It’s 23 May, near the halfway mark of 2018.

I’m not sure about you but time seems to fly when you’re the same age as me.

Or if you’re older like my boss, every day will seem like an hour.

Other than the halfway mark, it also means another thing. News about Singapore’s very own National Day celebrations is going to start cramming up the internet.

Like the NDP 2018 theme song.

Where to go to watch fireworks.

And, of course, NDP 2018 itself.

On 23 May, applications for a shot at NDP tickets have opened to the public.

Here are eight facts about the tickets for NDP 2018 you might want to know before applying.

1. NDP Tickets Applications Opened

Okay, let’s get right into the meaty details.

If you’re someone who religiously applied for tickets to the NDP every single year, the time has come for you to try again.

Applications for NDP tickets are now opened to the public.

Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) can now apply for two, four or six tickets to the parade this year.

Applicants can choose between the preview shows P1 (28 Jul), P2 (4 Aug) or NDP (9 Aug).

Applications will be accepted from today until 3 June 2018.

2. How to Apply

There are three ways to apply for the tickets.

Through SMS (What is SMS arh???)

• Compose a new message with ‘71715’ as recipient
• Key in the details: NRIC Number <Space> Number of Tickets <Space> NDP/P1/P2 <Space> Your Handphone Number
• Then click ‘send’
• E.G. S8888888G 6 P1 91234567

Via Online Application (now, that’s normal)

• Visit the official NDP website
• Fill in all details and submit the application form

Via AXS/SAM Machines (that’s normal, too)

• Fill in all required fields before submitting the application form
• Check out the closest SAM & AXS Stations

Note: P1 (28 Jul), P2 (4 Aug) or NDP (9 Aug)

3. But There’s a Catch 22 Right Here

Proving how well the NDP committee knows Singaporeans, they’re giving us a catch-22 situation.

You can apply for two, four or six tickets.

And given that tickets are free, our Singaporean blood will be baying for the highest number of tickets.

After that can sell to my friends mah, no?

Well, the committee also added that the lower number of tickets you apply for, the higher your chance of getting them. Smart, isn’t it?

4. Notification Period

Here’s one very important thing you need to do. Make sure you put down the correct contact details.

Winners of the tickets will be notified via their contact number between 25 Jun to 2 July.

Collection of the tickets can either be between 6-8 July or 13-15 July at the National Gallery Singapore between 10 am and 7 pm.

5. Each Person Can Only Apply Once

By the way, here’s a hack to have the highest chance of getting NDP tickets this year.

Or every year, actually.

Pretend that you’re getting married and invite everyone to your mother’s house for dinner.

Then prepare a powerpoint slide presentation and convince them to help you apply for the tickets using their name.

Why? Because each person can only apply once for the tickets. So with more names? More chance.

Simple math, guys.

And don’t think that just because there are three modes of application, it means you can apply three times.

Only. One. Time. They will only take your latest application into account. The rest of your earlier attempts will be voided.

On the plus side, if you’ve applied for two tickets and you decide you want to apply for 4 instead, just re-apply lor (remember: latest application counts).

#DontSayWeTeachOneHor

6. It’s illegal to sell these tickets on Carousell

Okay, here’s one thing about Singaporeans. We know how to spend money, but at the same time, we love earning them too.

Like, selling them on Carousell for a higher price.

Well, if you’re thinking of doing this, don’t.

It is made clear that selling the tickets for monetary gain or otherwise is not allowed.

As for possible consequences?

You could be given a lifetime ban on applying for NDP tickets.

Imagine how disappointed your 8-year-old kid will be when he knows that his daddy can’t get the tickets for him because once upon a time, he got it for free and sold it for a profit.

Aww.

7. The Tickets Are NOT on a First Come First Served Basis

For those of you who believe in the power of Feng Shui, here’s your chance to see if it’ll work for you.

Get a sifu, or do some calculations by yourself with the power of my best friend, Mr Google, and check which application day will give you the highest chance of winning.

Don’t bother trying to predict whether earlier or later applications will have a higher chance of striking the jackpot.

Unlike drawing lots where people who submit their name later will have a higher chance of getting drawn, the ballot is picked via a computerised system.

So anything goes.

But here’s the good news for people who missed the show last year.

If you’ve applied and failed to get tickets to NDP 2017, you are going to have priority when it comes to getting tickets for NDP 2018.

8. Where is the NDP 2018 Going To Be At

Surprise, surprise!

This year, NDP 2018 is going to be held at…*drum roll, please*

The Marina Bay Floating Platform!

Okay, fine, so that’s not really surprising.

But expect crowd favourites like the Singapore aerial showcase, the largest military tattoo to date and more.

Here’s a video done by Straits Times to tide you over till the show.

All the best for people who’re applying! By the way, if you want more entertaining information about NDP, why not download our app? We’ll publish exclusive contents, including exclusive information like this, only in our app (not in our website or Facebook)!

Click Here to Download the App Now!