NDPeeps: Come together, come Rejoice 3

Come together, come Rejoice 3

Posted by NDPeeps at 9:57 AM

Evening Update @ 10pm

This evening, unlike previous saturdays' combined rehearsals, is a special one!

How so? It's the 1st CR opened to a small portion of the general public!! Not to spoil it for the rest who didn't manage to catch the parade tonight, the show's content is still 'hush hush' for now... We will share with u the grand atmosphere and ebullient spirit of the spectactors. Do keep in tuned though as we promise snippets of the show nxt wk :)

As the sky darkens, the crowd thickens!

Ooo, i see goodie bags!

The spectators are finally seated. Sense their anticipation?

Here's the different marching contingents and colour flag parties.

Their excitement lasted all the way :p

However all good things have to come to an end :(

The crowd is thinning but their spirits remain high!

Hope u enjoyed today's entry, do check back tmr for a Human Touch on SPCA =)

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Afternoon Update @ 6pm

Look at these people, marching so smartly in columns and rows! Ever wondered where do they wait when they weren't on the stage?

Here're some photos of their holding area! These soldiers are sitting around, swapping stories and experiences. Some of them are just taking a nap, after some serious basking in the sun.

And here's another area where the participants wait for their turn to enter the stage! It is actually behind the stage. There were at least 3 component rehearsals for these people before today's CR3! Everyone's drained by these rehearsals, sitting down as and when they can to grab a moment of rest. Kampah-teh, people!

Remember to cheer louder if you see them marching pass you! Appreciate the countless hours of effort put in!

We got to speak to some of these people and they all expressed their happiness in being part of this year's parade :) All agreed that it was an honour to march before the nation, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And they have made, are making and will still be making friends throughout this NDP journey. =)

It was almost surreal, the common motivation that all of them seemed to share unconsciously.

Really brilliant smiles, friends, glad to see that you guys are enjoying yourselves so much!

(Just look at their faces! Haha!)

We got to speak to some members of the Colours Party, the flag bearers for NDP'09. They were such good company, very happy people. Really enjoyed speaking to them :) -beams-

A Random thought:

We realised, to our surprise, that there is actually a medical post behind the stage! Haha :) The parade participants will be able to get immediate medical assistance if they require it!

And our fellow NDP'09 helpers are rehearsing the transport of a dummy with a stretcher. Incredible! Kind of funny to see the dummy flop about on the stretcher though :)

Look forward to the evening update, people!

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Morning Update @1pm

We are all marching on a journey. Whether it is a short or long journey, there's a reason why we march, there's a will to march. But before that, we gotta prepare for the odyssey. And as for those who have finished what they're supposed to do, they're free for the time being.

Here's a sneak peek at what the NDP participants do before their "march".

It's the people with the controversial Converse shoes! haha. They're engaged in some fun play with UNO!

Singaporeans can be creative in the ways they use to entertain themselves. Playing with their game consoles, indulging in food and music, sleeping, reading, talking etc.

There's always time to goof around. Keep a look out for these guys on the stage! haha.

A splendid display of impeccable uniforms which will inevitably be drenched with sweat after the rehearsal :O

Preparing to arm himself with a gleaming sword. The soldiers are getting ready!

Members of the Colours Party are all set and ready to go! The flags represent the formation which they belong to in the army. The guy on the left, Joshua, said, " Me, put me on the blog!" And here you are, haha!

The guy on the right, 2LT Oliver, shares the same birthday as our dear friend Singapore! He's really glad that he can do the nation proud on his birthday! His family must be so proud of him :-).

The Guards of Honour having their rehearsal. Way to go!

And the march begins! Heads held up high, they march into the distance, towards the floating platform.

These participants may not be the "true-green" soldiers marching, but they too keep their heads held high and they know where they're off to, haha :)

The torrid sun is smiling (Through the Singapore Flyer) at the dilligent participants as they march pass the Flyer!

"Look around at our faces, they shine brightly in the sun". (Lyrics of our theme song)
Come together, come Rejoice together! - CR3

And here we have the march of the GIANTS!

Finally....Some tantalising treats for the tired contingents!

After a few weeks of visiting our new found friends - the Old Chang Kee team, we've finally got a good picture of their whole team!

Radiant smiles on the people with radiant outfits. They're all set to begin their day by preparing some of the best snacks in town! They all wish Singapore a Happy Birthday and may all of us enjoy the parade and their tasty food! :)

With ebullience and a wide grin, one of the staff urges Singaporeans to use Healthier Oil like they do! With H1N1 prevalent, it's good to stay healthy =)!

Our oasis in the desert! Cheers!

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CR3 - Combined Rehearsal 3, today's rehearsal - will have 20 000 spectators. Kind of exciting, 20 000! We look forward to seeing everyone here later! :) And those who are here will each receive a funpack!

The Parade segment of NDP has always been well-received by our fellow Singaporeans. So today, we'll be giving updates on our Guards of Honour (GOH), colours and marching contingents and more...So check back frequently!

As usual, we'll be having our updates at the following times:
Morning Update @ 1pm
Afternoon Update @ 6pm
Evening Update @ 10 pm

NDP'09 rocks! Just a random comment, haha, but we're also kinda feeling excited.

Read our entry on the very FIRST combined rehearsal here and the 2nd one here. And this would be the third, haha.

So visit the blog often today, ya'?