Two booming voices, two different takes on how to keep that voice box well oiled.

National Day Parade sergeant major Master Warrant Officer Shamsuddin Isnin's booming voice could be heard as far away as the Benjamin Sheares bridge.

He was teamed up with the parade commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Teo, 38.

Together, they were "the voice" of the over 2,600-strong parade marching contingent.

For MWO Shamsuddin, 47, spicy food gave his voice thatspecial kick.

His breakfast yesterday consisted of two prata kosong with fish curry, washed down with tea, he said with a grin.

"I'm used to spicy food and it doesn't affect my voice. Spicy food, ice cream, everything I still whack," he said.

In any case, as the man who sees to it that discipline is maintained at the School of Infantry Specialists, yelling is part of his job.

Lt-Col Teo, on the other hand, steered clear of spicy food in the run-up to yesterday's big day.

He had, in fact, been downing honey mixed with water every morning.

The night before the parade, his wife, an auditor, even slept in a separate room with the children so he could sleep through the night, he joked.

When the contingent was at the parade ground yesterday, a video screen showed him leading his men as well as relaxing at home with his family.

He beamed with pride at the sight of his three-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son in the video.

Then, he took one deep breath, cleared his throat, and gave an order - loud and clear.