Sir, congratulations to you and your team. NDP 2009 received rave reviews.

Yes, the show received a very very heartwarming response by Singaporeans across the different age groups. It is always very encouraging because the NDP and our National Day activities were organised for Singaporeans. It’s up to us all to find our own meaning in them. And if it made a difference in whatever way to our people, then we are glad to have been able to do that. In many ways, it is a very humbling experience and I am so happy for all the people who had worked so hard to do this for our country.

You had been walking onto the Float week after week. How did it feel to walk in on 9 Aug?

When I arrived on 9 Aug, the thought that came to mind was a quiet, “This is it. Our National Day.” And as I stood amongst the audience throughout the show, I could only be filled with pride at being a Singaporean. Hair stand! What more can one say at moments like that when you stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow countrymen?

We understand that everyone would have their preferences about different aspects of the NDP. That’s quite okay! We’d note it for next year. But I am just so glad that our people care enough to say what they feel for. That in itself says a lot!

Fireworks… Too long and people complain too much money is spent. Too short and… Well, we felt it was just right. Our approach was “Less is more”. We ensured quality fireworks well synchronised with the music. I thought it was beautifully executed! Well done fireworks team!

The National Day songs were presented in a different manner…

Again, we have had wide ranging feedback on this. The songs were wonderfully remixed but it’s perhaps the familiarity with the way it was combined that did not help for easier sing-a-longs. Will note this. But many of us love the way Sydney treated the whole music soundscape for this year.

The F16 fighters. Only 3. Some said not shiok.

Of course we can always have more, but we thought a simple bomb burst will be fine for this year.

Red Lions came in from Left to Right because of wind direction. It is a very complex operation that is made to look easy. Every jump is different. The wind conditions have to be assessed and the jumpers have to make these adjustments, sometimes late in the jump. These guys are VERY good. And this is an understatement.

I am sure there will be various things we can improve on. But at the moment, I can only feel grateful for the support of my team and for the community in the way they have responded to our various initiatives.

Take the 8.22pm Pledge Moment for example, the very enthusiastic responses by our partners gave us hope that it can actually worked, and it did! This day and this journey belongs to all of us.

Did you watch the NDP at Marina Bay? Or through the live telecast and webcast?

What did you love about this year’s NDP? Anything that can be improved?

(You know the NDP Exco will be reading this… So… …)

We’re about 44 hours away from the 44th National Day Parade!

Trivia: Performers and participants are housed at the Singapore Flyer and the F1 Building. Before their item, they make a long walk towards The Float. The first time I went down that route, I collided with a guy. I was busy twittering, and he was carrying a huge drum. We didn’t notice each other and went BAM. His people were worried that I was injured, while I was more concerned whether his drum was damaged. Haha.

What if he hadn’t been there?

Koh Chieng Mun was Dolly. She becomes a diva who will survive.

Chen Weilian won’t be singing the Mandarin version of What Do You See…

He performs with Gayle Nerva. Both of them have lovely voices.

Darrel Xin…

…and Selena Tang are some of the local musicians who deserves more media attention.

National Day Medley towards the finale…

… and people appear in the two white grids!

Gurmit Singh. 11th time as NDP Host.

Closer and closer to 8.22pm…

for The Pledge Moment.

And of course, the FIREWORKS!

Three days to National Day!

SEA OF RED

The above picture was taken at one of the rehearsals last month. People were already getting into the mood by donning red. If you’re attending the NDP this Sunday, please wear a red top. Or white, if you’re a supporter of the ruling party you don’t have red. While we’re on this topic, wearing red from head to toe is a big no-no.

RED LIONS

The landscape around Marina Bay is changing day by day with the construction of Marina Bay Sands and Marina Financial Centre. And with the distance between the stage and the audience drastically decreased this year, the Red Lions are doing more practise jumps ahead of NDP.

The Total Defence Display will keep you glued to your seats. I don’t want to spoil the surprise… For the umpteenth time, be at the Merlion Park and the Esplanade early!

NATIONAL ANTHEM AND FLAG FLYBY

Singapore was a tiny fishing village. Then she became a Straits Settlement, and later promoted to be a Crown Colony. From an autonomous state, we went on to be a part of the Malaysian Federation. It was as though we were never meant to be independent. It seemed we had to rely on someone else to cover our backs. Until 9 Aug 1965.

Both times at the rehearsals last month, my hair stood at attention. If this doesn’t overwhelm you, nothing will.

It will be futile to remind you that one is supposed to stand at attention (ie stand straight and keep your hands by your side) during the National Anthem- people will be taking photos of the flag. Erm, remember to sing out LOUD.

PRESIDENTIAL GUN SALUTE

After the Anthem, two fighter jets will zoom across the sky. Look up and marvel before they’re gone. President Nathan will then inspect the Guard of Honour. This is the first time the Presidential Gun Salute will be carried out on water. (It took me many attempts to capture the blast.)

FEU DE JOIE (FIRE OF JOY)

Historically used to mark a military victory or birthday, the Guard of Honour contingents will fire their weapons to mark the Nation’s 44th.

As with past experience, you’ll just hear a series of piak piak piak from left to right and right to left, if you watch the live transmission. You’ll feel the real impact if you get close enough. All of us in the media stand, on the right of where the President will be seated, pretty much had to cover our ears. Imagine how the GOH contingent commanders feel, with their men going trigger happy right behind them.

MARCH PAST

Months of sweat and tears under the sun, the men and women in the Colours Party, Guard of Honour and Marching Contingents will be standing on the Floating Platform with their chests out (and) stomachs in. As they march past the President, they will head into the city. If you spot them, cheer for them!

Important timings on 9 Aug-

9am: Lane closures along Raffles Avenue. Other roads will be closed at later intervals.

4pm: Doors open at the Marina Floating Platform. There’ll be close to 30,000 people. Please do not go, “I don’t like the colour of this Funpack. Can I have another one?” Haiyoh. Just take and go, and don’t jam the place. And don’t attempt to choose seats. Even the President and the Prime Minister have allocated seats! So, just sit where the ushers tell you to. Thanks.

6.15pm: Live telecast of National Day Parade on MediaCorp TV Channels, and Webcast for overseas Singaporeans (or local Singaporeans who don’t have a television)

8.22pm: “We, the citizens of Singapore… …” THE PLEDGE MOMENT.

Cruz: Gurmit, you’ve been doing this for 200 years.

Gurmit: This is the 11th time I’m hosting NDP, actually.

Vernetta & Cruz: WAH!

Cruz: What about you, Vernetta?

Vernetta: 3 only lah.

Cruz: So, how does it feel to go on stage year after year to present the biggest event in Singapore?

Vernetta: I feel really patriotic!

Cruz: Gurmit is a regular fixture on the NDP stage. Are you doing this with your eyes closed?

Gurmit: Nooooo! Every show is different, every show is unique. The audience is different, the programme is different. Co-hosts are different. So it’s a different challenge every year. It’s something exciting to do, and I look forward to this.

Cruz: What is your favourite part of the NDP?

Gurmit: When they say THE END.

Vernetta: Hahahaha!

Gurmit: No lah, it’s always the fireworks.

Vernetta: For me, it’s the Red Lions. And I love doing the wave.

Gurmit: Another highlight would be the National Day Songs Medley. Every time I do it, without fail, my hair would stand…

Cruz: And your favourite National Day Song is…?

Gurmit: We Are Singapore.

Cruz: And you, Vernetta?

Vernetta: National Anthem.

Gurmit and Cruz: What National Anthem? National Day Song lah!

Vernetta: Oh. Anything from Britney Spears.

Gurmit: Oh yeah. I like.