Today marks Singapore’s 56th birthday since she gained independence as a country — or fondly, known as island state nation. We’re tiny but mighty, the little red dot we are.

Being over at the other red dot, I was able to tune it to a few things via this web of a generation, to check in on the nation’s celebrations. It’s amazing, isn’t it? A decade or two ago, it’d be highly unlikely.

Just last night, I was ruminating over the fact how the arts and music are able to connect people, despite our language barrier. I now think music triggers memories or our innate conscience too. When the national anthem played, unconsciously, unwittingly, my eyes stung. On the brink of tears. I couldn’t actually pinpoint why. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that I haven’t heard it in its full glory, since, the time I was still teaching in a local school. Probably a decade’s worth of unconscious memories of my work, or add to that, another dozen years’ worth of schooling — the times when I actually stand at attention to the national anthem.

You know how videos were not documented very well in the past? I don’t think I can find my one and only CD for this, if I went back to Sg. Not sure if it still runs 😂

Someone actually uploaded a video clip of one segment. There was actually a whole full medley of songs, before we sang “Home”. I don’t even remember where I stood. But, man, we wore those blue skorts and a tropical looking blue top, white gloves and I think some white/silver overall (that was just slung over our shoulders — like some space suit thingey). Cos’ they said no one could possibly see us from afar when we move our hands and bodies during our dance numbers, if we didn’t wear something white/shiny 😅

So, here’s the 1998 NDP rendition of “Home”, when I was in that combined school choir. Those were the days 😌 One of the most memorable experiences (or out of this world — in the words of my then teenage self). After that year, our choir teacher (our own school’s music teacher) got scouted for a more national/international role. She was one teacher I truly looked up to. Thanks, Ms Gee!

…and some other songs clips that I’ve managed to find from someone who’s kindly documented them on their youtube channels!

and finally found the one where I spotted my own nerdy teenage face back then 😂

What nostalgia! I just wanted to type these all down somewhere to remember by! Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep this space going with enough funds.

Happy National Day, Singapore! Majulah Singapura! 🇸🇬