Given that the nation is celebrating its birthday very soon (9 August), a few of us volunteered to row for one of the performance segments (Scene 2, Act 2) at the upcoming National Day Parade 2012, representing the team from Bishan – Toa Payoh GRC.
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The display this year will see 15 dragon boats (from 15 GRC teams) rowing past the Float @ Marina Bay, when the actors / actresses start beating the drums on stage (I haven’t watched it yet, but this is according to what the NDP coordinator told us). 15 brand new boats have apparently been ordered for this purpose, and fireworks will be released from a small pontoon attached to the back of every boat. The audience will be able to see us emerge from underneath the Esplanade Bridge, paddling in unison past them once the fireworks are triggered at 7.36pm sharp.
Taken at PA Water Venture Kallang
All of us posing and looking good for our sponsor, Synergy WorldWide
On 7 July (Saturday), we were informed it is the 3rd Combined Rehearsal and the Chief of Defense Force will be down to vet the entire parade and show. Instructions were given to gather at the jetty below Singapore Flyer at 3.30pm, have dinner around 5pm, then proceed to board the boats for the display. And because the wait between meeting time and dinner time is a good 1 – 2 hours, Maurice and I walked towards the other side of Singapore Flyer (where the F1 Pit Building is) to explore the refreshments that were distributed to the other NDP performers at this resting point. I observed that for beverages, there were drinks vans from 1. Mr Bean Soya Milk, 2. Nestle Ice Milo, 3. Orange Juice, while for food, there was only 1 van from Old Chang Kee (OCK). Maurice told me that based on past experience, he will go to the van with the largest disposable cup, then go to the van he wants to top up his drink. So we went to Mr Bean van, then drink to heart’s content at Ice Milo. After which, we queued up at OCK, but lo and behold, the van is extremely popular with our young and growing generation from SCGS (Secondary 1 & 2s). We were right smack in the middle of a continuous line from SCGS, I figured OCK will do very, very well if they open up in SCGS canteen.
Long line of SCGS girls in front
An even longer line of SCGS girls behind
For dinner as usual, we were served KFC packs comprising 1 Zinger Burger, 1 piece crispy chicken, 1 small mash potato, 2 breaded fish rings. Actually this is the 3rd time I having the same menu, and I am now suffering immensely the law of diminishing return. Btw, the kind organizer catered night snacks as well (because they expected the rehearsal to stretch till late), and our worst fears came true (KFC snackers each – 1 hash brown, 1 bun, 3 breaded fish rings). At this point in time, I will kill anyone who suggests having a meal at KFC.
Due to the wet and stormy weather, we were delayed from boarding our boat. When we were finally given clearance to board the boats, we rowed like we never rowed before to Esplanade Bridge, before we took a breather in anticipation of 7.36pm. While waiting, I took a few shots of the skyline, and it was awesome.
Excited and all smiles, although a little anxious before our performance row
A majestic silhouette of lights in the evening dusk
After the fireworks were ignited from the back of our boat, we paddled past the Float @ Marina Bay, and then stopped below Helix Bridge to admire the sky fireworks the NDP organizer had in store for us during the national anthem. I didn’t expect any firework during the rehearsals (except the Preview and Actual Day), but this time round, the organizer spared no expense in giving the audience a good time. It was a close-up good enough, but I was hoping to be right below the fireworks (so that I can lie down and view the fireworks while gazing the stars, hehehe… ).
Although the rowing was very little and the (same) food was a lot, all of us had a fantabulous time participating in this year’s NDP. So look out for us – you may just see us on TV come 9 August!!!
