So hello there fellow humans. Haven't been updating my blog in a really long while. So I guess I wanted to grab this chance and remember this moment of a lifetime and to take a pause, and to look back on the fifty ten things I have appreciated or enjoyed throughout this celebration of Singapore reaching her Golden Jubilee. That's because I'm too lazy to wrack my brains and come up with forty more.
Just a mini disclaimer before I begin though, all the pictures in this blog was taken off Twitter, of which I have no idea of their origins because they have been viciously ripped by everyone till the source has been lost somewhere along the lines. But props to all these photographers. Congratulations that your photos has became a Google photo that no one credits but use so rampantly because they are so beautiful.
1. What is a grand celebration without crazy sales on going everywhere? Van's $50 off? H&M's 50% off? I mean like, wow. 50% off everywhere cause SG is turning 50. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE TO SAY I HARDLY TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE CRAZY SALES BECAUSE SIGH THERE'S THIS HORRIBLE THING ON EARTH CALLED EXAMS WHICH WILL BE THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE?? But then again, does it mean 100% on Singapore's 100 Platinum Jubilee? I would honestly like to look forward to that man. I mean, I'd be 68 by then but I guess, still not too old as long as the heart is young right? ;) I would have the money and time by then. All I need would probably be some stamina though...
2. Free mobile data from Singtel & M1 get users going oh yeahhhhh. Using their 4G network at home even though they have WiFi at home. Well too bad cause I'm a Starhub user. Sigh much.
3. Free public transport today. Nuff said.
4. Everyone is unleashes their inner patriotic side and post online contents such as "I love Singapore". The only time you can see the spoken and active unity amongst Singaporeans, I feel. You do not simply go on the street on any other normal day and see people saying that they love Singapore because you'd actually be teased by your peers for being patriotic. Even wearing red on a normal day, your friends will go "Ey, you today Chinese New Year or National Day ah?" In days like such, you'll spot at least 6 out of 10 people that you'd meet on the streets of Singapore wearing RED.
5. The NDP puns all over Twitter. Here are some of the ones which I personally found funny and interesting.
6. All the military displays that was shown during the NDP. It's kind of funny how people say it seems as though Singapore is showing subtly to their neighbours how advanced in technology we have on defence in Singapore. But there's another perspective to this matter and that is to really look back and see how far we have came. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the very first national day parade, Singapore only afforded 18 tanks that were given by the British for the Mobile Column to show the Singaporeans that it's time we be independent and these are the defences that we have. Apparently it was a thing to be assured of in the past. But then look at us now, 50 years later, we have all these technology that stands ready to defend the nation. We can afford not only tanks, but missiles, a lot of amphibians and a whole lot more of vehicles I don't even know what they are.
7. I like it how the organizers inserted a tribute segment to our late founding father by playing the tribute film and then leaving a seat empty with flowers on it, as well as have the Black Knights perform Five Stars Tribute aerial flypast for Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Although it is quite a regret that he couldn't live to see this day arrive, but I guess it is still fresh in many of our minds of the many things that he has done for our country. To those who made a fuss out of this segment though, I only have 1 thing 2 say 3 words 4 you: You Ungrateful Prick. Without him, there wouldn't be such a modern and prosperous Singapore where we can enjoy such comforts. And to remember his contributions for Singapore, is to remember our humble beginnings and roots, so that we don't become complacent.
8. I also loved the vintage-themed parade took the stage, comprising veterans from SAF, the police and SCDF in their old ancient uniforms, as a tribute to the pioneers of the nation. Once again, showing the nation , or the public, how far we have progressed. The segment I particularly remember was called "Strength to Strength". Propaganda some may say. But I thought that it was a really touching moment when you see both father and son on the same tank. It's like passing on the baton. It doesn't necessarily have to be in the military or defences in Singapore, but I have always liked the heart-warming idea of passing on something from one generation to the next generation.
9. Home-grown successful singers who have been based overseas to expand their careers flew back to perform for our SG50 NDP. Being labelled as "国宝" which also means the Singapore's treasures, it always struck a chord in my heart whenever I see people like them gather together and do up a performance in Singapore. Okay, not like there's a lot of internationally successful Singapore born & bred recording artistes to brag about, but even when Stefanie Sun was the special guest of JJ Lin's concert here at Singapore stop, it really was such a magical moment. Also, you usually see them based in Taiwan and it seems as though they look so integrated into that environment that you can't really feel their Singaporean roots anymore. So it felt quite heart warming when I saw both Stephanie & JJ reciting the pledge, singing the anthem, and it was then I saw the Singaporean pride in them. And it's really moments like these where it truly speaks out that, there's no place you'd rather be, for it is home where it's the best place to be. And really, welcome home guys!
10. Finally, what is celebration without the magnificent display of fireworks? I've heard many voices on Twitter saying how it's literally the tax payers' money going up in smoke. But come on, I know that deep down, secretly, we all do love fireworks and how pretty they are. ;)
All in all, this much anticipated hype of the nation turning 50 was really something that started even in January. Even though I have only lived passed 18 years out of half the century, but I am really proud to witness this moment where Singapore turns 50. So much hardships that our forefathers have went through that I will never know; for them to build a nation from scratch with barely nothing at all, it really still amazes me up till today, and I am still ever grateful for. And it really makes me proud to be a Singaporean.
God has been really good to us, providing for us all these years, all the way. And truly, thank you Lord, for sustaining the country, for making it one of the best place of earth to live in.
Even though probably come tomorrow, everyone will go back to complain about the hot sweltering weather, the ever malfunctioning transport system, or even the exorbitant prices, but at this moment, we are one proud nation who have faced the odds to be where we are today.
Happy Golden Jubilee, Singapore!
