Singapore’s 56th birthday is upon us. This year’s celebrations are going to be different from the way they used to be before the COVID-19 pandemic arose. However, there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying yourself, away from the crowds. Here are some ideas.
WATCH THE PARADE
Steer clear of the crowds and keep safe by catching the National Day Parade (NDP) on TV or online. Take note that this year’s NDP has been postponed to 21 August after the scheduled end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert). A ceremonial parade will be held on 9 August instead. According to the NDP website, this year’s NDP has been designed with the home viewer in mind. It will make use of technology to connect performances for a live-virtual performance. This will also be done for the Parade and Ceremony segment, where civilian bodies will participate and join the parade through virtual means. Viewers can also look forward to numerous home engagement activities to encourage audience participation throughout the day.
ORDER IN
Image Credit: Parkroyal Collection, Pickering
What’s a special occasion without a lip-smacking meal? With this in mind, Parkroyal Collection Pickering’s Lime restaurant has rolled out National Day Specials for takeaway. Pamper your taste buds with the Pera-Makan Feast for Two ($56+). Tuck into traditional Peranakan dishes such as assam udang nenas, ayam buah keluak, babi pongteh and grilled otah otah. For tea, treat yourself to a delectable Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Cake ($56+). Round off your celebration with Lime’s Beverage Bundle consisting of two bottles of wine for S$56+.
Available until 26 August at Lime’s e-shop.
SING FOR SINGAPORE
Linying and Evan Low (Images Credit: NDP2021)
One of the most important aspects of the National Day Celebrations is the NDP theme song. Go through the list from the very first one, ‘Stand Up for Singapore’, to this year’s ‘The Road Ahead’, make a playlist of your favourites and sing your heart out. By the way, ‘The Road Ahead’ is written and composed by Linying and Evan Low.
DO FACE-PAINTING
Images Credit: Robinsons Online
Paint each other’s faces in patriotic themes and show off your artwork throughout the day. Go the whole hog and ramp up the mood by dressing up in red and white outfits. Don’t forget to take lots of photos to upload onto your Instagram and Facebook accounts.
WATCH LOCAL FILMS
A scene from 15 Shorts (Image Credit: National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre/Blue3Asia)
Last year, 15 Singapore filmmakers came together to show a less-told side of Singaporeans from the 1970s to the 1990s. Through 15 Shorts — a collaboration between the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Blue3Asia — the 15 directors provided different perspectives on that era, and unveiled the kindness and generosity of ordinary Singaporeans. You could also catch other local films on Netflix — we recommend I Not Stupid, Ah Boys to Men and Singapore Dreaming.
AA SINGAPORE’S NATIONAL DAY MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION
From now till the end of August 2021, sign up for an AA Singapore membership and get $56 off — because this year is Singapore’s 56th birthday — the regular fee. You pay only $112.35 for a one-year membership! Terms and conditions apply. For more details, click here.
