FEEL THE MAGIC!

As we celebrate Singapore's 47th birthday at the Float@Marina Bay this year, there are things to do and see, new songs to hear and new faces to look out for. Here's a list of highlights not to be missed at the National Day Parade (NDP) 2012.

Things to See

As the nation celebrates 47 years of nationhood, it also pays tribute to the soldiers who have helped to protect and defend Singapore for the last 45 years. At this year's NDP, look out for:

Majulah moment, which takes place with the State Flag fly-past. This year, a group of NSmen will hand the flag to Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and students from uniformed groups, symbolising the passing on of the commitment to ensuring Singapore's security from one generation to the next.

Thrilling displays

They include a dragon boat display, the formation of a lion's head with flaming torches, as well as larger-than-life flower props that will transform the stage into a garden.

Leading the parade
All eyes are sure to be on Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Clarence Tan, who cuts a dashing figure in his crisp white No. 1 uniform and khaki beret as this year's Parade Commander. The fourth NSman to command an NDP, he said: "NSmen comprise the bulk of the fighting force that provides Singapore's national security. We are a large cohort... so to be given a chance to lead this year is quite significant." The Brigade 2nd-in-Command of the 13th Singapore Infantry Brigade trained every Saturday since April to perfect his drills. The 45-year-old also practised at every opportunity: "Driving from place to place during work, I will shout commands in my car as it's the only place I can do so without being a public nuisance."

Cityscape stage design

Videos, graphics and animations will be displayed on nine LED mesh screens built to complement the Marina Bay skyline. Besides one centre screen in the shape of the Singapore island and eight side screens, there are 10 mobile stages and an elevated stage that will be reconfigured to form different shapes during the show.

Onward march by 500 participants from 10 uniformed group contingents, who will march towards the spectators and up the steps of the seating gallery as they exit from the floating platform to the song Count on me, Singapore.

Digital floor projections

Used for the first time at NDP, they complement the mass displays during the Show segment.

Salute to 45 years of National Service (NS)
In a tribute to Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) for their contributions, there will be a special salute at the parade. It comprises the Advance-in-Review Order parade drill where 2,000 participants will march 10 steps forward in unison before delivering a salute; the Sea Salute by the Republic of Singapore Navy's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and the Police Coast Guard's Interceptor crafts; and the Enhanced Aerial Fly-past by nine Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) fighter planes.

Things to Hear

From the roar of the fighter planes as they execute the bomb burst to the perfectly-synchronised Feu De Joie (fire of joy), a celebratory rifle salute, these are the sounds we take home after the last of the fireworks.

Olivia Ong
The home-grown songstress will sing this year's NDP theme song Love at First Light together with eight-year-old Natanya Tan from Methodist Girls' School.

Marching to the beat
As the marching contingents form up at NDP this year, they will do so to the tune of A Nation's March, composed by members of the SAF Band and Staff Sergeant (NS) Syawaludin Kassim.

Singapore's first virtual choir

Over the last three months, local film maker Royston Tan and his 10-man team have been busy collecting recordings of Singaporeans belting out the National Anthem. The recordings will be spliced into a two-and-half-minute arrangement to form Singapore's first virtual choir "Loving Singapore: One Heart, One Voice".

Combined schools choir

Last heard at NDP 2010, this year's combined school choir will perform songs like Things so Singaporean during the pre-parade segment to warm up the crowd.

Packing a punch from the seating gallery
Traditionally, the Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) gives the command to form up the Parade from the stage, but for the first time this year, Parade RSM Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Tamizh Kannan will be doing so from the seating gallery. NDP spectators will hear MWO Kannan loud and clear as he gives three commands.

The first is for 140 servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team to march out from four entrances at the seating gallery and down about 100 steps to join the 32 contingents forming up the Parade on the floating platform. This is the Commitment to Defence March. The second and third commands call for the rest of the contingents to march in and form up.

As Parade RSM, MWO Kannan needs to build rapport with the contingents, especially those who are participating in NDP for the first time. To interact with and get to know the contingents better, he took time to visit them during training, and posted photos and videos of them in action on the Facebook page he shares with Parade Commander LTC (NS) Tan (www.facebook.com/ClarenceKannan).

On how he prepared for his role, MWO Kannan, who first participated in NDP in 1983 as part of the National Cadets Corp marching contingent, said: "My friends helped to observe and provide feedback on my performance. SAF Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Koa is my coach and he constantly guides me."

Things to do

In line with this year's theme Loving Singapore, Our Home, NDP organisers have filled the calendar with activities ranging from photo competitions to working with partners like Lego to raise funds for charity. Here are some activities for both the young and old!

LovingSG Trails
Embark on four foot trails, Heritage, Urban, Green and Food, for a deeper appreciation of Singapore's heritage, its urban landscape, its lush green spaces and its spread of culinary delights. For more information, log on to ndp.org.sg/participation/lovingsg-trail.

Pledge Moment

Bringing Singaporeans together to reaffirm their commitment to Singapore, this year's Pledge Moment will be broadcast live at three public areas: Marina Barrage, *SCAPE and Singapore Flyer.

Get a piece of NDP online or on your mobile phones. Check out the LovingSG website - which consolidates all of NDP 2012's photos, videos and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram updates - or download the NDPOnTheGo mobile application from the Apple App Store or Android Market for free.

NDP Exhibition

If you're around the Singapore Flyer from 28 Jul to 9 Aug, step in and check out the 12m by 9m scale model of NDP celebrations at the Float@Marina Bay, complete with mini figures representing those who had made a $5 donation in support of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, part of the "Building a LovingSG" charity project. Winning photographs from the InstagramSG photo competition, which showcases snapshots of Singaporeans' favourite spots at home, pastimes and hang-outs, will also be displayed.

Things to have and to hold

This year's NDP fun packs sport messages based on the themes of identity, spirit, love and home. Designed by a team of nine students from Temasek Polytechnic (TP), here are some new items in this year's fun pack to look forward to.

Interactive items
The Singapore scarf (left) is for spectators to perform the Kallang wave as they cheer on the descending Red Lions. The castanets (right) are for producing rhythmic clicks during Show performances and the "I love SG" torches (above) are for illuminating the floating platform when night falls.

Accessory items
The bandanas, also designed by the TP team, can be worn in 13 different ways - as a headband, wristband, scarf and so on. They come in four different colours and feature three separate sets of two heartland icons that represent familiar sights and sounds in the neighbourhoods of Singapore.

Souvenir book
An illustration-heavy book that compiles the lyrics of popular songs that Singaporeans love, ranging from We are Singapore to We Will Get There, the Our Songs souvenir book also depicts meaningful moments that took place in the years when these songs were produced, like Swing Singapore, a street party first held in 1988.

Backstage with... The conductor

If NDP could be compared to an orchestra with its different instruments and parts, then the man holding the conductor's baton would be Colonel (COL) Desmond Tan, Chairman of the NDP 2012 Executive Committee and Chief Guards Officer. Here are his thoughts about this year's NDP.

What words would you use to describe this year's NDP?
They are "Love" and "Home". We hope to connect Singaporeans to what they love about Singapore, from personal treasures to national achievements, bringing out the things that Singaporeans appreciate, cherish and feel proud about our home.

Which NDP segment is most significant for you?
I always feel a special pride and warmth during the Pledge Moment, which leads to the National Anthem at the finale. It is special because it's the public's response to what the nation has achieved. The people have rallied together and we are proud to be Singaporeans. The Pledge celebrates who we are.

What does this year's theme Loving Singapore, Our Home mean to you?
Singapore is my home, my birthplace. It's where I grew up and where I live out my dreams. This is home because it's where my family, friends and fond memories reside.

Backstage with... The musician

How is an NDP theme song constructed? Mr Paul Tan, a director at the National Arts Council and the man behind the lyrics of this year's theme song Love at First Light, shares the creative process.

What was your inspiration for this year's NDP song?
The song tries to capture the flavour of Singapore, the life of the busy city, the unique landscape and landmarks, our peaceful diversity - all of which make up this island. There are indeed quite a few things to love on this island - it's easy to take for granted sometimes. I hope the song can be a modest reminder of those special things.

What was the creative process in coming up with the theme song like?
I made sure I had some quiet time and drew inspiration from my favourite writers - some of whom I deal with while running the Singapore Writers Festival as part of my day job in the National Arts Council!

What's the significance of having Olivia Ong and Natanya Tan sing the song together?
Music Director Iskandar Ismail had wanted a young girl, which is a departure from previous NDP songs. Natanya's voice is perfect to open the song because it captures the innocence of childhood and complements the rich, powerful vocals of Olivia.

Let's put on a show

A dream come true
Many people would remember Lance Corporal (LCP) Joakim Gomez from Singapore Idol 2006. This year, he's back in the spotlight as one of this year's NDP hosts, together with veterans Gurmit Singh, Suhaimi Yusoff, Sharon Au and Jean Danker.

For the 24-year-old, being an NDP host is a dream come true. "Each NDP gives me goose bumps, even if I'm just watching it at home. I'm just so happy that I'm able to be at NDP this year as a host," said the NSF from the SAF Music and Drama Company.

On what he is most looking forward to as NDP host, LCP Gomez said: "Using my talents to contribute to the nation and having a lot of fun!

"If people leave with a smile, it will make me happy to know that we did our jobs as hosts."

LTC Phang (front) and his team going through one last system run before the start of a rehearsal.

Right on cue
As the countdown to each parade begins, LTC James Phang always gets an adrenalin rush. This is because as NDP 2012's cue master, he and his team of 20 ensure that the various elements of the parade are integrated at the right place and time.

Said the Commanding Officer of the 18th Divisional Air Defence Artillery Battalion: "The parade consists of many different parts and while each element is able to execute its own role well, the grandness and magnitude of the parade can be felt only if all the elements act in unison.

"This is where the cue team comes in, working vigilantly in the background to prompt each element when it is its turn to take centre stage."

Working together with the Parade Commander, the Parade RSM and their colleagues from the parade & marshalling, special functions, logistics, communications, safety and engagement teams, LTC Phang said the cue team works hard to not only deliver a wonderful show for the audience, but also ensure that the efforts of the participants and committees are rewarded with a well-executed parade.

"The most challenging portion of this role is to remain calm when things do not happen as they should. The parade is 'live' and my team needs to make the right split-second decision to allow the parade to carry on," said LTC Phang.

Win NDP fun packs!
Just tell us what you love most about Singapore in 50 words or less and you could win one of 30 NDP fun packs! Send your entries via email to pnrcontest@st