As with every Desk Diary, I’ll start with a thought: I miss travelling so much. Most especially, I miss going to Singapore. My First and Last Journey overseas before this pandemic happened isn’t enough. At all.
This, on top of missing going to physical events – because a lot has happened last weekend. Setting aside the World Cosplay Summit wherein the Philippines successfully bagged its first major award (I’ll talk about it later), I saw events like Otakon in the US and Dokomi in Germany popping on my news feed.
Going back to Singapore, I stumbled upon a live stream of Singapore’s National Day Parade (NDP). The Parade is held annually to celebrate the birth of Singapore as a nation, spinning off from Malaysia. As with anything in this pandemic, it’s toned down. Nevertheless, it is wonderful. I heard a good song playing in the background as I watch. It led me to listen to this year’s NDP Theme Song, “The Road Ahead.”
I’d like everyone to pay attention to the chorus:
See this island, every grain of sand
Hear this anthem, it’s the voices of our friends
Come whatever on the road ahead
We did it before, and we’ll do it again
It rings in my head very well – and with good purpose. The song speaks of a hopeful tone at best, it tugs to the heart. The music video’s visuals strike a perfect balance too. It’s a song that I can recommend to everyone if you want to know more about the little red dot – now let’s learn more about its 64 islands.
I’m adding this to the collection of “Songs I keep playing,” and even if you’re not a Singaporean, I hope you listen to this track too. I have 4 more songs in the album as well, and more to add over time.
That said, this is my first Desk Diary in months. Now, let me get back to sleep watching my travelogue out of nostalgia. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s narcissism, that’s a different thing.