National Day

Oh well, I watched it
and funnily, I felt immense pride surging within my veins
No, there's no sarcasm, just the real feeling of patriotism

Yes, our performances are not as well choreographed as the performances during the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony
Yes, our floating platform can only accomodate a pea size of what the Bird Nest stadium can
Yes, our music may not be as popular or "cool" or "hip" as our commercial songs - hey we even used some of the songs into our show!
Yes, the staged military demonstrations are a far cry from what reality is

But, you can't help but swell with dignity when you watch the various selected clips of the speeches made by our 3 past Prime Minister, especially MM Lee's one - "Dont fear, 10 years from now, this will be a metropolis", I need not say anymore.

I particularly liked the segment where they briefly recounted Singapore's history from the 1970s to 2000s via music performances, as the various songs selected from each decade are in fact well-known and popularised. It was something my parents could connect to, and me as well.
I also liked the one where Michelle Chong and Vernetta Lopez were performing ( I think its the same Act lol )

There were several "new"s in this show:
1. Military demonstrations of the Navy, Air Force? and Army
2. We have a big giant screen to act as a TV
3. Much more famous personalities in the show
4. Incorporation of other commercial music and much more music remixes of the Singapore songs (which I do not like)
and more...

But somehow, this year's NDP made me connect to Singapore
I don't know why, I stood up and said the pledge at 8.22PM
I don't know why, I watched the entire NDP without deciding to play Mousehunt or do my homework
I don't know why, I sang some of the songs they were playing (to my dismay cuz the remixes made me sing wrongly :( )
I don't know why, i just know I will be staying here in the future

I read somewhere that no one can teach a man to be patriotic or feel for the country
These National Education and Parades and stuff are merely tools to get people inspired, but not feel
The feeling will somehow come naturally
I think it just did, maybe we just need to grow older and finally realise, that Singapore is indeed a very good and blessed country, no matter how shitty other people (even Singaporeans) have made it out to be

Indonesia's ex-president Habibie once referred Singapore as "the little red dot". Well, we apparently took it in our stride this national day, and showed that size doesn't matter :)