WHILE some of the public arrived as early as 6.30am to watch the very first City Parade in the capital yesterday, others said they were unaware of some of the road closures in its proximity and missed out on some of the performances and march pasts.
The City Parade, participated in by 800 sailors from 12 countries and 12 marching bands, got started at 8.30am and the 1.2 kilometres military procession ended after an hour.
Dk Norzamriah Pg Tejudin, 26, a technician at a local school said, "We only managed to watch a few performances and march pasts, such as Singapore, Philippines, Pakistan and Brunei because we were late due to the heavy traffic jam."
She explained she was unaware of the road closures, and as a result, missed most of the contingents' performances and march pasts.
"After waiting in the jam, we had to park at the Lapau, and only arrived at the field before 9am," she said.
However, she commented that she was impressed with the performances she did witness.
"They were really good and I think the City Parade should continue in the future. I am sure Bruneians will want to watch this all over the country, and to have the opportunity to see something like this," she said.
Shidah Ismail, another spectator, said that although she and her friends arrived a bit late, the parade still managed to bowl them over.
"We enjoyed the parade very much," she said.
According to Shidah, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Band never failed to impress her, and the Lion Dance conducted by the Singapore Navy was also a treat.
Abu Huzairah Hj Mohd, 22, a freelance photographer cum student said, "I got here at 6.30am because my friend told me they might close the roads."
However, he noted that he also wanted to be at the field as early as possible so he could capture pictures of crowds swarming around the Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (Soas) in the capital.
"It was definitely worth coming here so early in the morning, because I got to see a lot of people, a lot of movement and the contingents of the City Parade," he said.
Abu Huzairah was also taken aback to see how "enthusiastic" the contingents were when they were marching and performing.
"What I liked the most was the New Zealand troop who performed, and I think they were the 'best'. They were interesting and displayed patriotic spirits," he said.
RBAF Deputy Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Brigadier General Mohd Tawih Abdullah was also among the audience impressed by the parade.
The deputy commander, when asked if he enjoyed yesterday's City Parade, replied, "yes very much". He added that the performance from New Zealand impressed him greatly.
Performing in front of the Royal Dais, the New Zealand contingent performed the 'Haka' to the delight of the crowds.
"I've seen it many times before, but it is always very fun (to see)," said Pehin Brig Gen Hj Mohd Tawih.
Another spectator Faiz Hj Mansor, said "the actual event was very great".
He only felt that the City Parade could have been improved if more people had come to view it.
"I believe that not many people knew about the event. The only people that did were the people working in the city," he said.
Faiz did concede that there were a lot of photographers out in the capital trying to capture the unique procession.
Via The Brunei Times
More photos can be viewed at my Facebook album HERE. Too bad I didn't manage to capture the rest of the contingent's performance coz I have to work away from bandar... >_<
and here's a video of the Indian contingent doing their dance... sorry for the very very bad shaky video... 400mm + no tripod + tired arm/hand... eheh...
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