Amid the pomp and pageantry, there is a spirit of reflection and hope as Singapore celebrated its 60th birthday on Saturday (Aug 9).Perhaps a dose of unpredictability too — when the 27,000 spectators at the Padang took to their seats from 4pm under the blazing heat, before opening their umbrellas as a brief drizzle fell over Padang.Thousands more soaked in the festivities in Marina Bay as a part of an «expanded canvas» to celebrate Singapore's diamond jubilee.By 5.30pm, the rain had stopped with the four emcees —Joakim Gomez, Ebi Shankara and Siti Khalijah arriving at the Padang in an iconic Singapore Big Bus.They were then «teleported» to the screens and into a music video Makin' Our Way, written and composed by singer Benjamin Artist.Prime Minister Lawrence Wong even made a surprise appearance by playing the electric guitar.Fifty-nine students from the Institute of Technical Education and 100 volunteers from Touch Community Services then took to the stage in vibrant costumes in a dance performance.In total, more than 3,000 performers and artistes were involved in this year's NDP. Read more