Getting Back To Normal: Our National Day 2022 Plans
Photo by Bao Menglong on Unsplash
After two years of restrictions on National Day, we’re so excited to be getting back to normal for this year’s celebrations. For 2022, Singapore will see the return of the Total Defence Display (TDD) in two parts: 'Defending Our Country' and 'Securing Singapore Together'. With more than 500 participants and 50 assets involved, the TDD for NDP 2022 is put together by the SAF and Home Team.
The celebration will also take place at 12 locations in the Heartland, kicking off on 6 & 7 August with family activities, engaging exhibitions, musical and dance performances, and a static display of assets by the SAF and the Home Team as well as free-fall jumps over two heartland sites by the Red Lions on 7 August. On National Day, there will be Fighter Island Flypast and Fly Our Flag by the RSAF, and a dazzling display of fireworks at five locations in the evening.
As we gear up to celebrate Singapore’s 57th birthday, we’re checking in with the Accela team about how they’ll be spending the holiday weekend. Read on to get into the patriotic spirit…
Photo by Bing Hui Yau on Unsplash
“I will be spending leisure time locally doing the things that I like the most: buying new plants for my home, reading my book, going out for a walk near the Marina Bay area and hopefully watching the National Day fireworks in the evening.” - Bhavna Kewlani, Finance Associate, Accela Finance & Corporate Secretary
“What’s there not to love about National Day? Apart from enjoying the fireworks at the end, it is awesome to get together and celebrate the successes and struggles we have achieved in Singapore.
I’ll be organising a gathering at my place and inviting my family over for a hotpot dinner this year. We unite over our love of fresh seafood, veggies and numbingly good Mala seasoning. I’ll also be shaking up some cocktails with gin as the base spirit! This is my first time preparing cocktails and I’m researching what ingredients to add to my version of a local Gimlet cocktail since it’s Singapore’s birthday. I think some fragrant pandan extract in my syrup and juicy lychees to garnish might do the trick!” - Caron Chan, Communications Manager, Accela Communications
“Every year I marvel at the build-up to National Day in Singapore. The jets flying by on Saturday evenings, looking over towards the harbour and catching a glimpse of the Red Dragons parachuting from the sky, and of course, the iconic flying of the flag across the island by helicopter. The rehearsals leading up to the big day give everyone the opportunity for continued celebration and serve to build anticipation for the big day.
After weeks of enjoying the National Day preparations, I'm leaving Singapore to enjoy the much-anticipated relaxation of borders and to spend a little time in Bali. We'll take in some big hikes, tour local breweries and enjoy some babi guiling. And, hopefully, read a great book!
Majulah Singapura!” - Erin Padilla, CEO & Founder
“There is no better way to celebrate the nation’s 57th birthday than by ordering in local dishes like Chicken Rice and Laksa while soaking in the festive vibes by watching the NDP. Aside from that, I will be catching up on some shows on Disney Plus and Netflix and (hopefully) burn some calories by cycling around the neighbourhood.” - Jolin Choi, Senior Communications Executive, Accela Communications
“On National Day weekend, we will always have a family gathering at my grandparent's house. Our grandma will prepare a whole table of home cooked food for us. After everyone has arrived, we will have our dinner together while watching the National Day Parade on TV.” - Lou Yi Lin, Finance Coordinator, Accela Finance & Corporate Secretary
“For the first time since I moved to Singapore in late 2019, I will be able to experience first-hand the National Day celebrations that I have heard so much about. My sister is going to be visiting Singapore with her family, also for the first time, and we are very excited to be taking her two young sons and my two daughters to see the parade. Something tells me that they will be particularly impressed with the military vehicles!” - Louisa Meredith, Director of Finance & Corporate Services, Accela Finance & Corporate Secretary
"National Day is extra special for me as my husband is a National Day baby. Every year, we gather at home with our parents and siblings while watching the live telecast of the parade while celebrating his birthday. So it's a double celebration for us at home. Our favourite segments of the parade to name a few are the airshow of the fighter jets as well as the Helicopter carrying our National flag, marchings of all the uniformed groups and the entry of all cabinet ministers and our Honourable President. Last but not least, we never get tired of the beautiful fireworks show as it lights up our beautiful skyline. As I'm a parent now, I make it a point to celebrate National Day together with my kids just like how my parents did with us when we were younger. It's a day that we always look forward to celebrating our love and patriotism for our beloved homeland, Singapore. Happy birthday, Singapore!" - Nishanthi Soundarajan, Corporate Secretary Lead, Accela Finance & Corporate Secretary
"I will be spending my National Day weekend with the combination of my introverted and extroverted tendencies. A day of going out with loved ones and a day of enjoying the cosy comfort of my room, giving my Netflix subscription a purpose." - Rohan Shaik Aziz, Communications Coordinator, Accela Communications
“We are planning to watch the National Day Parade (on TV :) and have a relaxed day at home. Also we have a new tent - so we are planning to pitch it inside the house for a movie and popcorn night at the comfort of our home.” - Savitha Raman, Finance Manager, Accela Finance & Corporate Secretary
