Masses Gather For 23rd N-Day Parade
By Za'im Zaini, Yusrin Junaidi & Azrol Azmi

Bandar Seri Begawan - “He waved at me!" exclaimed 11-year-old Hafizah bte Serudin, who was with her parents watching the National Day parade from the perimeter of the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar `Ali Saifuddien in the capital when she waved enthusiastically at the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the royal entourage for the 23`d National Day Celebration yesterday. Hafizah was not alone, as people from all walks of life gathered in numbers at the Taman to witness the occasion.

"I woke up really early to catch a glimpse of His Majesty and also to watch the National Day Celebration," Hafizah added.

"Siuk eh. (that was fun)," said 9-year-old Zainal Asyraf from Kg Sengkurong, after having also witnessed the National Day spectacle. "I want to come and watch. it again next year".

Several youths were also seen soaking up the celebratory atmosphere at the Taman yesterday. Asyraf bin Hassan, 17, who resides in -Kg Ayer said, "I've come here to watch the field performances, and I will definitely come and watch future celebrations."

Parents could also be seen bringing their children to the Taman. Thirty-two-year-old Hj Serudin Hassan from the Temburong District, who brought his four children to the Taman said, "Since it's a public holiday today, I decided to bring my kids to the Taman instead of letting them watch it on television. It's better to see it in real life."

Speaking on the performance, Hj Serudin said, "Me and my kids were thrilled all the way throughout the performance."

Also spotted among the crowds were some elderly people, several of whom said they were so excited and proud to have been part of the big even. The buzz of activity also meant good business for people who were plying their trade in dozens of stalls near the Taman.

"The atmosphere is ‘siuk’ this year," said stall operator Siti Mas Manja Marni.

"Celebrating an occasion such as this is one of the good ways for us entrepreneurs to look for income."

Twenty-eight-year-old Khairul Samad from Kg Tanjong Bunut said that such a celebration could also serve as a means to promote and generate public awareness on local products.

Corporations could also be seen making their contributions in the National Day Celebration, handing out free refreshments and other goodies to volunteers. Takaful BIBD Berhad for instance gave away free drinks to participants, volunteers and even"the enthusiastic spectators. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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