By Zaim Zaini & Yusrin Junaidi
'Brilliant,' 'spectacular,' 'satisfying,' and 'great' were but a few words used to describe the just concluded Brunei International Tattoo (BIT) 2006 held to commemorate the monarch's 60th birthday celebrations.
Thousands of people - young and old, local and foreign - turned up at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium to take pleasure in the colourful and magical spectacle, which ran from July 30 to August 1.
The BIT 2006 featured a colourful show of military drills and music by participants from 13 countries.
The Bulletin learnt that the performance left no room for disappointment and that spectators were genuinely satisfied with the show.
According to 39-year-old Awg Jeffridin, who witnessed the performance with his family, the show was truly satisfying.
Meanwhile, Lizawati binti Daud was impressed with the performance, describing it as simply spectacular.
She said the Brunei contingent did a 'great job' and that the Sultanate should hold similar events of such scale, which she believes would put Brunei Darussalam on the international map.
Sixteen-year-old Ak Ramzi from Kg Manggis was thrilled to have attended the event. He said the tattoo performance allowed teenagers a chance to expand their knowledge on music.
Senior citizens did not miss out on the opportunity to catch the BIT 2006. One elderly man drove up all the way from Tutong to witness the show.
Having seen the previous tattoo performance, he said that the BIT 2006 was different and was nothing short of spectacular.
Meanwhile, SGT Roomaizan Drum Major said he felt blessed to have played a role in the tattoo. He added that it was his first time representing Singapore and that he was happy to perform for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
The Singapore performance included a fusion of Malay 'Zapin' and Latin Samba.
The four-day event also benefited the exhibitors and stall operators at the National Stadium, among them BAKTI ABDB or Badan Kebajikan Isteri Isteri Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (Royal Brunei Armed Forces Wives Welfare Association), who put on sale official tattoo souvenirs.
- Borneo Bulletin
(2nd August 2006)
