Media Invite
It has been many years since I attended the National Day Parade live, and I almost forgot how awesome the feeling is!
Last Saturday, I went for NDP 2017 Preview show with my mum, mother-in-law and Jayne, and we had such a great time. There are so many bits about the whole parade that I really liked, but here are 7 top things that I love and I know you would too, if you are going for the parade. Even if you didn’t manage to get any tickets to go this year, I am sure you will enjoy watching the parade from home!
1. Great & Happy Atmosphere
First and foremost, getting to The Floating Platform was not as arduous as I imagined to be. Either we’ve gained enough experience after doing this for 50 over years, or we generally have very efficient staff and volunteers who made it such a breeze. From queuing to do our security clearance to collecting our Funpacks and then directed to our seats in the designated coloured section, everything was efficient and fast, with smiling ushers greeting and directing us along the way.
The atmosphere continued to build up as we reached our seats and everyone was just waiting for the show to start. A sea of red and white filled the Floating Platform and because it was still early evening then, many people had their umbrellas opened up and different ones started wearing the caps found inside the Funpack. Some were taking photographs and selfies, and others were pasting on the temporary tattoos. Even though it was hot, everyone was in high spirits!
2. The Red Lions!
The Red Lions were definitely one of the highlights of the evening! Before they took off to the skies, they did a live video call with the audience at The Floating Platform, and then minutes later, they came descending one by one onto the platform before our very eyes! So well synchronized and so majestic!
Once they were spotted in the skies above us, the whole Floating Platform went wild!
After every one of the Red Lions landed safely, the whole platform gave them a roaring applause!
3. Dynamic Defence Display (D3)
One of the most interesting bits about this year’s NDP is that you will witness bomb bursts and crates bursting into flames during the simulation of a terrorist attack in the show. The segment aims to highlight our nation’s capability and response to such emergency situations. Many of the interesting military vehicles that I have never seen before drove in to the platform and it was really exciting to watch how different departments and armed forces work together to eliminate the threats. At some points, there were even soldiers running down the stairs in the audience sections and showcasing their abilities to counter the attacks. It felt like one immersive experience!
Because we were at The Floating Platform, there were opportunities to showcase our water military forces as well, which was awesome. We saw how the threats who tried to escape by sea were apprehended by our elite forces with their fast vessels! It was such an exciting segment to watch and I enjoyed myself tremendously!
Apart from the land and sea forces, the air forces were also there to showcase their capabilities, which thrilled everyone to no end.
When the Singapore Flag flew past above our heads, we sang the National Anthem with gusto. So much feels!
4. Parade & Ceremony and A NS50 Tribute
National Service celebrates 50th anniversary this year, so there is a special tribute paid to past and present NSmen during the Parade & Ceremony (P&C) Segment in NDP this year. I used to be from a Uniformed Group during my schooling days, so I know foot drills are hard work and requires a lot of coordination. When I saw how the various uniformed groups came onto the Floating Platform in contingents, I was really beaming with pride at what we possess as a nation – Unity and cohesiveness.
The entire Floating Platform also gave a resounding applause to all past and present NSmen when they stood up, thanking them for playing a part to ensure the safety and security of our nation.
5. 300-Drones Performance
This was another one of the highlights for me during the show because it was just so beautiful! 300 unmanned drones did colourful formations in the sky right before our eyes. They did many different icons, and even did a revolving crown towards the end, which was so nice! Make sure you don’t miss this part of the show!
6. The Entertaining Performances
Truth be told, I usually don’t enjoy the performance segment of the NDP, but I actually enjoyed this year’s show! Perhaps it’s got to do with the fact that more props were used, along with a revolving stage, moving LED screen and special computer graphics and illustrations that made it a visual treat for everyone.
7. And Of Course, The Fireworks!
But of course, the fireworks is what everyone excitedly looks forward to at every NDP. I love it that this year, the fireworks do not only come out right at the end, but intermittently throughout the show as well. I was not able to capture every one of them because most of them took us by surprise, but all the more, it made the audience cheer loudly!
I am looking forward to watching the NDP 2017 on TV when it’s telecast next Wednesday. Let’s celebrate our nation’s birthday together! :)
Credit: All photos in this post were taken on the Canon PowerShot SX60HS which was kindly loaned to me for media trial by Canon Singapore. I love everything about the camera – Clear & sharp shots, fast shutter speed and small & light enough to carry everywhere with me! Highly recommended for a camera that is professional enough without burning a hole in your pocket!
