Cheers from students
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
TEMBURONG, the least populated district in the country, had the honour of being the first to host district-level celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan ad Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 61st birthday anniversary yesterday.
The Temburong Community Hall Field was thronged with happy and excited visitors who assembled early in the morning in anticipation of the monarch's arrival.
Schoolchildren lined up along the roadsides as early as 7am to wave flags and welcome His Majesty to their district. The students came from all thirteen primary schools in the district. Despite the sweltering conditions, they were seen to be excited and all smiles on the prospect of meeting the ruler. Arfan Abdul Rahim, a student from the Amo Primary School, was excited as he held his mini flag when interviewed by The Brunei Times. The Primary 3 pupil was ready to wave his flag upon arrival of His Majesty.
"This is my first time to join the school in flag waving and I really wish I can see His Majesty, as I have never seen him this close before," he said, prior to the start of the event.
Meanwhile, a Primary 6 pupil from Kenua Primary School, Nurul Liza Anak Rosli said that it was her second time to join and was looking forward to the event.
"Those of us in Temburong find it hard to see His Majesty, compared to those in Brunei-Muara. So whenever there is a chance, I would not miss it," she said.
Those who were involved in the field performance also shared their appreciation for the monarch's visit. Students from five schools were assigned to carry out the carefully choreographed procedures, namely Sultan Hassan Primary School, Sultan Hashim Primary School, Negalang Primary School and Puni Primary School.
Syaheerah Sofriazmi, a Primary Four pupil from Puni Primary School, was quite nervous since it was her first participation in a big event such as this. Thanks to regular practice, however, she was looking good and ready to perform.
Six dancers from Persatuan Kampung Tanjung Bunga, a village association, also showcased their talents in the field performance.
The association is quite active in events all over the country. According to Roslin, the wife of the Tanjung Bunga Village Head, so far they had three invites to perform in Bandar Seri Begawan
Schoolteacher Monique Locharte, a New Zealand native, enjoyed the event. "Wow," she said, when trying to describe the uniqueness of the local culture. "It is wonderful. This kind of celebration is not something to be expected in other countries," said Monique, who related that she had requested to be sent to Temburong when she started teaching in Brunei.
The Sultan Hassan Primary School teacher especially loved the sense of community found in the district.
"I am very pleased," she said. "Wherever I go, people know each other and they are very friendly."
Schoolchildren and teachers were not the only ones who looked forward to the occasion.
Other residents too showed up early to partake in the auspicious annual celebration.
Hjh Tiapah Timbang, who is in her 60s, said that she was happy to get the chance to shake hands with His Majesty, despite the large crowds. Joined by her daughter, a teacher at Puni Primary School, Hjh Tiapah came from Kuala Lurah to greet His Majesty.
Another woman, 55, said that the yearly event was still as merry as previous ones. One of the differences is that back then there were more cultural shows organised compared to now. She also said she saw such occasions as family outings.
The Brunei Times
The Temburong Community Hall Field was thronged with happy and excited visitors who assembled early in the morning in anticipation of the monarch's arrival.
Schoolchildren lined up along the roadsides as early as 7am to wave flags and welcome His Majesty to their district. The students came from all thirteen primary schools in the district. Despite the sweltering conditions, they were seen to be excited and all smiles on the prospect of meeting the ruler. Arfan Abdul Rahim, a student from the Amo Primary School, was excited as he held his mini flag when interviewed by The Brunei Times. The Primary 3 pupil was ready to wave his flag upon arrival of His Majesty.
"This is my first time to join the school in flag waving and I really wish I can see His Majesty, as I have never seen him this close before," he said, prior to the start of the event.
Meanwhile, a Primary 6 pupil from Kenua Primary School, Nurul Liza Anak Rosli said that it was her second time to join and was looking forward to the event.
"Those of us in Temburong find it hard to see His Majesty, compared to those in Brunei-Muara. So whenever there is a chance, I would not miss it," she said.
Those who were involved in the field performance also shared their appreciation for the monarch's visit. Students from five schools were assigned to carry out the carefully choreographed procedures, namely Sultan Hassan Primary School, Sultan Hashim Primary School, Negalang Primary School and Puni Primary School.
Syaheerah Sofriazmi, a Primary Four pupil from Puni Primary School, was quite nervous since it was her first participation in a big event such as this. Thanks to regular practice, however, she was looking good and ready to perform.
Six dancers from Persatuan Kampung Tanjung Bunga, a village association, also showcased their talents in the field performance.
The association is quite active in events all over the country. According to Roslin, the wife of the Tanjung Bunga Village Head, so far they had three invites to perform in Bandar Seri Begawan
Schoolteacher Monique Locharte, a New Zealand native, enjoyed the event. "Wow," she said, when trying to describe the uniqueness of the local culture. "It is wonderful. This kind of celebration is not something to be expected in other countries," said Monique, who related that she had requested to be sent to Temburong when she started teaching in Brunei.
The Sultan Hassan Primary School teacher especially loved the sense of community found in the district.
"I am very pleased," she said. "Wherever I go, people know each other and they are very friendly."
Schoolchildren and teachers were not the only ones who looked forward to the occasion.
Other residents too showed up early to partake in the auspicious annual celebration.
Hjh Tiapah Timbang, who is in her 60s, said that she was happy to get the chance to shake hands with His Majesty, despite the large crowds. Joined by her daughter, a teacher at Puni Primary School, Hjh Tiapah came from Kuala Lurah to greet His Majesty.
Another woman, 55, said that the yearly event was still as merry as previous ones. One of the differences is that back then there were more cultural shows organised compared to now. She also said she saw such occasions as family outings.
The Brunei Times
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