NBT lights up White Christmas

AS THE switch was thrown to light up the annual Christmas decorations in front of NBT Brunei Sdn Bhd's Toyota showroom in Gadong, many of the people were there to witness the event told The Brunei Times just how popular and well-liked the decorations are.

Brunei Tourism Board CEO Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, who was at last night's ceremony, said, "I would like to thank NBT for their contributions over the years towards promoting intercultural friendship, understanding and solidarity among the major racial groups of Brunei Darussalam.

"May I say, NBT's festive displays are another unexpected treasure that local and foreign visitors find in this Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures," he said.

A 42-year-old private sector employee agreed. He brought his family to witness the launch of all three festivities NBT erects displays for Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Christmas at NBT every year.

"This Christmas decoration is very interesting and is a great tourist attraction because foreigners can come to Brunei and take photos of the festive displays," he said, adding that the displays were "very attractive" for foreigners residing in the country, because they could feel the festive and "new season" spirit.

Dyo Padilla, 31, a supervisor with Delifrance, said that she comes every year to see the illuminated display. "This is the only place in Brunei which showcases decorations like these, and is something I look forward to coming to every year. I feel like I am in another world when I am here," she said.

She added that it was an opportunity to take photos and send them back to her family and friends in the Philippines.

"By taking these photos, I can even put them on Facebook and show that Brunei is one of the Muslim countries that features (the celebration of these festivities)," said Padilla.

She said that every time she came to see the displays, she did not feel "stressed out" anymore. Housewife Linda Augustin, 47, said that she also came to see the festive displays every year. "Coming here gives me the spirit of the occasion and makes it come alive. It is fantastic that Brunei has something like this," she said, adding that she even invited her sister-in-law from Tawau to come and witness the Christmas festivities displays this year.

A father-of-one Jesus Dinge, said he has brought his family to see the displays ever since they were launched five years ago.

"I come here every year because my daughter looks forward to it. The displays (this year) are much nicer than last year's and it is good for both children and adults because we get to feel the spirit of Christmas," he said.

NBT Managing Director Ninan Chacko said, "The public are welcome to visit NBT tonight after 8pm to enjoy the festive display in its full lighted-up glory. And please don't forget your cameras," he said. In line with NBT's green philosophy and their ISO 14001 Environment Management System certification, the public are advised that the lights will be switched off at midnight each night, and at 1am on December 25, January 1 and other public holidays to conserve energy.

The Brunei Times