What's New In July: Singapore Oceanarium, Weekly Fireworks, Summer Camps & More
New month, new finds! We're gearing up for the highly anticipated reopening of the Singapore Oceanarium that promises to be three times bigger than before. Catch free weekly NDP fireworks from the National Day Parade preview shows lighting up the skies across Singapore. Plus, keep the kids busy with exciting summer holiday camps, and don't miss the vibrant two-day festival happening at Haw Par Villa!
Click here for past What's New Mama finds!
Disclaimer: These are external events not owned or managed by Sassy Mama. Always check with the organiser for changes or cancellations.
Singapore Oceanarium: Reopens 23 July 2025
Missed visiting the S.E.A. Aquarium? Good news because the all-new Singapore Oceanarium is making a splashy return on 23 July 2025, and it's three times bigger than its predecessor! With 22 immersive zones, you and the kiddos can journey from shallow shores to the mysterious deep sea, and even time-travel from prehistoric oceans to the vibrant marine life we know today. Read all about the Singapore Oceanarium here.
Deets: Singapore Oceanarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269, www.rwsentosa.com
Sundown Festival: Music festival with international acts
The Sundown Festival is back and this year, the three-day festival will take place at Haw Par Villa with music performances, food vendors, bars, market stalls, wellness workshops and more! Headline acts include Hwasa of Mamamoo, DPR Live's Dabin, Thai rockers Tilly Birds and Slot Machine, and regional stars like Gali and Shigga Shay.
Deets: Sundown Festival, 4 – 6 July 2025, Haw Par Villa, Singapore, www.sundownfestival.com
NDP Fireworks: Fireworks display every Saturday
Need a free activity to do with the kids this July? Head to any of the spots to catch fireworks that are happening every Saturday evening leading up to 9 August, thanks to the National Day Parade rehearsals and preview shows! The best part? You can catch the fireworks for free at spots such as Merlion Park, Jubilee Bridge, Helix Bridge, Bay East Garden, Marina Barrage, and The Promontory @ Marina Bay. So pack a picnic, arrive early (it can get crowded!) and wait for the skies to light up!
Deets: NDP fireworks, various locations
Wiggle Wiggle In The Sky: Adorable decorations at Singapore Flyer
Happening until 28 September 2025, Wiggle Wiggle in the Sky at Singapore Flyer features capsules transformed into colourful, whimsical worlds starring beloved Wiggle Wiggle characters like Wiggle Bear, Little Play Bunny and even Singapore's own Merli mascot. There's also a pop-up store offering exclusive tumblers, plushies and Merli x Wiggle Wiggle collectables. Kids can complete fun mission cards to score free goodies and don't miss the giant 6-metre inflatables and vibrant installations perfect for photo ops!
Deets: Wiggle Wiggle In The Sky, Singapore Flyer, www.singaporeflyer.com
Summer Holiday Camps: Sports, performing arts & more
Keeping the kids engaged and learning during the holidays is totally doable with the wide variety of summer holiday camps available! From performing arts camps that build confidence and spark a love for the stage, to sports camps that challenge their agility, teamwork and more, there's something for every interest. Check out our full list of summer holiday camps here!
Deets: Summer holiday camps, several venues
WATCHLIST: Don't miss these shows in July!
From epic dragons to dino thrills and nostalgic comebacks, July is packed with must-watch blockbusters! How to Train Your Dragon returns in a breathtaking live-action remake, while dinosaur fans won't want to miss Jurassic World: Rebirth. There's also a brand-new Marvel film, The Fantastic Four, and big-screen comebacks of beloved classics like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Smurfs, and Happy Gilmore deserve to be on your watchlist this month!
Deets: various movies, www.shaw.sg, www.gv.com.sg, www.netflix.com
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AsiaOne
6 hours ago
- AsiaOne
Guide to National Day in Singapore (2025): Best spots to watch fireworks, heartland celebrations and more, Lifestyle News
Besides coveted concert tickets, another event that's equally painful to get tickets for is the National Day Parade. Balloting is completely random and earlier this year, people were even sharing on social media how ridiculous their queue numbers were. But fear not, even if you haven't gotten tickets, there are still places to go and activities to participate in as the nation celebrates its 60th birthday, including the yearly fireworks extravaganza. Feeling patriotic? Hit play on this year's NDP theme song and read our guide to how you can join in the festivities. Main event: the National Day Parade (NDP) 2025 Themed Majulah Singapura, this year's National Day Parade promises to once again be a timeless display of military might and entertainment with performances and short films. Singapore turns 60 this year, and NDP 2025 promises the biggest National Day celebrations yet, with events happening across both the Padang and Marina Bay. 1. Record Parade & Ceremony This year's Parade & Ceremony will feature the largest-ever assembly of marching contingents, including the debut of the SAF Volunteer Corps and the SCDF in the Guard of Honour. Look forward to the President and Prime Minister's arrivals, the State Flag flypast, a rousing Feu De Joie, and a 21-gun salute by the bay. The SAF Band and student musicians will perform national favourites throughout the ceremony. 2. Mobile Column & Dynamic Displays The Mobile Column returns to the Padang, joined by a sail-past on the bay and dramatic aerial flypasts. Assets from the SAF, Home Team, and Maritime and Port Authority will be on show, celebrating Singapore's strength and resilience. 3. The Majulah Show NDP 2025's show unfolds across both the Padang and Promontory, with four themed acts: People & Diversity, Future & Aspirations, Resilience & Spirit, and Strength & Unity. Highlights include performances by Kit Chan, Charlie Lim, and a nationwide sing-along of Home, ending with fireworks over Marina Bay. New highlights The Jump of Unity brings SAF Red Lions and RSN divers to both main venues. Majulah Moment: All Singaporeans join in the pledge and anthem, signalled by SCDF's Public Warning System. This year's show includes mass participation from students, volunteers, and special needs performers. Whether you're at the Padang, Marina Bay, or tuning in from home, NDP 2025 is set to be a uniquely Singaporean celebration of unity and progress. Best heartland activities for National Day 2025 If you don't have tickets, there are still other opportunities to take part in the festivities. Head to the heartlands on Aug 10, 2025 for a range of activities across five locations. You can also catch fireworks at these locations if you don't want to battle with the crowds in the civic district on National Day itself. The heartland celebrations on Aug 10, 2025 include stage performances, military asset displays, carnival activities, and fireworks, so you won't feel like you missed out on being at the Padang on Aug 9. There will even be NDP Packs available! You can collect tickets at your nearest Community Club/Centre, with a maximum of two tickets per person. It's on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't wait! Check the official NDP website for more details on what's happening in the heartlands. Best hotels to watch NDP 2025 fireworks This year's National Day falls on a Friday, which means we get to enjoy a long weekend. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to book a staycation in one of the nearby hotels and get a stellar view of the fireworks. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore [embed] This renowned luxury hotel needs no introduction. Known for its opulent amenities and breathtaking views of the city skyline including unobstructed views of the Marina Bay waterfront, booking a room at the Ritz facing the waterfront will give you a bird's eye view of the fireworks. This SG60, celebrate the nation's birthday with a stay that honours Singapore's rich Peranakan heritage. The Ritz-Carlton's exclusive SG60 package comes with thoughtful touches that showcase local artistry and culture, plus extra treats for those born in special years. Package Highlights: In-room amenities: Handcrafted ceramic tile coaster by APSN (a local social service agency) Artisanal chocolate pralines inspired by Peranakan tiles Limited-edition chef lion plush toy For your stay: Daily breakfast for two Bottle of champagne Guaranteed late check-out (3pm) Guests who have the number '6' in their birth date will enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the next room category. For those born in 1965, the celebration gets even sweeter: a free upgrade to a higher-tier room awaits, making your SG60 stay even more memorable. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is located at Marina Bay, at 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799. Wyndham Singapore Hotel The understated hotel beside Funan in the heart of the Civic District guarantees a view of the Padang and fireworks. What's more, its close proximity to major attractions like the National Gallery, Boat Quay and City Hall means you're in the perfect location for lots of food and entertainment. Rooms are popular here, so the only options left for Aug 9, 2025 (two adults) are the Executive King Room and the Executive Twin Room, both of which start from $790 per night before any special member rates. The Wyndham Singapore Hotel is located at 5 Coleman St, Singapore 179805. ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay's SG60 Celebration Package is perfect for a memorable staycation or to host visiting family. Every room features a private balcony with stunning skyline or bay views. Package perks include: 10 per cent off Best Available Rates on all room types Daily buffet breakfast for two at Peppermint $60 nett dining credits per stay, usable at Peppermint, Peach Blossoms, Portman's Bar, or Skyline Bar Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking Free access to the gym, outdoor pool, and Wellness floor For Club Room and Suite guests: Complimentary Collection Club Lounge access, including: All-day refreshments (non-alcoholic) Daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails Pan Pacific DISCOVERY members enjoy an extra 10 per cent off plus exclusive rates start from $1,520/night for a Club Room and go up to $4,275/night for the ParkRoyal Collection Suites. Offer valid till Aug 31, 2025. The ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay is located at Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594. Marina Bay Sands The iconic hotel that has changed Singapore's skyline is an ideal spot for fireworks watching coupled with a staycation. The world-famous Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool is only available for hotel guests, so why not take the opportunity this year book a stay and take a dip? There's no National Day promotion at the time of writing, and the hotel is already fully booked for Aug 9 to catch NDP 2025. Book early here for NDP 2026! The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is located at 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956. Pan Pacific Singapore Renowned for its luxurious accommodations, impeccable service, and stunning city and harbour views, the iconic Pan Pacific is offering a Fireworks by the Bay 2025 package where you can choose from several tiers of rooms: Executive Marina Bay Room — comes with 24/7 complimentary access to Studio 26 Pacific Club Room — comes with access to Pacific Club Lounge, which offers champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapes Panoramic Suite — comes with access to Pacific Club Lounge, which offers champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapes Bookings also come with free breakfast for two adults, parking, and access to the gym and pool. This promotion is valid not just for National Day 2025, but also for Dec 31, 2025 to ring in the new year with New Year's Eve fireworks. The Pan Pacific Singapore is located at 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595. JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach A blend of modern design and sophistication, JW Marriott offers guests a perfect balance of style, comfort, and convenience with its location in Beach Road. While the hotel is a popular one to watch NDP, there are still several rooms available with good views of the fireworks. Pries start from $639++ per night for a King Bed in a Guest Room from Aug 9 to 10, 2025 for two adults. You can also upgrade to $839/night to enjoy the Celebrate SG60: Stay and Wine with Janice Wong Chocolates package. This includes daily breakfast, a $60 in-room dining credit, and a curated chocolate and wine tasting by Janice Wong. Package also includes exclusive bon bons and wine pairing at Stags' Room, plus breakfast at Beach Road Kitchen for all guests booked. The JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach is located at 30 Beach Road, Singapore 189763. Best bars/restaurants to watch NDP 2025 fireworks For those who don't want to stay overnight, there are plenty of places in the city to kick back and relax with some food and drink while enjoying the light show. LeVeL33 View this post on Instagram A post shared by LeVeL33 (@level33_sg) Catch the National Day fireworks in style at LeVeL33's rooftop, where you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the celebrations and an epic food experience curated with Janice Wong. This SG60 National Day Cacao Experience ($328++ per guest) includes: What's on the menu: Live stations with local favourites, reimagined — think Laksa Spent Grain Pasta with grilled tiger prawns, Chocolate Aged Wagyu, spring rolls, and more Edible dessert installation and signature bon bons by Janice Wong Unlimited pours of craft beers, house wines, Prosecco, and the signature Cacao Sling cocktail If you want a front-row seat to the fireworks and aerial displays, plus gourmet treats you won't find anywhere else, this is the spot to book for Aug 9, 2025. LeVeL33 is located at 8 Marina Blvd, #33 – 01 Tower 1, Singapore 018981. 1-Arden Rooftop Bar [embed] Located on top of the bougie CapitaSpring building, 1-Arden is a trendy and vibrant rooftop destination offering stunning views of the iconic Marina Bay skyline. At 51 floors above ground, the bar makes for an ideal place for fireworks watching. This SG60, toast to Singapore's 60th birthday and 1-Group's 20th anniversary with a sky-high National Day celebration at 1-Arden. Enjoy front-row views of the fireworks and a vibrant rooftop party atmosphere on Aug 9, 2025. Choose your experience: Garden Area (Standing) $60++ per person (6pm–11pm) Partial fireworks view Includes two complimentary drinks (soft drinks, house spirits, or wine) Includes two maki rolls (Salted Egg & Satay) Upfront payment, non-refundable Table Reservation Minimum spend $100 nett per person (food & drinks included) Book ahead, payment required 1-Arden Rooftop Bar is located at 88 Market St, CapitaSpring, Singapore 048948. Lantern [embed] For a bougie night out, head to Lantern, the stylish rooftop bar on the 6th floor of The Fullerton Bay Hotel offers a stellar view of the Marina Bay waterfront. Their SG60-themed Let's Celebrate offer is running on Aug 2 and 9, 2025 from 5 to 9pm. Packages: Table for 4: $888++ (Veuve Clicquot champagne, house spirits, snack platter) Table for 6: $1,388++ (3 bottles of champagne, house spirits, snack platter) Cover charge: $138++/person (includes two drinks) Gather your friends and toast to SG60 with sky-high views, premium drinks, and a festive spread at one of the city's most spirited National Day hotspots. UPDATE: Aug 9, 2025 is fully booked! Lantern is located at 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326. One Fullerton The office and commercial building along the riverfront is home to various restaurants from which you can also catch the fireworks. Head to the level 2 restaurants which include the ever-popular PS Cafe, Riviera Forlino, Saint Pierre, and Shoukouwa. For the more budget conscious, there's MOS Burger and Starbucks on level 1. You may also wish to check out the popular Overeasy, known for its burgers and shakes in a classic American diner style. One Fullerton is located at 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213. Cé La Vi Located 57 floors high, the Marina Bay Sands SkyBar and club lounge is a no-brainer for where to catch the fireworks. What's cool is that you can also bring your kids along for the celebrations as their National Day event is family-friendly. On Aug 9, 2025, enjoy a one-night-only 4-course Modern Asian dinner ($168++ per person), thoughtfully curated to reflect Singapore's past, present, and future, and served with unbeatable skyline views. Event highlights: Date: Aug 9, 2025 Price: $168++ per guest (full prepayment required) Minimum age: 12+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult) No refunds for cancellations/amendments Cé La Vi is located at 1 Bayfront Avenue Marina Bay Sands, Hotel, Tower 3, 018971. Other fun free National Day 2025-related things to do Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert 2025 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mediacorp (@mediacorp) Date: Aug 3, 2025, main concert from 7.30pm (doors open from 4.30pm) Head to The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay for a free National Day concert during which you'll catch the first official live performance of the National Day Concert 2025 theme song, Ties That Bloom, performed by Hady Mirza. You can also catch performances by local stars such as Olivia Ong, Jack & Rai, Taufik Batisah, Sezairi, Shabir and Yung Raja, and more. There's also a carnival and go-kart races! Collect NDP eCoupons If you haven't already, collect your NDP eCoupons to get a plethora of deals on food, beauty and wellness services, home appliances and other products from a wide range of merchants. Each page of an eCoupon will show you the exact discount you'll get and how to redeem the coupon. Spot the RSAF flypast Starting from from 5.30pm to 6.20pm on Aug 9, 2025, the RSAF will be flying 2 flypast routes that cover almost the whole island with the State Flag. It'll be carried by 2 CH-47 heavy lift helicopters, each escorted by two AH-64D Apache attack helicopters. There'll also be F-15SG fighters flying in delta formation, diamond formation, and an enhanced bomb burst manoeuvre. Do some good with #GiveAsOneSG Campaign There's no right or wrong time to do some good for others. The #GiveAsOneSG Campaign aims to promote volunteerism among Singaporeans and runs from now to Aug 10 in honour of SG60. Join fellow Singaporeans in 60 Days of Giving — volunteer or donate to causes from disability support to animal welfare. This collaboration between NDP 2025, NVPC, and partners like NCSS and Singapore Red Cross aims to build a kinder, more caring nation. Other tips to enjoy NDP 2025 For an enjoyable NDP, take note of the road closures and public transport disruptions on affected days so you don't find yourself caught out. SBS Transit and SMRT have also posted details about affected bus services on the July 15 preview day. You can also watch the NDP fireworks for free by going early to these spots: Helix Bridge, Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, Tanjong Rhu Promenade, National Stadium, Marina Square rooftop garden, and more! Want to stay at home and avoid the crowds? You'll still be able to catch the Parade on TV or NDPeeps' Facebook page. NDP 2025: What if you want a short getaway instead? While this year's National Day falls on a Saturday (no long weekend!) you can still give yourself a holiday by going on a short weekend getaway to a nearby spot, especially if you'd rather skip the dense crowds during the NDP weekend. Here are some ideas for a short vacay: Malaysia is always the closest and most easily available option for anything from food to massages and haircuts. Bintan and Batam are a ferry ride away. These spots are great for winding down and taking a chill pill, especially right after mid-year review season. If you want to hop on a short flight, Bangkok or other parts of Thailand might be the first location that comes to mind. There's also Koh Lanta, an underrated spot for tropical beach vibes and a destination dupe for Bali. Alternatively, you can also consider Vietnam, especially Northern locations like Hanoi and Sapa. July and August are the shoulder seasons for North Vietnam, when prices are lower and crowds are thinner! Don't forget to purchase travel insurance in case things go awry. We want you safe and protected this National Day weekend, wherever you're going to be. You could also score special gifts from our pool of $25,000 worth of rewards! Gifts include: Nintendo Switch 2 (worth $719.00) Sony XM6 Headphones ($649.00) Apple iPhone 16 Pro ($1,599.00) Apple iPad (11-inch) ($499.00) [[nid:720733]] This article was first published in MoneySmart .
Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Straits Times
Feeling extra patriotic? Here are 7 other SG60 songs beyond official NDP theme Here We Are
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – The official National Day Parade (NDP) theme Here We Are, sung by Kit Chan and Charlie Lim, is not the only song that celebrates National Day in 2025. The SG60 spirit has inspired many local singers, songwriters and musicians to come up with their own tunes. Here are seven new ones that will get you in the National Day mood. I Will Walk With You – Linying Singer-songwriter Linying, co-singer and co-writer of the much-loved 2021 NDP anthem The Road Ahead, will perform her new song, I Will Walk With You, at the National Day Parade 2025. It is also part of a national movement that celebrates the joy of walking together and keeping one another company. The music video, inspired by real-life stories, features Singaporeans from various backgrounds lending a helping hand to fellow residents in need. Linying says in an Instagram post: 'I feel blessed and privileged to have this song of mine, written while I was far away from home, give rise to such a meaningful social movement thanks to the tireless, talented team around it.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Some ageing condos in Singapore struggle with failing infrastructure, inadequate sinking funds Singapore PUB investigating wastewater discharge in Eunos: Pritam Singapore Water gel guns among newer tools NParks uses to manage monkeys in estates World Trump eyes 100% chips tariff, but 0% for US investors like Apple World Trump's 100% semiconductor tariffs may hit chipmakers in Singapore, other SEA nations Singapore Afraid of small talk? Scared to make a phone call? How social skills workshops are helping young people Singapore ST and Uniqlo launch design contest for Singapore stories T-shirt collection Business DBS shares hit record-high after Q2 profit beats forecast on strong wealth fees, trading income Way Back Home – Shazza Singer-songwriter Shazza's National Day song and music video pay tribute to Singaporeans making their mark on the world and who still call the island nation home. 'It is no secret that it has always been a dream of mine to write the official National Day song and that truth remains,' she writes in an Instagram post. 'But more than anything, this year, I just wanted to do what I love for a city that I love. I wanted to write something new, something for the people who are venturing bravely out of Singapore to put our flag on the world map with all sorts of different endeavours.' Singer-songwriter Shazza released a new song, Way Back Home, to mark Singapore's 60th National Day. PHOTO: SHAZZA/YOUTUBE Besides familiar landmarks like the Esplanade and CBD (Central Business District) cityscape, the music video also features spots that recently made the news, like the mural of a young samsui woman in South Bridge Road. For Singapore – Music & Drama Company The SG60 offering by Music & Drama Company (MDC), the professional performing arts group within the Singapore Armed Forces, features something missing from recent official NDP anthems – the word 'Singapore'. Written by MDC artistes Dominic Chin, Gail Belmonte and RINES, it is performed by a large group of singers that include MDC alumni such as pop singers lullaboy, Lily Rahmat-Hargrove, Aaron Bunac and Frances Lee. The Music & Drama Company's National Day album Celebrating Singapore: Volume 2 includes For Singapore, an original track written by MDC artistes Dominic Chin, Gail Belmonte and RINES. PHOTO: SO DRAMA! ENTERTAINMENT For Singapore is found on Celebrating Singapore: Volume 2, a five-track album released in July. This follow-up to 2024's Celebrating Singapore: Volume 1 includes an alternate version of Here We Are, done in the style of retro doo-wop and R&B. Head of MDC Chandra Mohan says in a press statement: 'National Day is a time when we come together to celebrate our shared heritage and legacies. We hope our music and melodies help weave together a tapestry of national pride, spirit and resilience that resides in the heart of every Singaporean.' Dream Big, Singapore – McCann Singapore One of the OGs of National Day songs, 1986's Count On Me Singapore, has a sequel of sorts. Dream Big, Singapore, a song produced by advertising agency McCann Singapore, is written and composed by Count On Me Singapore's songwriter Hugh Harrison. The Canadian, who was based in Singapore from the 1980s to the early 2010s, was formerly McCann's creative director and now lives in Canada. He also composed NDP songs Stand Up For Singapore (1984) and We Are Singapore (1987). Harrison tells ST that while Count On Me Singapore focused on hard work and nation-building, Dream Big, Singapore – performed by local singers Fathin Amira and Kevin Tan – encourages Singaporeans to embrace imagination and bold ideas in facing global challenges. Canadian Hugh Harrison, composer of Singaporean National Day classic Count On Me Singapore, has written a follow-up to the tune titled Dream Big, Singapore. PHOTO: MCCANN 'We live in a world facing complex, borderless challenges. Climate, technology, inequality, peace. These aren't just issues for governments, they're invitations for imagination. And Singapore, with all its talent, creativity and clarity of vision, has so much to offer. 'A nation that once dreamed of surviving must now dream of leading. Not with loud voices, but with bold ideas. 'The time has come to move from certainty to possibility. To shift from 'what is' to 'what if'. To remember that dreaming big isn't about being naive, it's about being brave enough to shape the future.' This Is Where I Belong – Jeff Ng Busker and singer-songwriter Jeff Ng's song for SG60 is a tribute to his home, his roots and the stories that shape Singaporeans. Sung in English, the piano-led, Mandopop-style ballad is accompanied by a music video featuring Ng and his band performing at Nomads, a camping-themed cafe in Seletar. Singer-songwriter and busker Jeff Ng has released a song and music video for Singapore's 60th National Day titled This Is Where I Belong. PHOTO: THE DAILY CREATIVE SINGAPORE/YOUTUBE 'Writing this song was my way of reflecting on what home means to me and I'm so grateful to share it with all of you,' he writes in an Instagram post. Singapu-Rah – Code Raid featuring OmarKENOBI For those who feel that Here We Are is not upbeat enough, the high-energy alternative would be Singapu-Rah by the cast of local online variety show Code Raid. The musical-style music video sees content creators Fauzi Aziz, Quah Siyu, Aida Johan and Isaac Ang perform skits and execute synchronised dance moves in locations such as Commonwealth Secondary School and the distinctive red-brick HDB blocks in Tampines Street 45. Watch out too for the familiar sounds of the koel, better known as the 'uwu' bird due to its distinctive call. Singapu-Rah is a musical-style National Day song and music video by various local content creators from online variety show Code Red. PHOTO: YOU GOT WATCH | YGW/YOUTUBE The hip-hop track is produced by rapper-producer OmarKENOBI, who makes a cameo in the video and drops a few rap verses. Patriot – Kelvin Tan featuring Patrick Chng Patriot is a bluesy ode to Singapore by singer-songwriter Kelvin Tan, a member of home-grown indie and alternative rock pioneers The Oddfellows. 'I give people the benefit of doubt, but I step away from the norm, don't mean I don't love my country, in fact I might be loving her more,' he sings in this contemplation on patriotism that also references local neighbourhoods such as Ghim Moh. Singer, songwriter and alternative rock pioneer Kelvin Tan's song, Patriot, was written for Singapore's National Day. PHOTO: METIOKOS KELVIN TAN/YOUTUBE 'You can say that the song expresses an alternative view to the nation's birthday,' Tan tells ST. Patriot was recorded by The Oddfellows frontman Patrick Chng, who played all the instruments on it with Tan. Chng also directed the music video, which was shot in locations such as the Rail Corridor and Holland Village.
Vogue Singapore
10 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
Heema Izzati on performing at NDP 2025 and her journey in music
At just 18 years old, Heema Izzati is still figuring out her place in the world. From the outside however, it might look like there's a cosmic path for the rising local musician and singer-songwriter, who wears her heart on her sleeve and sings of navigating teenagehood. In the past year alone, she's released two songs out of her upcoming debut EP, spoken up about the magic of music through a TedxSingapore talk, and in just a few days, she'll be taking over the stage for the first time at the National Day Parade. 'It's just one of those days, the 9th of August. I never really saw myself as someone that was patriotic, but I was just left amazed by everything that goes on in the parade,' she quips. Nothing happened by chance though, because ultimately, it was her voice that Dr Sydney Tan—the music director for NDP 2025—was drawn to for the intended performance in mind: a soulful cover of 'Room at the Table', a cherished song by yet another beloved and veteran singer-songwriter, Charlie Lim. 'The song is about inclusivity. And creating community, and the importance of community in Singapore, which is something I really care about. So I've also been emotionally preparing myself to carry a song with so much depth and nuance, because I feel this overwhelming responsibility to make sure that I really convey the lyrics and its message to the audience,' Izzati muses. Courtesy of NDP 25 Official Photographers 'I'm still learning about what kind of role model I want to be. And what I want to represent or share with the world. Because I'm so grateful to even be given a platform like this. I'm starting to realise how many girls that look like me are coming up to me after shows and rehearsals and telling me that I'm beautiful or sing well. It's a big responsibility, having to represent a community, but I'm more than happy to be that for someone because I didn't have that growing up,' she says thoughtfully. With an entire universe that awaits in her evocative sound, the local musician is on the cusp of even greater things. But first—a life-changing solo run at NDP 2025, where she'll also be leading the National Anthem this year. Here, Heema Izzati gets candid with Vogue Singapore about tapping into her emotions when she sings and writes, preparing for her NDP segment, and representation in the current music scene in Singapore. Tell us more about your sound. How did you start out in music and how has your journey been? Sonically, I think I have a very interesting background in music; I started out as a competitive cellist. But everyone's got that classical music trauma story so that didn't end up following through for me. In school, I joined an acapella group that's influenced me in terms of how I craft my vocal lines, and I was also in this rock band for quite a while, which I formed in secondary school. My dad too, used to play classic rock songs all the time in the car. So it's all informed the music that I create now, and the the way that my sound is forming. I mean, I'm a completely new artist, and the singer-songwriter stuff is still new to me. But when I did start writing at the age of 15, it felt like a natural next step to me, since I've always just been finding different mediums to express myself since young. The people I'm collaborating with too, like my producer are also a huge part of my music story. I'm someone who considers myself as a multi-instrumentalist, and it's great because my producer has a very similar background to me and can really view the different aspects of each instrument. She taught me the importance of being intentional with certain sonic choices you make for a song. On the cusp of releasing her debut EP, Heema Izzati has already released two songs this year, 'Foreigner' and 'Blue'. Novria Marcella I care a lot about storytelling as a whole, and I look deeply into my past to get the tools to craft better stories in my songs. So like, in 'Foreigner', for example, there's a sad part at the end where I feel uncomfortable in my mind, but it comes with this tone of acceptance. And I decided to play cello for that part, because that was the root of a lot of my pain. It was how I realised that I loved music, but it also gave me so much struggles, after all. Being a musical theatre nerd, I think I've picked up the ability to emote when singing; people say this to me a lot, how I an really emote while singing and it's my version of acting. My voice goes directly to my soul and I hope to touch part of people's souls with it. How do you feel about performing at NDP 2025? Overwhelmingly grateful. I think I'm at this age where I'm quite fresh on the scene, but I'm also very young. So on top of discovering myself, I'm learning and absorbing all these things. And it's been a complete blessing to be able to meet and work with all these industry pioneers and veterans. You're performing in Act Two this year. Tell us more about your segment and how you've been preparing for it. So I'm doing a cover of Charlie Lim's 'Room at the Table'. At its core, the song is about inclusivity. And creating community, and the importance of community in Singapore, which is something I really care about. There's a lyric that goes 'I'll be living for the day when our differences make us whole' and the reality of it is that we aren't fully there yet, but we can be. So I've also been emotionally preparing myself to carry a song with so much depth and nuance, because I feel this overwhelming responsibility to make sure that I really convey the lyrics and its message to the audience. I feel this urge to play a role in creating a Singapore that I want to be a part of, you know? So it feels so intense because every rehearsal, 27,000 people are just sitting here and I'm thinking about how I want to emote the song. It's also an act with special needs dancers, from Maya Dance Theatre, so I've been working a lot with the choreographers too, who are giving me moments where I can connect to the audience more or even turn around to the dancers and enjoy their beautiful performance. It's such an emotional act because it's about truly embracing our differences. Courtesy of NDP 25 Official Photographers Being a featured performer at NDP also often means stepping into a role of national representation. What does this mean to you? I'm still learning about what kind of role model I want to be. And what I want to represent or share with the world. Because I'm so grateful to even be given a platform like this. I'm starting to realise how many girls that look like me are coming up to me after shows and rehearsals and telling me that I'm beautiful or sing well. It's a big responsibility, having to represent a community, but I'm more than happy to be that for someone because I didn't have that growing up. Maybe my aesthetic is visually a lot more progressive compared to others who might look the way I do. But I think with social media everywhere, there's so many girls that I'm sure dress like me, but not necessarily a lot of people who look like me—and by extension, these girls—and dress like how I do. So I'm grateful I even have this stage to be physically in front of all these people, and I'm glad I get to be that for someone. Heema Izzati posing with some fellow performers from NDP 2025. Courtesy of Heema Izzati Heema Izzati posing with some fellow performers from NDP 2025. Courtesy of Heema Izzati What are some of the fondest memories you have from your journey to NDP 2025? There are so many. One that involves the audience though, is the first time I ever wore my costume. It's been through a few iterations but my costume now is this shiny blue dress with a lot of layers and it's beautiful. It originally had a white coat with it, and when I got off stage, there were so many people screaming 'Elsa!'. I've also just grown so fond of everyone, like the volunteers, and the whole crew. Week after week, they've really been taking care of me and I've become so comfortable and close with some of them. So when this ends, I'm going to be very sad to leave. What are you most looking forward to on the actual day? Wow. I mean…definitely my act, but I actually think I'm going to be most excited and nervous about singing the National Anthem this year, because I'm also starting it this year. Like it's really crazy that I'm 18 and I get to sing the National Anthem in front of the whole country. So I really hope that I get to inspire other people with it too. Because that's not only for the people in the stadium, it's also for everyone, who's watching the broadcast from home.
