Word Pyro Olympics 2008: Venezuela vs Italy
Venezuela Opening Colors
This year’s World Pyro Olympics is as unpredictable as the rains. It’s not such a good idea to have it held at the onset of the rainy season. Last week was supposed to be Venezuela and Italy’s fireworks display. But because of the rains, strong winds and waves, the show didn’t push through on both days of the weekends. Last Saturday, seeing the weather more favorable, we headed down Mall of Asia and was positively waiting for the show to start. Fortunately it did.
Venezuela’s Dusty Burst Flare
I will say only a few words on both these countries. I immensely enjoyed watching both and thought is was way better than Canada vs France. The first country, Venezuela, promised a festive mood on their display. And somehow I think the delivered.
Venezuela’s Red Flare Spread
Their fireworks display was full of color and shapes. They also have this interesting dust burst scattering in the sky. Reminds me of “Dust” in the “Golden Compass” movie. Also their whistling-loopy rockets were fun to see and hear. Truly a festive display from that country.
Venezuela’s Finale
What I didn’t like though was the drizzles. Those raindrops on your lenses could really ruin a good photo. I have some shots I really like but there were blots or rain on them. I should get one of those Waterproof coat filters.
Italy’s fountains and mono burst
The second show from Italy started on time around 9pm. No more drizzles this time and I actually like my shots here this time around. Italy promised to showcase their cultural heritage of design, form and elegance juxtoposed with an explosive flare. Pyrotechniques craftmanship proudly passed down different generations.
Italy’s Jagged spike burst
Indeed, Italy did not pull any stops. At the start of the show, they immediately launched an awesome brigade of fireworks in the sky. Followed by impressive fountain flares from the vessel launching the fireworks. Their spikes also vary in texture which looks very nice and unique.
Italy’s Spider Flares Crawlers
Another new gimmik or style they have is spewing a few fireworks at the water. Most of us thought this was a dud, but soon those thrown fireworks started launching themselves from the water. That’s something new and creative to do. Makes me think about the bouyancy of those shells and it’s direction when it lands on water.
Italy’s Finale Display
Both country really delivered an impressive display, I actually have a hard time which won I’ll chose to win. But given a only one, Italy somehow has a slight edge over Venezuela.
Just some tips if you are using a DSLR to capture some photos, usually my aperture is only around f11, it’s good enough to catch the light without overexposing them. But when it starts to have the grand display of numerous fireworks in the sky, I stop down the aperture to f18-22 and minimize the shutter opening to capture the display and avoid the overexposure. Somehow works for me after a few testing. We still have the Finale of “Fellowship of Fire” next week. This should be grand (if it pushes through).
Tags: Fireworks, Manila, World Pyro Olympics 2008
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Monday, May 26th, 2008 at 2:08 pm 
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May 26th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
nice shots you got there
May 26th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
good thing it didn’t rain that night! i wanna see the finals, sana di umulan
May 26th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
nice captures once again! you really don’t disappoint, bro.
i like Italy’s jagged spike burst; it looks so beautifully choreographed.
May 26th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
gaganda ng mga kuha mo bai! shows no sign of those pesky banding
but then again, the camera’s only as good as the photographer who wields it 
May 27th, 2008 at 8:21 am
ganda naman ng mga shots! nakita ko exif. bago? pa burger ka naman.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:50 am
galing! ferdie, gimme tips nmn on how to capture pix like this. im using a dslr too. pro para pa ring P&S mga shots ko
May 27th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Pyro Olympics are fun to watch but I find it very harmful to the environment, noh? Anyway, beautiful photos as always Ferdz!
[:
May 27th, 2008 at 11:57 am
wonderful shots ferdz! sayang hindi na ko nakapunta ngayong pyro olympics. nagmahal na kasi ang ticket e dati 100 lang. haha
May 27th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
ganda ng spread ng light sa first shot. i think you’ve perfected this craft Ferdz, ang galing considering na panay ang ulan lately.
May 28th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Wow nice shots! Let’s hope di umulan sa last show.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
OMG! I really want to get to watch that!
June 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
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