NDP 2016: Lights, colour, action!

SINGAPORE — A dizzying array of laser lights dancing in sync to upbeat tunes, rallying moments calling on Singaporeans to build the Singapore of tomorrow, fireworks displays both inside and outside the National Stadium — the Republic’s 51st birthday bash had something for everyone.

In a nod to the nostalgia of the National Day Parade’s (NDP) return to the National Stadium after 10 years, the festivities kicked off with the familiar sight of the Kallang Wave formed by 55,000 enthusiastic Singaporeans.

Decked out in red and white, parade-goers young and old rekindled the familiar energy of the National Stadium; one moment waving flags and scarves in support of the performers, the next singing their hearts out in eager anticipation of Singapore’s new chapter after her historic jubilee year.

And as the parade proper began with the military tattoo, spectators bobbed along to the tune performed by the Combined Band, as they took in the precision drill display.

When the 31 contingents marched in, a hush fell over the stadium, before it exploded into a cacophany again as VIPs entered the arena — with the loudest cheers reserved for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Tony Tan.

Over six acts and a grand finale that involved some 3,000 performers, including about 150 special needs volunteers who hand-signed lyrics of National Day songs, the NDP organisers left a lasting impression.

Undergraduate Nurulhuda Azman enjoyed the story of Badang. “I like how this year’s NDP had a story of a lesser-known legend to convey to the younger generation,” said the 21-year-old. “In this way, our young people will learn more about Singapore.”

The Malay folk tale dating to 1843 has it that Badang was a fisherman who gained superhuman strength, which he used to help his fellow villagers. In one duel, he hurled a rock, which landed in the Singapore River and has become known as the Singapore Stone.

The performance culminated with Badang actor Rizman Putra Ahmad Ali springing up high into the air and smashing a suspended boulder prop, splitting it into eight pieces.

The Four Races, One Nation performance followed swiftly, setting off flashlights in the stands as spectators rushed to snap the aerialists’ elegant ethnic costumes. As the lights dimmed, huge cheers greeted one of the main highlights of this NDP: A flying glittering unicorn that glided overhead to Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

There were other never-seen-before elements that especially captivated children in the audience. In a futuristic showcase of Singapore’s city, six-storey-high building props were hoisted high into the air and shown at their brilliant best with 3D projections.

For the first time at an NDP, there was also a song-signing segment, to the classic What a Wonderful World, performed by 200 special-needs participants from seven voluntary welfare organisations. About 400 participants from the Singapore Soka Association complemented the show, recreating hand-painted artwork of students from Touch Community Services in mass displays.

When it came time to recite the Pledge and sing the National Anthem, the audience rose as one and participated with gusto.

As the show came to a close, indoor pyrotechnics lit up the stadium, while outside, with Tanjong Rhu as a backdrop, fireworks exploded in the night sky over thousands of Singaporeans — some of whom did not get NDP tickets, but had gathered since the afternoon to catch the best views.

Retiree Belinda Ng, who is in her 60s, said the most memorable moment for her at this year’s show was the colourful light effects in the stadium, especially the indoor fireworks — a pleasant surprise.

“I definitely missed seeing the Singapore flag being flown across the skies and the outdoor fireworks,” she said. “But the indoor fireworks more than made up for them.”