More pieces of the puzzle have been revealed to us today at Media Brief 3! What did we see?

Well, we were given a preview of the ten chapters of the Show component of NDP 09. NDP 09 brings forth the concept of coming together as "One Show", bringing together the various segments of NDP, including the traditionally disparate Parade and Ceremony segments, to create a unified storyline for the audience. Tying the show together is our National Pledge, with each chapter based on an excerpt of the pledge.

Looks like they invited Mr Suhaimi and Ms Michelle Chong to spice up the show! Mr Suhaimi thinks S'pore is the centre of the world as we have many centres like shopping centres and hawker centres, haha.

It's all been very well thought out. However, you'll have to stay with us over the coming weeks (especially during the rehearsals and previews on saturdays, haha) to find out what exactly the ten chapters are about. We'll give you some pieces of the jigsaw today though.

The Show begins with the first chapter of "What Did He See". What did Sang Nila Utama see when he founded Singapura? He saw a land of possibilities. They had a spectacular show lined up for us! An array of colourful and engaging performances! (More pics here)



A riot of colours is seen as all sorts of performers Come Together to give us a great show!

The next few chapters feature the obstacles our forefathers and we have overcome, our achievements and how we've grown to become what we are today. In a chapter "Fast Forward", our nation progressed at unparalleled speed "from mangrove to metropolis". When Mr Lee Kuan Yew was Prime Minister, he saw a lot of potential in Singapore. "In ten years time, this city will be a metropolis!", said Mr Lee in one of his speeches. He was right.

Following that, we are called upon to to strive hard and do our best against all odds. Meanwhile, we do not lose ourselves in the pursuit of our goals. It's always good to take a step back and reflect sometimes. Perhaps we could see the world through the eyes of children - bold new ways of looking at the world, or ways that we have forgotten.

Next, we are asked to explore our "Heart Land". Note the spacing between the 2 words. Interesting. A house without a heart is not a home. What binds us together? The Singapore spirit transcends all sorts of boundaries. As the Creative Director, Mr Ivan Heng said, lets not see ourselves as stayers or quitters; there is a global network of those who carry a little piece of Singapore with them wherever they go. Check out a previous post on Singapore Day at London if interested!



Last but not least, the final chapter concludes the show with "What Do You See", played by our very own local band, Electrico. What do we Singaporeans see in the future, for ourselves and for the nation? It is a rousing call to look beyond the surfaces, where the act of seeing is expanded as one that includes foresight, vision, optimism and imagination.

Colonel Desmond Tan, Chairman of NDP 09 Show Committee says that "With the Pledge embedded in the Show message, we hope that every Singaporean watching this year's show will walk away reconnected to the very Pledge that we have grown so familiar with.

Ever wondered what's the significance of that gargantuan eye towering over all the participants at the floating platform? Some might find it queer or maybe think it's some random design. Well, if you''re quick, it actually represents vision. From the first chapter of "What Did He See" to the last chapter of "What do You See"..from the hopes and aspirations of our industrious forefathers as they tried to overcome hardship, to the goals and ambitions of our people today as we strive on to reach greater heights in this globalised city..it's one whole journey. (More info on the structure of the floating platform here)

Just like the movie Transformers has its engaging theme song, NDP 09 has its inspiring and beautiful theme song. We managed to have an interview with Electrico and found out more about them and the theme song!

Electrico must be a rather experienced band being formed around 13 years ago. They strive hard to bring music to the masses as they enjoy it greatly and they take the lead to champion local music as not many have done so. They are excited and feel it's a privilege to be a part of NDP this year.

As for the song, Electrico says that it's meant to be inspirational and empowering especially now that we're in an economic crisis. They want to call upon Singaporeans to look ahead and try their best as they go against all odds in such times. "Cos the sky's the only limit when you're not afraid to dream". It wasn't easy forming the lyrics of the song as it has to cater to all age groups. It could not be too profound nor indulgent. They've made it somewhat poetic and simple.

See the moon and the stars, look how far we have come
Look around at our faces, they shine brightly in the sun
With our hopes and dreams, imagine what tomorrow it may bring
What do you see


Well, Electrico wishes Singapore a Happy Birthday and may she achieve unlimited progress and prosperity!

Don't you think it's all very well-crafted? Ahh, you'll have to wait as more is unveiled to you as we approach NDP!