I can still vividly remember the very first time I attended the Philippine Pyrolympics a couple of years ago. It has then evolved to an annual competition held at the seaside of the SM Mall of Asia, attracting thousands every Saturday night as they witness participants from different countries showcasing their talents, skills, and techniques in the world of pyro techniques.
I was one of the lucky bloggers to be issued with this Media Pass for the event. The pass entitles me to roam around the different sections of the paid viewing areas. But since I tagged along my wife and son, both of which not covered by my pass, I had to but regular tickets for them. The most convenient way of purchasing tickets for the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is online via http://www.pyrophilippines.com and yes, they do accept payments via PayPal! The only caveat is that you will need to printout the email confirmation from them and show it to the dedicated line near the IMAX Theater to claim your paper tickets.
Entrance to the paid viewing areas are at the side near Cabalen and IMAX Theater:
The VIP area is actually the one near the fountain at SM Mall of Asia By the Bay:
The fireworks will be “detonated” from around a mile away onboard barges at the Manila Bay area – talking about how safe the event for the spectators is.
Then night falls … everyone waited for the event to formally start. The first firing was scheduled at around 1900H, but got pushed back to as late as 1950H. I think the main cause for the delay: the organizers waited for two (02) of the judges, namely Senator Koko Pimentel and BOC Commissioner Ruffy Biazon. Shame on these government officials for being late at the expense of the crowd waiting in vain!
The opening act for the night came from the People’s Republic of China’s Liuyang Jinsheng Fireworks Co. Ltd., the winner of the 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition last year:
Sad to say, but for me, their performance last night was a little bit dragging. The storyline is slow-paced with around 5 acts in all.
For me, and most of the people in the audience last night, the winner will be the entry from The Netherlands represented by Royal Fireworks:
They were successful enough to have the “WOW” factor. You can even hear the crowd cheer as the music of Van Halen’s “JUMP!” was played in one portion of their awesome performance:
Here’s the official Press Release for the annual event:
SM Mall of Asia remains to be the top lifestyle destination in the country with its endless dining, entertainment and leisure choices. This mall also takes pride in featuring the most awaited and extraordinary events of the metro every season. This February to March 2012, witness the biggest and the best annual fireworks show in Asia, The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition!
This is where 11 of the world’s most renowned pyrotechnic artists from various countries are bound to put on a spectacular and never-before-seen fireworks exhibition. Last 2011, China reigned supreme as it took the glorious trophy and placed United Kingdom and Japan in the second and third spots, respectively. This 2012, China and United Kingdom are back to compete once again in this prestigious event.
For 2012, the brightest competition opens with South Korea and Malta on February 11, United Kingdom and Spain on February 18, Finland and Portugal on February 25, China and The Netherlands on March 3, Australia and Canada on March 10 and Italy on March 17. On the last day, March 17, Philippines as the host country will also showcase a phenomenal Pyromusical performance to be executed by Platinum Fireworks, Inc. which was recently awarded “Most Favorite Pyromusical Performance” at the GlobalFest 2011 held in Calgary, Canada.
This event would not be possible without its presenters, Close-up and Samsung Galaxy Note, co-presenters Tanduay and Yamaha, in cooperation with Platinum Fireworks and Department of Tourism. Its major sponsors FOX International Channels and McDonald’s, its official residence Microtel MOA and media partner, Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Beginning February 11 to March 17, 2012 every Saturday at 7pm, witness the brightest show on earth showcasing world-class explosions of colors harmonized with electrifying music, The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition happening at the only bayside mall of the country, SM Mall of Asia!
For ticket inquiries, call Ticket Net at 9115555, Ticket World at 8919999 or SM Tickets at 4702222, or check out www.pyrophilippines.com.
