Happy National Day Singapore

Where to start....?

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY @ Singapore would be a nice way to start.

The NDP at Marina Bay owned. I think they should hold it there every year, even when the new National Stadium is up. The city skyline on one side. Sheares Bridge on the other. And Marina Bay in the middle. How cool is that. Because of the water element the Coast Guards and Navy were able to showcase their skills and machinery for the first time at an NDP. Also the water afforded the use of fountains and water screens to further enhance the parade's laser and lights show.


picture by waitee


picture by Pin Loh


by Lobinhoot on Sheares Bridge


great pictures by Suren Rupasinghe


by Singapor3

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Of note also is the latest National Day Message.
It used to be one of those closed door type thingies that I did not look forward to each year. The Prime Minister would sit behind his big desk flanked by the national flag and read his prepared message. yawn.
But this year they did something different, so at least it was tolerable enough for me to be able to sit through the entire thing. He was at one of the buildings overlooking the city skyline. And the message was broken up into various parts with the PM himself pausing to look out of the window or walking. In a sense it was more informal and documentary like. The stunning backdrop and environment was a feast for the eyes. Well done whoever thought of updating the most mundane of national day rituals.

link to the video and text: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/ndp07/message.htm

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In other news closer to home, we got the much anticipated letter from HDB. So we are going down next Monday to do the needful and collect the keys to our new home! Yayy!!

A step closer...

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Was also a part of the MND National Day Observance Ceremony held at Labrador Park on Wednesday. I guess that it comes with the territory of being a eurasian that you always get called upon to show face at such official events where they want to show the racial diversity and cohesion that Singapore is supposed to espouse. So I get called upon to attend SAF and Ministry events due to my ethnicity.

Anyway the NDOC was a fun way to spend a weekday morning. The real bummer was having to be at MND HQ at Maxwell Road before 7 am! Means I had to wake up at 5 am to prepare and make my way there. Going into the city is an expensive affair with all the ERP and parking rates. A half day in the city in the morning would set me back about $15 (erp=$5,parking=$10), so public transport was the only feasible option.

I got there before 7,so got myself a drink at the nearby Maxwell Market. Being the eve of national day I got the most patriotic drink possible (not Singapore Sling): Bandung!! Red and White, geddit??

After registering, I got onto the first bus to Labrador Park. I must say it is very nice in the morning to watch the sunrise.Labrador Park is indeed one of the nicer parks around,especially at sunrise and sunset time.



Then it was time for the morning exercise, followed by the new Singapore Dance for this year. Then we had a 'brisk walk' round about the park. It was anything but brisk but refreshing nonetheless.



After the walk we all gathered again for refreshments followed by the real official stuff (national anthem, pledge, performances, presentations, speeches etc)

Pledge taking by 2 recent citizens.


Guest-of-Honour and Minister of National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan:


Presentation of plaques to the CEO of the various Statutory Boards under the MND umbrella..la...la..la...


Then a dance performance by the bo liao staff of URA...


After all that hard work there was a reception under the white tentage:


After all that eating it was time for those of us that signed up for the walking tours to get into our respective groups, as the rest headed back to MND HQ.
I opted for Trail 3 which entailed going up the hill of Labrador Park to its peak and along the way stopping by the various casemates, guns and tunnels.


One of the only remaining guns


the view from atop Labrador Hill.


We even got to go into the tunnels free of charge (normal price=$8.40 per adult).
Then it was back to MND and then back home to wash up and change before heading back to the office.

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