Families For Life Picnic and NS50 celebration

We had been to a few Families For Life picnic (FFL) before (Istana and Punggol), but this edition is different. We are celebrating NS50 too πŸ™‚

Families For Life Picnic

 

Organised last weekend at Singapore Discovery Centre and Army Museum, there was plenty of activities to keep families busy. The Safti-MI bus tour must be one of the highlights πŸ™‚

 

 

Kids did not like the combat rations. Funny, I used to love the desserts (especially red bean and or2 bee2 bur2) when I was still in green :p

 

Families who registered for “Families For Life Picnic” will get a picnic goodie bag. Just lay out the mat, enjoy the cookies and fruits, and watch a movie in the evening #IchooseFamilyTime

 

I brought the kids into one of the corners to QR code Singapore’s history.

The highlight for many would be touring Safti MI (old name is SAF Training Institute, wiki). It is a different feeling when you are sightseeing, and when you are running up Peng Kang hill in fatigues.

 

Our narrator shared the history of Safti. The old colonial-like buildings, parade square. Not many will see real “cooks” in today’s army camps.

 

The iconic Safti Tower, with 265 steps to symbolise number of days before an officer cadet pass his course.

The triangle tower is symbolic for training all three services of SAF (Army, Air Force and Navy).Safti tourΒ s

 

The sergeant standing outside SCS (ex SISPEC). He or she has to lead the men from the front.

Skyhawk, another relic. Kids grew up with F16 and F15.

NS50

Pedal boat was popular with families, but long queue.

 

We noticed many mini-SOC (Standard Obstacle Course) in recent events, but this one at Army Museum is the original.

Kids like mini SOC now, not sure whether they will like the real-size low wall and Jacob ladders (applies to the Cheekiemonkies too hee hee) .

 

That ended our trip to SDC and Army Museum. I told the kids they can alway visit SAFTI MI again, just join OCS or Sispec.

Do pop by links below for more FFL and NS50 events.

Families for Life
NS50Β (50 years of National Service)

NDP 2017 Preview – New attractions

We attended NDP 2017 Preview last Saturday, and we really miss NDP at the floating platform!

 

NDP17 will be Singapore’s 52nd Birthday πŸ™‚

NDP 2017
NDP 2017

The amazing city skyline, the wide landscape which allows Air, Land and even Sea platforms to make an impact. The setting Sun will bring another atmosphere to the bay.

NDP 2017 preview

Those Dynamic Defence Display shows really looked and sound more impactful when all SAF and Hometeam hardware turn out in full force!

You will see and hear the usual fighter jets and helicopters πŸ™‚

 

There are several new features for NDP 17 too. Like Yum Seng, an AI host, singing Military Police.Β  Β 

In addition, there are two Dynamic Defence Shows! Showcasing how SG deals with Terrorism #SGSECURE

2017 is also NS50, there is a Soldier in evey home, we salute the NSF, NSman for keeping Singapore Safe.

Not forgetting Hometeam personal for protecting Singapore day in day out too!

The theme for NDP 2017 is #OneNationTogether In this uncertain times, all Singaporeans must stand together and brave any dangers together.

 

Do you know that the hashtag (# ) is unique to Singapore’ address system too?

Video (YouTube link) : Climb the summit to reach a higher peak!

A pity the 300 drones were missing in NDP 2017 Preview, but the Fireworks were astounding πŸ™‚

With friends and family (Cheekiemonkies), it makes our NDP Preview all the more memorable πŸ™‚

Those heading to NDP Preview 2 tomorrow, enjoy the show! Do pop by NDP website www.ndp.org.sg for the show schedues.

-We would like to recommend taking MRT to the site. We were stuck in Marina Square carpark and surrounding roads for up to 90 minutes after the event, massive jam!

-More photos will be added to the blog over the weekend, meanwhile you can see our Facebook album here.

-Catch all our NDP events here. We were fortunate to attend the NDPs through our blog, had never been successful with the tickets balloting

-Tips for photographing Firework here

-Video (YouTube link): Leaving you with a Fun RHIB ride from NDP 49, super FUN!