This post is written in partnership with NDPeeps. The more we age the more we love reminiscing the good ol’ days. It’s almost as if we don’t want to grow up (some of us really don’t want to). Even the older generation tend to go on about their kampong days. As such, we asked millennials to recall their favourite and most Singaporean childhood activities from when they were in primary school. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most memorable activities from childhood!

1. Taking Neoprints

When camera phones were luxury and polaroid cameras not a trend yet, Neoprint shops were where we flocked to for group photos and entertainment. Not only was it fun to be able to doodle, add cute stickers and other fancy effects on the photos, it felt like magic to see the photos drop out of that little collection slot. For primary school kids who were getting $2 to $5 worth of pocket money from our parents, Neoprints were affordable thrills.

2. Chatting On MSN Messenger

Who can forget MSN Messenger? We sent annoying winks and spammed nudges when someone went AFK and we repeatedly go online and offline just to catch our crush’s attention. Way before we had Skype, Friendster, or Facebook, MSN Messenger was our social media. It was where we put up our display pictures, wrote our song lyric statuses, had our first group chats, and even played two-player games online.  

3. Block Catching

Back in school, we had our own imaginative ways to fill our spare time. Be it over recess time or after school, all of us have played those hand clapping games like “Pepsi Cola 1 2 3” (our version of Thumb war), “Sally Sally Lom Chiam Pass”, “Vampire, Vampire, Vampire Cheh”, and “O Pillar Caterpillar”. There are those that incorporated our whole body too, like Pepsi Cola 1 2 3 (leg version which required us to oust each other by stepping on another person’s feet), the Scissors, Paper, Stone game with legs stretching, Ice And Water, and Crocodile. Then there are those we played with the use of some ‘props’, like the Cat’s Cradle String Game, Monkey, Poison Ball, and Flag Eraser Game. For the luckier kids, we had Digimon fights, Beyblade battles, and Tamiya races.

5. Creating Polyphonic Ringtones

While mobile phones were indestructible, we didn’t have the luxury of setting our favourite tunes as ringtones. We could, however, create our own polyphonic ringtones. Many of us end up mashing random buttons trying to create a tune that may sound remotely decent. More often than not, we end up with some weird Hotel-California-on-reverse kind of melody.

6. ‘Slacking’ On Special School Days

Whether it was Sports Day, Teacher’s Day, Children’s Day, or any other ‘special’ school days, we loved that we got to enjoy some official school hours on non-academic activities. It didn’t matter that we weren’t in any sports team or in any part of the performances, we were just thankful for the ‘break’.  

7. P5 Camp

For a kid, P5 camp was freedom (away from the watchful eyes of our parents) and a taste of adulthood. It was probably also the first time many of us got to kayak, conquer a high elements obstacle course and flying fox, attempt rock climbing, went on a night walk, and had a campfire experience.

8. Doing Nothing After PSLE

There was that few weeks where we had no academic agenda after PSLE and being able to go to school without having to study at all was the best time ever. Some of us watched movies in school and others played card games. Lucky for me, my cohort got to go for field trips and we even got to stay overnight at Underwater World!

9. Writing Autograph Books

The post-PSLE period was also where many of us started our autograph books. From our birthdate and zodiac to our favourite food and pet peeves, autograph books were our way of remembering each other.  

10. Watching NDP Rehearsals Live

Besides the P5 camp and special school days, one other memorable school activity was being able to catch the NDP rehearsal live at the Padang. Watching it on TV was one thing but it was a completely different experience when we first heard the roar of the airplanes flying overhead and seeing the fireworks live. As kids, we loved that we had a reason to dress up in red together with all our friends. It also felt like we were part of something bigger than we were, especially when we did the iconic Kallang Wave. Not forgetting the NDP fun packs filled with various snacks, noisemakers, and toys that make the parade that bit more fun - it was even a 'thing' to be carrying around the fun pack bags after. 

Remember Our Past, Strive For Our Future

As we progress further into the digital age, let's preserve all these truly Singaporean activities that were such a big part of our lives when we were kids. And as we countdown to yet another year with Singapore’s birthday, let’s not forget all the little things that make us Singaporean. Instead of letting controversial events divide us, let’s stay united and help shape Singapore together for future generations. What are some of the most nostalgic things you did in your childhood? Share them with us in the comments! Check out NDPeeps for all the National Day moments leading up to 9 August on their Facebook page here, and their Instagram here! Also read: 9 Moments In National Day History That Made Us Damn Proud To Be Singaporean. (Header Image composited from images from: thelittledromstore, <a href=" Crown, YouTube, Imgur)

We tend to think the grass is greener on the other side, that Singapore isn’t good enough a country to live in and that like everything we complain. Even <a href=" parking at HDB carparks can also kena complain. But on the other hand, we are also quick to defend our home whenever someone else comes close to misrepresenting us – like when we’re asked if Singapore is in China. There’re gazillion things that we do complain about, but deep down, we still call Singapore our home. With Singapore’s 52nd birthday just a day away, we reminisce on 9 symbolic National Day moments. Throughout the years, these are moments that have not only brought out the Singaporean Spirit in even the least patriotic of us, but are also important moments that are significant to the history of Singapore and her birthday.

1. When Mr. Lee Kuan Yew Appeared For His Last NDP

We all know how devoted our late founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, was to Mrs Lee. As much as it was a private affair, the nation watched as Mr Lee gradually grew frail after Mrs Lee’s passing.

With reports surrounding Mr Lee’s deteriorating health leading up to National Day in 2014, rumours spread on whether he was going to attend the National Day Parade (NDP). And when Mr Lee did make his appearance, many of us were filled with a comforting sense of relief to see him. As we would for our own ah kong (grandfather), we were also concerned to see that he had aged substantially.

2. When It Rained Heavily On The Parade But Nobody Left

For as long as most of us millennials can remember, every NDP has been ‘blessed’ with good weather, with the only exception in 2008, where it started drizzling before the parade started. However, for the older folks, it was a reminder of how stoic everyone was at the 1968 NDP in the face of a storm. Even with a heavy downpour, everyone stood their ground. <a href=" Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong best puts it, “Those of you who were there will never forget it. It was a downpour, we froze, we were drenched. Our instruments had to be turned upside down to pour the water out. We watched to see if we stood or if we ran for cover. Nobody ran for cover, we shivered but we stood there and we marched with pride.”

3. When There Were No Red Lions At NDP

Of all the highlights of an NDP, one of the most popular segments is when the Red Lions make their jump. So when their segment got cancelled in 2015 due to poor weather, we were really upset. On one hand, we were sad for not being able to witness a critical part of NDP. On the other, we felt sorry for the Red Lions - can you imagine having trained for months to perfect your jump yet not be able to perform it on the actual day? Moreover, for something as monumental as SG50. Yet again, we were pretty bummed that Red Lions was forgone at SG51 due to safety concerns of parachuting down to the National Stadium. That’s two years in a row that we’re missing them. And we’re really looking forward to seeing them this year.

4. When Mr Lee Kuan Yew Wasn't Around At SG50

On the first NDP after Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s passing, we couldn’t have Mr Lee here with us, so in his seat taking his place was a bouquet of yellow orchids - a heartwarming act by the organisers (or whoever it was). This video tribute dedicated to Mr Lee tugged at our heartstrings as well: Watch from 21:21 onwards.

Also, a recording of Mr Lee reading the Proclamation of Independence was played for the first time ever to public. What makes the message even more meaningful is that this recording was played at exactly 9am on 9th August through local radio, TV channels, and across 82 grassroots-led National Day observance ceremonies islandwide.

5. Whenever We Do The Kallang Wave

Legend has it that it all started with a football match at Kallang Stadium. If you’ve ever had the chance to watch the parade live, you’d know how fun it is to be part of a Kallang Wave. No matter how ‘old’ or cliché this tradition is, since NDP has already ‘outgrown’ Kallang Stadium for years, the feeling of doing the wave altogether with the crowd gives you an inexplicable sense of pride and joy.

6. Whenever They Bring Out The Big Guns At The Parade

Another popular favourite of ours is the Dynamic Defense Display. Probably the only time most of us get to marvel at tanks, helicopters, and a myriad of other special land, air, and sea vehicles that we will never remember the names of.

We got even more excited when some of the troops down the aisle right beside the audience at the parade, even though we may be watching it from home.

7. Whenever “Home” Comes On

“Home” is still, hands down, the best NDP song, ever. It’s the only song that everyone knows and remembers by heart. Discounting the songs before the 2000s, there are really only a handful of other catchy ones that we remember off the top of our heads, like We Will Get There and Where I Belong. But ultimately, nothing can compare to the familiarity, happiness, pride, and love of the nation when you sing the legendary chorus, “This is home, truly, where I know I must be...”

8. When You Catch The State Flag Fly Past Wherever You Are

Not everyone gets the privilege of seeing our state flag fly past with its Chinook entourage. But those who do, love it.

Young or old, we’d run to the window to catch a glimpse of the flag as the Chinooks fly past our house before running back to the TV to continue watching the parade. And if we caught it on its way to the parade, we’d point at the TV in excitement when it appears on TV, and we’ll feel damn proud that we saw the flag before everyone else did.

9. Wearing Red Or White On 9^th August

It doesn’t matter that you’re not going attending the parade, or that you’re merely out to da bao your dinner home to watch the parade on TV. But when you see everyone in Red or White, you’ll feel proud of Singapore and Singaporeans. For once, you’ll be proud of yourself for dressing up like the rest of Singapore, even though you’re spending the day at home. Not forgetting the annual Giordano T-shirt sales for national day - where else are you going to get cool tees perfect for 9th August right?

Happy 52nd Birthday Singapore!

It could be the fireworks at the end of NDP, or as simple as watching the parade at home with your family, but there are definitely a lot more little moments that have brought out the Singaporean spirit within us. How about you? Share with us the moments that have brought out the Singaporean pride in you! Also read, Don’t Know What The Heck To Do After You Graduate? That’s Okay, We Didn’t Either. (Top Image Credit: <a href=" La)