Mae

What does Singapore's National Day mean to a born and bred Singaporean who now lives and works overseas?

For several years, together with other Singaporean friends living in Hong Kong, we organised Birthday Party for Singapore. We took the pains and time to learn and make local delicacies like Popiah, Chwee Kuek, Chicken Curry and Bak Kut Tek. We then dressed up in kebaya and played CDs of xinyao and Singapore national songs. We invited Hongkongers and non-Singaporean friends to the party to savour the delectable Singapore food and to understand more about Singapore and its culture.

For many years, I always wanted to attend the National Day Parade ("NDP"), be it the actual event or the rehearsal. This year, I'm so blessed to realise my long lost dream! I was there for the final rehearsal on 3rd August with my sister, brother & sister-in-law. It's not the same watching the NDP on television. You got to be there to express your love for the country and to experience the great fellowship! You got to be there together with thousands of Singapore Lovers, to sing the National Anthem, national songs and to renew our pledge! Thanks to the unfailing commitment of organisers & performers and many months of preparation, the big Birthday Party is fully packed with lots of fun, precision, energy and love!

This is My Story, which forms part of Many Stories, One Singapore!  Happy Birthday Singapore!!

Ps. Special thanks to my sister-in-law who secured the tickets to the parade and my brother who snapped the picture of my sister & I with precise timing - the site cameraman apparently has captured us on the big screen too! Look what is behind us.