Fa Fa Fa! That would be what this day 8 August 2008 would sound like in Mandarin.

That’s right, the number 8 has always been, and I believe will continue to be an auspicious digit in the Chinese culture. It spells luck and fortune. How true it is is not known, as I’ve yet to come across any proof of the magic this digit has brought to those who believe in it and actually act by it. One thing is for sure - it has this high status because of the way it sounds that rhymes with the chinese word “prosper”. So there you go - that much for the lucky power.

In any case, people would rather choose to believe than to deny themselves of one tiny bit of possibility to prosper like heaven-knows-what.

Now that this once in a lifetime day is around the corner, people will not miss this chance to make things happen. Even if it defies the law of nature.

What events will there be? I believe there are aplenty, and these five below are the ones that I know till date, without much research. They are:

1. Beijing Olympics 2008

Gosh! So much talk has been going on about this grandest sporting event that will be unveiled in China 2 weeks (and one day, as of today) later. The opening ceremony will start on 8 August 2008 at 8:08pm. See, the Chinese government is really into specifics and details aren’t they?

Let’s see what fanfare is going to be displayed as China’s way of telling the entire world: “We have arrived. Look at us.”

Yes China, the world will be looking.

2. Newborns

What better way to mark the entrance of China into the modern world than to commemorate this historic glorious moment with an addition to a family? Married couples in China have been planning, some right to the dot with regards to the time of “doing the act”, to have “Olympic babies” as they call it.

It’s not enough for their babies to be born in the Olympic year, they want it to coincide with the day of the opening ceremony. Hence, caesarian sections have been booked for expectant mothers to bring out their newborns for their first wail as the gong strikes up at the stadium to announce the commencement of Beijing Olympics 2008.

Not only does the country wants to make history, so do the parents-to-be. Oh, I read that some even stated the timing for the doctor to slit the moms’ bulging tummies. 8pm. No, to be exact, 8.08pm. Every minute counts!

3. Say “I Do”

Festive cheers aren’t reserved for the athletes and parents-to-be only. Couples in love are also joining in the hype to tie the knot on 8 August 2008. Not only is it an easy to remember date, Chinese feel proud to be able to carry out one of the most important events in their life - marriage, together with one of the most important events in their nation - Olympics. Yes, it’s the Olympics, again.

See how crazy the Chinese are ove this big O? Not only are they scramblng to say “I do” on this day, many westerners are also celebrating their wedding vows on 8 August 2008 too. 

4. F.I.R World Tour

At last, one thing that has got nothing to do with the big O. F.I.R, a popular Taiwanese band well-known for their hit song “Lydia” will be performing live in Singapore on this day. Yes, the concert starts at 8pm.

I’m sure they’ll be talking about the opening ceremony at Beijing too. No, I won’t be there.

5. World Hoop Day

What’s that? It’s World Hoop Day. To find out more about this charitable cause that brings fun, cheers and laughter to children in poverty-stricken countries with hula-hoops, check their website here.  

What are you going to do on 8 August 2008, 8pm? Sports fanatics will surely stay at home or hole themselves up in a pub with a huge LCD screen to catch the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. Others? Either get married, give birth, attend a concert, donate to charity, or create a history-making event and have a hell of a great time!

Before we forget, the day after this is Singapore’s 43rd birthday - National Day 2008! Yay!