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Second season of Laneige Quiz on VANCETAN.com is now back! Hurry up, no sign-ups needed, just send in your answers via mail. The terms and conditions from the previous season still applies.

This week’s question is simple. All you have to do is answer this easy question and send your answer and contact details (Name, Mobile Phone Number and I.C. Number) to vancetan@vancetan.com.

Which item has LANEIGE received for the “Cosmopolitan Awards” feature for its best of the best moisturising product?

All entries should be submitted by next Friday, 12th March 2010 at 9PM (GMT). Any late entries will not be considered for judging and will not enter this week’s contest.

Most emailed @VT: Brain Damaging Habits. Here are some information on what may damage your brain or slightly “rust” your brain, if you do not persevere in your daily lifestyle and eating habits.

1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2 . Overeatin
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our 20 body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6 . Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain.

Trekking Amal, a website generating donations for the poor families in need. In April 2010, nine adventurous men will embark on a 120 kilometre trek to the Nepalese Himalayas, climbing over 3,000 metres in elevation to the Base Camp of Mount Everest.

They are raising funds under the banner of Everest Trekking Amal, a registered charity initiative supported by the Community Development Department (JAPEM), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Brunei Chess Federation (BCF). The mission is to help in the construction of new homes for Brunei’s poor and unfortunate families.

The Trekkers from Trekking Amal

The Everest Trekking Amal is attempting to raise BND $50,000 in donation. The entire donation will be used to benefit the cause. To visit the website, log on to www.trekkingamal.com.bn.

My country Brunei Darussalam is the theme for this year’s national day celebration. Brunei Darussalam celebrates her 26th National Day celebration today, 23rd February 2010. The live telecast of the National Day parade can be seen on Brunei’s RTB 1 Television Station. Full of patriotism, the choir group and the national band plays the rhythms of patriotic tunes which filled up the atmosphere of the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddin, in the capital. 17,000 participated in the National Day parade this year.

Some of the early pictures by Rano (@ranoadidas).

BRUNEI TIMES - His Majesty delivers titah on the occasion of the 26th National Day

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has stressed the need for government projects to be carried out on time.

In a customary royal address to mark the Sultanate’s 26th National Day, the monarch said: “We want plans to be actually carried out according to schedule, and not merely planned on paper.”

Among the most effective methods of achieving this, His Majesty noted in a titah at the Istana Nurul Iman last night, was discussion among the agencies involved within a particular project.

“For example, if there are plans to build a school or mosque, sometimes the causes for delay were due to impediments relating to land regulations, land that has yet to be gazetted and so on,” His Majesty said.

“If these are the causes, then does this not (only) involve the government? If the government itself has the will, then surely the problem should not be as complicated anymore,” His Majesty said.

“But the delay still occurs, why? Are we actually serious (in carrying out the work) or not? If the delay is within the lower hierarchy (of the organisation), are the upper level officials willing to ‘come down to the field’ to negotiate?” the monarch asked.

“This is our problem,” he said.

His Majesty said that this was the reason the key performance indicators had been introduced to guide every government agency.

Donning military attire, His Majesty began the 10-minute titah by expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for granting the country the opportunity to celebrate its national day in a peaceful, prosperous and safe conditions.

His Majesty cited verses of the Al-Quran where Allah (SWT) reminded those who expressed gratitude for every blessing they received, that they will be rewarded with more blessings. His Majesty hoped that the people will continue to receive blessings for generations to come.

In the same regard, His Majesty delved into this year’s national day theme, Negaraku Brunei Darussalam (My Country, Brunei Darussalam).

“A lot of people are under the perception that this theme is simply to instil the spirit of patriotism and love for the country only. But if that is all (that is understood from the theme), then it is not complete yet.

“What is more important is (asking ourselves) ‘what is our contribution to maintain Allah’s blessings?’, which He has bestowed on us and our country all this while,” His Majesty said.

The monarch pointed out that patriotism and love for the country was often seen from the surface only, in the form of pledges and festivities. However, the monarch stressed that people rarely delved deeper beyond that and realised the significance of expressing gratitude for Allah’s blessings, which can be enhanced further by carrying out religious activities. “If this is done, only then will there be better prospects of these blessings to continue, as promised by Allah (SWT) Himself,” he said.

The monarch called on everyone to appreciate the benefits of gratitude and piety together. In the context of Brunei’s development, His Majesty stressed the need to preserve the environment.

“There is no point to rapid development if the environment is adversely affected. Because we will continue to need fertile land, clean air, clean drinking water, (and) even clean sea water which is not polluted. Because these are the real sources of (our) welfare,” His Majesty said.

He said the time has come to speed up the promulgation of legislation for more controlled development. The monarch suggested conducting environmental impact assessments and enforcing similar mechanisms on development projects. His Majesty also highlighted the recently-introduced rules on credit card usage in the country.

“The government’s objective is so that we all understand that the luxuries of a life supported by mounting debt is one that is fragile, and instead will bring losses in the long run.

He noted that the initiative was one of the strategies to transform the economy into one of the three main pillars of Brunei’s Vision 2035.

Yes, winner for week 3 is here. Liyana Nadiah binti Osli bags the prizes for week 3’s Laneige Beauty Quiz on VanceTan.com. She wins herself the same exclusive prizes of Laneige Mini Trial Set, Skin Evaluation, 20% discount vouchers and most importantly the limited edition Fluffy Pen and Diary from Laneige (usually given only in a draw after $100 purchase.

MAIN HEADLINES:

BRUNEI TIMES - BRUNEI is hosting the Asean Book Publishers Association (ABPA) Executive Meeting today at Orchid Garden Hotel, Berakas.

“The meeting will discuss the ABPA strategic plans especially in verifying tasks and responsibilities of committee in each member country,” said Hjh Aminah Hj Momin, director of language and literature bureau during the launching of the Book Fair 2010 yesterday.

The meeting will be attended by representatives from Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, she said.

Through its participation in the ABPA the bureau, the director explained, would be able to gain knowledge in editorials and publishing because ABPA serves as a platform for exchange of information and sharing sessions.

“The bureau’s participation in the meeting can also make the process of information exchange possible as well as putting ideas and views into reality as well as provide training and experts counselling services which could enhance cooperation among member nations,”she said adding that this would benefit Brunei in terms of exposure and knowledge.

According to Hjh Aminah, Brunei has been tasked to handle the Training and Development Committee for two years and had carried out the responsibilities of holding workshops, forums, seminar courses in illustration and publishing.

>>Read the full article here from Brunei Times.

Hill’s music video “Stay in the Middle” was premiered at the Empire Cinema two days ago as part of the “An evening with Hill” organised by CoolTones and 3g.com.bn. The video was shot in London whereby the shooting took two days. Vance Tan was the only authorised photographer for the shooting and you can click here to view the shoots during the video making.

The single was released on iTunes last year and you can download the single for USD 0.99 cents. The video also had a special cameo appearance by Mariah Carey and the song also featured British singer Samantha Mumba. Amongst other popular Brunei singers that attended the night were AJ and Adeeb.

Thanks to my media friend, Rano for the photo permissions. I couldn’t make it since I was covering the UBD Open Day. More photos on my Facebook (please click here).

The Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is currently organising the Book Fair in conjunction with the nation’s 26th National Day celebration. Members of the public can visit the fair effective from 21st February 2010 to 2nd March 2010; at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Indoor Stadium, Berakas.

Have you seen Wolfman? It’s a Joe Johnson film presented by Universal Pictures. This is a relatively adventurous movie, pretty awesome and full of suspense throughout the movie. I caught it yesterday at the Mall Cineplex with Shala and Shely, with full treat from both of them (thanks!) Overall Verdict: B. Here’s the trailer.

Laneige Brunei Darussalam will be holding a grooming class on 27th March 2010, next month. Anyone who participate will receive gifts worth $90.00. For more information, please contact 2232282. The booking deadline’s 10th March 2010, so better act fast.