HIGHLIGHT LIVE 2024 [LIGHTS GO ON AGAIN] IN SINGAPORE

09 September 2024

HIGHLIGHT LIVE 2024 [LIGHTS GO ON AGAIN] IN SINGAPORE
8 September 2024 (Sun)
Singapore Expo Hall 7

[On a rainy day, I had a Shock when a Shadow takes a deep Breath at Midnight. perhaps it is a Mystery or just a Fiction, but I indeed heard that Beautiful Bad Girl Calling You "YeY". maybe it is just Good Luck that it stop raining at 12:30, so that It's Still a Beautiful Night and not too late for the BODY to feel Loved and Daydream Alone. Plz Don't Be Sad, even though the Ribbon Butterfly is No More Beautiful, but tomorrow Can Be Better. Take Care, as it is Not The End.]

from B2ST (pre-debut) to BEAST to Highlight (they were forced to change their name after leaving their management in 2016); from being sarcastically labelled by K-media as a 'recycled group' before debut to 1 of the most decorated 2G group that is still active today (despite the name change & losing their producer/rapper Junhyung due to the Burning Sun scandal)... Doojoon, Yoseob, Kikwang & Dongwoon has definitely come a very long way! fortunately, fans remained & evolved from B2UTY to LIGHT.

Wasnt expecting BEAST (tbh i'm still not accustomed to the new name) to perform in Singapore again, so I am pleasantly surprised knowing that they have a stop here, which happens to be the last stop of this tour. glad, we managed to get tix for this sold out concert. Expo was extremely crowded 2h before the door opens, with lots of fans Q-ing for merchandise. I’m surprised with the huge number of fanboys (easily 30% of the audience). Somehow this concert has the old school (i.e. early 2010s) K-concert vibes in Singapore, as fans are very orderly and will help each other take photos & even chit chat while Q-ing. Happy to see such good habits being revived.

HIGHLIGHT performed 24 songs in total. They opened the concert with hits released as HIGHLIGHT, but it is the older BEAST classics that ignite the stage & set the audience crazy. The ambient is totally different immediately when the intro of "Bad Girl" was dropped. Most importantly, they performed most of the songs I like (eg "on rainy days", "Breath", "Shadow", "Fiction" & "Good Luck"). It will be perfect if they had sang "Beautiful Night" too.

Acoustic at Expo Hall 7 is surprisingly good (Hall 1 was pretty bad when I watched MISIA in 2008). Doojoon, Yoseob, Kikwang & Dongwoon are superb performers with great charisma. Yoseob vocal (especially his signature high notes) is amazing. Doojoon really improved leaps and bounds (think he totally replaced Kikwang as my new bias). Interestingly, Junhyung’s rap were either omitted (thru re-arrangement, so some songs sounded quite abrupt) or replaced by instrumental. perhaps they did it for practical reason (as none of the remaining members are strong rappers) & as a form of respect (to show that Junhyung is irreplaceable). Overall a really enjoyable show. 🩶

#B2ST #BEAST #Highlight #Doojoon #Yoseob #Kikwang #Dongwoon #2GKpop

[setlist]
1 Switch On
2 PRIVACY
3 PAPER CUT
4 Feel Your Love (48.6Hertz)
5 CALLING YOU
6 Give You My All
7 Plz Don't Be Sad
8 BODY
9 Bad Girl
10 Shock
11 Special
12 Shadow
13 Good Luck
14 Breath
15 On Rainy Days
16 Ribbon
17 Fiction
18 NOT THE END
19 In My Head
20 Don't Leave
21 Beautiful
22 V.I.U. (Very Important You)
23 How To Love
24 Oasis

[side note: we will be attending another 1 more concert (BoA) before 2024 ends... so many K-concerts this year. hope there will be more 2G Kpop acts, especially those who are still active or made a comeback (eg. 2NE1, KARA, T-ARA, 2PM) will perform here next year. Jpop are welcomed too, as it has been 7years since the last J-pop concert here (i.e. Do As Infinity in September 2017).]

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HIGHLIGHT LIVE 2024 [LIGHTS GO ON AGAIN] IN SINGAPORE   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Singapore Live

07 August 2024

J-pop Live @ Singapore
Aikawa Nanase Fort Canning Live 10.6.06
(10 June 2006 @ Fort Canning Park)

THE TOUR OF MISIA DISCOTHEQUE ASIA @ Singapore Expo
(13 September 2008 @ Singapore Expo Hall 1)


K-pop Live @ Singapore
Super Show 3 Singapore
(29 January 2011 & 30 January 2011 @ Singapore Indoor Stadium)
Super Junior Asia Tour 2024 SUPER SHOW SPIN-OFF: Halftime Singapore
HIGHLIGHT LIVE 2024 [LIGHTS GO ON AGAIN] IN SINGAPORE


C-pop Live @ Singapore
ASMeiR Max 2024 World Tour Singapore


Singapore Indies Live
TRAFFIC JAM (street parties @ Connaught Drive)


National Day Parade
National Day Parade 2006
PossibiCity - PREVIEW NDP @ MARINA BAY 2007
National Day Parade 2024

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Singapore Live   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

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.

ASMeiR Max 2024 World Tour Singapore

29 July 2024

ASMeiR Max 2024 World Tour Singapore
張惠妹世界巡回演唱會新加坡站
28 July 2024 at Singapore Indoor Stadium

華語天后的第十次巡回演唱會! C-pop Diva is back in town!! & this time it is at Indoor Stadium (not the white elephant with lousy acoustic, where only audience who has no appreciation for music will waste $$$). Besides talent of the artist, good venue acoustic is very important in making a concert successful.

We didnt managed to get tix for the 1st night (which was sold out within minutes on sale), so we are very grateful for being able to get tix from our friends in the media industry for the similarly full-house 2nd show.

The BGM when we entered Indoor was "好膽你就來" (as per concert SOP, it means this song will not be performed). The concert opens punctually at 8pm. The setlist for both nights is slightly different. A-mei replaced "藍天" with "我恨我愛你", and "姐妹" was intentionally left out from the main repertoire.

A-mei is still a powerhouse. While she did not performed my favourite "藍天" & "不顧一切", I am still very impressed with her explosive vocal throughout the 3h concert. She performed 24 full songs & 2 medleys (i.e. 32songs in total).

There was never a dull moment. The audience are so high that it is either a massive KTV arena or almost everyone are standing and grooving to the beat. Truly AMSR!! As usual, she teared up numerous time whenever the audience sing-along loudly with her.

Most importantly, A-mei surprised fans of the 2nd show with a double encore!! The 1st encore is an acoustic rendition of "姐妹" as a baby shower blessing from A-mei (& Singapore fans) for her backing chorus 叶玮庭 (Uni Yeh), who is heavily pregnant and will be going for maternity leave after tonight show. It is a very sweet moment & A-mei gave Uni a basket of merlion plush toys, each representing a member of her family. The 2nd encore is "人質".

A trivia noteworthy is, the music director, many band members, crew & support staff of the tour are Singaporeans, so A-mei said the Singapore stop is effectively a 'homecoming performance' for them. Her mother & some of her relatives are among the audience too.

From what she mentioned, A-mei will likely have another major tour next year, before she celebrate her 30th anniversary in 2026.

張惠妹世界巡回演唱會新加坡站 (第2场)
[Opening: ASMR Overture]
血腥愛情故事
當我開始偷偷地想你
你想幹什麼
愛什麼稀罕
站在高崗上
我恨我愛你
剪愛
也許明天
[Chorus Interlude: 一個人跳舞 + 火 + 狠角色 + 都對也都錯]
你說了算
High High High + 相愛後動物感傷 + So Good
解脫 + 一想到你呀 + 牽手
彩虹
[Band Interlude: 別在傷口撒鹽]
難搞
身後
掉了
我要快樂
勇敢
趁早
聽海
[Dance Interlude: 跳進來]
跳進來
驕傲
Bad Boy
Yes or No
渴了
我要飛
三天三夜
[Encore 1] 姐妹 (Acoustic) [baby shower blessing from A-mei & Singapore fans for Uni Yeh]
[Encore 2] 人質

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ASMeiR Max 2024 World Tour Singapore   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Super Junior Asia Tour 2024 SUPER SHOW SPIN-OFF: Halftime Singapore

19 July 2024

Super Junior Asia Tour 2024 SUPER SHOW SPIN-OFF: Halftime Singapore
14 July 2024 at Indoor Stadium

19years of fandom & proud to say that i have never missed a single Super Show in Singapore (SS3 Jan2011, SS4 Feb2012, SS5 Jul2013, SS6 May2015, SS7 Jan2018, SS9 Sep2022; i attended both dates for SS3 & SS4). 💙

personally i think "Super Show Spin-off: Halftime" is better than SS9; perhaps bcoz they sang much more older hits (in their original arrangement & choreography) today.

the concert opens with their latest single "Show Time", followed by their 2006 pre-breakthrough singles "Wonder Boy" & "Dancing Out", setting the right energy level for the entire live.

as "Spin-off: Halftime" is not a standard Super Show (i.e. it is conceptualized as a 'deviation', like the halftime of a football match), so the repertoire includes a list of songs that aint staple in recent Super Shows. the most interesting segment would be the mashup sub-units that feature 'random' members (some being really unexpected) to perform signature tune of the original sub-units. for instance, Leeteuk was added to form SJ-L.E.D. with Eunhyuk & Donghae (the dance duo of SJ-D&E) to perform "Suit Up" (originally by SJ-LSS, which Leeteuk is an original member); Shindong, Kyuhyun & Yesung grouped as SJ-S.K.Y. to sing "Let's Not" (a ballad by SJ-KRY; Shindong who isnt known for his singing capability did impressed with his vocal!); SJ-R.S. (Ryeowook & Siwon; both not great dancers) challenged SJ-D&E with their rendition of "Danger". Solos (an important segment during normal Super Shows for each member to showcase their individual strengths & works outside the group) were also banned, so the numerous solo ballads were jointly sang by all the members.

The performance of "SPY" & "Opera" (both were non-lead singles off their 5th & 6th albums respectively) were very well-received by fans, and "Lovely Day" becomes a huge karaoke session. the energy picks up again with classics "Devil" & "Black Suits", before "A Man in Love" seemingly transport us back in time, as if we are watching the opening number of "Super Show 2" in 2009. finally, a Super Junior concert is incomplete without a performance of their magnum opus "Sorry, Sorry" (rearranged as a rock version).

the boys are still strong performers in terms of dance & vocal capabilities, still as jovial (e.g. their long love for crab/crap, singlish), and some members even demonstrated drastic improvement in languages. Siwon even preached & prayed, and he explained "he cant help it, coz it is Sunday".

Lastly, Leader Leeteuk announced that Super Junior will perform at Singapore in September 2025 as part of their 20th Anniversary celebration, Heechul will be performing & ELFs will get to select their favourite songs to be performed (likely thru voting). Like what Eunhyuk said, the Super Junior members are growing old, so are ELFs (growing old together with them), so i'm really looking forward to the events, releases & tours commemorating their 20th Anniversary next year.

Hope they enjoyed their chilli crab, pepper crab, super crap, Botanic Garden walk & the warmness from Singapore ELFs during their stay here.

setlist:
Opening VCR
Show Time
Wonder Boy
Dancing Out
MENT
Don't Wait
Runaway
VCR
Suit Up (SJ-LSS song; cover by SJ-LED)
Let's Not (SJ-KRY song; cover by SJ-SKY)
Danger (SJ-D&E; cover by SJ-RS)
It has To Be You (Yesung solo; SJ ver)
At Gwanghwamun (Kyuhyun solo; SJ ver)
The Little Prince (Ryeowook solo; SJ ver)
The One I Love (SJ-KRY song; SJ ver)
VCR
Get a Guitar (Riize; cover by SJ)
Hype Boy (NewJeans; cover by SJ)
VCR
SPY
Opera
MENT
Lovely Day
From U
Devil
Black Suit
A Man in Love
Sorry, Sorry
MENT
Believe

[side note: 1.5years since i attended a concert & July calendar is suddenly filled with 2 lives & NDP. love the live atmosphere.]

#SuperJunior #SuperShow #SuperShowSpinoffHalftime #Leeteuk #Yesung #Shindong #Eunhyuk #Donghae #Siwon #Ryeowook #Kyuhyun #ELF #SapphireBlue #SingaporeIndoorStadium #IndoorStadium #Stadium #Kallang #Singapore

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Super Junior Asia Tour 2024 SUPER SHOW SPIN-OFF: Halftime Singapore   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

Super Show 3 Singapore

30 January 2011

Super Junior 3rd concert tour
Super Show 3



29.01.2011 (Saturday) Singapore Indoor Stadium
30.01.2011 (Sunday) Singapore Indoor Stadium

Singapore Setlist
[Opening – Singapore]
1 SORRY, SORRY_Super Show 3 Remix
2 SUPER GIRL_Super Show 3 Remix / SUPER JUNIOR
3 돈 돈! (Don't Don!)_Super Show 3 Remix
[Video Interlude 1 – Balloons]
4 너 같은 사람 또 없어 (No Other)
[Members Introduction]
5 告白 (Confession) / SUPER JUNIOR
6 좋은 사람 (Good Person)
7 로꾸거!!! (ROKUKO)
[Video Interlude 2 – Ryeowook's childhood]
8 봄날 (One Fine Spring Day) / Ryeowook featuring Sungmin (Guitar)
9 新不了情 / Kyuhyun
10 Sungmin Dance Solo
11 Looking for the day / Siwon
12 I wanna love you / Eunhyuk + Donghae
13 Baby Baby / Henry
[Video Interlude 3 – Birth of SUPER JUNIOR-T]
14 Tok Tok Tok / SUPER JUNIOR-T
15 둘이 (YOU&I) / SUPER JUNIOR
16 아주 먼 옛날 (Song for you)
17 蕭灑小姐 / Zhou Mi
18 [Dance Parody] Poker Face ~ Single Ladies ~ Crazy in love
[Video Interlude 4 – Fighting]
19 Shake It Up! (Remix Version)
20 TWINS (Knock Out)_Super Show 3 Remix
[Video Interlude 5 – Eun Ju's Birthday]
21 미워 (Hate U, Love U)
22 잠들고 싶어 (In My Dream) / Yesung + Sungmin + Donghae + Ryeowook + Kyuhyun
[Video Interlude 6 – Kangin]
[Video Interlude 7 – Basketball]
23 진심 (All My Heart)
24 너 아니면 안돼 (It Has To Be You) / Yesung
[Video Interlude 8 – 미인아 (BONAMANA) House Remix]
25 미인아 (BONAMANA)_Super Show 3 Remix
26 갈증 (A Man in Love)_Super Show 3 Remix
27 U_Super Show 3 Remix
28 Dancing Out_Super Show 3 Remix
Encore
[Video Interlude 9 – 요리왕 (COOKING? COOKING!) Vegetables]
29 요리왕 (COOKING? COOKING!) / SUPER JUNIOR
30 차근차근 (Way for love)
[MC]
31 Wonder Boy
[Ending]

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Super Show 3 Singapore   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

THE TOUR OF MISIA DISCOTHEQUE ASIA @ Singapore Expo

14 September 2008

THE TOUR OF MISIA DISCOTHEQUE ASIA
Singapore Expo Hall 1
13.9.08
8:00pm


catalogue & ticket


Singapore Expo Hall 1


HMV staffs selling MISIA CD/DVD


MISIA on stage

Set List
M1 Opening ~ HIP HOP medley (Royal Chocolate Flush ~ GROOVIN' ~ BACK BLOCKS ~ Escape ~ Rhythm Reflection ~ TYO ~ 以心伝心)
-MC-
-Introduction-
M2 Catch the Rainbow
M3 Yes Forever
-interlude-
M4 眠れぬ夜は君のせい
M5 そばにいて...
M6 it's just love
M7 Everything
M8 太陽の地図
M9 We are the music
M10 陽のあたる場所
M11 つつみ込むように...
[Encore]
E12 HOUSE medley (約束の翼 ~ To Be In Love ~ THE GLORY DAY ~ 忘れない日々 ~ sweetness ~ Never gonna cry!)
E13 INTO THE LIGHT
E14 LUV PARADE
[Encore 2]
E15 太陽のマライカ


before show


after show inside Singapore Expo Hall 1 (I'm wearing DISCOTHEQUE ASIA T-Shirt)

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THE TOUR OF MISIA DISCOTHEQUE ASIA @ Singapore Expo   © 文彬 2004~2024. All rights reserved.

TRAFFIC JAM

01 September 2007

Ryan received 2 complementary tickets from his friend for "TRAFFIC JAM" and he invited me to join him for the event. "TRAFFIC JAM" is a cluster of street parties organized by Sony Ericsson and SingTel. The street parties will be held at Connaught Drive (the road is at City Hall, between Padang and Esplanade) on 1.9.07.

Before attending the event, I had to go ART FRIEND to purchase a wooden board and spray paints for my 3D Wire project...


TRAFFIC JAM entrance


TRAFFIC JAM stage


Ryan & I @ TRAFFIC JAM

Connaught Drive was already closed-to-traffic when the two of us arrived sharply on 6pm. Upon arrival, we are amazed by the numerous huge vehicles parked as props, the huge stage and the tight securities at the vicinity. Although we arrived on time, the party is not ready yet, so the two of us decided to shop at Citylink Mall for drinks and bites. Returning to Connaught Drive quite some time later, the gate was still not opened yet, so Ryan and I loitered around the vicinity, snapping photos of ourselves with the vehicles.


Electrico


Amanda from Electrico

Despite the gate been closed, Inquisitive already started mixing music on the stage to warm up the atmosphere for the actual start. Finally, after a long wait, entrance into the street parties was opened. Top local indies band Electrico is the opening act. Electrico kickstarted the evening by performing several hit numbers before ending off their stage with an untitled ballad-rock new song. It is amazing that the stage lightings are synchronized with the music, which pretty matched the standard of J-pop concert.

Next on stage was DJs KFC & Dave, who mixed good music for the next few minutes.

Twilight gradually replaced the dusk and at this point of time. Ryan and I sneaked to the backstage, where we chatted with Amanda of Electrico and we learnt on the band latest news and upcoming plans. Amanda is friendly, sincere and nice to chat with. She is not that type of celebrity who is haughty or maintain a distance with fans. Before we returned to the party, we request for photo-taking with her and she agreed. By now, darkness has slowly creeped in, much to the delight among the audience.


Bushmen


Wicked Aura Batucada marching in

Returning back to the audience, we watched Bushmen delivering an energetic performance on stage. With much anticipation, Bushmen passed the baton to the renowned local percussion group Wicked Aura Batucada. Sound of drum beats can be heard over the air, but no sight of the group is seemed. The beats get louder and nearer, with random screaming from the rear crowd. The beats and screaming keeps getting louder and nearer to the stage. Sensing that Wicked Aura Batucada is actually making their entrance from the main gate (located at the far rear), the party crowd swiftly shifted backwards, joining in the fun. It is actually much like a typical Malay wedding procession, except for the fact that skimpy-dressed dancers are dancing wildly to the hot samba beats. Proceeding at a slow speed, the climax of the party is reached when the crowd tapped to the beats, accompanied with loud random screams.


Dubwise vs Inquisitive Feat Beat Society: Mystroe & Krazie Starr

Following up next is a combined performance by Dubwise vs Inquisitive Feat Beat Society: Mystroe & Krazie Starr. This is indefinably the best beatbox performance I have ever watched live.

Being physically exhausted, Ryan and I decided to leave the party early (both of us are not the party animal kind of guys). Thus, we skipped the final music mixing performance by Arrested Development. The two of us went to have dinner at Marina Square food court, before going home...

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TRAFFIC JAM   © 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.