Friday, August 9, 2013

Not a fan of National Day Parade, but NDP 13... is different

I have to confess I am not a fan of National Day Parade (NDP). To me, NDP has always been about visual presentations, which were attractive, but similar to the multi-cultural and colorful Chingay Parade or the large-scale shows performed at various places of interests. However, as I watched this year's NDP, I was impressed by its strong coherency and depth in the articulation of the 9 segments.

The theme of "Many Stories...One Singapore" was delivered in a concrete and focused manner with the engagement of Singaporeans from diverse sectors. Though there were no gigantic set and props as compared to the NDP of previous years, this year's NDP touched my heart and stirred my mind. The best moment of the event was the paying of tribute to our National athletes and paralympians.

With the advancement in technology, it is not difficult for us to encounter big productions with stunning visuals that attract our attention. However, some of these large-scale performances engaged our senses but left us cold in our heart. NDP 2013 was seemingly humbler in its scenic and visual presentations, but it filled my heart with a deep sense of warmth and gratitude. Overall, it was simple but filled with insights; it conveyed a huge idea formed by stories of Singaporeans from all walks of life.


(photo: National Day Parade, Singapore, 2013)