Top photo by Pandora Wong for Mothership.sg

It’s definitely not the same - streaming the lunch rally online (in the comfort of your air-conditioned surroundings) versus watching it ‘live’ - because you would’ve missed the insufferable heat, the PSI 100 haze, the feeling of sweaty bodies pressed against yours, the perspiration streaming down your back as well as these five people:

1. Goh Chok Tong made an appearance

He arrived with PM Lee Hsien Loong (who had a full hour-long speech) waved, sat down, clapped for the rest of the speeches and left when the rally ended.

2. Chan Chun Sing was there as well

Our labour chief took a backseat today, playing stage manager by running errands such as receiving the speakers and ESM Goh. From the little knowledge we have obtained, he was the one who organised this rally.

So now, on top of being a general, a minister and labour chief, he can add stage manager to his resume too. What an impressive portfolio. You’re hired!

3. And so was Ho Ching

After the rally concluded, hordes of people rushed to the front to vie for an up close and personal experience with the ministers and candidates. Curiously enough, a large crowd gathered at the back too, where many were flailing their hands (vainly) for a handshake and whipping their phones out for selfies.

Initially, we thought it was one of the speakers but after much neck-craning and tip-toeing, we found out it was Ho Ching!

[video width="640" height="352" mp4="https://cdn.mothership.sg/1/2015/09/ho-ching.mp4"][/video]

The Prime Minister’s wife seemed to have taken time off her sabbatical to show her support at the lunchtime rally. #relationshipgoals eh?

Ho Ching is quite active both offline and on during the hustings. She was captured with the PM in a selfie he uploaded and had taken a photo of her snoozing husband in the car. The CEO of Temasek Holdings also posted a note on Facebook a few days ago that revealed some numbers about the reserves, Temasek Holdings and GIC.

4. Also, this Veggie Guy

Our eyebrows raised when amidst the sea of hand-made signs and banners, we spotted a stuffed carrot and broccoli. So we shuffled and inched our way closer to the owner of these soft toys because we have one burning question, “Why!? Why!? Why!?”

We caught up with the man in question, the self-professed PAP fan Benjamin, and found that there was actually no political motivation behind his vegetables of choice. “The veggies just wanted to join (in) the fun,” he quipped.

However, here at Mothership.sg, we believe that there is more than meets the eye behind these two seemingly innocent legumes. We wager the following:

The carrot satirises the opposition’s accusation that the PAP government often dangles carrots to Singaporeans to earn their vote.

As for the broccoli (PAP’s bitter policies probably?), nobody likes them, but they are actually good for your health!

5. Once again, Mr. Bobble-head

Chris Treewizard, also known as Christopher Pereira, was spotted at yet another PAP rally. Ever the eccentric, the artist mingled with the crowd just doing his thang. He first shot to fame for the Lee Kuan Yew caricature figurines that he peddled.

Additional reporting by Ng Yi Shu.