As we all know, World Pyro Olympics 2009 (WPO) was postponed. I didn’t go to see the one and only night of World Pyro Olympics last year mainly because Fort Bonifacio isn’t very accessible to me and I couldn’t be bothered to travel that far. Besides, I’ve had my own share of fireworks displays to cover here. 
Thank God for YouTube and WhenInManila, we can still see how that one pyromusical night was like. It was China and Germany’s turn that night. Let me show you the last few minutes of China’s fireworks display. The finale begins at the 7-minute mark.
Watch Part 1 of China. Also, Germany’s Part 1 and Part 2. All courtesy of WhenInManila.com.
China has always been one of the best, if not the best, in this competition. But unfortunately, circumstances that evening didn’t let China’s brilliant show shine its true beauty. The problem? It rained hard and there was hardly any wind to blow away all the smoke!
I think it was a really bad idea to move this event to Fort Bonifacio. The place didn’t lend itself to a gigantic fireworks display. Had these been shown in SM Mall of Asia like the previous ones, the smoke wouldn’t have been much of a problem. You can bet that there will always be wind at the bay.
Quoting the official statement of the organizers:
“The incessant rains and flooding during the past months have rendered the firing area almost unfit for pyrotechnics launchings, which have certain international standards to observe. The participating countries have thus agreed to postpone the event.”
http://www.worldpyroolympics.com/
The organizers said that the event was planned well. Check out this comprehensive guide prepared by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet just a few days before the first night.
I find it unforgivable however that they decided to push through the event anyway. Remember that this is just a few weeks after the country was battered by 3 typhoons. They should have known that the firing site would be compromised. I feel sorry for those who already bought tickets for the other days. You can’t imagine how happy I am that I didn’t bother buying tickets for this. I think I just knew at the back of my mind that this wasn’t gonna work especially with the weather.
“The main issue which was not described in the official press release is that the soil where the fireworks are launched from are a bit soft. It should have been treated to give a solid foundation for the launch. BGC is treating the soil and it would take time.” – Anton Diaz
Another blogger has this to say:
“There were very few people at the Fort Bonifacio area, compered to the previous World Pyro Olympics events.” – Enrico Dee
I think this speaks more about why the event was really postponed.
According to the organizers, the 4th WPO will resume on January 2010. Well, we’re already halfway through the month and we still don’t have any updates on this yet.
Meanwhile, a new fireworks event will premiere this year. Obviously, Filipinos just can’t get enough of these pollution-causing colorful sparklers so they’re giving us another one of these events. 
It’s the 1st Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC). The organizers this time are SM Mall of Asia and Platinum Fireworks Inc. As with the World Pyro Olympics, we are not part of the contest but our country will still showcase its own display. More details including ticket prices and show dates here.
I hope this event’s participants are on par with or better than the ones in the World Pyro Olympics. The demo display wasn’t particularly impressive.
And since the 4th WPO isn’t really done yet, they can now claim the title of the 1st true international pyromusical competition in the country. Clever. The first day will fall on Valentines day and the 2010 Chinese New Year. Again, very clever.
But there’s one thing I’m not too happy about. The show is on Sunday nights. Apparently, if you’re an ordinary office worker who clocks in at Monday morning, then going to this event may not be a good idea. Unless it’s okay for you to sleep on the job.
Now, if I’m made to choose which event to attend, it will be this new one. Mall of Asia is a great place for fireworks displays. However, I’m not a big fan of the name. It’s too long. World Pyro Olympics sounds really cool and elegant at the same time.
I still haven’t decided though if I’ll cover this event here. I may not be able to go on the first night but I’ll surely go one night at least.
What do you think fellow pryofanatic? Which pyromusical competition will you see?
Filipino Catholic · Hobby Blogger · 