dis year’s national day was memorable for a number of reasons. its alot of firsts for me. usually i watch it on tv every year, but this is the first time i’ve been given an opportunity to watch it live. many opportunities actually, after going through the same rehearsals n routine week after week, the sequence is kinda wired into my hardrive. the novelty of the theatrics wear off by the 2nd rehearsal. n u can actually anticipate how the show’s going to go.
the upside is i leave with numerous photos of the same sequence, but under slightly different sky backdrops. each experience being unique n beautiful.
the memory of rehearsing every thursday and saturday, with the buggy sequences changing literally every minute. it was frustrating. the memory of doing the sequences like clockwork. it became a thrill. the memory of the lightstrike csm suddenly deciding to allow the reserve drivers drive on the actual day.
the memory of driving and chatting with suria host Hoda Ali.
the memory of competing with other professional photographers for the best spots. the memory of not sitting where u r supposed to, but nobody gives a shit during rehearsals.
the memory of being starstruck by all the bling bling regulars don on their pristine number ones. parades truly set the stage for badge appreciation. especially the rare ones.
the memory of the majestic black knights and their death-defying stunts.
the memory of seeing the full fireworks for the first time in the third NE show. it was a truly beautiful sight. and as the colours sweep through ur consciousness, the memory of wonder and awe. it was overpowering.
always booking out early on thursdays to eat civilian lunches. the memory of collecting rations. it was a long walk to the other end of the floating platform. indented food was always either kfc, pizza hut, or SFI. we always saved our stomachs for a proper dinner at old airport road hawker centre. a place i will always associate from now on for serving one of the best rojak and prawn mee around.
me, irvin n kenneth decided to share tze char for one of our dinners. the memory of accommodating their different needs. we settled on the herbal chicken, kang kong and fu yong dan. its so easy to throw out ideas but its another to follow them through.
the memory of photo-whoreing at esplanade basement.
the satisfaction of capturing that one special moment in a very special parade. a thousand conditions fall into place, only to be gone in an instant. one perfect shot.
the memory of the human jam on the actual day after the show. the memory of a truly sinful supper at this italian restaurant at clarke quay.
these are memories i carry away from the ndp experience. mine to cherish; fondly pleasant. unique in their own way, since there will only be one ndp 2008 and one set of host entry drivers.
this year i’m reminded of 2007’s inspiring national day thoughts. now alittle less romantically idealistic of the future, but still believing in a hopeful and optimistic future. not just for myself, but my friends, my family and my country. from here, the road beyond ndp is riddled with forest adventures as we go back outfield again, n finally stage 2 in wallaby. something i’m not looking forward to. but i’m silently determined to do my best for myself.
happy birthday singapore!
