By Azaraimy HH & Grace Jiu
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the first ever Titian Budaya (Cultural Bridge) Gala Night put together by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Malaysia's Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.
Also present at the event were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Saleha and YTM Azrinaz Mazhar as well as other members of the Royal Family.
Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince, HRH Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah, HRH Prince Abdul Malik, and HRH Prince Abd Mateen, HRH Princess Hjh Masna and YTM Pg Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abd Aziz.
The extravaganza was an all-exclusive event for His Majesty and other members of the Royal Family as well as top officials from both countries.
Among those in attendance were the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud and Malaysia's Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim.
Also present was the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Hj Yakub Abu Bakar.
The Titian Budaya Gala Night set on a glittery stage at the Empire Theatre was a rich showcase of cultural acts - "Mengorak Kuntum", "Gurindam Asli Melayu", "Alai Rumpun Budaya", "Alai Seiras Serumpun", and "Irama Menyusur Zaman", among others.
There were also song performances from Brunei's Hjh Suzylawati, who sang "Pulau Cermin", locals Farhan and Rina who did a duet of "Bagaikan Mimpi", AF2's Zahid who rendered "Zapin Budi", and Malaysian star Erra Fazira who performed "Hanya Di Mata".
The musicians came from Senandung Budaya Brunei and Istamuzika Istana Budaya.
The finale featured two dance performances called "Joget Bunga Simpur" and "Joget Malaysia" by all the artistes.
Last night's event was part of the Titian Budaya programme set to run until March 26, featuring an exhibition, film festival and more cultural shows.
- Borneo Bulletin
(25th Mar 2006)
