1. Aunties power lah
Don't knock the auntie brigade, who displayed their support of their respective candidates in various ways this morning.
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong got a rave reception this morning on his walkabout at Eunos Crescent Market and Food Centre from his auntie fan base.
He received a bear hug from 56-year-old Ubi resident Madam Chu Eng Lan who said: "This is the first time ever I see him in person." And he was presented with a bouquet of orchids by stallowner Lim Eng Lye, 60. With a raised fist, she told him: "I hope you get elected!"
The Workers' Party's Low Thia Khiang found unexpected pin-up status with a tableful of aunties at his morning walkabout who wanted a photo with him. One of the aunties repeated that Mr Low was her "Ou xiang, ou xiang!", which means idol in Mandarin.
And WP candidate Bernard Chen, who was making the rounds with Mr Low, won himself an auntie fan who declared: "Yan dao (handsome in Hokkien) leh".
2. The theme this morning: hawker centres and kopitiams
While ESM Goh was making his rounds at Eunos Crescent Market, fellow PAP candidates were also sweeping through the markets. Mr Lim Biow Chuan made his way through the stalls at Kallang Estate Market, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his fellow Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC candidates were trawling Shunfu Market, and West Coast GRC candidate S. Iswaran and his teammates took on two markets at Clementi West Street 2 and Boon Lay Hawker Centre.
The WP also hit the markets and kopitiams on a couple of fronts. Party chief Low shepherded new face Chen around Aljunied Avenue 2 while the other WP veteran Png Eng Huat led their candidates for East Coast GRC - Gerald Giam, Daniel Goh, Fairoz Shariff, and Leon Perera - around Changi Village.
Singapore Democratic Party's Dr Chee Soon Juan went to Ghim Moh Market and chatted earnestly with some people on issues.
3. Say it with balloons
Why hand out a flier when you can give out balloons? At Clementi West Street 2 this morning, PAP volunteers prepared more than 100 white balloons emblazoned with the election motto and team name to give out on the West Coast GRC team's walkabout.
4. But why stop at balloons?
The WP has upped the campaign truck game. Forget the old-fashioned lorry tricked out with loudspeakers and a recorded message. A fancy truck with a bright wall-sized screen has been spotted trundling around Singapore.
5. Spousal support
Familial support has been in the limelight as candidates have shared posts on social media about coming home to cards and homemade goodies from their families. Today on the campaign trail, PAP candidate Seah Kian Peng's wife was spotted accompanying her husband on his morning walkabout at Serangoon Avenue 3 and offering him water to quench his thirst.
6. Women in white
The women of PAP put their own spin on white outfits today, with variations ranging from Madam Ho Ching's Peranakan-style blouse to Ms Tin Pei Ling's chic textured top. Nice to see a bit of styling going on amid the overload of white polo tees.
7. Party funpacks
Spotted at the start of the National Solidarity Party rally at a field in front of Block 895A Tampines Street 81: NSP funpacks. The bright orange paper bags emblazoned with NSP were going for $10 each. Inside were bottled water, mini party flag, party badge and a wrist band. Pretty cool.
