Ciliqueen meets the Pharaoh of Egypt

Attending a gala night means you get to dress-to-kill in beautiful outifts and accessories, especially when it is a themed event. Women obviously have a harder time than men finding what gala dress to wear.

Last Saturday night, the International Women's Club (IWC) celebrated their 22nd anniversary at the Jerudong Polo Club. Besides dinner and show, there was an auction of items (sponsored by various companies) of which all proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group (BBCSG).

Themed "Movie Icons', I was invited to the wonderful and fun evening. Guess what? I bumped into the Pharaoh of Egypt - alive! and kicking good.. hahaha .. and ohh, he had brought along the last Queen of Egypt - Cleopatra. Among other Hollywood and Bollywood movie icons who came to grace the wonderful evening were James Bond, Brad Pitt, Christine and Don .. who? I was stunned when Angelina Jolie came with her partner - P. Ramlee?? Quite an odd match.. hehe

Committee members rendered some great songs and dances from the movies and one 14-year-old girl named Pei Pei caught my full attention when she sang a Bollywood number with her powerful voice! I wished I could have the courage to dance with her .. hehe. Not forgetting a funny Aunty May injected guests with laughters and smiles while performing her unexpected funny antics.

Hmmm .. did you know that I got a lift home from the Pharaoh himself? LOL

Hello 2010

Ciliqueen wishes Everyone a happy & prosperous life ahead in the new year with Love, Success and Peace!

Foodie event

Ciliqueen will be there!

Nur Afifah & Zuraime

On last 24 July 2009, an engagement ceremony - Majlis Bersuruh dan Bertunang - between Nur Afifah and Zuraime, took place with colourful memories.

Nur Afifah & Muhammad Zuraime Waquiddin

Click here for full coverage of the event..

Planting Trees Day

Trees are living things. They do have their own day to commemorate their existence on Earth ..huh?


The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is launching a worldwide One Billion Tree Campaign program on World Environmental Day, 5 June 2009. On this day people of the world are encouraged to plant or replant trees in a bid to meet UNEP's main goal.

The British High Commission is organizing a tree planting event at the Badas Forest Reserve in Seria on Wednesday 17 June 2009 at 9.00 am. If you wish to participate, please register yourself here.

The High Commission is committed in achieving the main objective of the campaign, therefore one way to reduce the carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere is to plant as many trees as possible. The designated area is the Badas Forest Reserve that was badly damaged due to the forest fires several years ago.

Both HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince have planted trees in the area last year, that has brought much attention to the tree-planting project in the Badas Forest Reserve.

On that day, participants are to make their own way to the Badas area. There will be a sign on both sides of the highway (for those traveling from Bandar or from Belait) on where the exact location is.

Do not forget to bring:
- sun block, insect repellent

Do wear:
- comfortable clothes; shoes that you don't mind getting dirty (as the area can be soggy); long pants and light shirts/ t-shirts
- sun hat or caps (optional)
- small towels (optional)
- your smile :)

Outstanding!

Congratulations! to BinKhalid of Arab-Families.com who was among the sixteen recipients to recieve the "Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award APEA 2008 for Brunei Darussalam".

Organised by Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurship Award 2008 (APEA), the event was held at The International Rizqun hotel on last 29 August 2008.

BinKhalid had climbed the steps to success from scratch. Started as a car salesman, he is now the CEO of Serikandi Group of Companies. His dedication and determination in business has indeed inspired many young entrepreneurs and is willing to share his recipe of success - if you ask him :)

The APEA Awards are given in honour of enterprising men and women who have proven their enterprising spirit, whilst not neglecting the social responsibilities that come with business leadership.

Shattered dreams

It was a total upset on the tracks at the Beijing Olympics.

Last night, among the favorites to win medals in the 4X100m events, giants ~ USA Men's and Women's team somehow had blundered themselves to shame. Both teams did not qualify for the finals.

Was it by choice, human error or just an unfortunate incident? The men's team was disqualified beause the passing of baton between the 3rd and 4th runner was done just outside the permitted yellow box. Meanwhile, the women's team dropped the baton at a point after the 3rd runner passed it to the anchor runner. Who was at fault?

Anyway-hoohoo, the Finals of the Women's 100m event was an 'all blacks' affair. What made it more thrilling and exciting was that all the medals (gold, silver and bronze) were swept by the Jamaicans runners ...cool yeah =)

Shrooom mushroom

The Halal Expo 2008 held at ICC drew quite a tremendous crowd. Today, being the last day of the four-day expo, products on sale are almost sold out!

Anyway, CQ was attracted to these beautiful cultured mushrooms. It varies in sizes.

There are several different types of mushrooms that are available in the vegetable aisles.

Look no further ..CQ will share a vegetarian tofu stir fry with shiitake mushroom. It is simple, delicious and ooo-lala so healthy hehehe.

Ingredients
3 packets of firm organic tofu / egg tofu
2 tbsp. wok oil
2 cloves garlic - sliced
2 large handfuls shiitake mushrooms
2 large handfuls snowpeas
1 carrot - sliced
1/2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp. oyster / teriyaki sauce
1 tsp. sugar
1 cup of water or vegetable broth

What you have to do ~
1. Begin by draining the tofu and pressing the water out of it with a paper towel. Cut the tofu into bite sized chunks and heat it on medium high with the oil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. While your tofu cooks, prepare the snowpeas, carrots and the mushrooms. Cut off the stems and slice each mushroom into 2-3 pieces. Wash well.

3. Toss the rest of the ingredients into your saucepan or wok. Stir fry until all veggies are cooked through. Taste and adjust the flavor to your need.

4. Thicken the broth of this stir fry by mixing 1 tbsp cornstarch with the water before you add the water. Serve hot with nasi putih :)

Not all mushrooms are edible. Some mushrooms that can be seen growing out on the barks of trees may belong to the wild types and are inedible.

RTB City launched

Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) has once again leapt a step further by launching its newly revamped website called RTB City. It is an entertaining, interactive and informative website.

The Guest of Honour, YM Pengiran Dato Hj Ismail Bin Pengiran Mohammad, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office had consented to grace the event, held at Studio 1, RTB , this morning.

YM Pg Dato Hj Ismail commented on the importance of maintaining and keeping the website with relevant and dynamic up-to-date news so as to attract more viewers locally and worldwide. He also mentioned about the Internet law and Computer Abuse Act and urged surfers not to abuse the power of Internet.

The Director of RTB - YM Hj Othman Bin Hj Mohammad delivering his speech.

YM Pg Hj Ismail Bin Pg Hj Mohammed also said that in an International survey, as of yesterday - 1 June 2008, RTB City was ranked 10th place for world government media website. Congratulations!

Ohh this guy - yup! the one on the right - is the mastermind head of a team behind the success of RTB City! One & Only Bigboss - trust me! CQ knows how he works!! Very workaholic and it paid off! huhu ...


p.s. CQ was not able to attend so CQ just snap-click as usual from the TV ..lols :)

Tasek Lama @ 6am

The 1st Brunei Tasek Climbathon 2008 at the Tasek Lama Recreational Park. Click here for more details ...

See you there!

Non-dieters haven ...

... if you are or thinking of losing pounds, then do not continue reading this post!

Or you may be asking 'Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle? hey! heLLO! 'Round' is shape! Be thankful enough if your shape is not Hexagon!!! huhu ..

Strictly for those who loves and enjoy cakes, desserts, finger food or sinfully delicious delicacies ..yet YOU can still stay healthy and maintain your precious well-endowed figure.

Remember this kitchen? Look at these cakes!! *drool* ..yooo yuhooo don't you let your saliva roll down the sides of your mouth while reading CQ's blog ok! lols...

CQ can't remember the names of these beautiful and tasty cakes ..you can check them out here.

This cake is a really for those who have sweet tooth. CQ likes the crunchiness of the pastry which compliments the yellow custard 'pureed' with passion fruit - see the seeds scattered on top?

It is so sweet that you are to enjoy with black coffee or cappucino - sitting on your patio or backyard garden ..or maybe serve them for high-tea with friends but don't forget to invite CQ lols ...

Such a darling cake! Bigboss loves this one ..it is not too sweet and has a soft sourish taste. Diabetics can enjoy but not tooo much!

The top layer has a meringue -like taste. The whitish colour must be the cream and the greenish layer is so nice. It has a nutty taste, which CQ thought must be almonds ...well CQ did not have time to checked it out - becoz gobbled it down too quickly and were too engrossed describing the taste to Bunny :))

hmmm these two pieces are for Bigboss and Kimchi ...CQ is so tempted to just eat them up! hehehe.

You can enjoy this lovely cake piece when sitting by the window and watch the world goes by and sipping your hot tea or coffee.

These apple pies have just been out from the oven ..phewww must been hot in there heheh. Can you see the 'window' effect?? that's the 'louvres' in apple pies ..huhu what is CQ talking about? Oh well, you will have no time to ask when you are eating these pies.

Snow of icing sugar as decor huhu ...these are great for high-teas or children's party as finger food.

Now this is more like sate style but instead of using the normal sate wooden sticks, Bunny had used lemon-grass stalks to hold the chicken patties wrapped around them.

The dip is sweet and has a spicy zing. It is best when eaten hot. Another creative idea that you can serve when hosting any events or functions at home.

p.s. CQ got approved 'visa' to post these exclusive pictures even b4 Bunny's Yummies does ..huhu

3rd Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2008
in Singapore

Complimentry Pap Smear screening for all

Singaporean & PR women aged 25-69

will be offered from 1-31 May 2008

Click here for more information

* * * * * * * * * *


Shower your Mom with Love this May

One of the Best Photo Awards by National Geographic

Good Luck!

It is only an invicible thin line of luck or total counts of votes that will determined the eventual winner of Simpur's Best Blogger of the Year 2008.

It's not about winning the title BUT winning the friendships and be part of true sportsmanships among bloggers!

courtesy of Billie Akauola

Ciliqueen wishes all the best and good luck to all the Top 6 finalists! Whoever the winner is - please don't forget to belanja CQ ...huhu :))

Autism Awareness

It was by chance that I read a blog on Anak Brunei, the personal journey of a boy named Raiyan - an Autistic child, written by his beloved pweshes mama.

The word 'pweshes' itself reminds me of a Kurdish word
'peshmerga' which means freedom fighters. Therefore, in my own thoughts, these Autistic children may or are 'fighting' in their different ways to be accepted or to be able to fit-in into our normal society.

Truthfully, I do not really know how to define or explain what Autism means or how to identify an individual who has Autism. But somehow, many years ago, my family and I encountered an incident with an Autistic child which made us aware about Autism.

Farid, the only son of the President of Smarter Brunei - Yang Mulia Hj Malai Abdullah, is a special child and is well-loved by his family. We knew Farid since he was a baby and have been updated what Autism is all about ..well in a way for us to understand a little bit of it. Somehow, we followed the journey of Hj Malai Abdullah's effort in educating the public about Autism.

Few years ago, during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Farid and his family came to my house for Hari Raya visiting. Farid would always stay in the car with his family's helper (nanny) while his family do visitings. Farid would not want to go into any houses. But that particular year (can't remember when) Farid made an unexpected entrance into my house - climbing three storeys high - while his family were having some festivities' dishes. Even his family was quite surprised.

Farid came in and walked around the house and finally settled in one of the living room sofas. His nanny offered him 'kueh-kueh raya' and he did eat ...but littered pieces by pieces on the floor. The nanny tried to picked them up but I reacted by letting him do what he's comfortable with ...so as not to 'annoy' him that will make him want to go home.

To have Farid visiting my house on that Hari Raya without being 'forced to' ..is really an honour ...in a way I see it as special. I understand that at times you have to patiently 'negotiate' with an Autistic child. I hope Farid will visit me again at this year's Aidilfitri or any other day.

Since April is Autism Awareness month, I would like to give my support by dedicating this post to Farid and Raiyan.

Salam dan Selawat keatas junjungan nabi kita ..

Nabi Muhammad S.A.W.

Selamat Menyambut Maulidur Rasul

commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

He who leaveth home in search of knowledge,
walketh in the path of God.

The world and all things in it are valuable;
but the most valuable thing in the world is a vertuous woman.

The most excellent Jihad (struggle) is that for the conquest of self.

All actions are judged by the motive prompting them.

Be in the world like a traveler or like a passer on,
and reckon yourself as of the dead.

Remember God in prosperity,
and He will remember you in adversity.

20 march 2008 bersamaan 12 Rabiulawal 1429

Sunday barbeque

As though Saturday's night of feasting is never enough hee hee ...we were treated to another day-light barbeque at the Arab-Families crib a.k.a rumah sebelah (house next-door).

Just for families anyway.. Mr & Mrs. Sam were there too, together with their five kidz.

And so it's makan-makan (eating) time again ...filling up spaces in our still-bloating bellies ..lols. Besides barbeque, Mdm Tiff cooked up mee-backso - a dish that is well liked by many.

BinAzmi manning the BBQ station

Can you see those bones and chix thighs?? wooooh :p

while waiting for the BBQ ...Twinkle bling-bling bought some
cucur2-an (banana and crab meat fritters and keropok lekor)

aftermath of BBQ feasting ...heehee

Mr. LV is so hungry - BinKhalid and Twinkle looked on

Mr. Sam heartily siruk (slurps) mee-backso watched
by his two girls - AJ & AK :D

BinAzmi and his lovely Mdm Ros

Mrs. Sam (middle) in deep thoughts :)
.."kambiang panggang ku pun nyaman lah.."

Everyone went home with happy thoughts and satisfied tummies ...lols. Time to lose those pounds huhu ..

Wow!

KABOOOOM! It's a real happening at the 2nd KB Bloggers' Night. Despite the absence of heavy-weights bloggers like Senor Pablo and Princess Nashwa @KB Happening, the night was really fun! happening happening happening .....

Everyone was having a blast...especially with the food ..lols. hmm apparently, I did not get to shoot the food pictures...errr i was kind of shy to go around clicking maahhh ...hahaha still a newbie baahh...but anyway, hope these pictures will tell a million of stories for you to imagine ...hehehe

Jointly organised by the Arab-Families and Kurapak.com

Sadly, I was a bit late and so I missed the launching of the
Arab-Families' website...

Arabian BinKhalid and French Bigboss

As it was for bloggers get-together ...there were quite a number of top bloggers who came to enjoy the event.

Bling-bling Sistas ..errr the 1st sista is missing eh ..??

waaahhh bro Rimau ..as he was called hehehe with Mdm Tiff

interlude ...song by Rara and Dedek


The Makan Area Scenes

yooh Bigboss tried his French 'merci ..'

There were karaoke competition and lucky draws too ...and guess what? I did not win 'uhuk uhuk' ..lols

aste manisssss - famous tag-line by who? :) Alin - the author from Kurapak Gang ..errr Happy Birthday to Alin ...and BashBash??

ahaaaa the scoop of the event hahaha ...look at this picture..look at their eyes - bertentang mata uuuu hahaha ..it was taken b4 the announcement ..so what was their conversation like? hmm I did not bring my bionic ears...so cannot hear baahhh...anyway Congrats to Mr. LV and Cici for being voted (by independent juries) as King & Queen of Best Dressed Male & Female respectively .... fancy yaaahhh Genie meeting her Alladin :)

uhhhh this girl did not win anything on that night but she won the title (voted by CQ only) as Best Hairdo ...so she got a 'centerfold' on my blog :D

BinKhairi was undecided to be Cik Mat Poi or BinAlleyMeowww hehehe

waahh the French Connection KB :)
Kimchi-Bigboss-BinKhalis

Special duo appearence for the cleaners hehehe


Cameras clickings

Look at their cameras

UcingItam ??

PainQler (right) with who? I click..he pun nak click tia ...

Before I arrived, my thought was to bravely introduced myself to any of the bloggers but I guessed I was 'stunted' ..lidah kelu nak break the ice ..lols. Anyway Mdm Ros introduced me to PainQler, who once upon a time had given me some words of encouragement and it happens that he is also a softballer. wowwww ...but I'm the rusty one :) ..nice to know you in person - Painqler .

and last but not least hehehe

I'm a blogger too :) ...jgn marah -my props are red chillies

I hope there will be more of this get-together among bloggers ....not just to eat but to share whatever tips, stories, happenings and updates ....till we meet again ...somewhere out there :)

More pictures and stories click here Ucingitam , Cicikhalid and Arabfamilies