photo by Sumarie Slabber (via Flickr)
If you are visiting Manila in February 2018 you are in luck because the skies over Manila Bay will burst with showers of color and light as the 9th Annual Philippine International Pyromusical Competition begins! This annual competition of fireworks displays, which began as a mere exhibition in 2004, will provide an opportunity for ten guest nations to compete on one of the world's most beautiful stages - Manila Bay.
photo by Rene Enriquez (via Flickr)
Humble beginnings
What started simply as the World Pyro Olympics Exhibition in March of 2004, has rapidly grown into a world-class event. The first event was a showcase, not a competition, and only a handful of countries participated over the course of five days. The very next year, a competition component was added, with Australia taking home the top award. Now, the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is a six-week event, starting in late February and running through the month of March. Two nations present a fireworks and music display each Saturday of the event, with the Philippines performing the opening and closing ceremonies.
2018 event and participating nations
The upcoming event will kick off on February 17th with displays from the Philippines’ own Platinum Fireworks as part of the opening ceremonies, and then Switzerland will be the first competitor. Other competing nations include Romania, Germany, Austria, Canada, France, Italy, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and China. Fun fact: The United Kingdom has won the competition three times – more than any other nation. Platinum Fireworks will close out the competition on March 24th with another spectacular show and crown the “Best Overall” winner, as well as the "People's Choice" winner. While Platinum Fireworks does not compete in this competition (as the host), they do compete in other pyrotechnic competitions around the world, and recently swept the competition in Calgary, Canada. With so many wins for their amazing fireworks, they can afford to be gracious hosts. Tickets must be purchased to see this spectacle up close and personal, although you can catch a glimpse from several vantage points around the bay.
photo by Lawrence Ruiz
SM Mall of Asia
The entire event takes place at the SM Mall of Asia, right at the edge of Manila Bay in Bay City. The mall itself is a spectacle with a variety of entertainments. It boasts the usual staples of shopping and food, as you would expect, and then so much more. There are concert grounds which can hold up to 80,000 participants, as well as an arena. The SM by the Bay Amusement Park has 17 different rides, including a Ferris wheel along the western part of the bay. And recently a science center opened offering hundreds of exhibits and interactive galleries, such as Cyberville, Space Camp, and the Living Earth. While you’re waiting for the sun to go down and the fireworks to start, there is plenty of action at the SM Mall of Asia to keep you busy.
Check out one of the weekends of the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition and the SM Mall of Asia after your Manila day tour with Uncharted Philippines tour. Discover the magic of the Philippines for yourself.