His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, acting on behalf of the groom for the royal wedding between Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah and Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini bin Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yakub consented to receive the 'Gendang Jaga-Jaga' at the groom's resident in Kampong Beribi, yesterday.

The ceremony began with the arrival of Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Hj Awg Md Zain bin Hj Serudin together with the entourage, shortly after the conclusion of the opening ceremony of the 'Gendang Jaga-Jaga' at the Lapau Ceremonial Hall.

Before the arrival of the entourage to bring the 'Gendang Jaga-Jaga' heading to Kampong Beribi, YAM Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Legislative Council, deputy ministers, Pengiran-Pengiran Peranakan, Pehin-Pehin Manteri and Manteri-Manteri Pedalaman donned their ceremonial black 'Cara Melayu' with shiny medals and 'Sesandang' (a sash worn on the shoulder).

Pehin Dato Seri Utama Dr Hj Md Zain then informed YAM Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pg Hj Ibnu Basit that the ceremony was ready to commence. YB Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awg Hj Yaakub then conveyed it to HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, who was in a special room, that the ceremony was ready to begin.

After the announcement, the beating of Labik (cylindrical drum) began to echo through the premises followed by the signature melody of the Serunai (oboe) and the sound of Gongs and Canang. A 17-cannon blast could also be heard at the premises as part of the ceremony.

The royal court musicians then alternated to a different tune starting from the 'Titir Gendang Alih-Alihan Tengah' and 'Gendang Alih-Alihan Ujung' then to 'Gendang Titir Perang', which is customarily played according to the number of people present and to those who are entitled to hear it.

Shortly after the conclusion of the royal orchestra, the 'Doa Selamat' was then read by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Ustaz Setia Hj Awg Salim bin Hj Besar.

'Ketua Juru Laki' Awg Hj Johan Ariffin together with other musicians then requested to excuse themselves from the ceremony to proceed to the 'Rumah Penggandang', which is an area where the musicians will continuously play the traditional instruments according to the specified melody.

Pehin Dato Seri Utama Dr Hj Md Zain then informed HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, in accordance with the similar set procedure, that the ceremony had been successfully completed. - Borneo Bulletin (18 September 2012)