Tuesday, July 10, 2007
NDP Rehearsal
I went for the NDP rehearsal on 30th June 2007. It was a hot day and I could see many patriotic Singaporeans wearing red, white or both. I was a little embarrassed as I was dressed in black. But that does not mean that I am not as loyal as them to my country.
This year, the parade is performed on a water platform. The NDP starts with the appearance of the 4 hosts who came onto the platform on boats and were transported on to the stage in cars.
We listened to songs sang by singers including the Super Band’s Jus-bee accompanied by wonderful dance performances. It was melodious and brought us closer to our beloved Singapore.
Next, we watched soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces marching onto the stage. Some video clips are played showing the soldiers being honoured to participate in the NDP.
We welcomed the ‘Ministers’ who took their seats. Actually, a person holding a sign “Ministers” took a seat since this is just a 2nd rehearsal. The “Minister Mentor and Prime Minister” sat down and watched the performance. Finally, a grand welcome was given to the “President” who waved at us in his car.
Boom! The canons were triggered before we had time to react. Many of the spectators pressed their fingers into their ears. The President inspected the soldiers then Boom! The canons were fired several times. My heart nearly popped out during the firing of the canons. After the President’s car went around stage, the soldiers fired the rifles which the sound was music to my ears as the shoots were sharp and consistent.
Then we dived under the sea as we saw sea creatures on the stage as well as around us. The performers were dressed in bright colourful costumes that probably caught the attention of the children. One performer in blue had to make balloon structures for so many children that he was perspiring and his teammates were as tired as him to do the endless job. Angels dressed in white waved and a few skators in red zigzagged all over the stage. We saw some paper animals like the bird, lamb and the cow which were so cute. Some performers flung balls of fire to catch our eyes. The next thing we saw were lighted parachutes gliding in the sky.
The final part of the NDP is named Eternal Bloom. Performer wearing orange shirts and white pants did a combination of taichi and dance. The flow of the music soothed our emotions and gives the message to care for the environment and community.
The only pity I felt is that there was no display of fireworks. Looks like I will have to watch the fireworks on TV on National Day.
--Mary HAD a little lamb--
9:38 PM
