National Day Parade: NDP 2016 Preview

So happy to score a pair of tickets to this year NDP preview. 

Though it is not the actual NDP, but I am equally contented to have a chance to watch the preview.

2016 marked the first year of NDP's return to our new National Stadium located at the Sports Hub. With a seating capacity of 55,000, the venue can house more NDP enthusiasts for them to enjoy the live atmosphere.

Though it is not the actual parade, we were encouraged to dress in red or white.

I wore my only red top out with me.

I need to add more colours of clothes to my wardrobe.

Wishing Singapore an advance 51st birthday.

I love my nation and I'm always so proud of her and proud to be a Singaporean.

While waiting for the segment to start, Linda and I were chatting away.

Due to our individual commitments, we haven't been catching up with one another for a long time.

Here came the arrival of Minister of States.......

People were still waving their flags enthusiastically 

We immersed ourselves into the sea of red and white.

Raising our flag and let it fly high.

Police motorcars were patrolling around the National Stadium.

Being in the indoor National Stadium, we were missing out on various outdoor segments such as the Red Lions, air craft performance and helicopter fly past. 

With the military band marching out, the Parade and Ceremony will begin soon.

The troops of contingents were taking their places and marching into the Parade in a orderly manner.

The contingents on parade represents the five pillars of Total Defence that underpin the resolve to ensure a sovereign and secure Singapore.

We were seated in the yellow sector of the National Stadium and were facing the back view of the Parade. Hence, we couldn't catch a glimpse of the Guard of Honour contingents.

When singing the National Anthem, instead of the usual National Flag fly past carried by the helicopter, the National Flags were carried by the volunteers up the steps with the spectators passing the flag backwards.

The crowds were waving their flags to the acting President when the vehicle passed by their areas.

The Parade and Ceremony has ended and there was a special segments by the marching contingents.

The contingents performing an onward march, where marching contingents come up close to the audience.

And the PAP group will be marching up our lane.

We were waving our flags at them when they marched past.

With the Parade and Ceremony ended, it's time for performance. 

This year performance used all the high technology LED, lasers and light.

Instead of the usual lightstick that was given in the fun pack, this year we were given a LED wrist-tag which will automatically changed its colours according to the different performance colours.

The legend of Badang and the discovery of Singapore Stone.

We celebrated our rich heritage through the story of Badang, who represents the strength and resilience of our nation in the face of hardships and challenges.

Singapore is an unicorn that has its own character and spirit that inspires dreams and hopes.

We were all captivated by the unicorn that were flying up high.

Prior to the start of the show, we learnt song signing of the familiar NDP songs like 'Count on me, Singapore' and 'Home' from the volunteers.

And now we did song signing together with the special needs participants. It's really meaningful and showing that we care for one another.

The programme ended off with an outdoor and indoor fireworks.

For the outdoor fireworks, we could view it from the small opening space of the National Stadium.

I like the theme song this year, it's quite catchy:

Dream away

Take the world by the hand

Cause Tomorrow's Here Today

Dream away

Come let's go right away

Cause Tomorrow's Here Today

Thank the organising committee and all the participants for putting up such a wonderful performance. You guys did well and hang on there, National Day is coming soon.

Celebrity-led tour to #SAF50atVivo with Irene Ang

2015 is a special year for all Singaporeans. 

Not only does it marks the 50 years of Singapore's independence, it is also the 50 years milestone for the formation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Our independence did not come by easy, military defence plays a big part in keeping Singapore secure and to deter foreign intervention. To celebrate this remarkable milestone of SAF’s 50th Anniversary, the three armed forces — the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) have come together to showcase the military exhibition at SAF50 Vivo.

Actually I try to ballot for the tickets to #SAF50atVivo, however lady luck is not with me again and I didn't manage to got it. Thank FLY Entertainment for this invitation, I have the opportunity to go on a celebrity-led tour to SAF50atVivo hosted by Irene Ang. This is awesome!

With my tour guide, Irene Ang, who will be leading us through exclusive routes, sharing behind-the-scenes information and giving more insight about SAF50.

Our first destination was on boarding Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Endurance - one of the Navy’s largest warship.

RSS ENDURANCE 207 is equipped with a well-dock and a flight deck, they provide sealift capability to the RSN.

The SAF personnel sharing with us their experiences during the search of AirAsia flight QZ8501. They have recovered a body and fuselage of the plane.

Exploring around.

Looking down from the highest peak.

Paused for a selfie against the beautiful scenery of Sentosa.

With HP who was on board the tour too.

Finally we board the Fast Craft Utility (FCU). The ride was the best part of our tour. FCU brought us out on a ride to experience riding on this gentle giant.

Wore a cap so that my hair will not be so messy and flying around.

The short 15 minutes ride was coming to an end, we were reaching the dock.

The FCU is part of the Navy's asset and plays a vital role in land-sea operations. It can lift up to 18 tonnes of equipment and personnel, at a speed of up to 20 knots. That is how the troops and equipment are transported across rivers and seas.

We returned safety back to RSS ENDURANCE thanks to the Navy officers who were working hard behind the scene.

With my friendly tour guide, Irene Ang. Thanks for organising this educational tour.

This marked the end of visit to RSS ENDURANCE. Time to head down to the land for more exhibitions about SAF in Vivo City. 

We stopped by at the RSAF Black Knights exhibition.

The Black Knights is the official aerobatics team of the Republic of Singapore Air Force featuring six F-16C Fighting Falcons in formation flight.

The three armed forces has come a long way to become who they are today.  Thanks to the pioneer and current servicemen and women for the great jon. You guys are the pillar of strength to our nation.

They were showcase of military vehicles where the public have the chance to check out the vehicles up close.

More and more military vessels.

The RSAF impressed us with the world's most sophisticated aircraft.

There were mini games going on as well. 

See, Irene Ang was learning to fire the missile of the enemy warcraft.  

Training to be soldier, fight for our land. Singapore Army is always there to ensure that our defence remains strong and solid. Salute.

A group photo to end off the insightful tour at SAF50 Vivo.

It was an unforgettable and fun education insight where I learnt and experienced more about the work life of SAF. It makes me want to join SAF too.

National Day Parade 2014: NDP 2014 Preview

I always wanted to watch National Day Parade live but I never had a chance to except the year when I was in Primary 5. It is not the fun pack that makes me want to attend, but rather it is the live atmosphere to celebrate the nation birthday with everyone that makes me want to attend. I want to sing along all the familiar National Day songs with everyone.

So thankful for the chance to catch NDP 2014 this year. Steffi and I were super gan jiong, we didn't want to miss any part of the show so we went early. We managed to be seated 5 minutes before 5pm.

Both of us were dressed in white that day to match the red and white theme.

This year's theme was "Our People, Our Home".

People is the only resource we have. We are what makes Singapore today and will be tomorrow, and this is worth celebrating. Let's make Singapore a better place for everybody.

I was seated at the yellow zone, I got an awesome view of the parade.

This will be my first and last time watching NDP at floating platform.

Today is a happy day, so let's sing along with some happy songs with the crowds:

Because I'm happy 

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof 

Because I'm happy 

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth 

Because I'm happy 

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you 

Because I'm happy 

Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do

We were both super high, we sang along to every songs. This is what I like about watching live.

If you ask me to sing along in front of television, I definitely wouldn't because the atmosphere is not there.

At this moment, our eyes were all glued to the sky.

Because the Red Lions were making their way down to  Marina Bay Floating Platform.

While waiting for them to land, the host taught us the 'Oh Yeah' cheer. When they were approaching us, we will go 'Ohhhhhhhhh' and when they touched down, we will say 'Yeah'.

The first Red Lion was making his way down. "Ohhhhhhhh!"

Red Lions are formed by officers from Commandos and the Naval Diving Unit. The main role is to put up display jumps and to represent the SAF in competitions.

Time for Parade and Ceremony, my favourite part of the NDP segment.

The marching contingents were marching in uniformly.

The parade has been formed with 35 marching contingents, fronted by four Guard-of-Honour contingents from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF).

This year, the parade was led by Parade Commander Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Wong Pui Pin.

When the "Prime Minister" and "President" arrived, it means time for National Anthem. 

Everyone rises for the National Anthem.

Our Singapore flag was flying past the stadium.

Majulah Singapura.

Haven't been singing National Anthem for a long time. I remembered in Secondary School, I didn't even sing along during the morning assembly. But today, I actually sing it together with everyone. Clearly, the atmosphere makes a lot of difference.

Immediately right after that was the air show performance by F15 aircraft.

Three celebratory volleys of Fire of Joy.

Akan tembak feiu de joie, isikan peluru. 

Hormat. 

Tembak.

March-off parade. When the National flag and military flags passed by, everybody rise up, showing our respect to the flags.

2014 is also the year we celebrated 30 years of Total Defence.

The security and stability as a nation has been built upon everyone’s efforts. Everybody plays a part in it.

Showcasing the Dynamic Defence Display (D3) from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

All these displays keep me fascinated.

A spectacular water show by Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB).

Fire! Fire! Help!

Fret not, Unmanned Fire Fighting Machine (UFM) from Singapore Civil Defence Force to the rescue.

The UFM is remotely operated, it frees up frontline responders for the discharge of other critical tasks and enhances responders' ability to penetrate and work in critical conditions. 

The UFM can be deployed to conditions that require ventilation in smoke-logged areas, fire-fighting situations using water mist, jet and foam, tapping water from open-sources.

The show segment used multi-media effects to create a vibrant mass displays. So colourful and nice.

Beautiful fireworks lighted up the floating platform.

Sheikh Haikel and many other artistes leading us singing some of the familiar songs:

Singapura,

小人物的心声

Munnaeru Vaalibaa

Chan Mali Chan

Sheikh Haikel even taught us a rap to be sung in between Chan Mali Chan.

The rap goes like this: "This is our home, where we belong."

Towards the end, we reminisced all the familiar National Day songs.

"Home" and "We are Singapore" are two of my favourites. 

Which is your favourite National Day song?

Recited the pledge and sang the National Anthem.

The massive fireworks to end off the show.

It was an impressive show put up by the committee and everyone who was involved. You guys has made it a great one.

Last but not least, thanks H-TWO-O for giving us the opportunity to watch NDP 2014. We enjoyed it very much (: