PLATINUM FIREWORKS : Bringing the Magic of Pyrotechnics

San Tayo? Interview with Platinum Fireworks
Location : UCC Cafe - Podium

"I am extremely proud of my boys! They have done something no one in the world has ever done! That was to go into the barge, extinguish the flames, replace the burned cables and continue the show were it left off. " - Mrs. Liza Sta. Ana, co-owner of Platinum Fireworks

Get to know Platinum Fireworks thru the eyes of Mrs. Liza Sta. Ana

"Are you Kookie?" directing her question towards Riza.

"Nope, Im Kookie" as I stood up to extend my hand.
"Your Kookie? I didn't expect that" as Liza laughed.

Ever wondered what was life behind the fireworks scene? As we enjoy a 5, 10 or 20 minutes firework presentation, who are the forces and faces working to make sure we enjoy the show and ensure safety?  I was lucky enough to squeeze in and be given an opportunity to interview Platinum fireworks.

Platinum fireworks is a company owned by Joel and Liza Sta Ana which has been the official fireworks distributor of Enchanted Kingdom, SM Mall of Asia, some other SM Malls,  various resorts in Boracay  just to name a few. If you see fireworks in these locations, undoubtedly, it would be Platinum fireworks. They have also brought honor to Philippines via various winnings in global competitions such as the Macau International fireworks which features 10 countries from Asia and Europe and Calgary Global Fest 2011 in Canada

The PIPC or Philippine International Pyromusical Competition was conceptualized and organized by both Platinum and SM Mall of Asia. They thought of bringing into the country a pyromusical fireworks competition that they used to watch abroad.  They also aim of making this competition one of the best in the world.  Right now, PIPC  has the most number of competing countries and the biggest crowd compared to other similar competitions in the world.    Preparation for this event is just crazy as described by Liza. You need to coordinate with various fireworks companies from various countries, local government, police, MMDA, coastguard just to name a few (yes! That is just the tip of the iceberg!)

The event happens every year from February to March, every Saturday, composed of 2 countries every weekend. On the last day, the host country, Philippines, will have an exhibition. Each country must showcase an 18-minute  pyromusical show  and should be composed of low level, medium, high flying fireworks and very good "synchronized with music choreography" show.  The objective is to connect to the audience and share a story by the use of fireworks and music.

Like any live show, anything can and will happen. It happened this year on the PIPC Philippines exhibition (For those who weren’t around to watch or have not heard, the performance had to be stopped as fireworks were no longer firing and found blips of fire on the barge). The team had to take out the fire,  change the burned cable and continue the show where it left off.  That is the very essence of the matter. The team did a very dangerous job of bringing back the show just to please all the people who came to watch.  The team still managed to finish a very nice show despite the accident.  Admittedly, it could have been a BETTER show if not for that unfortunate fire accident.  The flagpoles, bridges and building would have light up and brighten the whole area.  Despite all, Liza is very proud of her pyrotechnicians as they are very professional and passionate and the show ended on a high note, lighting up the whole SM MOA bay brightly and still giving the audience that Magical Experience which they always try to achieve in every show that they do.

A few minutes before the Pyro caught fire

Despite this mishap, they finished really strong!

We need to wait again next year for the next PIPC which Philippines will have a bigger and brighter show!


Acknowledgement 
Thank you to Mrs. Liza Sta Ana and Joel Sta Ana for the time given

Team San Tayo for this event
Kookie Cascon
Riza Macabingkil
Ryan Avenir