Did you know that the names of firework designs are based on different flowers? Last February 18, I was able to watch a night filled with sparkles at the 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition – an amazing event that showcased two major competitors from Germany, one of which, placed first last year! To win, the judging criteria is based on variety, music, choreography, crowd participation and safety.
Aside from the fireworks, there were also performances by different bands and artists, including Barbie Almalbis!
We were able to get a quick interview in with Mr. Perkin So, AVP for Operations of SM Mall of Asia, on the 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.
Mr. Perkin So shares that they wanted to create something special this year, so they basically themed the event as a battle – an all-star battle of champions. “We invited past winners, and more importantly, major mortal enemies from the different countries that usually win and we pit them together for a week,” he shares.
Just like the usual reality TV shows that we see, they invite all their winners or past contestants at a certain point – like an all star game! “That’s what we wanted to do also,” says So. “We’re changing up a little bit. Some of the audiences, they love watching certain countries and some of them look into the countries or companies that participate and they have followers themselves. And so they come.”
So shares that the SM Mall of Asia has been doing this in partnership with the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board. They see the value of this, and year after year, they see more and more tourists flying in. “Some of the competitors tell us that some of them have their followers in their different countries and their own nations, and they fly in to watch the show,” he shares. “The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition happens to be one of the largest pyromusical competitions of the world now. Really, fireworks enthusiasts come over and watch!”
Apparently, the reason why the Pyromusical is always set in February is because “it’s Valentine’s, where sparks fly”, as So puts it. “And that’s the theme of the fireworks. But more importantly, since it is an open area, we saw it best to put it during the months where the weather is slightly cool and there are little chances of rain. Because it is an open area event, it would be better for the audience actually to be held in these months.”
Like a dance routine, the sizzling and the whispering combined with properly choreographed color combination showed how exquisite firework displays can be. It feels like talking to someone you just met, but feels like you’ve known for a long time. There are so many emotions plastered in the night sky!
What did you think of this year’s pyromusical?
