, Jaysen and Suzanna. Her name is Jaydenne Sofie. She arrived 49cm tall, 3.48kgs, today the 8th of December 2007 at 0403hrs. I have been waiting for this angel. And now, she exist in this world. A whole new world. I feel like I gained a new niece. She's so beautiful. It takes up from the two beautiful genes. Here she is, the amazing, magnificent angel... World meet Jaydenne Sofie. Jaydenne Sofie meet World... Post Edit on 19/01/08, stats as reported by parents - te he he...

Another year has passed by. Looking back for the past year, it has been the sweetest year ever for me and at the same time the most bitter too. Okay, let's just focus on the good side of things. Work has been good. Got promoted by the early of the last quarter of the year. My relationship with a particular friend elevates to a whole new level, which I have never been in before. He has helped me through my darkest moment in my life and he suffered (physically) because of it, yet, he stood by me still. He is truly a soul mate. Emphasis on the 'MATE' , okey?! My relationship with my dad has come to a higher level too, we're much closer than we ever were. Although I don't see much of him due to logistical circumstances. But we keep in touch every quite often. I have gained a new group of friends, to laugh and to cry with. Who are ready to laugh and cry with me, or for me. They are what people define as true friends . I am expecting for my house to be build, ...

I truly apologise for not updating my blog for quite sometime now. Nothing significant to report on my behalf. Things are getting quite a havoc at work. Why? Simply because it is December. December is the month where all schools are off for the year. It is also a month of most expats go back to their home countries, to celebrate christmas and new year. And school holidays usually means parents are off for a long needed holiday. As for me, I am working on at least 3 of my colleagues' workload. I can't wait to get back to work on Monday as one of them will be returning to work. So I would delegate some of the work for him. One of my colleague is fortunately helping me finish up. There's just too many things to do at the same time. Updating, here and there, in the system, in numerous number of excel files for the management. They need these little nitty gritty information to make an informed decision for what is to come in the next few months or year. It is also the month of c...

While we were at Le Taj, Liam got to meet his senior, Liam. Liam's a shy dog. Liam's owner is Dreamweaver . Post Edited on 19.11.2007 @ 0932hrs

Ending my weekend at Le Taj. New week beacons tomorrow! Can't wait!

After dinner, me and my friends met up at De Fountain Cafe for a late hangout. Lionel got to met Lulu from Kayoy. Loving the weekend! Enjoy yours!

First of all, all my sympathies and prayers to those who have passed away on road accidents this year. I couldn't believe what is going on with our Brunei, it's like they never learn. I came to write about this, when I heard about college student who was attached at a civil works with the government passed away, after colliding with the end tail of a truck. It was reported in this week's Borneo Bulletin (Brunei English Newspaper). It was not actually the talk of the town, but rather a conversation piece, full of sadness and sympathy. He seem like he and his family had touch a lot of people's life. A lot of people know him, my friends and colleagues. And everybody was sad that he has passed away. I personally don't know him, but I feel also feel the sadness and a little of grief that everyone felt for him and his family. I own a motorcycle too, so I know what dangers that can pose to a motorcyclist, that is why I don't ride much. (Rather thinking of selling it.) ...

What better way to end my work week with a teh tarik and spending time with Lionel at CA Mohd @ Gadong. What a week it has been. So the weekend starts now! Hope you have a great weekend too! Note: I'm blogging with my mobile, cool huh?

Last night, amongst friends who are civil servants in various government departments were talking about the civil service (perkhidmatan awam). There were some movement on the way to improve the civil service in this country. I assume this is below standards or just on par with the standards, considering this move to upgrade the civil service. You can consider me an outsider to the civil service as I am not apart of it. And as someone outside this loop, I don't see the whole point of it. See, majority of the working population of Brunei are civil servants, so wouldn't it make sense to serve other people in their job, just the way they themselves like to be treated. One civil servants is a client to the other civil servants. So why can't we have a decent civil servants services? We often hear bad experience at governmental offices, by the way the public are being treat. If you look it in my way, the public ARE civil servants! (By this, saying the majority of the publi...

Hilarious but annoying! We couldn't help but laugh when we heard a song on radio. We heard Bruneians (obviously) trying to rap. There were nothing wrong with the grammar, but the way they (the artists) pronounce it (with a really blunt malay local accent). It was really annoying. Imagine saying this in malay: "Hilariyus bat anoiying! Wi kuden hep bat lap wen wi herd a song on raydio." Do you get my point? Don't take me wrong, I'm very pro-national towards our Bruneian Music Industry. I truly support them. But seriously, "don du dis, don du dad"? What was that all about? I know, we're Bruneian and should be proud of our culture bla... bla... bla... But pronouncing english badly. Might as well don't start. It's just wrong. I personally feel embarrased somehow, just listening to it. But too good to laugh at... It's just plain wrong... It was indeed hilarious! We laughed our head off with that rap song. But seriously! I mean seriously, i...

Turns out on my way back home another rainbow greeted me good bye... Such a beautiful day today, What a Day!

On my way to work today, Kellaz to happy to report the sighting of a beautiful serene scene of a rainbow. Indeed, an omen of a good day. Hope you will have a good and productive day and week.. Until then! Adeus...

This will be a rarity for this blog and it is totally unprofessional as a Journalist. Consider this second post of the day as a way for my need to vent out, I have a high urge to rant. Last Wednesday at work, was our performance appraisal for the year. Apparently, from a reliable source, I am not doing well this year, despite my promotion early of last quarter this year. Apparently, my performance is based on my punctuality. Not my work. Okay, I know, I know that punctuality comes in par and part criteria of performance but, seriously, if coming to work early is the main criteria for me to succeed at work. Fuck it. I'll sleep in the office if I have to. That is totally unfair. My promotion this year is a sign of something that has gone right on my part. My work always done on time. My contribution is very high. My productivity in the office, MAGNIFICENT. My finance report updates in the system is always in tip top shape. But it seems that all he sees is me coming in late. Some of m...

Call me old fashion. Traditional. Kolot. As I observed there's a new trend or trait in our new workforce, Some people may not notice that the new workforce are segregated. Or they are segregating us out. What do you mean? Well, from what I have observed and experienced the new grads or newly graduated (Degree, Diploma and what-have-you-not qualifications) are 'proud' . Which sometimes can be easily misintreprated as 'arrogant' or 'snobbish' . D orang-dorang tah ganya... They work, talk and mingle with only other grads. At times disregard the existence of their own colleagues. Pah! You're just jealous! Or maybe your age is showing? Well, I have conferred this matter with my other colleagues and friends, and the outcomes are the same. Is there a gap between Generation X (70's) and the MTV Generation (80's)? I remembered when I started working that I have always felt I am part of the team, no age differences, we're all the same as colleague...

I can't help and compelled to write something about Love. That's because last night after my weekly badminton session, I turned on the radio in my car and the DJ (that's Disc Jockey, although they don't play no disc no more), MP3J, perhaps, was talking about Love. He was reading text messages from listeners who wants to know their other half that they love them. It was a segment about Love. The ultimate feeling! Love. Nice. Or is it? Ultimate and Universal. That is what love is. Love is blind, some may say. But I think love BLINDS you. Cinta tidak buta, Cinta membutakan. Your principals, your moral, your values are thrown out of the window, because of Love. Because Love does that. Fueled by Lust, needs, wants, desires and passion. I'm no Mr Love, who know what Love truly means, what Love do, what Love can create. I'm just a typical, simple man, who has experience love, it's benefit, it's highlights and down lights too. Experience of anything in moderat...

Turmoil : a state of great commotion, confusion, or disturbance; tumult; agitation; disquiet Some say progress has a price. And now, we're paying for it. Although 'Progress' is slow in our humble abode, but ironically, the effects of Globalisation, the effects of Westernisation is starting to show, even embedded into our culture. Ten years ago, children born out of wedlock was considered the ultimate embarrassment to the parents, the family and community. But now, it's a norm. It's OK bah... Jangan mengucap orang, karang kana diri sendiri... We start to tolerate.... Tolerate. Toleransi. A good behaviour to think about it, but too much of it can have an adverse effect too. Our behaviour is slowing evolving from tolerate to ignorance. We tolerate to ignore these issues because it's taboo. Again our culture simply avoids talking about it. In turn it is ignorance all over again. Are you calling our Malay culture ignorant?!! Yes, to a certain aspect. Not all of it...

I was out to my friend's house for an open house... I love the decor!

Yes, that sounds harsh doesn't it? Reality is usually harsh to us, most of the time. Writing this post, I shall not exclude myself. This speaks of and from experience and observation as a whole. Generally, Bruneians are idiot drivers and should I add, idiot parkers too. Why do I generalise this? Purely because Bruneians are proud beings. Proud not in this sense of what they have achieved or contribute, but because of what they own and have. Their belongings. Brunei is a country of showoffs. Everybody lives everyday thinking what others have, what others don't have or what do they want to have. At some point, what they don't want others to have. So all of that, can be applied on our Bruneian roads. Cars with huge, are-you-out-of-your- bleep ing-mind boom box, it's a bleep ing mobile club! Stack it with alcoholic drinks, it's a bar too! Digressing again... So anyway, Bruneians, proud, so on the road, proud behaviours is interpreted as arrogance on the roads. Aah, a wo...

My new friend Post-Edit: I have used this post using my mobile phone. Kindda cool this. So anyway, meet Lionel. He's my new 'pet'. It was given to me by a friend who got this as a sovenier from KL to a group of us. I got a feeling Lionel and I will get along really well. I have some sort of attachment to Lionel now. Sometimes I find myself rubbing softly Lionel's limbs or ears to my fingers even my nose (not in it!). It's soothing... Meet Lionel's friend (a cross-dressing 'pet') at Kayoy's blog . He's Larry by day, and Lulu by night. Hmmm, go figure! LOL... Till Then... Adeus...

This journalist doesn't feel like he's going anywhere, thus shall remain a wannabe for now. It's raining drizzly outside, the office is quiet and I don't have the slightest clue where they are (maybe they're on course or something... offshore perhaps?). So I'm alone here in the office and left to my own devices. Monday. Sigh. I'm like Garfield , I think. When I was young, I always compared myself like Garfield , fat, hates Mondays and cute. Not! So, where was I... I have spent the last hour, reading blogs... To kill my time. Is that what you are paid for?! Well, I'm kindda on my downtime moment here. The only thing that is keeping me awake is pungent odour from my coffee mug. I must admit, that I shouldn't have been reading and even writing this on my office time, but please give me this much to get myself geared up for the weekdays to come. --logged off-- Actually, this is my second session of attempt to finish this blog. I had to go away this morn...

I have just noticed something about something that lacks in Brunei. Recycling centres. Where are there? My friend recently mention that there's one near Standard-Chartered Bank somewhere (forgot actually where he mentioned it) but that was it! Every now and again, we see people collecting rubbish from our public dumpster bin, even those in the shopping complex, but I see most of the time that they collect only tin and aluminium cans. Other than that, none. In the organisation I work in, they recycle paper, but god knows what happens to them. They did a roadshow a few years ago about how they dispose of the papers. But I think my memory has got the better of me. A good friend of mine, a new soya-bean drink lover, loves to drink from a particular brand, and the drink comes in glass bottle, as a result, he has tons and tons of glass bottle in his kitchen. He's a little green with the environment and seeking ways to dispose of them plus perhaps getting a little out of it....

This is my first attempt and my first step to be the Journalist that I want to be. This is the forth blog that I have made for myself, others, shall be, shall I say personal. But this one, is something I would like everybody to know about and read "allll about it!" Let me introduce myself. I am Kellaz, an alias for now, late twenties and working in a normal desk job, although my job sometimes require to be away from my desk and work what normal engineers should do. Yes, an engineer I am. So that's for it for now, besides any ambiguity is good for your mental being, correct. In this blog, you will find me talking more of ranting though, of the ups and downs of Bruneians, Brunei, and the whole being of being a Bruneian. I am a pro-Bruneian national. I am a proud to be a Bruneian, although the reason behind it is a little vague. Nevertheless, proud to be who I am and the country that has brought me up (besides my parents, that is!) I won't talk much about Brunei ...