Each year, I look forward to the arrival of August for one reason: National Day. Today, Singapore celebrates its 49th National Day, what a journey it has been for the NDP organising committee. From rehearsal to rehearsal, every show is nothing short of spectacular. This year will most likely be the last (since 2007) that the celebrations will be held against the magnificent backdrop of modern Singapore’s Marina Bay and CBD skyline which I find symbolic because it puts into perspective how … [Read more...]
For the people, by the people, of the people – National Day Parade 2014
Same same but different this time around.This is perhaps one of the most difficult post for me to write. Why? Well, I’ve experienced a myriad of activities over the past month or so that has left me a tad overwhelmed. I suspect primarily that it has brought out the ‘little boy’ within me. I mean how can a ‘little boy’ contain his excitement when he had the opportunity to go on-board an actual warship and was taken on a Fast Craft Utility (FCU) ride during the annual ‘Navy@Vivo’ event. The … [Read more...]
NDP 2014 – Power, Precision and Passion
I’ve had several juvenile misconceptions cleared over the weekend. Every year, there would be the awe-inspiring, thundering aerial flypast by the fighter jets during Singapore’s National Day Parade. I've always assumed that:Photo Credit1) Due to the small air space that Singapore has, surely our government would have asked our friendly neighbours in Malaysia and Indonesia for some leeway into THEIR airspace so that OUR FIGHTER JETS can execute their maneuvers well. 2) These top … [Read more...]
A-Z of my favorite Singapore Things
In the spirit of celebrating Singapore's 48th National Day and to encapsulate the essence of Many Stories, One Singapore, I am compiling my list of A-Z Singaporean things that are close to my heart. My Mommy Blogger Friend, Evelyn of The Bottomsup Blog started this initiative, Cindy of Weiz Journey and Sandra of Sanses both hopped on and today's my turn to jump on the bandwagon!A is for Ang Ku Kueh, directly translated as 'Red Tortoise Cake'. A popular small round or oval shaped Chinese snack … [Read more...]
What National Day means to me…
As a young Singaporean growing up, I saw how my Mom toiled to put food on the table and to fend for the family. I saw how not everyone was born with a silver spoon in our mouths but I experienced first hand the redeeming grace of meritocracy in bridging the gap between the 'haves' and the 'have nots'. I who had so little to start with now lead a contented life with no lack (yes contentment is a choice and an invaluable virtue) but the reality is, most Singaporeans have a comfortable roof over … [Read more...]
Our favourite sights every National Day…
How do you teach and nurture loyalty? Like all values, they're caught and not taught. Every year, we make it a family affair to catch the National Day Fireworks...hoping the little one will 'catch' the patriotism of being a Singaporean...Most years, it involves 'camping' outdoors at good vantage points hours before the actual fireworks display; once we splurged on a National Day stay-cation (at Ritz Carlton no less!) to soak in the atmosphere with the extended family. As you can see, National … [Read more...]
Wordless Wednesday: Singapore, my Home
Our Young Patriot8th August - Each day this year, school-going kids all across the country would be smartly dresed in Red and White and excitedly bound for school. It's the day where they'll celebrate Singapore's National Day! I have very fond memories of National Day celebrations in schools where we belted out countless National Day Songs with all our hearts and culminated with the Pledge Moment. This week, Dana came home and attempted to recite the pledge, … [Read more...]
Motivational Monday: In love with Fireworks
Photo Credit: Kenny Teo Last Saturday evening, Daddy brought Dana and I out for a spin and we ended up at One Fullerton for dinner. The food was appetizing but the real bonus was that it being the last few Saturdays leading up to our Nations' 47th Birthday, there was NDP rehearsals going on at the nearby Marina Bay Floating Platform. We were excited to be treated to a visual feast right where we dined! At exactly 8pm, after the National Enthem, the … [Read more...]