As soon as the clock struck 10 last night, a spectacular fireworks display at The Empire Hotel & Country Club beachfront lit up the sky to mark His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam's 62nd birthday.

The fireworks, organised by The Empire Hotel & Country Club, was launched by Her Highness Pengiran Anak Kamilah, the daughter of HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah.

People began gathering around the hotel as early as 6.30pm to secure the best spots to view the fireworks.

While some were looking through the lens of their high-end digital cameras to find that 'right' angle, others held their mobile-camera phones high to record the 30 minutes fireworks display - supported by Ak Sharifful Bahri PSI Pg Hj Ismail, Pg Adanan PSI Pg Hj Ismail and Hj Awang Hj Ali.

Another fireworks show will be held at Serasa Beach on August 9.

The Empire Hotel is offering special dinner promotions at three of its restaurants - Atrium Cafe, Pantai Restaurant and Li Gong - and special weekend packages. - Borneo Bulletin (3rd August 2008)