In the last couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to meet many of the men and women behind this year’s National Day Parade. A few of them gushed, “Trust me, this NDP is going to be the best ever!”

I nodded and smiled politely. But of course. It’s natural to take pride in your own work.

As I left the final Combined Rehearsals on 4th July, I texted BG Tan Chuan-Jin, NDP Exco Chairman.

“Sir, I wasn’t totally convinced when your guys kept telling me the show is good… Now that I’ve watched almost 50% of the show, I sincerely think this WILL be the best NDP ever! WOOHOO!”

Traditionally, Parade and Show were two separate segments. And the Preshow was most predictable- Members of Parliament enter, sing a song, Ministers enter, sing a song, Prime Minister arrives, sing a song, President arrives, sing National Anthem…

This year, all segments morph into one single show. You won’t know what’s happening next- unless you are in the committee or if you’re holding the programme rundown in the media box like me.

The five hosts, led by Gurmit Singh, do something more than their usual, “Make some noise, Singapore!”. Their involvement in the Singapore Story upped the fun and entertainment factors totally.

There’ll be two more NE shows on the coming Saturdays, and a Preview on 1st Aug, before the big bang on National Day. If you don’t have tickets, the Esplanade Waterfront is a prime venue to catch the proceedings. The Merlion Park is an alternative.