NDP 2024

03 August 2024

NDP 2024 (NE3) on 13 July 2024 @ Padang

grateful for the tickets to watch NDP 'live' for the 7th time [2005 Padang; 2006 National Stadium (NS crew); 2007 Float; 2009 Float; 2016 Sports Hub; 2019 Padang; 2024 Padang].

obviously, my all-time NDP favourite is still the Singapore Flag flypast 🇸🇬 & aerial display.

the audience are obviously hugely disappointed when the Reviewing Officer stand-in is not CPT Lam Hong Xiang (i.e. the RSAF Oppa who went viral & was widely hyped by students online for 'being more handsome than K-pop idols'!!). the 'chey' was so loud that it was quite awkward when nobody clap for the NE3 stand-in (& worse, he seems to be some big shot lol). furthermore, the students cheered very loudly for Benjamin Kheng & the SMRT bus deployed for the Dynamic Defence Display (really paiseh to the max for the President stand-in). man, it is really quite unexpected that Benjamin Kheng is extremely popular among the Pri5 & Sec3 boys... they screamed madly for his 2 appearances on stage & all of them know how to sing his songs!

tbh I went to NDP 2024 NE3 without expectation, so I am pleasantly pleased with the show segment. thankfully there isnt any cliche rendition of Sang Nila Utama, Raffles, LKY crying, national disasters or the pandemic.

the 60s retro songs coupled with visuals of classic local food are nicely curated for nostalgic vibes. plus, the interlude films (especially "Care and Compassion") are neatly done, stirring the right amount of emotions, without being over-the-top. tbh some of the interviews did moved me (at the brim of tears), but it is done 'just right', so instead of really dropping a tear, it warms my heart with a smile. i think it is not easy to achieve this 'just right' amount of emotion & empathy.

I am extremely proud that NDP 2024 is directed by ADM seniors Davier & Chia Meng. objectively, i do think they did a great job.

Together As One United People
Happy 59th Birthday Singapore.
Majulah Singapura 🇸🇬

[side note: am seated quite high up at the Yellow Sector (north grandstand). somehow i feel the temporary grandstand is quite shaky when the speaker or audience are louder than usual. didnt experience such tremble during past NDP at Padang, so can be quite scary while standing & when climbing the steep stairs.]

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NDP 2024   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

PossibiCity - PREVIEW NDP @ MARINA BAY 2007

28 July 2007

This post "PossibiCity - PREVIEW NDP @ MARINA BAY 2007" is a full report on SINGAPORE NATIONAL DAY PARADE (NDP) 2007 PREVIEW, which happened on 28.7.07 at Marina Bay Floating Platform.

NDP @ MARINA BAY 2007
After watching NDP 2005 Final Rehearsal "The Future is Ours to Make" and being honoured to be part of the show management for NDP 2006 "OUR GLOBAL CITY OUR HOME", I am lucky enough to be able to watch NDP 2007 Preview; all thanks to Mumy, who successfully obtained 6 tickets through the ticket balloting. With this, I am privileged to be able to watch 3 consecutive NDP live at 3 different venues, each with an unique highlights - NDP 2005 @ Padang to celebrate Singapore's 40th birthday featuring mobile columns, NDP 2006 @ National Stadium credited as the final NDP there & NDP 2007 @ Marina Bay Floating Platform for being the 1st NDP held here.

As my brother is involved in the "Dynamic Defence Display" as a safety crew to retrieve his abseiled comrades from the water, I become the rightful owner of 3 surplus tickets... As a gratitude for giving me the NDP 2005 Final Rehearsal ticket, I returned the favour to Christine (X'tin) by giving her one ticket. The remaining 2 surplus tickets were given to Xiang Ling (XL) and Tian An (Anna)...

It has been raining consistently for the past few days and it rain heavily on the morning of 28.7.07, with prolonged downpour into the late afternoon. Luckily bad weather did not persist long and the Preview continues as planned. In order to avoid unnecessary waiting time and trouble, Papa, Mumy and I decided to fetch XL and anna along our way to Marina Square. X'tin came straight from work and joined us at Marina Square . We reached Marina Square at 4pm and joined the long queue for entry via Entry Point 2. The long queue for both Entry Points are likely associated with the poor weather condition, as many might had decided not to turn up early for the event in fear of another storm and some assumed the show might be postponed.

Talents Pool
The security checks are quite long and troublesome. When the "Talents Pool" (new name for the Pre-Parade segment) starts, we were still in the queue and quite a distance from the security checkpoints. However, these checks are definitely mandatory as it ensures our safety and nobody from the queue complains on the slow movement. After being cleared at the security checkpoint, the 6 of us wasted another significant amount of time choosing our ideal goodies bag and collecting all necessary stuffs of the event. Finally, after much chaos and a long way up the stairs, we finally take our seats at the Blue sector. At this moment, we missed a total of 4 performances. While settling down, we were unable to pay full attention on the 5th...


Audience of PREVIEW NDP @ MARINA BAY 2007


Marina Bay Floating Platform

Sadly, the 6th performance happens to be a noisy unmelodic rap rendition of local folklores medley "Di Tanjong Katong", "Chan Mali Chan" and "Geylang, Sipaku Geylang" by Sheikh Haikel & Juz B. This performance is really bad, which simply allowed many audience at my sector to examine the goodies bag and photo-taking. Local rapper-wannabe should just stop destroying songs with their (lack of) "talent". Following this, the hosts Daniel Ong, Belinda Lee, Annabelle Francis, Nurulaini Rahim and Shabir Mohammed ended the "Talents Pool" segment and took their leave.

Shortly, Shabir & Potong Pasir Bhangra Community Centre Troupe gave an Indian performance "Paaduvom Vaarungal", which is followed by the stimulation on the arrival of MPs... Nancy Yuen, Yu Ji Xing & Tang Quartet then performed "Singapura", proceeded by the stimulation on the arrival of the ministers. Next, Gani, Lily Nuris, Asha & Sebastian Tan sang "Five Stars Arising" on stage before everyone at Marina Bay glanced into the sky for the amazing freefall by The Red Lions, dancing freely in the sky to the beats produced by the percussion group Wicked Aura Batucada and the roars from the audience. Although with a smaller strength of only 5, the brave Red Lions continues to deliver a magnificent job. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra, I-Yan Pulse, Bhaskar's Art Academy, River Valley High School Choir and Singapore Dance Theatre then played a classical version of "Stand Up for Singapore" before stimulating the arrival of Prime Minister.


Red Lions Freefall


Red Lions Freefall

Nation Guardians
The Parade March-in officially inaugurated the 2nd segment "Nation Guardians" (new name for the Parade & Ceremony segment). Once formed up, the parade shuffled and transformed into "SINGAPORE NDP07". The Reviewing Officer, who is the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, arrived straight after the Parade was Form Up. This is followed by the singing of the National Anthem immediately after Mr Abdullah arrived.


Parade Form Up

As the National Anthem is sang, the CH-47D Chinook helicopter, escorted by Apache (AH64) attack helicopters, staged a fly-past of the State Flag across Marina Bay. The State Flag Fly-Past has always been my favourite moment during NDP. For all the 3 NDPs that I had participated, the National Flag fly-past is capable of stirring my patriotic emotion and I like snapping photos of the fly-past. Similar to NDP 2006, I noticed that there are also 2 CH-47D Chinook helicopters flying the Singapore Flag; one of the Chinook leads the 4 Apaches to Marina Bay for the fly-past, whereas the reserved Chinook will make a U-turn along with its Singapore Flag.


State Flag Fly-Past (Main)


State Flag Fly-Past (Spare)


State Flag Fly-Past (Central)


State Flag Fly-Past (Exit)

The National Flag fly-past is followed by the RSAF Presidential Salute and Bomb Burst. The 3 RSAF F-16 fighter jets executed an afterburner flyover, followed by another 5 F-16 performing an impressive bomb burst over Marina Bay. This is my 2nd favourite show. I am busy snapping photos of the planes within split second, embracing the loud blast, feeling the trembles and watched how the smokes dispersed after the F-16 flew past...


F-16 Bomb Burst


F-16 solo

After much hype in the sky, the Inspection of Parade is carried out by Mr Abdullah. Besides inspecting the Guard-of-Honour contingents, Mr Abdullah also inspected all the other contingents on parade. At the same time, the ceremonial 25-pounders guns deployed across the bay fired the Presidential Gun Salute. This is then followed with the gun firing by the Guard-of-Honour contingents. After this, it is the March Past by the Colours Party & Guard-of-Honour.

Dynamic Defence Display
As part of the 40 years of National Service celebration, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team showcased a "Dynamic Defence Display" on their latest land, air and sea assets. Firstly, the parade performed the 2nd transformation into "NS 40" before 40 Commandos abseiled down Benjamin Sheares Bridge into Marina Bay. Soldiers from 3SIR then rushed into the seating gallery, shooting blanks in front of the audience.


Commandos abseil down Benjamin Sheares Bridge


Soldiers from 3SIR

Another CH-47D Chinook would hover at 10ft above water for RSN naval divers to jump off the helicopter into Marina Bay, to be saved by boats speeding in from the mouth of Singapore River. This is followed by the stunning maritime display by an array of boats of the Police Coast Guard that is truly impressing and is probably my favourite for this display.


Navy Display


Police Coast Guard Display


array of boats

Focus was moved back to the land for a vehicular display by SCDF Div 2, 21SA and 41SAR. Next, 2 AH64 Apache helicopters executed an exciting manoeuvre above Marina Bay. The motions were beautifully enhanced with the Raffles Place skyline as background. Lastly, the twin helicopters saluted the audience with a "bow" that again wow the spectators before ending the display for the show segment.


Twin AH64 Apache


AH64 Apache exciting manoeuvre


salute the audience

PossibiCity
"PossibiCity" is the name of the NDP main performance, which is coined after this year's NDP theme of "Celebrate Singapore: City of Possibilities". Moving away from the traditional 3-act format of past NDPs, "PossibiCity" is comprised of 5 shorter segments with 13 impressions that will be conceptually refreshing, visually stunning and emotionally engaging. To add richness and depth to the show, "PossibiCity" features a "NDP 2007 Orchestra" that comprises 240 musicians from Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, SAF Central Band, I-YAN PULSE Malay Ensemble and Indian Ensemble from Bhaskar's Arts Academy. In addition, Huang Mei E and Steven Ong from Siong Leng Musical Association will play the nanyin pipa and siao respectively for the orchestra. The show will also feature renowned Singapore musicians Violinist Lee Huei Min, Pianist Jonathan Shin, Gambus player Zubir Abdullah, Tabla player Jatinder Singh Bedi and Bangdi player Lim Sin Yeo, who will be performing solo. Played by the NDP 2007 Orchestra, the music was specially composed to give grandeur and a multi-ethnic vibes to the show.

PossibiCity - SEA
At the beginning of the show, the Floating Platform was enchanted by vibrant fountains and smokes before the central character "SING", played by 4 inline skaters, with vocals by local soprano singer Janani Sridhar and voiced by local radio DJ and theatre actor Tan Shou Chen, made its appearance out of an egg-like blue structure. SING symbolises tremendous will power and bountiful energy of Singapore. SING will string the segments and impressions of "PossibiCity".

The SEA Segment showcased the significance of water to the survival and growth of Singapore, portraying the discovery of the Singapore identity from early settlement days to modern Singapore. 600 students from Clementi Primary School entered the stage to portrait the 1st impression "Source of Life". "Source of Life" painted the vibrancy of the sea through colourful costumes and props inspired by marine life. In my opinion, this is the most artistic impression of "PossibiCity", because not only that the costumes and props matches the SEA segment, the blue dusk sky also fits in perfectly, turning Marina Bay Floating Platform into a huge aquarium.


Source of Life

The grand firework fountain of Benjamin Sheares Bridge demarcates the transition from "Source of Life" into the next impression "River of Dreams", which is presented by 600 performers from the Singapore SOKA Association. The orange firework fountain is really beautiful and a Siam-style float sail through it, officially marked the start of "River of Dreams".


Firework Fountain

"River of Dreams" showcased a nostalgic and stylized picture of Singapore's past and the aspirations of our pioneers that contributed to the advancement of our country. "River of Dreams" also featured ethnic singers Lin Shao Ling (from Siong Leng Musical Association), Geetha Parameswaran & Sakthi Bavaani (from Bhaskar's Arts Academy), Mohd Elfee bin Ismail (from I-YAN Pulse) and James Patrick, who performed a composition of ethnic music fusion. Towards the middle of the impression, the Siam-style float sailed up onto the Floating Platform, travelled across it before sailing down into the Bay and head towards the mouth of Singapore River. The interesting random mix of ethnic songs from various dialects makes "River of Dreams" the most creative impression and it is one of the impression of "PossibiCity" that I like.


River of Dreams

Next is the 3rd impression "Fountain of Hope", performed by 200 students from Christ Church Secondary School. "Fountain of Hope" depicted Singapore as a leading world port that brings prosperity to the nation. The highlight of "Fountain of Hope" is the vibrant fountain display in the main waterway between the Floating Platform and the Seating Gallery. However, "Fountain of Hope" is less spectacular than the previous 2 impressions, thus failed to amazed me.

PossibiCity - EARTH
SING makes its appearance again, transiting the show into the EARTH segment. The EARTH segment is an analogy of Singapore's advancements in technology, but yet preserving its natural tropical charm as a beautiful garden city.

"Green City" is a representation of the beautiful garden city that Singapore is known for. This impression features Kit Chan in an elegant white gown, performing the theme song for this year's NDP "There's No Place I'd Rather Be" with dance performance by 400 students from CHIJ St Joseph's Convent. "Green City" is probably the most tranquil impression of "PossibiCity", with emotional vocal from a world acclaimed singer.


Kit Chan singing "There's No Place I'd Rather Be"


Green City

The next impression "Singa City" is more masculine, depicting Singapore's resilient character. Presented by 500 performers from the Singapore SOKA Association, "Singa City" is the boldest impression of "PossibiCity", with a Night Safari theme. Performers carries huge wild animal props and walked onto the Floating Platform via the suspension bridge. Furthermore, there is generous use of fire in many aspect of the performance. I like this impression!


Floating Night Safari?


Singa City

The EARTH segment ended with "Digital City", which is an impression that showcased Singapore's advancement. For the first time in the history of NDP, the brave Red Lions perform freefall at night. "Digital City" also has Gani (infamous for his yelling tunes of NDP 2006) singing "Will You?" on stage. However, as most audience are focusing on the courageous Red Lions, Gani become sort of an "extra" in this impression. As visibility is low, night freefall is not as spectacular, making this impression a little overrated.


Night Freefall

PossibiCity - SKY
The SKY segment portrays Singaporean's pursuit and realisation of our dreams and aspirations. Immediately after all the Red Lions landed from their night freefall, rays of moving lights soared high into the night sky, producing an energetic, dynamic and powerful visual effects. Instantaneously, colourfully-lit remote control kite contributed by Go Fly Kite dominated the night sky, creating a surreal picture. Titled "Soaring Aspirations", this is another beautiful and my personal favourite impression of "PossibiCity".


Soaring Aspirations

Performed by 460 performers from the People's Association, "Sky Explorers" is the 8th impression of the show. This is another stunning impression, with performers dressed in colourful costumes executing the fireworks manoeuvre. This is another colourful impression of "PossibiCity" that I like...


Sky Explorers

"Boundless Flight" presented by 400 students from Mayflower Secondary School is a futuristic impression that is achieved by contemporary stage costumes and props, which is complemented by fast tempo music. A sudden burst of fireworks off the Floating Platform concluded the SKY segment...


Boundless Flight

PossibiCity - PEOPLE
The PEOPLE segment pays tribute to our pioneers. The impression "Eternal Bloom" features 500 senior citizens from the Singapore SOKA Association practising soft martial arts on the Floating Platform. "Eternal Bloom" is the most boring impression of "PossibiCity", offering minimal excitement.


Eternal Bloom

"Miracle Makers" is the finale impression of "PossibiCity", with all performers re-entering the Floating Platform for a mass display. "Miracle Makers" ends with a short fireworks display.

Shortly later, Asha Edmund, Emma Yong, Gani Karim, Jai Wahab, Janani Sridhar, Lily Anna Rahmat, Sebastian Tan and Shabir Mohammed would lead all the performers to sing "Will You?", the 2nd theme song for NDP 2007. This standalone impression is titled "Will You".

PossibiCity - FIRE
Lastly, Tan Shou Chen, who is the voice of SING, will direct the sight of all audience into the cityscape of Raffles Place, where fireworks blooms off the rooftop of One Marina Boulevard, Republic Plaza and UOB Plaza. Dedicated specially to the breath-taking fireworks, "Fire of Passion" is the only impression in the FIRE segment. This final impression symbolizes the burning passion of every Singaporean to realise their dreams and aspirations, as well as to make Singapore our home. "Fire of Passion" is a massive display of water effects, fireworks, pyrotechnics, flames, lasers and lights, all synchronised to a piece of original music specially composed for this grand finale, followed by a medley of National Songs. Fireworks were not only lit from bumboats floating on Marina Bay, but also from Benjamin Sheares Bridge and off the rooftop of One Marina Boulevard, Republic Plaza and UOB Plaza.

Finally, a group of Pledge takers lead all performers and spectators to recite the National Pledge and sing the National Anthem. Immediately after this is the final fireworks display. Although this firework display is much shorter than "Fire of Passion", it is equally grand.

With the departure of Reviewing Officer Mr Abdullah, the 6 of us were busy taking photos while waiting for the crowd to disperse. We had a fulfilling late dinner at Bedok 85 before heading home...

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PossibiCity - PREVIEW NDP @ MARINA BAY 2007   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

National Day Parade 2006

09 August 2006

National Day Parade 2006
I am honoured to be involved in National Day Parade (NDP) 2006, the last NDP to be held at the National Stadium. NDP 2006 is organized by 1st Guards (1Guards), which is not affiliated to 1SIR. Therefore, it is really a privilege that our 1Guards brothers requested for manpower assistance from my battalion. It is definitely a meaningful and memorable experience for me.


NDP 2006

Gate IC at Pigeon Hole 34B
As I would be away for my Class 2B Riding Course from 5.6.06 to 5.7.06, Eugene assigned a simpler task for me, to avoid disrupting the overall logistics and manpower reshuffling. I am tasked to be the Gate IC at Pigeon Hole 34B, which is just beside the combined school choir. My task is to listen for cues on when to open the gates to let the performers in to perform for their segment. I am teamed up with guys from Alpha company, who will open the gate after I pass the cue to them.

My job scope was relatively light and most of my chores (opening the gate) would happen before the Pre-Parade segment and would end during the first segment of the Main Performance. Therefore, my position could be easily covered by someone else during my absence.


Pigeon Hole 34B is to the left of the combined school choir, below the banners "0" & "6".


Gate IC at Pigeon Hole 34B.


Some of the student performers whom we open the gate for.

NDP 2006 Common Rehearsal
The 1st Common Rehearsal (CR) was held on 3.6.06 (sat) at the National Stadium. At that time, the show was not finalized yet. The performers still messed up the choreography and there were lots of scolding and shouting from the instructors. It was actually quite entertaining to watch the NG moments.


These Nasi Lemak lunch provided during Common Rehearsal reminds me of those hawkers selling nasi lemak and curry puffs to audience watching the Malaysia Cup.

Upon returning from my bike course on 6.7.06 (thu), I joined the rest for the CR. I was actually quite excited, because this would be the 1st time I am able to watch the full show that evening (6.7.06). It is remarkable to see great improvement across all the performers.


NDP 2006 Common Rehearsal

OUR GLOBAL CITY, OUR HOME
My position gave me a full, but inverted view of the show as we are stationed opposite the Presidents, Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, who are seated at the covered grandstand.

As Gate IC, I have a full run-down of the programme, with minute-to-minute countdown cues on what is happening next. As our tasks were relatively light, I get to watch most of the parade during off-duty moments. The minute-to-minute countdown cues are very useful for my team to aim our camera on the freefall, aerial flypast, programme highlights and fireworks. These cues are also important in ensuring safety of performers and audience, as we are in close proximity to the fireworks, which were ignited directly behind us.


Enthusiastic Singaporeans waiting for NDP 2006 to start.


Singapore Flag flypast


National Day Parade 2006: OUR GLOBAL CITY, OUR HOME

Memories of NDP 2006
The NDP 2006 experience provides me with a deep insight on logistics and events management. It really requires the cooperation of an entire village to make a national-scale event happen.


I am honoured to be involved in NDP 2006.

Life during this period is the slackest in my NSF life! We spent most of our time on NDP stuff, as we are involved in rehearsals on Thursday and Saturday. We will book out on Friday afternoon, report directly to National Stadium by 12pm on Saturday, and have our off days on Sunday and Monday. This means that we get to enjoy 3 nights of sleep at home (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). As such, we only spent 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) in camp.

Furthermore, the 1h long bus #10 ride to/from National Stadium on every Saturday morning and Saturday night are very enjoyable to me.

Goodbye National Stadium
With the completion of NDP 2006, it also means that the beloved National Stadium will be demolished to make way for a new covered national stadium. I have been visiting the National Stadium regularly since primary school days to watch football (Malaysia Cup). Therefore, I have fond memories of the National Stadium. It is sad to see a familiar landmark disappeared, but I will always remember the hawkers selling nasi lemak and curry puffs, the golden days of football in Singapore, endless Kallang Wave and loud Lion Roar.


Goodbye National Stadium. We are free to explore the National Stadium when off-duty during rehearsals.

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National Day Parade 2006   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.