NDP 09-Rehearsal

Attending National Day Parade in the past, was almost like a ritual. With both parents in the service, the opportunity of attending either the Full Dress Rehearsal or the actual day was something like an annual family outing. Having retired from the service for over 3 and a half years, the opportunity was much lesser. It was also a challenge now to get everyone aligned to a specific date or event as each has their own schedule/activities. Through the kindness of a friend, we were extended 3 tickets to watch one of the many rehearsals at the floating platform. It was a good feeling to be back, under the evening sun to watch the NDP, even though it was a rehearsal. The theme this year was "tracing the past, through the EYE .... " As the crowd started to gather, Clarissa-Anne donned her sunglass (What more commonly known to her as "shades"). Looking at the reflection of "her shades", recalled the first few NDP where we had to cover her ears when the planes flew by or when the 21 Gunfire Salute were blasting away. The parade was not only thru "the eye" over the years but also thru the eyes of a "then" little girl to one that is hip-hopping around. The sky-diving serial before the parade had always been one of the key feature before the parade. The RED LION, traditionally formed by the SAF Commandoes included a Naval Diver ... part of an integrated force. As they made their way to the floating platform, with the Singapore skyline in the background, the crowd, as usual, made all the funny noises to welcome their landing. To display the many SAF and HOME TEAM assets, a scenario via a "News Flash" that the Marina Bay was under attacked brought the SCDF, SAF and Police armoured vehicle, emergency respond team and special forces streaming onto the platform and among the crowd. The Navy and Police Coast Guard too had their part in the display as the Marina Bay offered apporached from the waterfront to stage high speed RHIBs and Police interceptors chased "enemy boats" and divers dropping off from a Chinook helicopter to dispose of an underwater mine.

The parade proper of uniform and non-uniform contingents remain the hallmark of the NDP celebration. It had taken various forms, ranging from massive contingents at the Padang, to quick-in/quick out parade at the Stadium, column drive-past, etc. The arrival of "the President" kick-off the formal part of the celebration. With the HORMAT PRESIDENT, the national anthem was played/sang and the large STATE FLAG, flown by a Chinook helicopter and escorted by three of the latest Apache Attack Helicopters flew by. This is perhaps, one of the two quietest moment in the celebration ; the second being the Pledge Taking.

Even the 21-Gunfire Salute took a different form. Unlike the many years of being fired from land, the guns were mounted on a platform onboard several Fast Craft for Equipment & Personnel (FCEPs) and fired from the Bay, in front of the crowd. To the precision of the organisers, the inspection of the "Guard of Honour" by the "president" ended on time to kick off the 2nd part of the celebration following the march past. With lights, music and displays, the event unfolded like clockwork which concluded with the pledge and the crowd-pulling fireworks. It was indeed an event for families to come together and "party" to celebrate the nation's 44th birthday. As we made our way out of the venue, a final family shot to mark the end of the day's outing.

Off again !!!

This is beginning to be like a routine. Another send off for Sarah. She is making her 3rd trip back to Perth after a 3-week break in Singapore to soak up some heat, before returning to the Aussie Winter. Representative from her faithful group of YV came by for the usual send off at T3 for the past midnight flight to Perth. A year has already past by so quickly.

3G Dinner

After 3 weeks of hectic schedule of meeting friends, having dinner, doing a few essential, Sarah-Marie finally sat down to laze around before leaving for the airport. After gobbling down her favourite "half-boiled" eggs, she finally packed her bags .... for her 3rd trip to Perth, in time to face the Aussie winter.
Dinner that evening was with Kong-Kong & Poh-Poh & her Uncle Albert/Aunt Shawanna at a local steamboat restaurant. Took the opportunity for a quick snap-shot of the 3-Generation family (Girls & Guys)

The 3 youngest boys of the Tjoeng family had their fun with their oldest girl cousin before her trip back. Another re-union getogether before Sarah-Marie's 21st birthday.

A family trip out to the Marina Barrage, just before Sarah-Marie returns to Perth. Took a while to find a car park cos many other Singaporeans also found their way there, cos there was a NDP rehearsal that very same evening. Managed to find a choice spot and up we went to secure the place and await the start of the fireworks.
Looks like a nice clear/pleasant evening but the low nimbo-stratus clouds off Changi was a little too close for comfort, especially with a light steady on-shore wind. We caught glimpse of the flypast and a few boats darting around aimlessly. We could only guess what was happening at the parade "float" after having attended numerous other NDPs before. As the sun sets, the first few sparks of firework from behind the Integrated Resort excited the crowd. As more sparks lighted up the evening sky, something didn't smell right. It was not that of gunpowder but of .... RAIN !!!! There was then .... a sudden mad rush for cover and who cares about the fireworks. It can get wet but we needed to stay dry. It was to each on his/her own .... RUN FOR COVERS !!!!

Comms Silence

As we step foot at Yangon International Airport, it was VVIP treatment all the way. Was received by a Myanmar Police Welcoming Team and was quickly ushered to the VVIP lounge where a Brigadier General of the Police was present to welcome the meeting participants. After our bags were collected, we were ferried to the Hotel complete with an outrider escort, clearing the traffic as we proceeded. Sure had lots of attention along the way.
At the meeting with out counterpart from the Myanmar Navy, was presented a framed "Sand Picture" of the Straits of Malacca & Singapore. CDR Moe Aung was personally present to host the event. A courtesy call on the Base Commander, followed by a tour of the MRCC/Focal Point setup before some formal briefs and open discussions. Though only took about 2 hours, it completed Part I of our trip to Myanmar. Part II involved going to Nay Pyi Taw.
Our trip to Nay Pyi Taw was via a twin propellor plane operated by Myanma Airways. A short 55 minute flight, over hills and padi fields was reasonably pleasant. On this flight, my travelling partner, CDR Matsuyoshi, co-incidentally sat next to CDR Moe Aung's younger sister, whom we met later at the new capital. (It was certainly a memorable/non eventful moment for him !!!).
On CDR Moe Aung's arrangement, his sister, Emily who works at Nay Pyi Taw hosted us in the day (during the free programme period) and the CDR Moe Aung hosted at dinner for the team that evening. The Front Desk Manager (Governor's cousin), Emily (Governor's Sister) and 2LT Myo Yadana Htaik (former OIA during our previous visit), joined in the specially prepared dinner by the Hotel's (Singapore) chef.
Our presentation was the 2nd during the open session of the meeting. Met up and re-acquainted with the members / participants present (some from the previous Meeting). At the Nay Pyi Taw airport, we were surprised by Lt Col Police Kyaw Win Thein, who personally came-by to bid us farewell. On the whole, a pleasant and fruitful trip, complete with full VVIP protocol accorded. It was also CDR Matsuyoshi's first trip as the ISC Team and his first trip to Myanmar.