NDP Parade Vs Olympics Ceremony

     If Beijing Olympics ceremony is considered as a world class standard, what ratings would you give Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP)? The Biggest celebrations of Singapore annually. An event where the whole nation celebrates and many even queues for tickets in the past.

     I watched bits of Olympics Opening Ceremony & bits of National Day Parade 2008, i am watching now the whole Closing Ceremony. Why i give this year a miss and not even wanted to watch the replay? The reason is simple, it is simply not attractive enough. Compared to the world event, our very own National Day is no where near their standard. A First world country with a 3rd class National Day celebrations. To be honest, i am not even expecting Singapore to have an event which required such a BIG number of participants. But at least the standards, the coordination, the choreography must be to a certain standard?

     I am proud to be Singaporean, I watched almost every year's parade & even participate in 2005's edition. NDP, for years, focus a lot on colors. Every individual participant can wear UGLY uniforms but yet they are colorful. It may look good at some point but overall, it always not enough to keep me glued to the TV. It get messy during the celebrations. I understand that Singapore focus on Racial harmony, focus on old & young. But coordination should be the most important criteria, isn't it? The main reason could be the director of the show. I was part of the participation crew, remember?

     I still remember that despite the fact that we started our rehearsal since May or June. Every week's rehearsal was a different one. We keep changing our routine, our formations till the very last week. Even the NE show is different from the actual Parade. How can you expect the performers to be good?

     Olympics Ceremony is very different. Every individual participant's costume is very detailed and not very colorful. But overall, it give a great impact... Some even commented that it was as if we are watching a movie, since the director was Zhang Yimou, but isn't that great? for a movie to be LIVE and no cuts or NG. I noticed during the performance, every participants are having the pride on their face, no tiredness and all are in great coordination. I tried to catch any bad apple, but unfortunately, i couldn't. Congrats to Beijing, People's Republic of China. You guys did a great job. Now... Will our YOG can be as good as that? Will see in 2 years time.