In today's post, we bring to you an entry from our guest blogger, the Deputy Chairman 2 of EXCO NDP 2009, COL Clement Hendricks. Being involved in NDP during different periods of his life and taking up various roles, he has much to share with everyone, participants and viewers alike. His first post is about taking part in NDP during his school days, being a participant.

Coincidentally, he was sharing his experiences of the rainy NDP in 1968. For those who have been present for the rehearsals, remember someone else was also sharing his thoughts on the rain during NDP in 1968? Our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also took part in it and shared the pride he felt during the parade.

To all the participants, enjoy this entry and draw the parallels between yourself and COL Clement. Find out about his views on how it is like to be a participant for NDP. For everyone, we can actually find out how a participant feels to take part in NDP in the budding years of our nation. Enjoy!

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I would like to reflect on what taking part in NDP meant to me during my school days as a teenager. My first exposure to NDP was in 1967. I was then a 14-year-old schoolboy who was in the St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) Military Band. In those days there were not many uniform organizations at the secondary school level and most of the few school bands, cadet corps, police cadets, boy scouts, girl guides etc. were all selected to take part in the National Day Parade held at the Padang. There were so many contingents that the March Past took literally hours and we took to the streets in the Route March that followed ending up around lunchtime at end points in the City outskirts.

As members of the SJI Military Band, we were proud to represent our School in the National Day Parade at the Padang. I did not think much of Nationhood at that time but it was grand to be at the Padang at 9 am when the President arrived and kicked off the Parade and Ceremony section. I can still recollect the review by the President in the Ceremonial Land Rover. Imagine my thrill when as NDP Parade Commander in 1994, I had that honour to escort the President for the review in the Ceremonial Land Rover some 27 years later.

It was in the following year, 1968 when it dawned upon me and many of my friends that NDP was a show of commitment and dedication to building a resilient and steadfast Nation. As we stood in the heavy downpour, which started after we had formed up, we did not flinch or disperse to seek shelter. We felt that people were watching and we were determined to persevere and not be beaten, just like the young Nation we were building. Standing fast and proud, and shivering in the cold wet rain, we overcame. The rain slowed down and everyone wanted the march past to begin so that we could move and warm up.

It was a memorable day, as we marched past the City Hall steps, we were beaming with pride and we could see the faces of our leaders just as proud of us. You had to be there, it was just indescribable. When we marched through the streets people cheered and we played our military tunes with even more gusto with our SJI Cadet Corps contingent marching just as proudly when we played the Josephian March.

In 1969 as a 16 year old, NDP was like a test for the Nation. We were coming out of a dark period of communal riots. However, as school boys we were brought up reciting the Pledge every morning and believed that Singapore was for everyone, especially coming from a Minority group. When school resumed and later when NDP rehearsals started, we were more concerned whether our school friends suffered adversely during the May Riots.

However, when we participated in the NDP rehearsals and finally NDP itself on August 9th, it looked as though the May 13th Riots had not taken place. The celebration of the Nation’s Birthday went smoothly as in the earlier years and the pride and ‘hair stand’ moments were all there for those on Parade. It is truly a bonding moment when you stand on the grass at the Padang and the National Anthem is playing when we salute the President. The march through the streets was well received by all Singaporeans regardless of their race or religion or what has just transpired less than three months earlier.

In 1970 and 1971, SJI and St Patrick’s School Bands combined to form a contingent for these last two years that I represented my ‘Alma Mater’. There was much rivalry between our two bands and the training that we had together, including the discipline of the bands, was horrendous with petty squabbles and sometimes fist fights. We used to poke fun at each other during the form up.

However, once we marched onto the Padang, a different sense of oneness overcame our differences. Collectively we became a single entity, a combined Catholic School Military Band proud to the hilt being able to represent our schools at NDP and march down Connaught Drive in front of City Hall and our President. It impressed upon me that we are of many different groups, in our case different bands, each having its own identity and pride. However, when thrown together, we quickly form partnerships to give a grand performance.

Those were happy days that I cherish as a school boy through my teens and pre-University days participating in NDP, those early waking up hours to get to the schools by 5 am, in the later years even staying overnight in the school. Preparing our uniforms so that we can stand proudly in our best turnout to represent our school in the National Day Parade at the Padang. The march past the City Hall and its ‘hair standing’ moments as well as the satisfaction of marching down those streets kilometer after kilometer through cheering crowds of Singaporeans.

I believe much time is spent when you participate in NDP. However, unless you have been there and done that, you will not experience the pride of being a participant and being a Singaporean in NDP. It is just indescribable and can only been experienced through first-hand experience.

For this episode of the Human Touch, we bring you on a visit to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Actually, I'm sure most of us have heard of the place. But, how many have gone down to the place themselves? Personally, I didn't even know where it was and in fact, before I went, I was unclear of what exactly the SPCA does.

After talking to the Shelter Supervisor, Mohan s/o Veerasamy, at SPCA, I realised that many people in Singapore share the same sentiments as me. He highlights that this is indeed a serious issue, this lack of awareness among Singaporeans. He shares that adults should be more well-informed about the situation of animal cruelty in Singapore.

When talking about his choice of this job, it was really heart-warming to watch him explain his reasons enthusiastically with a smile on his face. Meeting animals that welcome you happily everyday when reporting for work is unlike working in an office where office politics and backstabbing abound.

Getting a pet is really a big decision and in fact, SPCA helps those who wish to adopt a pet and a lot of guidance is offered to help them adapt to a life with a new companion. They offer an array of services, including a 24-hour service to pick up stray animals.

If you have the time, a visit to them is very worth it. On top of that, the Bartley station of the Circle Line has just opened beside them, making them much more accessible. Take the chance to understand the animals through those working there, like Mohan, and the volunteers. It was a fruitful trip for me and I do hope that many others can benefit from it too. =D Check out more photos at NDPeeps@Flickr and the interview below.

Well, our second poll has concluded and the results are out! "My Own Neighbourhood" seems to be the favourite hangout of Singaporeans. After all, who wouldn't feel at ease with the all familiar place they've lived in for so many years? Home sweet home.

Yes, I suppose it's great to have "happening" places like Orchard Road, Suntec City and Sentosa or places to chill out like East Coast Parkway. We could even have Disney Land in Singapore and I think many will still feel that their neighbourhood is their favourite hangout. There are certain indelible sentiments attached to the neighbourhood we live in where there are the familiar things that we're so comfortable and pleased with every day. The neighbourhood's a little microcosm of the place we call home - Singapore.

However, there are many things, familiar things, that we see and overlook rather often in our neighbourhood and at home. These things can actually mean a lot and if we were to appreciate them, they would make daily life much more meaningful and fulfiling. Here's an account of a normal day spent in the neighbourhood and at home, seen and experienced in a different light.

My trusty alarm clock rings. To stop its incessant beeping, I reach out to turn it off. I know it’s the start of another day as I sluggishly get myself out of bed. It’s my day off from work and I’ve got time to relax today.

I go down for breakfast after washing up. From the window I notice a bird’s nest nicely nestled among the branches of a tree outside. A mother bird spending some time with her offspring. Very affectionate. A heartening sight.

Anyway, my mum has made breakfast-some crispy warm toast. The toast is simple but well done, and it kinda made my morning. It’s a halcyon morning where you don’t feel like doing much but to sit back and relax. It then occurs to me that such peace and tranquility are actually available to us many a times. Don’t we have simple meals like breakfast everyday? Strangely, it only seems new and refreshing today. These all familiar things I’ve seen so many times now seem new and enriching somehow. Familiar new things.

I feel sated and I proceed with my “First Parade Task” of the day-turning on the computer to check for updates. I browse through Facebook, accept some friend requests and I’m soon doodling away. The birds in the nest outside are dawdling their time away staring into blank space whilst giving some occasional tweets.

Before long, it’s lunch time and I switch off the computer. I return to my room to change into some clothes that are more presentable. Grab my phone and wallet and I’m out of the house. A cursory glance at that familiar tree revealed that the mother bird has left the nest. Curious.

The SBS bus of 3 colours stops outside my house and I get on to scan my Ezy-link card, how convenient, haha. Soon, I alight from the bus and meet my group of affable friends who happen to be free too. Greetings and “What have you been doing?” questions are exchanged. We settle down at the snug coffee shop at the corner of the estate. Despite having to bear the heat of the torrid sun, we decide to have some burning-hot laksa, mmm my favourite. It’s delicious, spicy and luscious. Gastronomical delights for the tired soul, haha.

I seem to be enjoying myself, indulging in the meal and chatting with my friends. That thought strikes me again. We’re often able to enjoy good food and company but overlook these things. These all familiar things I’ve seen so many times now seem new and enriching somehow. Familiar new things.

Lunch is over and we make our way back home. The sun's heat has abated and I take a slow saunter through my estate while savouring an ice-cream I bought from the well-known convenience store, 7-11. It’s gratifying to find that our roads and walkways are considerably clean. Well, not spick-and-span but clean enough to feel comfortable with. I like the pretty little shrubs they have assiduously planted along the road. I realise that this somehow brings out the life and vigour of the estate amidst the sporadic barks of the neighbourhood dogs. I’ve walked this route a thousand times. Familiar new things it seems.

I arrive at the park that I’ve frequented ever since I was a toddler. This place has been through some changes but it’s still the same to me. The large open field is still there. Some French expatriate family is having a picnic in the field. A cosy little family.

I return home and my brother’s loud pop music resonates in my ears. I get back to my indispensible device and resume surfing the net. I peer out of the window. Hmmm, the young birds are taking their forty winks.

My instrument of time-killing has done well. It’s gloaming and the sun is setting. I can hear my mum calling us down for the most important meal of the day. She has made her specialty dish, spaghetti. We dig in together and have an enjoyable meal. Those were warm moments. I don’t have much on my mind. I’m just glad that I’ve much to appreciate. These all familiar things I’ve seen so many times now seem new and enriching somehow. Familiar new things.

With a full stomach, I return to my room. Ahhh, outside in the animal world, the mother bird has brought back food for her kids. Birds in Singapore are lucky, they get to eat good food like us.

Well, a simple day has passed just like that. But feeling fulfilled at the end of the day is what’s most important. Ever wondered how those countryside farmers go by each day of their lives? Unlike us, they don’t have a wide variety of entertainment sources at their disposal. I suppose it’s all about taking a step back to appreciate the quintessential facets of our daily lives that we tend to overlook.
In Singapore, how often do we find ourselves rushing here and there? Is there really the need sometimes? We are blessed with many things. I’ve read that if you have food in the refrigerator, clothes to wear, and a roof over your head, you are better off than 75 percent of the people in the world. What more, Singapore has offered us much to enjoy and appreciate. I needn’t state them all. Thus if we were to have a change in mindset, we might just realise that the many all familiar things we’ve seen so many times before, can actually be new and enriching somehow. Familiar new things. You don’t have to take a day off from work to discover this.

This time round, we'll share with you people the stories of two seasoned nurses - what motivates these ladies in white to selflessly preserve and sustain life.



'Nursing is not a job, it is about caring for people,' says Sister Alicia,'it is the love for people that keeps me going.' It is evident, from the way Sister Alicia tends to her patients, her concern for these people. Under her care, even strangers would feel as though she's family.

Sister Alicia tending to one of her many patients

We all know that it's heartbreaking if someone we care for departs... Perhaps that is why nursing is a calling that requires so much heart, so much soul. Qualities that our nurses have aplenty.

Sister Prema reaffirmed that it's actually the interaction with people which motivates her. And it must have been a compelling motivation for her to stay in this line of work for nine straight years!

Sister Alicia (Left) and Sister Prema (Right)

'As I go along in nursing, I love the job more and more.' Sister Alicia confessed. 'I hope I'll continue to care for people as long as I live.'

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We all know that TTSH has been designated as the H1N1 screening facility. This blog entry, we hope, is a timely tribute to the efforts of our healthcare professionals as they seek to contain the virus. Take a look at more photos at NDPeeps@Flickr.

Bye, everybody! Do remember to take care of yourselves too!

A cute little note we saw on the wall. 'hot staff' indeed!

Any words of encouragement for the nurses? Share them here!

Yes, we're a small isle floating over the vast oceans. But good things come in small packages, haha! We've become a closely knit family who has grown together over the years. How often can we say hi to a friend whom we happen to meet by coincidence while walking down orchard road?

So what is it we like about Singapore? Is it the elysian food we have, or our hardworking people? The great shopping or the laudable cleanliness we enjoy? Or our very own unique brand of English - Singlish? We'd be living here for many years to come, so why not take some pride in what our country's good for?

We had a poll on our blog where people voted for what they liked most in Singapore. Here are the results!

A jungle of metal poles and screws. It was really impressive!Here's the Performers' Grid for dynamic choreography. The whole experience of standing there and looking downwards at the sprawling stage. It was simply surreal... I can't help but be impressed by the scale of this year's stage construction. The participants must be awaiting with anticipation for the chance to climb up this structure come July!

Just in case you are wondering, there are many comprehensive safety policies in place. Be it safety harnesses for every participant on the Grid, safety ICs for every two performers and an overall IC for each level, our people had thought of it and implemented it.

Some lucky friends who won at a contest and were invited to a sneak preview of the platform. Sense their joy and excitement!

'Reflecting the past, embracing the present, visualising the future.' What a bold statement of our floating platform!

An artist's rendering of what the platform would look like when it's done

The whole experience, it was simply surreal... They were building castles in the air and gradually, the impressive castle's taking shape.

Here's a speech by the Chairman of Infrastructure and Decorations.