Manila - Fireworks - Feb/Mar 2011

Major firework shows held over Manila Bay near the Mall of Asia began in December 2005 and continued annually. Each annual event was held over several weekends with fireworks going off twice per night, each representing a different country.

The first year the mall was not opened, so an area to the right as you faced the mall was fenced off for the paying customers. Standing outside the fence and on nearby streets, like Edsa and Macapacagal Blvd, you could still see the show fairly well.

It was initially called the World Pyro Olympics. It was supposedly a competition between about a dozen countries.

The annual show was held for three years. But, the fourth year, 2009, it was supposed to be held in November and the location was changed to somewhere in/near Fort Bonfacio/Global City. But, it was indefinitely postponed due to concerns about potential fire hazard. I do not know what happened to it, if it was held, and, if not held, if the ticketholders received refunds?

A few months later, a firework show was held, but under a new name, Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.

Over the past year or so, I noticed that firework shows have become popular tourist attractions in various Asian countries and elsewhere in the Philippines.

I have to admit. Once you see a firework shows close-up, it is addictive. And the surrounding crowd usually ooh and aah over the really large colorful explosive displays.

I recommend seeing a major firework show at least once.

The next major firework show in Manila is on Saturday nights, 7 pm, from Feb 12 - Mar 12, 2011.

Tickets are available through:
www.ticketworld.com.ph
www.ticketnet.com.ph
www.smtickets.com

Or, instead of seeing the fireworks standing amid a paying crowd, see it for free standing amid a crowd outside the fence, probably around the Esplanade (area behind the Mall of Asia and bordering the bay filled with various eateries).