National Day Celebration
“I criticize Singapore a lot, but I love Singapore.”
A fellow-Singaporean made this declaration over a late dinner at Le Platane in Xintiandi earlier this week. Working in Hong Kong and shuttling frequently to Shanghai, she keeps up with news from home by watching Channel NewsAsia. And on a night out amongst fellow-Singaporeans, she complains animatedly about Singapore between bites of suckling pig; but even before the special apple tart arrived, she’s unabashedly waving the red and white flag again, proving to be the number one fan, not just of Channel NewsAsia, but of all things Singapore!
I guess she succinctly encapsulates how many Singaporeans feel about Singapore. Citizens criticize the politics and complain about the lack of freedom, the rising cost of housing, ridiculously priced cars… the list is long.
It seems being Singaporean gives us the right to gripe about our own country.
But, oh pity the non-Singaporean who criticizes Singapore! Suddenly Singapore’s positive qualities spew forth. We are non-corrupt; our systems are the best; we made it even without natural resources; we are a harmonious multi-racial society; we will hold the first night F1 race in the world; we are most-this and best-that.
I love Singapore.
I love the food, the efficiency, the cleanliness, the convenience, even the weather (especially since suffering my first winter in Shanghai).
For 3 National Days so far, I’ve had the privilege of doing the commentary for the Parade. The amount of work that goes into the preparation of each Parade is mind-blowing; from the planning to the details of mobilizing people. There were rehearsals after rehearsals but I loved every one of it. More than anything, I love the spirit of Singaporeans. Every time before the show starts, I still get butterflies in my stomach.
August 9 this year, I will be covering the National Day Gala at the Pudong Shangri-la. It marks the first time in 11 years that I’m celebrating national day abroad.
Although I will not be in Singapore, I am there in spirit.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
It was in the month of July when it occurred to me that you won’t be around for the National Day Celebration.
Yes, it’s disheartening to say the least. But, I think the memories and thoughts should be more than enough to compensate for the lack of physical presence.
You have a pleasant weekend there, OK.
Go with the suckling pigs and the “special” apple tarts.
Take care.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
* go easy with the suckling pigs and the “special” apple tarts.
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
ur, x’cuse me, but why aren’t u still in spore???
thank goodness i can still savour the suckling pig in shanghai!!!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Ever heard of ‘不骂不疼, 不打不爱’?
You will only hit/ hurt something if you really love it.
Otherwise, why bother? Only ‘waste’ your energy.
I think…
August 4th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Hi Glenda Chong,
This is my second response. I am not patient to wait for my first response to get posted.
And worry too if the response is not posted so this is another response from me.
So you are in Shanghai and start your correspondent career instead of anchoring. You have 17 years of experiences in your line of career and a really capable and outstanding figure in CNA.
When will you be back from Shanghai and take on another turn of your career. Wouldn’t it be nice we can have time together and you tell me more about your challenge while working in Shanghai. Work wise? Your love life? Do you mind?
You are free to contact me using my email.
Thank you for your time to read my response.
You are wonderful and hope I am able to make you smile.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:19 am
fantastic! I had been listening to power98 via internet streaming in my Shanghai office and been hmm-ing along to the familiar tunes of national songs.
colleague#1: you are not even singaporean!
me: yeah, whatever. i grew up there and am proud to claim it as my home.
did a bit of youtube search on older national songs. ‘count on me singapore’ never fails to mist my eyes (just a bit. haha).
August 9th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Hi Glenda,
Just happen to chance by your blog on National Day and realised that you’ll not be doing the commentary for NDP this year! The show is just over and the fireworks were spectacular! Hope you’ve enjoyed your first NDP abroad! Happy 43rd National Day!
August 18th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Hi Glenda,
Like u, I always felt Singapore as part of my life. We are fortunate enough to have one of the best infrastructure in building and transport system & multi-ethical global city as a culture hub exchange btw the East & West in the world. With these thoughts, allow me to share something with u guys:
Being involved in Complain choir project during M1 Fringe Festival this year have made me realise that our kiasu and “weird” culture is what keeps the bond btw Singaporeans strong. The only “bad” thing was that we were “banned” from performing in public if we were to perform with our fellow members who are non-Singaporeans! Our conductor was a Malaysian! As usual, Singapore is a country with strict rules.
Singing national day songs at The Padang during National Day with my group of YoungNTUC play choir members together with Clement Chow (original singer for “Count on Me, Singapore”) has really left me a special loving memory that I would nv forget in my life. Singing with all my heart and feeling that Singapore is always in my heart no matter where I go!
To reminisce the experiences, one of the best things to do? Guys, put it on yr blog to show how much u love Spore! ;>
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 am
hey glenda, i saw u on tv just now n u looked great! erm, the thing is..is it possible for u to maybe lengthen whatever u have to say before passing it back to melvin? i gotta have more coverage of glenda chong each evening.
thanks.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Happy belated national day. Have fun in Shanghai while u r there.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I’ve always believe tt the worst critic of Spore r Sporeans!. I guess it’s in us to b critical on almost everything till the pt of us being branded as arrogant & proud. But then again, do we really care what others think of us???.
Happy belated National Day to all, wherever u may b! Cheers!
August 31st, 2008 at 1:18 am
hello…
hope you’re getting used to staying in Shanghai! this is my 3rd year working/living in SH and i can undestand how u feel when u juz came over.. it’s an exciting city, lots of places for shopping and if you crave for singapore food, there are restaurants around (both pudong & puxi) serving nice sg dishes.. roti prata anyone?
take care and enjoy your stay in SH!
September 11th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
When I was younger, I used to criticize a lot too. Maybe that’s because I’ve not seen the rest of the World yet. As I grew older and quite regularly read CNA regional and global news, I suddenly discovered that Singaporeans are actually a very fortunate lot.
Like you, I love Singapore too (especially the food and efficient system). More as I grew older (becoming more sensible).
Still, there is just one thing I don’t really like. Most time, I could not find the “Toilet” sign conveniently at some MRTs and shopping mall, except at the Airport. Ha!
November 19th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Hi Glenda,
Was wondering whether you have left CNA. Until I saw one of your reportings from Shanghai. How’s life so far ? Looks like it’s been a while you have not been blogging …. :))
Cheers !