Interview with Mr Brown
Some may consider him a national icon. His conversation topics revolve around distinctively local cuisine you and I relate to like bak chor mee and char kway teow mai hum. Occasionally, customers visit his dubious car mechanic friend Johnny to zhng their car. Whatever it is about Singapore, you name it, he's talked about it. In fact, his recent magnum opus, "Wash Your Body", became an overnight sensation on the Internet. Sounds familiar?
The person we're talking about is none other than celebrity blogger Mr Lee Kin Mun, otherwise known to most of us simply as the one and only, Mr Brown!
In this year's NDP, we have had the privilege to have Mr Brown hop onboard to give us an inside look into the makings of NDP 09. With his trademark humour and witty lines, we are sure "behind-the-scenes" has never looked so fun and entertaining before.
Having heard and seen so much about NDP 09 from his blog, we took an opportunity to hear from Mr Brown, the man himself, on what his personal thoughts are for this year's NDP.
How do you feel being a part of NDP this year?
Very thrilled. I hear you get to eat KFC all the time.
How did you come about doing coverage for NDP 09?
The NDP Chairman looked me up one day, asked me to lim kopi, and asked me to participate. I could not say no to his charms. I told him I wanted to look behind the scenes at the folks who never get any publicity for what they do, and he thought it was a great idea.
How has the journey been?
Gruelling but fun. I have lost track of the number of rehearsals I've attended, both the weekend Combined Rehearsals and the component ones too. You have to enjoy meeting people or the heat and pace will really get to you.
What challenges have you faced so far doing coverage for NDP 09?
Climbing up one of the towers with grappling hooks and a harness, to film the fireworks segment. Good thing I have no fear of heights.
The other challenging moment was when I was shooting the Presidential Gun Salute. We did not expect to be in the sun so much and did not have sun block. Needless to say, Ryan (my cameraman/director) and I were toast by the end of that shoot. When the 35SCE raft reached the shore, we had to take off our shoes because the ramp was partially underwater. Try walking on the hot metal surface of an engineer's raft — barefoot. Ow ow ow ow.
What do you enjoy seeing the most in NDP?
I really enjoyed all of it but I think I like the Total Defence Display the most. But I am biased lah. I got to ride a RHIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat) and feel the thrill of the sea chase so I am partial to that segment.
Any interesting people you've met or encounters you want to share?
I met David (Lead Vocalist) from Electrico during one of the rehearsals. He shook my hand and said he liked my Lekuasimi version of his band's song. I told him I liked his too. We had a good laugh.
Tell us more about your very first experience with National Day Parade.
I went to one of the camps to film the Choir and the Drumfest guys. It was a hot hot day and you could fried an egg on the parade ground. I then realised I was going to be spending many many hours and weekends in the sun with the participants for the next few months.
Wash Your Body was an overnight sensation on the Internet, so we're curious, what do you think of including it as part of this year's NDP repertoire of songs?
If the NDP committee can get the copyrights cleared, why not? I would love for it to be heard and sung. And for people to dance to it, hehe!
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In one of your podcasts, you mentioned that the Merlion's father was a water cooler. Just where did that inspiration come from?
I once stood in front of the Merlion and opened my mouth like I was drinking water from it. If you film it at the correct angle, it really looks like it is spitting water for you to drink from. I have too much of an active imagination for this kind of thing.
What do you have to say to Singaporeans out there who are reading this?
If you wash your body, wash your hands too (clap clap).
What is your birthday wish for Singapore?
May we all be healthy and happy.
With NDP 09 coming in less than a week's time, accompany Mr Brown and his team to find out what goes into making our nation's 44th birthday here.