One big 48th birthday party for Singapore

SINGAPORE — Singaporeans celebrated the nation’s 48th birthday at the Marina Bay floating platform in a jubilant atmosphere that cloudy skies, the threat of rain and even a curtailed appearance by the Red Lions failed to dampen.

Vibrant lights illuminating the three-tier stage and the infectious pop songs accompanying each performance segment drew much cheer and the thumbs-up from young Singaporeans in particular.

Also a crowd-pleaser were the first-ever performances at the annual parade by Singapore’s athletes, including the LionsXII and synchronised swimmers, and appearances by the equestrian para-athletes on their horses.

Then there was the return of the action-packed segment in which personnel from the armed forces, civil defence force, navy and police force thrilled the audience with pyrotechnics on land and at sea — each team re-enacting how they would respond to crises such as terrorist attacks or industrial fires.

The parade, based on the theme Many Stories, One Singapore, was half an hour longer this year with a variety-show format. Old favourites such as the fly-past and march-past also kept the crowd entertained.

For some among them, the celebrations were extra special. Little Foo Shao Ning shares the same birthday as Singapore and turned 10 yesterday. “I’m very excited and my favourite part was the fireworks display,” she said.

Shao Ning’s father, civil servant Foo Kai Houw, said: “Usually we’d be celebrating her birthday and watching the parade at home, but this year, I was successful with balloting for tickets, so it’s a treat for her.”

One of many Malay-Muslims among the 6,000 NDP participants, Muhammad Alif Djohan said: “With my father by my side, and my friends by my other side, this is in a way celebrating Hari Raya with my friends and family.”

From the get go, the crowd’s mood was buoyed by their interactive exchanges with the emcees, who got them out of their seats performing the Kallang Wave and gave individuals pop quizzes about Singapore’s history.

The loudest cheers were reserved for former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew when he made his appearance with Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Wearing a red polo shirt, Mr Lee smiled and waved at the crowd before taking his seat.

As the sky darkened, light sabres that were given out with this year’s fun packs were switched on, and the entire platform was illuminated in waving orange and yellow lights while cameras were whipped out to capture memories.

The audience also sat rapt during the “Play” segment, a retelling of traditional tales of Bukit Merah and Sang Nila Utama.

Said 17-year-old student Elicia Yeo: “The stories were told in a much more engaging way than last year’s parade. My attention was captured by the vibrant colours of the stage and the lively songs accompanying the performances.”

As a finale, Singaporeans rose as one to sing the National anthem and recite the pledge.

Said Mr Albert Gomez, 62,:”I feel very proud to be singing the National anthem and celebrating our nation’s birthday with so many fellow Singaporeans. The atmosphere is electrifying, with everyone wearing red and waving our flag.”