Welcome to NDP 09

NDP Preview

What exactly makes up the definition of "National Day Parade"? In the numerous interviews we have conducted, 99% of the time, expect to hear something generic along the lines of "It's a Parade to express our love for Singapore!" or "NDP is a celebration of our nation's independence!"

However in reality, what does NDP really mean to us? For the majority, it is the annual opportunity to see breath-taking fireworks that draws us to the Parade; for others, it could be a convenient excuse for some much-needed late night partying. The more kiasu amongst us might even view NDP as an awesome opportunity for lobangs like free fun packs!

NDP means different things to different people, but regardless of how different our views and perspectives on might be, needless to say, it is our common identity as Singaporeans that ascribes meaning to the very existence of NDP! Keeping that in mind, in tonight's NDP Preview report, other than getting a glimpse of what is to come on 9 August, we shall attempt to find out what NDP and being Singaporean truly mean to you!

For spectators who have been joining us at the Float this past one month, the mention of "hand-shaped drums" and "heart-shaped lights" should no doubt have immediately triggered some mental image of NDP 09 in your mind! Designed in line with this year's slogan, "Every heart Reaching Out, every hand Reaching Up", these items have been integral to the Parade. More than just hype up the atmosphere; the drums play an important role in welcoming the Prime Minister to the Float while the lights form part of the performance in Chapter 8 of the show.

A new addition to tonight's Parade is the much anticipated City March Pass, taking place for the very first time in NDP 09 at tonight's Preview. Stretching an overall distance of 3.2 km and passing by famous landmarks such as the Esplanade, the old Supreme Court and City Hall, the City March Pass aims to bring the Parade experience even closer to more Singaporeans.

COL Chee Wai Mun, Chairman of NDP 09 Parade and Ceremony Committee shares that the idea for the City March Pass was conceived when this year's EXCO saw how last year's Guard-of-Honour contingents marched from Suntec City to the Marina Float. "We saw how every soldier held their head up high, proud to showcase themselves in front of the audience, so we thought of bringing this to all participants."

Forming part of the SAF Band contingent in tonight's City March Pass is 1SG Jax Ang, who has been preparing for the March Pass since April. The thought of marching for 3.2 km is certainly daunting, but it is the pride and jubilation that comes with it which makes the March Pass all worthwhile, as he shares, “Although it is tiring holding onto the trumpet for such a long distance, when you see the public cheering you on, there is an immense sense of pride and joy that fills you from within!”

Commencing immediately after the Presidential March Pass at the Parade, the sight of white pristine No. 1 uniforms drew many onlookers to the road barricades for a glimpse of the full regalia donning our marching contingents.

Apetroaie Gabriela, 34 was part of these watching the City March Pass along Benjamin Sheares Bridge. She says, “Although I'm from Romania, seeing the marching contingents still stirs me up with patriotism!" Enjoying the March Pass alongside is her husband, Azman, 34 and their son. Other than agreeing that tonight's March Pass was an eye opening experience for their son, Azman adds, "Seeing the March Pass also brings back many memories of the long marches we used to do when we were in NS!”

As we followed the City March Pass towards Padang, we managed to talk to Low Zi Wei, 20 who was catching the event from the Makansutra Gluttons Bay. He tells us that he likes the idea of bringing the Parade into the heart of the city because "It is not often that we get the opportunity to see the Colours Party this close!" Although marching for the City March Pass is tough work, Zi Wei believes everyone who has seen it will definitely sing praises of the marching contingents! For everyone involved in the City March Pass, he says, "Thanks for making all of us feel like we're truly 'a nation on Parade'!"

Back at the Float, the Parade kept its audience at the edge of their seats with dazzling performances and captivating visuals.

Siti Rabiah, 41, attended tonight's NDP Preview with her husband Mohammad Rashid, 49 and their 2 daughters. Rating the Parade as a "solid 5-star performance", they felt this year’s NDP has been absolutely "spectacular" and look forward to watching it again on TV come 9 August!

To spectators coming down next week on the actual National Day, Rachel Lew and Tan Li Hua, 19, have this to say: "NDP 09 is a show not to be missed!" Other than this year's fun packs, Rachel told us she likes the NDP 09 theme song "What Do You See?" by Electrico, because "although I enjoy all the tunes from past years' NDP, I believe it's high time we got an 'update' to our repertoire of pop-sounding NDP songs!"

Even as we celebrate National Day at the Parade, let us not forget the many Singaporeans located overseas celebrating this unique day with us, including the approximately one thousand Singaporeans who leave home yearly to further their studies abroad. To have them celebrate NDP back home with us at the Float would be a rare opportunity, but for Yvonne Liu, 20 and friend Ning Si Rui, 22, this was just the situation they found themselves in!

Returning from Imperial College London for their summer break, Yvonne says, “Even though we have only been away for a year, Singapore has changed a lot! It's nonetheless exciting to be back here!”

Being overseas has also had a profound impact on the way they communicate with people, as Yvonne shares, "It's very different in London! Back in Singapore, there are some things you talk about that you think are ok, but then people there have a very different idea of what certain things should be; that really made us change our mindsets."

Back on the Parade, Yvonne's personal favourites in tonight's NDP Preview were the eclectic mix of music for Chapter 5: Fast Forward and the short but poignant Chapter 7: When I Grow Up. She elaborates, “I really liked the reflections of the kids! They're super cute!"

As with tonight's NDP Preview, here is a chapter-by-chapter preview of what to expect in the upcoming NDP 09.

Chapter One: What Did He See? A combination of storytelling and puppetry coordinated with masterful choreography, this opening chapter tells the story of how Singapore was discovered.

Chapter Two: Defending our Homeland In a gripping plot that demonstrates our defence capabilities against terrorism, prepare to be wowed by thrilling stunts as well as deafening blasts by our Armed Forces!

Chapter Three: Our Parade Practising since April, the marching contingents will enter the Parade in a common chorus of "We Are One". Also look out for the Presidential Gun Salute happening on the Marina Bay!

Chapter Four: The First Wave Featuring performers dressed in traditional ethnic costumes, this chapter celebrates our diversity and multiracial roots as a society.

Chapter Five: Fast Forward Take a blast into the past with defining songs, visuals and speeches from past decades forming the basis of this Chapter. Expect to find yourself grooving along with the music!

Chapter Six: Against All Odds A representation of the resilient and enduring nature of the Singapore Spirit, this chapter chronicles the many adversities Singapore has overcome over the years.

Chapter Seven: When I Grow Up Get a glimpse of Singapore's future as we hear what our next generation has to say about their dreams and ambitions when they grow up.

Chapter Eight: Heartland What are the values that bind us together? Take a journey of self-discovery into what makes us Singaporean. Past NDP songs have also been given a new lease of life in this chapter.

Chapter Nine: Little Red Dot Even as a "Little Red Dot", Singapore is making waves on the international scene. Come celebrate our nation's achievements across the globe and check out the highly unique costumes!

Chapter Ten: What Do You See? It is the moment we have been waiting for! Join us in our inaugural Pledge Moment at 8:22 pm taking place all over Singapore!