This article was originally on GET.com at: 7 Things Singaporeans Can Look Forward To This National Day

How do you intend to celebrate the upcoming National Day? Whether you’re going to be huddling with your loved ones in front of the TV at home or if you’re soaking up the atmosphere at the NDP, here are 3 things you should pay attention to this National Day.

We hope you’re as thrilled as we are that it’s going to be our nation’s 51st birthday in just a few days! In case you haven’t got time to read up on the news out there regarding this year’s NDP, we at GET.com have taken the initiative to put together this list of 7 things for you to look forward to this National Day.

7 Things Singaporeans Can Look Forward To This National Day

1. Free Animated Singapore-Themed Stickers From Line

Photo: Line

I’m not sure about you, but knowing that we can download adorable Singapore-themed animated stickers for free from now till 25 September on messaging app, Line, made me go to my App Store right away.

These tongue-in-cheek and very local stickers are rolled out to kick off celebrations for Singapore’s 51st birthday. Expect some of these to be peppered with Singlish, too.

Since we’re on the topic of Singlish, here are 4 things Singaporeans always complain about Singlish but secretly love. Have a read and tell me if you agree!

2. Extra Interactive Opportunity For Some Of The Audience At The NDP

This time around, the segment on the singing of the National Anthem will be different as the audience at the seating gallery at the NDP will get to unfurl ‘numerous national flags of varying sizes’, simultaneously with the State Flag Flypast.

In a way, this gives mere mortals like you and I the opportunity to involve ourselves in the symbolic moment where most of us are possibly at the peak of our patriotism for the entire year. I can’t wait to see how it plays out on the TV though, since I unfortunately don’t have tickets to the NDP.

3. Free Mobile Data On 9th August For Singtel & M1’s Postpaid Customers

9th of August 2016 will probably be a day where even more people will have their eyes glued to their mobile devices as Singtel and M1 are doling out free, unlimited mobile data for their postpaid customers on that day.

M1 customers will also be entitled to free local calls and free SMS and MMS messages in addition to free mobile data on National Day.

4. Free 1GB Mobile Data During The Entire Month Of August For StarHub’s Postpaid Customers

StarHub’s customers won’t be left out, so fret not if you happen to be their customer. Postpaid mobile customers will enjoy a bonus 1GB of complimentary mobile data for the month of August.

As opposed to spamming YouTube videos on one single day like what M1 and Singtel customers are likely to do, you can savour the free data at your own pace, like when you’re streaming your favourite K-drama on the MRT train on the way to work.

According to StarHub, the 1GB of data will utilised first ahead of the existing mobile data bundles customers are subscribed to.

5. NDP-Themed MRT Trains

Although commuting on fancier looking trains in the mornings and evenings may brighten up our moods to a certain extent, I’m not sure how much more of an improvement it’ll be when it comes to comfort since the trains are always crowded during peak hours.

Nonetheless, these red-and-white hued trains lovingly designed to depict Singapore folklore, racial harmony, unity and this year’s NDP theme ‘Building Our Singapore Of Tomorrow’, will be running until mid-August.

In case you’re wondering, there will be 4 of these decorated trains; each will be servicing the North-East Line, Downtown Line, North-South Line and East-West Line, respectively.

Hop on NDP-themed trains

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times

6. New Exciting Elements At The NDP

We all love the spectacular fireworks display, don’t we? That’s practically the highlight of the annual NDP, for me at least. Besides a cutting edge and super futuristic funpack that lucky attendees of the NDP get to bring home, they’ll get to experience things firsthand the likes of 3D projection displays, indoor fireworks, unmanned technology such as drones and dynamic aerial performances.

The people behind NDP 2016’s futuristic theme song

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times, The New Paper

7. First-Come-First-Served NDP Goodie Bags For SAFRA Members

Are you a SAFRA member who’s sulking about not getting the coveted tickets to this year’s NDP? Though the experience at the National Stadium will be off the charts compared to you staring at the TV screen, you might very well get to snag a funpack for yourself or your kid.

According to SAFRA, 300 NDP goodie bags will be distributed at each SAFRA club on National Day. So, be sure to check for updates if you’re gunning for this year’s goodie bag.

Not a SAFRA member? Residents in Singapore can also congregate at all SAFRA clubs across Singapore on 9 August, watch the ‘live’ screening of the NDP and take part in a myriad of activities lined up.

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This article was originally on GET.com at: 7 Interesting Things About The National Stadium You Probably Didn’t Know

With Singapore’s birthday just around the corner, aren’t you psyched to make a trip down to the Singapore Sports Hub where the National Stadium is nestled? In case you haven’t read about the top 3 things that Singaporeans should pay attention to this National Day, NDP 2016 will be held at the National Stadium after spending 10 years at The Float @ Marina Bay.

Here at GET.com, we’ve discovered 7 interesting things about the National Stadium that most people probably don’t know. We hope you’re as enlightened as we are to discover these things about one of our landmarks!

7 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The National Stadium

1. The Stage For NDP 2016 Can House Roughly 2000 Performers

That should be an indication of how massive the stadium is, don’t you think? To put things into perspective, the circular stage that stretches approximately from one end of the stadium to the other, is as large as about nine basketball courts, according to a news report from Channel News Asia.

Additionally, here are 7 things people in Singapore can look forward to this National Day.

The people behind NDP 2016’s futuristic theme song

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times, The New Paper

2. The National Stadium Can Accommodate 55,000 People

55,000 may not sound too impressive but that’s equivalent to 1375 classes comprising 40 kids each. To make things a tad more dramatic, just because, 55,000 overshadows the total number (42,185 to be precise) of live births recorded in Singapore during the entire year of 2015, according to data from Singstat.

3. The National Stadium Boasts A Retractable Roof

Although this may not seem like much, the retractable roof that can be opened for outdoor games or closed for indoor games is the very reason why our National Stadium is, according to National Stadium’s official website, the only stadium in the whole wide world that has the capability to host a myriad of events ranging from athletics, football, rugby and cricket to national and community events, family entertainment shows and concerts, such as the already-sold-out and literally very invincible, “The Invincible” Jay Chou concert.

Before I forget, I’d just like to share that the National Stadium supports an environmentally friendly system where energy consumption is offset by solar panels installed above the offices and carparks around the National Stadium​.

1st-ever football match at new National Stadium

Click on thumbnail to view photos. Source: 

The Straits Times, , AFP

4. There’s Such A Thing Called The National Stadium Club

Put simply, this dedicated stadium membership programme is the first in Singapore and Southeast Asia that gives members a whole host of privileges that will enhance their exclusive hospitality experience here at the National Stadium.

Some of the privileges that mere mortals like me can dream of include priority access for tickets to world-class events staged at the National Stadium and a designated car park that, in fact, has its own label known as the National Stadium Club Members’ Car Park.

Members of the Premium and Premium Plus Seats get to enjoy the above-mentioned, coupled with things like access to the exclusive Bank of Singapore Lounge, private entrance, premium padded seats located right on the halfway line, and even day concierge service amongst others.

5. The National Stadium Event Guide Actually Exists

I don’t know whether to chortle or to grimace, but I must give them credit for some of the information stated in the National Stadium Event Guide which is rather helpful for those who don’t frequent events here too often. Things like pre-sold parking lot and no selfie sticks are quite refreshing.

6. The West End @ Gate 1 Is More Family Friendly

Why is this so, you wonder? Well, the West End is more family friendly because it is both wheelchair and stroller friendly. Gate 1 is step free, by the way! So, you have absolutely no excuse not to take your babies or wheelchair-bound family along to some of the events at the National Stadium.

7. Couples Can Take Their Wedding Photos At The National Stadium

Like 99 per cent of the things in Singapore, nothing comes free. If you’re intending to take your pre-wedding photos and/or engagement photos here before you officially tie the knot with a splendid wedding, you have to fork out some money and book your application in advance.

According to information available on their site, these applications must be submitted at least 10 working days prior to proposed date. Sorry, but for all you kiasu people out there, your proposed dates cannot be more than 90 days away from the date you apply.

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