World Pyro Olympics 2008: Canada vs France
France’s Red Flower Burst
Before I write about the Opening night of my “Living By Water” exhibit, let me out this one first. Actually I’m still waiting for the photos to post for that night. But it was a really pleasant opening and very thankful to the attendees. The World Pyro Olympics is one visual sensory feast a lot of people in Manila are looking forward to. I was able to attend a night during last year’s Pyro Olympics and enjoyed the fireworks display that I was looking forward to this one as well. It was real funny that the date has been moved more than 3 times until it finally settled this month of May.
The waiting game
The World Pyro Olympics is held at the esplanade section at SM Mall of Asia. Ticket prices enetering the barred area is 150 PHP and there’s also the special section which I think is Php 1000. I wouldn’t spend much on the 1000 section since the fireworks is big enough to be seen on different angles. And if you’re witty enough, you can even get to see if for free on a good angle.
Canada’s Color Burst
Oggie and I was already there by 5:30 pm but we did some rounds at the parking area trying to find a nice open space. Yes we did pay for the tickets but we ended up on a section good enough to get some foreground view along with the fireworks. We were at the left wing of the esplanade when facing the Manila Bay from MOA.
Canada’s Sky Streaks
Funny thing here is I didn’t bring my tripod which is one thing you wouldn’t want to do when shooting this event. Good thing Oggie has his ever reliable GorrillaPod to use. It was amusing to use it actually. I just have to do some test shots first to see if I framed the view right before setting it on the ground.
France Etherial Spiders
As it seems, rain has been a frequent visitor every late afternoon these days and that Saturday was no exception. Around 7pm, heavy thunderstorms poured in on the venue. People were wondering if the Pyro Olympics would push through. And despite the heavy rain, a green fire rocketed up the sky signaling Canada’s start of the show.
France Low Streaks Over Water
Not thinking much about the rain, we ran towards the breakwater and placed my gorrillapod equipped camera and an umbrella raised high at the breakwaters. My 6+ years old umbrella needs replacing because even from the inside, water was dripping through. And through out the whole 10 minutes or so of the fireworks display, I’m already getting drenched. So rain or shine, the Pyro Olympics will go on. It was actually more interesting to shoot at this times since smoke easily dissolves under the rain and the dramatic lightning at the background plays along with the fireworks display.
France’s Crimson Burst
The rain passed by already when France started as the 2nd display. This time we were able to setup readily and I think I got more decent shots this time using my Remote Control and doing manual count while in bulb mode and an aperture of f8-11. As for the Fireworks display, I found Canada having more engaging, dynamic, and colorful routine throughout their display. France is a bit more conservative in approach, trying to build momentum using low fountain display at first to a large monochromatic display at the end. Though it’s good, it tends to get boring. If they spread out the more exciting display throughout their routine, it would be better. So my winner for that night is Canada.
France’s Crimson Burst
After the event it was time to find food! Was great to accidentally meet up with one of the younger photography talents of our time, Joel Garcia who won last year’s Canon Marathon and got to visit one of my dream destinations, Japan. Also met up with one of my Iloilo travel buddy Erick and his friend Deo who also shot the fireworks display.
France Finale Monochrome Burst
All in all, it was a nice evening. So remember, rain or shine, the World Pyro Olympics display continues. Try to grab some snacks while palying the waiting game. You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else when it suddenly starts. There are two more weeks to catch the event.
may 17 - italy & venezuela
may 24 - fellowship of fire (all nations including the Philippines as guest)
Tags: Fireworks, Manila, World Pyro Olympics 2008
Posted on
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pm 
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May 14th, 2008 at 12:09 am
It’s great to watch the fireworks and we have to content ourselves with what the city gives us during the fourth of july celebration. Unlike in Manila, where professionals and masters of pyrotechnics showcase their creations. You are so lucky. Are there any prices? What about the Philippines entry, you did not show it?
May 14th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Hi! This is Ruby’s officemate. Congrats again sa exhibit.
I’m really amazed with fireworks. Great shots!
May 14th, 2008 at 4:25 am
Ang ganda!!!
May 14th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Looks amazing!
May 14th, 2008 at 7:38 am
I meant PRIZES not PRICES!!! HEHEHEHE
May 14th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Wow. I think France won it by a mile. Wala ba ang famous bungbong ng Pinas?
May 14th, 2008 at 9:49 am
sayang hindi ako nakapunta!!
May 14th, 2008 at 10:05 am
WoW! ang ganda ng mga shots mo. I missed the Pyro last year sobra dami ng work wala na ako alam sa mundo hehehe =) hindi ko papalampasin this year ang Pyro manonood na ako talaga kahit madami pa rin ginagawa.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:25 am
nice nice nice! oo, panalo by a mile ang canada. sayang lang, umuulan at that time. di bale, me fellowship of fire pa naman. wag lang bagyuhin, hehehehe. congrats on your exhibit opening and the buena mano. more blessings to come bai!
May 15th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Great night pics ! You ought to have a good camera to take them
I love this Pyro contests man . Just plain awesome
May 15th, 2008 at 3:40 am
i was there! super ganda talaga ng fireworks and as usual you have great pics here hehe.. medyo boring ang france no but it was still ok.
yeah i must agree it was moved several times! grabe.. as in april pa kami nagpupunta sa esplanade just to see if matutuloy nga tapos bigla wala.. waaaaaaa..
yeah rain or shine ang pyro!
May 15th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Totally in love w/the first shot!
(:
Pyro Olympics are always fun but very jam packed!
May 26th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Sobrang ganda ng shots mo.Perfect!!
May 26th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
[...] 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 [...]
May 30th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I’m a Frustrated Photographer but i don’t have Camera Yet..I’m palnning to buy soon.
But all Your Shots are Perfect..! What types of Camera are you Using?
well, Can you give me some techniques on how to get a good shots?
well I am Totally amaze about the Fireworks and your shots too..
Ciao Amigo^_^
August 11th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
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