Every year, Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Association shows its love for Singapore by participating in the National Day celebration dinners held in our community, and this year is no exception!
In August 2026, our ukulele ensemble had the privilege of performing at not one but two National Day dinners at Bliss Garden Restaurant, in celebration of the communities within the Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC.
For our members, these performances means than just entertainment. They are a cherished opportunity to put our faith into practice, to give back to the community we call home, and to express our gratitude to our homeland, Singapore that has given us so much.
1 August 2026 - Marine Parade National Day Dinner
Our first performance took place on 1 August at Bliss Garden Restaurant, at the National Day dinner held for the Marine Parade community. We were deeply honoured to perform before a distinguished group of guests:
- Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, and Adviser to Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC GROs
- Ms Tin Pei Ling, Adviser to Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC GROs
- Ms Diana Pang, PBM, Adviser to Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC GROs
- Mr Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister and Adviser Emeritus to Marine Parade GRC Grassroots Organisations
Performing in the presence of Emeritus Senior Minister Goh, who has served the Marine Parade community for so many decades, made the evening especially meaningful for all of us.
15 August 2026 - Braddell Heights National Day Dinner
Two weeks later, on 15 August, our ensemble returned to Bliss Garden Restaurant to perform at the National Day dinner for the Braddell Heights community. Gracing the occasion as Guest of Honour was Mr Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC.
Our Repertoire
At both dinners, we brought together songs that celebrate Singapore's multicultural heritage and our shared memories as a nation:
- Singapore Town + Sunny Island - a nostalgic medley of two well-loved local classics
- 麻雀衔竹枝 - a familiar dialect favourite that brought smiles to many of our older guests
- Malay Medley - a lively selection celebrating our multicultural roots
- Home - the much-loved National Day ballad that never fails to move Singaporean hearts
An Atmosphere of Joy
We felt truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to perform, and the atmosphere was fantastic, particularly when we performed the National Day songs, which seemed to strike a chord with almost everyone, filling them with joy and prompting them to sing along.
Seeing residents of all ages and backgrounds waving, clapping and singing together was a beautiful reminder of the power of music to unite and uplift a community — and of what it means to celebrate National Day together as one people.
Watch the Highlights
We thank the grassroots organisations of Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC for once again welcoming us so warmly, and we congratulate Singapore on her 61st birthday!
Majulah Singapura!
