RSAF Open House 2008

My experience at the open house is quite a good one. I am so glad that I get to take a lot of nice pictures! Even though it rained in the noon when Parvin and I reached there, it does not dampen our spirit as we are certain that there are good shows awaiting.

The people behind the scenes had done their jobs well. The ambassadors, the pilots, and many other people, they are really nice. The ambassadors had helped me to get my way around. The pilots are helpful in helping Parvin and I to take nice pictures in terms of being our photographers and take pictures with us. Some other RSAF people had also helped us to take photos too. So nice.

The aircrafts and weapons on display has really amazed me. All are very cool!! As the queues were very long, I didn't hop into any aircrafts to take pictures. Many people didn't get to hop on too. So they took pictures on the ground. I keep taking pictures of the 'tail' of the aircrafts as there are many people crowded at the head of the aircrafts. The 'tails' are really cute as there are many interesting logos on each aircrafts.

There are quite a lot of people that grace the event today. Think that there would be more people if there isn't rain. The puddles of water had made the bottom of my jeans very wet. =S

Anyway, I am so happy that I got to have close interactions with the aircrafts and weapons even though they are just models for display purposes. I get to touch them too! Woohoo! I am really happy when I saw the Black Knight! =D Took a picture with one pilot before Parvin and I left the air base. Think that person is Black Knight 4. Haha. Only get to see the pilots when we were about the leave. Not bad that we got the chance to take a picture!

There was an aerial display at 5pm. It is really cool! As many aircrafts together with some other machines and vechicles were performing at the same time, it is quite hard for me to take videos as I do not know what to take! Haha! In order to create an atmosphere for their performance, they had used some explosives. The third explosion was relatively nearer to me as compared to the first and second. I screamed as it was really loud and I wasn't prepared. Feel really embarassed after that, especially when there are some RSAF people standing in front of me. =.=

The show started with the performance by 8 parachutists. Their parachutes are bright green and are really eye-catching. After that is the departure of 4 fighter planes. 2 planes each for the 2 types of fighter planes. Even though the sound is loud, it's cool! I am quite happy that I got to see how they depart and land.

Anyway, there are a lot of other activities too. As Parvin and I are more interested in taking pictures, we didn't take part in the activities. Not bad that my brother had enjoyed himself and won some prizes. What I would like to add on is that the souvenirs given to polytechnic and ITE students are very nice! Screamed at home when I opened up and see that they are the things that I like. A bit disappointed that I do not get to keep the invitation letter as a souvenir after exchanging for that box of nice souvenirs.

I was planning to go there early in the morning as there are a lot of events in the morning as compared to the noon. That would include the lucky draw for an aircraft ride! As Parvin can only make it in the noon, I have no choice but to accomodate. Well, it is not that bad afterall as both of us are drained after 4 hours. Quite lucky that we didn't went in the morning. Furthermore, as it rained in the noon, there are not much people which enables us to have more space to take more pictures.

NDP 1998 Theme Song - Home

Even though it has been ten years since this song was first sang at the national day parade, many still remember the original music of this song and are very familiar with it. It's a song that many Singaporean that feel close to heart. Many would sing along with the song whenever the music is played. Apart from that, the lyrics are rather meaningful too. Enjoy!

Lyrics:

Whenever I am feeling low
I look around me and I know
There's a place that will stay within me
Wherever I may choose to go
I will always recall the city
Know every street and shore
Sail down the river which brings us life
Winding through my Singapore

Chorus:
This is home truly, where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me, where that river always flows
This is home surely, as my senses tell me
This is where I won't be alone, for this is where I know it's home

When there are troubles to go through
We'll find a way to start anew
There is comfort in the knowledge
That home's about its people too
So we'll build our dreams together
Just like we've done before
Just like the river which brings us life
There'll always be Singapore

(Repeat Chorus)

For this is where I know it's home
For this is where I know I'm home


source of video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTkVG6lWvwY
source of lyrics: http://www.ndp.org.sg/downloads/audio/lyrics.php?song=home

NDP 2008 Theme Song - Shine for Singapore

This song is rather meaningful and it holds the Singapore spirit, matching with the theme of this year's NDP - Celebrating the Singapore Spirit.

Lyrics:

Have you seen a star,
One that guides you no matter where you are?
However vast the sky may be
Or dark it seems
You can be sure, it's always there for you and me

Have you heard a song,
One that moved you, one that made you sing along?
Your dreams and hopes will all come true
If you believe that every vision begins with you.

* Shine for Singapore
This is your song
Deep inside your heart where it belongs
It'll always stay, strive for your goals.
You will achieve with visions so bold.

# Shine for Singapore
This is our song
Reach out for the sky, far and beyond
As one we'll stand, we're Singapore
It's here that we belong

Have you heard a song,
One that moved you, one that made you sing along?
Your dreams and hopes will all come true
If you believe that every vision begins with you.

Nowhere i'd rather be, this is home to me
This star shines strong and free

Repeat, *,#


source of video and lyrics: www.ndp.org.sg

High School Musical - Breaking Free

I find this song music to the ears and it's rather meaningful. I believe that it is a song that is familiar to many. Hope that you will enjoy it. =)

It is the believe of oneself that one is able to achieve. =)

Here are the lyrics:


Troy:
We’re soarin’, flyin’
There’s not a star in heaven
That we can’t reach

Gabriella:
If we’re trying
So we’re breaking free

Troy:
You know the world can see us
In a way that’s different than who we are

Gabriella:
Creating space between us
‘Til we’re separate hearts

Both:
But your faith it gives me strength
Strength to believe

Chorus #1
Troy:
We’re breakin’ free
Gabriella:
We’re soarin’
Troy:
Flyin’
Both:
There’s not a star in heaven
That we can’t reach
Troy:
If we’re trying
Both:
Yeah, we’re breaking free
Troy:
Oh, we’re breakin’ free
Gabriella:
Ohhhh
Troy:
Can you feel it building
Like a wave the ocean just can’t control
Gabriella:
Connected by a feeling
Ohhh, in our very souls
Both:
Rising ‘til it lifts us up
So every one can see

Chorus #2
Troy: We’re breakin’ free
Gabriella: We’re soarin’
Troy: Flyin’
Both:
There’s not a star in heaven
That we can’t reach
Troy:
If we’re trying
Yeah we’re breaking free
Gabriella:
Ohhhh runnin’
Troy:
Climbin’
To get to that place
Both:
To be all that we can be
Troy:
Now’s the time
Both:
So we’re breaking free
Troy:
We’re breaking free
Gabriella:
Ohhh , yeah

Troy:
More than hope
More than faith
Gabriella:
This is true
This is fate
And together

Both:
We see it comin’
Troy:
More than you
More than me

Gabriella:
Not a want, but a need
Both:
Both of us breakin’ free

Chorus #3
Gabriella: Soarin’
Troy: Flyin’
Both:
There’s not a star in heaven
That we can’t reach
If we’re trying
Troy: Yeah we’re breaking free
Gabriella:
Breaking free
Were runnin’
Troy:
Ohhhh, climbin’
Both:
To get to the place
To be all that we can be
Now’s the time
Troy: Now’s the time
Gabriella: So we’re breaking free
Troy: Ohhh, we’re breaking free
Gabriella: Ohhhh

Both:
You know the world can see us
In a way that’s different than who we are


source of lyrics: http://www.allmusicals.com/lyrics/highschoolmusical/breakingfree.htm

2008 Summer Paralympics Mascot

This colourful cow depicts the spirit of the atheles just like a cow; determination and down to earth. It's really cute and I hope that I can own a souvenir of it. The name of this mascot, 福牛, is called "乐乐".

More information about the choosing of this mascot and what it symbolises can be found from http://en.beijing2008.cn/spirit/beijing2008/graphic/n214070923.shtml.

Cheers for the atheletes! =D


source of image: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5a/Mascote_paralympic_2008_pequim_paraolimpico_beijing_2008_fu_niu_lele.jpg

2008 Beijing olympics medals

The designs of these medals are really delicate. Even the ribbons are so nicely designed. The component of the auspicious clouds is really a good idea. What furthermore made these medals so elegant is the embedded jade in each medal! Jade sure is nice. ^^

The choice of jade for each medal, gold, silver and bronze, is really matching. The colours do not in any way looks odd.

Congratulations to the athletes who are able to clinch these medals as it is really an honour to achieve a medal and especially when it is such a nice one. =D


source of picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d9/Beijingolympicsmedals.jpg

National Day Parade 2008

Happy National Day!!

Yesterday is really tiring but I am still able to take it. Went home with tired lower limbs and a sore throat. All bay ambassadors get to have a funpack after the event. We took a combined photo together with the chairman of the NDP at the road below the lime green sector. Was hoping to take it at the steps on the floating platform but it's taken by the PA people. Just hope that I can be seen in the picture. I left there at around 11pm, missed the first bus and have to wait for the next one. I keep having a feeling to continue partying.

I went there early yeaterday hoping to take some pictures. But it ended up that I helped the EXCO to carry the drinks. Sian, KS got free ride because he helped the EXCO people while I don't have. So ironic while I live so near their office. =.= Anyway, because I carry those drinks, I dirtied my uniform. I haven't start work and my uniform turn from white to black. Zzzzz..

I am given a ticket because I had full attendance for the NE shows. Gave it to my auntie. Too bad that I can't find the second one for my brother. Went to the gallery to look for my auntie during dinner time. Watched the flight show together with my auntie. So happy! The black knights did the heart-shape despite the bad weather. Whee~

I saw Yushi while I was looking for my auntie. Gave her a chocolate coated mashmallow. It took me a while to recognise her though. Smart of her to take off her cap as she realise that I can't recognise her in the NDP cap. Specially bought those mashmallows on Friday because I want to give it to my group and other friends made there. So nice of Dad to make a special trip to drive me to the shop to buy those mashmallows even though he is still not happy with the idea that I took part in the NDP.

For my job, I didn't get to give out breads or funpacks. I was posted to marina square carpark intially. Switched with KS to be outside so that I can see fireworks. Wanted to switch because I am rather sensitive to smell too. Exhaust gases can make me vomit. Got to be the VIP usher at outside. At my position, together with Shangari, we waited for sooooooo long till two VIPs appear. The rest of the VIPs took the other entrance. We were chatting and crapping when these two VIPs appear. We were so shock as we thought that all the VIPs would take the other entrance. The reason is that the staircase we were in-charge of is the staircase that the performers would come down from. Cheered and waved to the line-dancing people though. We were lethargic because there are no people for us to get engaged with while we see public moving in at opposite side of the road, which is the promenade. Lucky that the two VIPs didn't say anything. Phew..

After the two VIPs were escorted across the road, Shangari and I are back to our self-entertainment. Glad that Jolene called me later to go to the other position. I escorted two VIPs! Wow! Found out that they are not really VIPs as they are just invited guests. Well, not bad la. Still don't like the communications and instructions given. After escorting the two invited guests, I stand awkwardly at my position. The outside sector leader that redeployed me just ignored me. I feel like a pillar. I do not know how to engage with the public when there are two people using the loud hailer and that leader ask me to stand there and wait as the invited guests will look for me. How do they know that I am their usher? Odd. It ended up that I didn't usher anyone after that two invited guests.

It rained while I was waiting for the invited guests to look for me. As it's just a drizzle, I decided not to wear my poncho as wearing that poncho is a little troublesome. Alex shouted at me for that. =.= Anyway, good thing for being at that area is that the marching contingent march from suntec to gate 2! Since I am at gate 1, they have to march past me! Woohoo! Took a video of them marching past. They are really cool and well-coordinated.

After the marching contingent marched in, it's dinner time. Ate a little and went to look for my auntie. The connection at the promenade is really bad. I wonder why. I have problem making phone calls and people have problems calling me. It took me a while to locate Shangari. The PA performers and the silat performers just finished their items and are walking pass the dispersal plan group to prepare for their finale. I waved and cheered for them, saying that they had done a great job. After some shouting and waving, together with some other ushers of course, we went to take position for the dispersal. I am the third usher from the entrance! Fighted for that position though. Haha. Everybody wanted to be able to watch the fireworks display. So glad that I managed to view it. Woohoo!

After the fireworks is the surge out of the public. I shout so much that I finish one bottle of water within thirty minutes. Didn't drink that much while I was in the hot sun in the afternoon. Some lovely public had fun together with me. One uncle want a hi-5, he hit it so hard till my left palm hurt for the rest of the night. one auntie wanted a hi-5 too. But we are not so coordinated. End up me counting one, two, thre, hi-5! Haha. Got a family very cute. Ask me whether they can take picture with me. Haha. The camera flash blinded me for some time. =S My voice turn so weird after shouting for one and a half hour. A bit off tune and I had some problem controlling it.

The dispersal job is easier than my job in the afternoon as I am not very familiar with the jobscope for my afternoon posting even though it's simple as I just need to walk with the invited guests.

It's combined photo-taking as promised by Mr Raymond Huang. Spend some time waving goodbye to other people and doing some crazy stuffs before proceeding to the road below the lime green sector. There are many unconsiderate people that raise their hands to block people at the back despite they were told to put down their hands. Height is biological issue that can solved by the rearrangement but the EXCO doesn't really care as they are in the front row and it is confirmed that they will be in the picture. Feel so bad that volunteers are not that important just because our 'rank' is the lowest. Keep hearing things like how important the ushers are and yet to me, their action are so not the same as what they say. Guess this is the problem of a production line management, workers feeling of alienation. Standing on flat ground is not as nice as having the picture taken on the steps as there is a higher probability that everybody can be seen.

Anyway, the NDP chairman tell us that this is his last year with NDP as the chairman. The talk given to us by him is good I must say. He don't sounds like he rehearsed those sentences though. Haha.

Overall, I enjoyed myself even though I am not as high as NE show 1 and 2. Everybody has done a great job. The bay ambassadors, the police officers, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel, those involved in the performances, the motivators, the organisers, the technicians, the cleaners, the spectators and those that I have not heard of that play a part in this parade.

I love Singapore!!

NDP 2008 Preview

The preview is a tiring one for me. Got a new job which is under the hot hot sun for quite a long time. Not bad that I got to try out a new job even though I still hope to be a static again. Anyway, after I finished my job, I went around looking for other jobs. Helping out in areas that need help. I did a total of 4 jobs I must say. Haha! Everybody are trying to slack and I am looking for jobs, so different. I am sooo tired that I feel like collapsing anytime. Feel like I have no strength to walk to the train station. I even stood and sleep in the train! But, overall, I am happy. Feel a little bad that I didn't smile much as I am too tired to smile even though I am happy. I did do my best to put on a smile.

The bay ambassadors are suppose to report by 11.45am. Many were late, including the EXCO members as well. This is due to the new route that we have to take to walk to the promenade. There are security checks this time. There are two army guys who were suppose to block the original route that we usually take to the promenade. They only tell me that I have to enter from the other side after I enter the entrance that they are suppose to block. =.= Anyway, it took me a long walk to enter the promenade as I have to walk to the other end of the promenade after the security check. On the bright side, I get to tour a little of the promenade. Haha.

My group was split up into three. I am in the funpack group but I ended up giving out Sunshine buns. If I am involved in the funpacks part, think I wouldn't be under the sun for that long. Even though I was working under the sun for a few hours, I am not sun-burnt. My skin did turn darker anyway. Wonder why they don't built a shed for my position while the funpacks section have.

Anyway, I am shouting again. The only bay ambassador shouting in my area. My throat is a little sore after the whole event. "Good afternoon! Enjoy the show!" "Kaya or coffee?" "zhu4 ni3 yu2 kuai4!" There are nice and not so nice people. I learned something new again from my new job. I allow the people to choose the flavour of the bread initially. Stopped that when the people are surging in. The reason is that there would be a bottle neck as there are time taken for them to decide on the flavour. The army guys in-charge of my area are quite nice. He ask me to ask the people to take the bread themselves rather than giving out one by one so that I wouldn't be so tired. He also allow people to take more than one bread as he say there are too many breads available. One offered to help me when he see that I am working alone. Another higher rank one came to me and remind me to hydrate myself. It ended up that there are not enough bread for late-comers.

I give out breads and restricting it to one person each as the bread is running out. I don't want to see some people taking extras and waste it while some other people are going hungry. There are people that still grab the breads when I was busy giving away breads to the people. There are more than one box opened at the same time so I cannot really control. Think the worse part is when the public surged in. Two hands doesn't seems to be enough. The army guys didn't give me a hand because they keep running to get more boxes of bread out. People are still surging in even though the show has started.

After the last bread is given out, I went to help the army guys to give out booklets. Was hoping to have extra breads for me but guees it's not the case. I went to help ushering people to the stairwells for the late-comers plan after I see that the flow is minimised and the army guys can cope by themselves to give out the booklets.

Went for dinner and watch the show with BinBin after confirming that other people in my group do not need any extra assistance. Went to my favourite spot, the staircase that I have been static for two weeks. Saw Wei Shan again. High together with her for the finale. The props changed a lot. The heart-shape was fine and still not as nice as NE show 1 I must say. I saw new designs of fireworks!! It's a circle made out of dots with a red alphabet 'S' made out of dots in the middle. I still prefer Spain's mashmallow fireworks. Haha.

After the show, since I have no instructions on where to go even though I was told that I am involved on dispersal plan, I am the static usher again! Feel rather odd that there is no static usher that day while other staircases have. So, I shouted again. "Thank you for coming! Please watch your steps!" "Byebye!" I asked them to watch their steps as the floor is not consistent. There's a small slope. I don't want trampling to occur especially when the people are surging out. I raised my left hand till I cannot hold it anymore. Rest my hand for a few seconds and raise it up again. This is when I realise that I haven't been smiling much even though I feel happy.

After the people have left, I went to look for BinBin as she want to slack at somewhere else. I saw some people, the public, playing with the cars for the performance! Haha. I want to play too! But I am too shy to do so.

Chatted with BinBin before going for the outer-quardon's "yum-seng" and debrief. Saw the People's Association (PA) people taking pictures at the staircase on the floating platform. Hope that the volunteers can do so too after the actual day's parade. Guess it's going to be fun even though we are not as colourful as the PA people. Haha. The "yum-seng" caused me to be a little wet, am scared that my uniform can be seen through though. Instead of drinking water, the people pour water on the person who initiated the "yum-seng" session. Think his name is Alex, not sure. Haha. Feel that it's a little waste of water especially when the EXCO members are saying that they are having shortage of water.

After debrief, I planned to take direct bus direct home. Waited for thirty minutes and not a bus appear. Took a train instead because I heard a member of my group said that the bus services would only resume at 11pm. I have waited from 10pm till 10.30pm and I am too tired to wait any longer. Furthermore, I have two more papers to go then. I was having migraine that the left side of my head hurts a lot. Strolled towards the MRT station at first. Walked super fast later on after some motivation.

My whole head hurts after I reached home till I have some problem going to sleep even though I am super tired. My eyes were a little blood-shot. Think it took me a few days, till Tuesday morning I think, to gain enough sleep.

Jiayou for the actual day!! ^^