I was actually right on the Padang Grandstand soaking up all the SG50 goodness! Everything is still a little surreal. I haven't been to an NDP since I was ten and it wasn't even an official one, just the rehearsal. To be honest, NDP tickets are not cheap or easily accessible so it's a no brainer that I spent previous years hanging out with friends and family near the fireworks display to celebrate.

It had to be extra tough to get tickets to this year's NDP with all the SG50 hype and special displays but Dennis managed to! Thanks for asking me along. I'm so happy and grateful to have been able to experience my first legit NDP on our nation's golden jubilee!


Don't be fooled, the streets were so packed! I only decided to get my camera out after they ticketing counter. I cannot stand to see any more scratches on it!

The organisers certainly upped traffic control this year. There were many volunteers stationed around the city area to guide the masses accordingly and queues were much smoother than I anticipated.


Apparently there were multiple designs for the funpack so I tried to change mine for something more unique (like any other typical Singaporean would) but was obviously turned down. It was packed to the brim with nostalgic items like the capteh, Donkey card game, haw flakes and bangle candy. Oh, those good ole innocent carefree days…



I was searching through my funpack and there wasn't a Singapore flag! Seriously? I knew that I should have been more forceful in trying to change my funpack. Anyway, the blow-up balloon maraca became a really entertaining substitute and I shook it maniacally throughout the parade. Did I mention that light flickers from it when shaken?


We arrived pretty late compared to the other spectators (Kiasu much?) and had to settle for seats where the view of the field was a little obstructed. We had a very clear view of the Old Supreme Court Building though, which meant that we would be able to enjoy the mobile column to it's fullest, and we did!


It's so heartwarming to see everyone in the parade dressed to the occasion. There weren't any obligations! The cheers were constant and the mood did not dull for a moment. I could totally feel the national pride and excitement as the show began to start.

I didn't get why people were putting on the scarves. It was hot.


37 contingents were featured at the Parade and Ceremony this year. That's a lot. Is it weird that I somehow miss doing drills?









50 aircrafts were featured this year! What? Really? Wow. The aerial display was most certainly remarkable and I was left dazzled and amazed at the level of precision and finesse.

I initially planned to post live video updates on Snapchat but the mobile data connection was practically frozen! Too many people had similar ideas, uh?


We had a hard time enjoying the fireworks because the structure of the grandstand was in the way. Oh well, they were still a fantastic sight though. They were displayed pretty often, at the end of every segment, so I had my fill by the end of the parade.


I did snap a lot of photos during the mobile column but I won't be uploading them. Dennis was pretty much fanboying over the tanks and anti-aircraft weapons.







The dance performances were very captivating and it is evident that many hours of practice were invested. Everyone was on cue and sharp with their movements around the field. A tedious task considering the need for coordination between so many people!

I found myself enthusiastically singing along to the songs from yesteryears during the performances! I actually remembered them! Not to mention cheering at the top of my lungs for the amazing local performers who were giving us so much energy and spirit.

Our 1998 NDP song, "Home", still sticks to me the strongest. The level of passion the spectators exhibited when singing (and shouting) along to it was really beautiful.

I started taking on part time jobs in Singapore at the age of 16 under tremendous pressure (constant nagging) from my father. He never failed to emphasise on the importance of work experience and the benefits that it'll bring to my future. Well, I've got to thank him profusely for getting my lazy ass to start working cause it did much for my knowledge and personal growth.

For Singapore's 50th birthday, the aptly-named STREET 50 Restaurant & Bar is launching a special Golden Jubilee all-day a la carte menu, putting a local spin on popular global cuisines and churning out an array of over 50 gastronomic delights and beverages!


Fisherman's Soup (S$8.90)
The broth was a little too light and lacked the flavourful seafood punch I was hoping for. Oh, and the prawn… No.


Snow Crab Salad (S$9.90)
A refreshing dish with the undeniable tasty combination of crab and salmon roe. The amount of soy and sesame dressing added was just right and left the vegetables moist enough for easy consumption.


Otah by the Bay (S$8.90)
I personally like otah quite a fair bit and was pretty impressed with this dish. Crowned with clams, octopus, scallops and garoupa, it's basically a seafood buffet on a plate! Worth an order. I do have to point out on the tough texture of the fish though.


Bay's Spring Chicken (S$14.90)
I wasn't expecting much from this seemingly ordinary dish till I had a bite of the chicken. The breast meat was so tender and juicy! Contrasting it well were the crispy skin and fries.


Satay Un-skewered (S$19.90)
The lamb chop was really succulent and the flavourful satay marinate definitely made this dish a star. A must-order!


Satay Bay-Hoon (S$14.90)
Unlike the usual satay bee hoon, theirs are topped with a variety of ingredients like octopus, clams, kang kong, chicken, tau pok and quail eggs! Not forgetting the lovable satay sauce, of course.


Sambal Saba (S$16.90)
The Saba had too much of a fishy taste to it, even when eaten together with the sambal.


Hazelnut Escargots Half Dozen (S$9.90)
The taste of the escargots were quite overpowered by the tangy dressing, which I didn't mind much because it was that addictive.


Veal Cheek Rendang (S$19.90)
The tenderness of the veal cheek was absolutely delectable and the savoury Rendang sauce spiced the dish up very well. Definitely another must-order!


Garoupa Popiah (S$18.90)
The crisp popiah pastry and dressing were delightful, although the tough texture of the fish did make the dish a little of a downer.


Bubur Cha Cha Crème Brûlée (S$9.90)
A dessert that managed to taste better than it sounds. The humble bubur cha cha was drizzled with black sugar and coconut pandan foam to give a sweeter kick. I enjoyed it a lot. Worth an order.


Durian Pengat (S$8.90)
A dessert for those to crave a stronger taste. I liked the pairing of the aromatic durian pengat with the light note of the pandan jelly.

Now, for the special promotion! Enjoy a complimentary Bay's Spring Chicken when you dine at STREET 50 in a group of 4 and have ordered at least 3 main courses. Simply cite "KeefeKayvan"! This promotion will be valid till 31 August 2015.

STREET 50
Address: Bay Hotel Singapore, 50 Telok Blangah Road Singapore 098828
Opening Hours: 06:00AM – 04:00AM (Daily)

Rustic Fries (S$8)
The combination of fries and a dip is probably the oldest trick in the book. I liked that cut potatoes were used for the fries and the smokey and tangy touch to the sauce. This was quite addictive and it would be good if the portion was bigger.


1855 Wings (S$8)
I found the savoury garlic-soy teriyaki glaze tasty, but I do have to point out on the dryness of the flesh of the chicken. They were a little too tough.


Cheese Platter (S$23)
I love cheese! I was satisfied with the variety of cheese served and it provided a good break from all the savoury flavours.


Crispy Pork Belly (S$10)
It's tasty, much like any other chinese sio bak, but there wasn't anything special to this dish.


Duck Confit (S$20)
Perhaps the star dish of the night, the duck was roasted really well with the skin crisp and flesh tender. The marinate was adequately sweet and it's clear that effort was put into the presentation. Worth a try.