What did you think about this year’s National Day Parade? Although it was carried out on a much smaller scale, it is able to get the whole nation to be involved in one way or another. I like the fact that this year’s NDP is brought right to our doorsteps.
This is unlike the previous years where NDP is exclusive to ticket holders who balloted for the tickets. My family has participated in the balloting process for years but we never once got actual tickets to the NDP show.
This year, everything is fair and square because all Singaporeans get to watch the NDP action live right from their windows or the balconies.
Initially, I didn’t think that this year’s NDP would be that fantastic since the budget is lower. But lo and behold, this year’s NDP turns out to be awesome. In fact, I think this is the best NDP thus far. It would have been more way better if the NDP theme song for this year was as melodious as ‘Home’.
What are some of the NDP 2020 highlights for me? Let’s roll.
Top 10 NDP 2020 Highlights
1. Innovative band with clip-on music stands
Maybe I just not up-to-date when it comes to band music but it is my first time seeing this mini clip-on music sheet holder. With this mini clip-on music sheet holders, who need the large music stands? I wonder how they flip the music scores though.
2. Parade commander who was masked but not muted.
We all know that wearing a mask tends to muffle our voices as we speak. But not for this parade commander who managed to give loud and clear commands during the parade. Impressive! He must have shouted real loudly through his mask.
3. Mobile column which travels through the heartlands of Singapore
Despite the sweltering weather, many still made their way to the streets, carparks and overhead bridges just to catch glimpse of the mobile column. Many members of the public stationed themselves by the roadside just so they can get so close-up of the mobile column.
There were masses of people lining up the streets to watch this spectacular.
4. You can even see the state flag flypast as you sing the National Anthem.
What a cool sight to be seeing our national flag flying past HDB flats!
5. Most of the segments of the NDP parade is mainly dedicated to the frontline heroes
I guess this year’s NDP is more than just celebrating our national independence but it is also our way of paying tribute to the frontline workers who are the true heroes during this pandemic. It’s our way of saying a BIG THANK YOU to them for sacrificing their lives, time and effort.
6. Singaporeans from all over the world also get to be part of this celebration
This time, Singaporeans from all over the world can celebrate live with us on this special day.
7. Amazing videography that gives you that cinematic experience
I really enjoyed the short video snippets of the preparation process shown during the Live NDP parade on television. The videography is simply amazing and you can’t help but to feel proud that you’re a Singaporean.
8. They featured unsung heroes or volunteers who have contributed to Singapore.
I also like the meaningful stories of civilians which are featured throughout the live telecast. These are real civilians who also sacrifice their time and effort in order to keep Singapore safe.
9. A simple musical-like performance which brings out the core of Singaporeans
I particularly enjoy the act ‘Life in the city’ which really reflects what we have experienced this year. The song they sang was intertwined with raps spoken in 4 different languages. Now that was pretty cool.
10. We do have promising young talents who can create and compose music.
What stole the show was ABANGSAPAU’s Each other. This local rapper is someone to look out for in our music scene. He wrote this song during the Circuit Breaker and the rap he wrote is freaking good. It really spoke right to my heart because he had totally brought out the essence of this pandemic. What’s really cute is that he sang on stage with his mum who can really sing too.
Let’s hope we’ll have another meaningful NDP next year. Who knows? Maybe this is how we’ll celebrate NDP for the next couple of years. It’s not that bad staying at home, right?
What are some of your NDP 2020 highlights?
