Kuala Belait was filled with merriment sights and sounds welcoming His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the benevolent ruler’s 78th birthday celebration.
Belait was the final district for the royal meet and greet, carrying the theme “Raja Berdaulat Lagi Terhormat”.
The monarch was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
The arrival of the monarch was greeted with flag waving by primary and secondary school students lining up by the roadside leading to the Municipal Field.
Some 378 participants were involved in the field performances, divided into three segments, bearing the concept of contemporary dance formation.
The 15-minute show involving youths and students was a combination of traditional, contemporary, and modern dances, songs and gestures.
The first performance, led by the local dance troupe Artis Tari, was a dance formation with contemporary beats, as a sign to welcome the king and members of the royal family.
Meanwhile, the second number showcased the various traditional dances, reflecting unity, visionary and proactive generation in supporting the king’s leadership towards realising the country’s vision.
The final segment was a combination of the first and second displaying happiness and gratitude to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Sultan.
The field performances ended on a high note with an impressive live band playing the theme song ‘Raja Berdaulat Lagi Terhormat’ followed by a burst of colourful confetti and balloons flown into the air.
His Majesty the Sultan and members of the royal family then proceeded to mingle with the public across over 40 tents located on the field.
Smiles were drawn on everyone’s faces as they met the beloved monarch, taking the opportunity to take some pictures and interact with the royal entourage.
Some of the participating agencies at the get-together include the Third Batallion of the Royal Brunei Land Force, British Garrison, Brunei Shell Petroleum, Brunei LNG, Brunei Gas Carriers, Brunei Methanol Company, Brunei Fertilizer Industries, Senior Citizens, St John’s School and Adinin Group of Companies, among others.
The meet and greet concluded with a rhythmic performance from the Pipes and Band Platoon of the Third Battalion Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF).
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
