Patriotism hits fever pitch in the capital

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Izah Azahari

Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital was filled with an array of colours and patriotic spirit yesterday during the Brunei-Muara District get-together ceremony held in conjunction with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 76th birthday celebration.

Themed ‘Raja Untuk Rakyat dan Rakyat Untuk Raja’, over 400 performers from government and private agencies as well as students as young as seven-years-old took part in the 22-minute special performance show for His Majesty and members of the royal family.

Divided into three segments, the first part of the performance was an opening sketch by local actors detailing the preparation and rehearsal for the event’s performance, followed by a choir song Selamat Puja Usia.

It continued with a dance performance, accompanied by live music of a neo-classical and modern rhythm by 116 performers from Gentara Begawan, Sayyidina Umar Al-Khatttab Secondary School, Rimba I Secondary School, and Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) College led by Norizam bin Awang Hidup.

Local artist Sabrina singing Panorama Ibunda by Hans Anuar alongside 13 dancers from Gentara Begawan marked the second segment, followed by Bunga Simpur by Tiqah Thane.

The show continued with a Kesubukkan song performance by Irfan, and a short drama sketch.

The special performance culminated with a 60s-themed performance by Tiqah and Irfan accompanied by Gentara Begawan young dancers and Kepimpinan Bijaksana theme song performance by all participants featuring techno samba music.

Photos show participants during the special performance at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR, MUIZ MATDANI & INFOFOTO