Singapore Airshow 2014

"We are going to the airshow! We are going to the airshow! We are going to the airshow!" We were singing this as we tried to wake up our little sleepyhead. When he finally got up, he wasn't fussy or anything-- just went straight took a hot shower with me. 

Sun wasn't shining fiercely yet but he already wanted to put on his sunnies and seem to be in a good mood. We alighted at Expo train station. Went through airport-type security with ease and hopped on the bus plying from Singapore Expo to Changi Exhibition Center. As the bus doors were shut close,  someone adhered a tape that served as a seal. Maybe so they know the doors were not in any way ajar in transit as no inspection was required anymore as soon as we disembark. As we passed the giant signage, the excitement started to build up. While still en route, we could see the ospreys hovering already as the show was already starting. 

As we got off, everyone rushed towards the open field as the jets were roaring above. Skies were blue and the sun was bright. Perfect day to catch sight of these ferocious and loud metal birds of prey. 

Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) on display inside an air-conditioned exhibit area  

Jumped into the action right away! Breezed through the indoor displays which were mostly aircraft parts and equipments of companies doing business. The static display outdoor was the one we were very much interested of. Seeing these beasts up close, touching and smelling it was exhilarating!  Yup, my heartbeat went faster and I did not know where to start. Haha. The area was big. I have visited a military display like this before at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego but this was way better. Newer and still commissioned combat equipments and vehicles. A blue-fatigued military personnel approached Casey and handed him some temporary tattoo stickers to his delight. He also reminded us to pick up our commemorative goodie bag at the RSAF booth. 

Of course, he wanted mommy and daddy to have a tattoo as well. So yeah, we took turns taking off his baby wipes and rubbing them on the back of the paper so the temporary tattoo adheres to the skin. He ended up with 2 planes on each arm and 1 on his face. A red F-16 fighter jet on my left cheek and mommy had the best tat on her left cheek as well. He watched over amused while chugging on his milk. 

Casey and I grabbing a hold of one of the propeller blade of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter

The noon sun was so intense we grew hungry and thirsty. This counter was serving authentic Italian pizza and the aroma was luring us in. They baked the pizza on spot! Orders were ridiculously bulked up that it took us almost 2 hours just to get our 6-in $12 davioli and margharita pizza and a can of soda. Kuraaazee! Anyways, totally understandable-- the price for convenience. Note to self: To save time and money, bring own sandwich and drinks in a backpack next time (Nina will knock my head for this-- should have listened to her). Hope it was not just 'çoz my tummy was growling already but it was delizioso! That guy holding that spade-like object was the sole baker while the guy on the right made the dough. While me and mommy took turns standing in queue, he was goofing around two adorable girls and singing the alphabet song.     

Singapore Airshow is Asia's largest and one of the most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world. A truly global exhibition where the latest state-of-the-art systems and equipment, together with their related technologies and developments, are displayed by top aerospace companies around the world. - SAS website

Casey: Ï want to touch the airplane's nose." Here we are thanking Singapore's C-130 Hercules that provided assistance and relief goods to Haiyan-devastated Tacloban

Casey checking out the missiles if they are good and ready to go! Haha.

We hurriedly chomped down our pizzas and went back to the air field. I noticed a Chun-Li-inspired cosplay lady getting ready to leave so I asked mommy to snap a photo of us with them. I went up to these ladies and they willingly agreed. 

After which, we passed by this monstrous C-130 Hercules cargo plane and Casey called my attention. Me and him pose by the front while him and mommy crawled underneath to get close to the landing gear. Next, he and mommy went up the stairs for a snap shot with a fighter jet. 

The night prior we had little sleep as Nina wasn't feeling well so at this point she decided to go inside and take a rest. Me and Casey carried on checking out the rest. 

Casey high-fives the guys as he thanked them for the photo op

Poor pilot was obliged to carry Casey with an AH-64 Apache complete with night vision system, M230 chain gun, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods 

Again, we came across 2 Singaporean military men. Casey stood in the middle of them and smiled for the camera. We continued on to investigate the AH-64 Apache nearby. I can see he was still interested despite the heat. He even took shade under its broad body beside its  30 mm M230 chain gun. We noticed a pilot beside it and he seem friendly so I asked him if it was okay if he carry Casey. Next, we decided to board the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter. I told him to follow the ladies in front of him and he never left the queue. Once inside, he hurriedly climbed the red canvas chairs and tried to put on his seatbelt. Haha.  I forgot to ask those standing post on-board what the stench smell was. Could be from the goods they transport, I assume. At this point, my mobile phone rang as Nina wanted to meet up again as the aerobatic show was going to start in 10 minutes. Luckily, we found a vantage spot (despite the eight thousand spectators) that provided shade and a superb view of the birds. What happened next wowed us! 

Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Black Eagles Aerobatic Team in diamond formation dominating the skies

Casey applauds and mommy cheers together with thousands as the jets soar and roar by

To celebrate valentines, they painted a heart and an arrow across it. Pardon the clouds that faded out the right side

Two spectators snap with their mobile phones the ROKAF Black Eagles painting the yin-yang symbol of the Korean flag

The Korean-made T-50B is currently the only supersonic trainer jet equipped with a state of the art avionics system developed by Korea Aerospace Industries and Lockheed Martin. The Philippines has begun contract negotiations to order the FA-50 variant.

The T-50 Golden Eagle design is largely derived from the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons

To cap off our Singapore Airshow 2014 experience, the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Black Eagles showed their air supremacy by pulling off death-defying stunts. Onlookers from the static display area just have to stop and gaze. From the grand stand PA system, an American was first introduced and could be heard describing the jets. Then the American introduces the Korean who took over explaining the stunts being done. He would direct our attention to where the jets would be coming from. They would zoom past in front of us then just disappear into the clouds. 

They would ascend, drop, and whirl around leaving trails of eye-catching smoke patterns. When they started to make the heart pattern, Casey was able to recognize it and said, "L-O-V-E." Referring to his Nick Jr. cartoon show Hi-5 where the cast make the action of drawing a heart. We were surprised he was able to relate both. Made me and Nina smile.  

There were several instances, the jets caught us off guard. Picture this: two parallel jets would be slowly flying horizontally then a 3rd one in high-speed would cut in the middle and go past them vertically. It was insane! Also, what we normally see at TV air shows wherein 2 jets from opposite ends would menacingly fly towards each other head on (missing just a few feet apart!) was in full action! 

Seeing it with my own eyes was surreal. Behind my mind, I couldn't help but think that what if the inevitable might happen? That if they collide and explode mid-air and fall over the crowd, I don't think we'd get the chance to run. The excitement and thrill took over the fear though. As we were on our way home, the shuttle bus queue was snaking. We were all extremely exhausted but still raving about how the gutsy Koreans performed. Quite impressive! Next is 2016. Looking forward already.