How they do it is something that cannot be simply explained in words – it’s got to be seen and experienced. This I was delighted to find out when, on behalf of Young Star, I went on a brief holiday in this beloved city-state upon the invitation of the Singapore Tourism Board. For starters, I found out that Singaporean life centers on a seven-fold path, each bringing its own color and soul into this dynamic country.
It seems destined that this small city-state (692.7 km2 in total land area) is strategically placed in the map of the world. It lies at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. From above, its main island takes on the shape of a diamond as a number of smaller islands can be found surrounding it. It is linked to Malaysia through Johor in the north and the Tuas Second Link in the west. Having become a central hub in Asia, there is perhaps no other port in this part of the world that is as busy as that of this small nation.
The people of Singapore are as diverse as the population that makes up Asia itself. Of the country’s reportedly 4.24 million citizens, 76.8 percent are Chinese, who have been the majority population of the island from the very beginning. The Malays make up the second largest population at 13.9 percent. As you might have guessed, the religions existing in this small country are as diverse as the people themselves. But no matter what ethnic background they belong to, they share a common sentiment, a powerfully unifying sentiment: their love for their country.
Records of the island’s existence have been around as far back as the third century. However, it wasn’t known as Singapore back then. It was called differently by those who claimed ownership of the island. The Sumatran Srivijaya Empire called it Temasek. The possession of the island moved to the Sultanate of Johore in the 15th and 16th century. Meanwhile, a British East India Company official named Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles came to the island in 1819, which led to Singapore becoming a crown colony in 1867. In 1942, the name Temasek was changed to Syonan-to, as the British were defeated and the island was conquered by the Japanese. The name Singapore came about around the time that this island nation became a self-governing crown colony. Lee Kuan Yew of the People’s Action Party (PAP) became the first Prime Minister of Singapore, and ruled until 1990. He was replaced by Goh Chok Tong who ruled until the earlier part of 2004. In August 12, 2004, Lee Kuan Yew’s eldest son Lee Hsien Loong took over the reins of government and remains to be Singapore’s prime minister today.
Indeed, Singapore has come a long way and it is only right that each year of independence is celebrated. Especially this year, when Singapore turns a ripe 40!
Ask any Singaporean and he’ll tell you that 2005 is truly a very special year for Singaporeans. This I witnessed up close at the Singapore National Day spectacle – I haven’t seen a nation’s birthday bash this big!
I felt the holiday spirit from the moment we landed at Changi airport early morning via Singapore Airlines. It was a couple of days before the National Day and already, the streets of Singapore were aglow with excitement. People were undoubtedly in a celebratory mood. All over, there were pre-celebration celebrations taking place, especially at the Marina.
The Carnival at the Marina is a week-long celebration, running from August 6 to 20. It has become a fave venue for a lot of events. President SR Nathan presided over the carnival’s opening ceremony. Each day, the place plays host to a variety of simultaneous events. This included the Total Defence Showcase displaying Singapore’s military capabilities. There were the dynamic shows, static displays, and thematic rides.
There were the six thematic villages – the Arts Village, Global Village, Local Brands Village, Food Village, Kids Central Village, and Sports Village. Then there was the Concert By the Bay ’05, where 40 local and international acts appeared in four grand concerts. On some enchanted evenings, the Singapore Fireworks Festival lit up the skies. All these combined to provide everyone with all-day entertainment from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight. But of course, there was no celebration bigger than the day itself.
Aside from all the other daily events happening, the Singapore National Day celebration included a countdown party led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong himself, who took part in this celebration for the first time as head of the Singapore government. On the day itself, parties were scattered in five venues, namely Tampines, Yishun, Jurong East, and Marina with the grandest of celebrations happening at the Padang.
It was a spectacle like no other, leading up to this gloriously celebrated holiday. The festive air could be felt everywhere you went. Before the program proper even began at 5 p.m., there were already a number of performances/attractions to keep the Singaporeans entertained. Among these were the Combined Schools Choir, Combined Schools Band, Mass Precision Drill and Military Freefall.
The program unfolded with 16 military fifes and drum musicians marching up to the stage, where they were met by the parade’s regimental sergeant major (RSM) Master Warrant Officer Tang Peck Oon. This was followed by the march-in of the supporting contingents, consisting of the army, navy, air force, Singapore civil defense force, and Singapore police force. Contingents took their places, followed by the arrival of the President, the National State anthem, and the fly-over of the Flag. Afterwards, there was a presidential inspection of the GOH, followed by a gun salute. What took place next was the Feu-de-Joie or Fire of Joy, reflecting the joyous mood of the occasion.
Also sharing the same avid nationalistic sentiment were Glashutte and Longines. In honor of Singapore’s 40th National Day, Glashutte presented an exhibition highlighting Singapore’s colorful history which traces its early beginnings as a small fishing village. The exhibit is in cooperation with Cortina Watch and the National Heritage Board. Glashutte has also crafted a limited-edition timepiece collection called "1965 Singapore." The timepiece bears a replica of Singapore’s old map that was meticulously painted onto the watch’s Miessen porcelain dial. Only 40 pieces of this timepiece were made for the celebration, two of which are in platinum, 10 in rose gold, and the remaining 28 in stainless steel. These are priced at S$70,000, S$34,990, and S$24,990, respectively. As for the two-of-a-kind platinum, one will be presented to the Republic of Singapore while the other will be up for auction, proceeds of which will benefit the Young Musicians’ Society and the Children’s Cancer Foundation. The rest of the timepieces can be bought at any authorized Glashutte Original retail outlets. Glashutte Original product manager Andrea Henke was in Singapore from July 28 to Aug. 3 to give everyone a peek of the fine art of watch making.
Meanwhile, Longines marked Singapore’s 40th birthday by crafting a special-edition timepiece as well. Longines’ especially made watch shows off Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquin orchid. The watches’ 7, 8, 9 and 10 o’clock markers were done in Tamil, English, Chinese, and Malay – the four major languages in Singapore – to reflect the country’s racially harmonious culture. There are only 120 pieces of this watch, each retailing at S$ 5,600 at Sincere Fine Watches stores.
It’s not only the Singaporeans who are celebrating their country’s National Day. People from around the world had arrived to join in the fun. And they – yes, including the Filipino guests – found just the right place to stay to take in all the fun.
My hotel of choice was the Meritus Mandarin.
Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Meritus Mandarin hotel has stood proud since 1973. This two-tower hotel has practically become a landmark with its close proximity to the Ngee Ann City Shopping Center (which houses the famous Takashimaya Department Store). Everything you could ever want in Singapore is just a walk away from this hotel. No more taxi cues for you!
Voted to the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Gold List for 2004, Meritus Mandarin is known worldwide for its dedication to providing guests with an unforgettable stay. Both business and leisure travelers will probably agree that Meritus Mandarin is a home away from home. The rooms are spacious and decorated with touches of orientalia while maintaining an overall modern appeal.
The hotel’s club floor for business travelers follows the same interior design principle. There’s the Meritus Club Lounge which offers breakfast buffet, pre-dinner cocktails, all-day coffee and tea service, along with use of the meeting room for up to 12 persons, express check-in and check-out and complimentary pressing of two clothing pieces a day. The hotel boasts Pharo Moonlight therapeutic hydro-jet shower heads, which are available in all Meritus Club rooms.
Should you want a true Singapore meal, but feel too tired to leave the hotel, the Meritus Mandarin’s 24-hour Chatterbox Coffeehouse serves its famous Mandarin Chicken Rice, among other local specialties. You can also choose from the hotel’s other restaurants, which include Pine Court Chinese Restaurant, the Mezzanine Cafe and Bar, the Triple 3 Buffet Restaurant, and the Top of the "M" Revolving Restaurant, which is located at the 39th level of the hotel’s Grand Tower. You also need not leave the hotel should you want a nightcap as you only have to take an elevator ride to the 38th floor of the Grand Tower and step out into the cozy Observation Lounge. The lounge offers a breathtaking view of Singapore as you lean back in one of the big individual couches while enjoying a nice cocktail.
Yes, food is one thing that Singaporeans take very seriously. You will surely notice this the moment you arrive. Everywhere you go, there’s a food stall nearby and whatever time of day, Singaporeans are just happily chowing down. With the vast array of gastronomic delights in this country, the Singapore eating habit would grow on you eventually.
Singaporean fare is known as Makan food and trust me, you would really want to have some. Our friend from the Singapore Tourism Board Winnie Ubbink introduced us to all the Makan favorites by taking us to a very famous food center aptly known as Makansuntra Gluttons Bay. The place is home to a variety of local delights, which can be savored al fresco style. Now, if only to get your taste buds warmed, let me give you a lowdown on just what these delectable treats are.
First, there’s the Singapore Fried Carrot Cake, which is also known as chai tow kueh. A cake of rice flour and white radish is first steamed. Afterwards, it is diced up and stir-fried, along with some garlic, salt-pickled radish, and eggs. You can either have this with black soy sauce or you can have the soy sauce omitted and have some more eggs sauteed into it, along with some prawns. Topping this off with a few slices of spring onions makes for a very mouthwatering dish.
Should you want comfort food, there’s nothing better than having noodles – and oodles of noodle choices await. Let me share with you two of my favorites. First is the Fried Hokkien Mee, which is egg noodles and rice vermicelli sauteed with some prawns, squid, pork, bean sprouts, and garlic. Then, this is braised in a rich blend of pork and prawn stock. The spicier choice is the Mee Goreng, which is noodles fried with chunky slices of fresh tomato, boiled potatoes, cabbage slices, green chili, and green peas. This whole thing is wok-fried with a mixture of tomato sauce and the key ingredient, chili paste. It can be topped with fried egg, chives or fried bean curd.
Other Makan crowd pleasers include the pork and chicken satay, served with a wonderful peanut sauce, barbecue chicken wings, fish head curry, char kway teow (another noodle dish), Hainanese chicken rice, and chili and black pepper crab. All of these you can sink your teeth into just about any time of day for as long as you are in Singapore.
Although dining outdoors in these food centers can be a great experience, there is no one who can resist an equally mouthwatering gourmet meal. Next week, read about Singapore’s affair with fine dining and their burning passion for culture, nature, and just having a good time.