Last Saturday I got a chance to witness the opening of the 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (8thPIPC) at S Maison in SM Mall of Asia. This was me and Irene first time to witness the annual spectacle pioneered by SM Mall of Asia. The competition happens every Saturday from Feb. 11 to Mar. 18, 2017.
We got there around 5:15pm and parking was a bit hard already as event grounds opened at 4pm. I suggest you go early, walk around, catch the beautiful sunset and bond with family and friends while waiting for the event to start at 8 pm.
Our table was outside Paradise Dynasty in the 2nd floor of S Maison. You can see how nice our vantage point was and not crowded so we felt so relaxed, bonus points for the cool breeze that night.
Paradise Dynasty is famous for their 8 flavor xiao long bao baskets as well as other Shanghainese dishes. You can check out my more thorough post here.
Other restaurants on the veranda also have their own pyromusical viewing promos like Huma, XO Heritage Bistro, Harry’s and Golden Cowrie. Restaurants on the ground floor like Buffalo Wild Wings, TWG, Baker and Cook and Texas Roadhouse.
No competition was going to happen that night because Philippines was part of the opening. It was going to be a demo by Philippines represented by Platinum Fireworks and France represented by Pyragric Feux D’Artifice. Platinum started things going with a nostalgic 80’s medley of rockin’ tunes to go with their fireworks display which included what looked like a bearded man.
After a 30 minute intermission for preparation, it was now Pyragric Feux D’Artifice’s turn to delight the audience. They went with a mix of contemporary and classic songs to go with their colorful and glowing display. They made great use of the barge with some of their effects timed with the ones shot into the sky that feels more choreographic.
Witnessing the two pyromusical displays left us starstruck, it was a blazing extravaganza and to think this was only an exhibition by both countries. The following weeks should be even more intense as two companies from each country battle it out.
Bamboo held a special Valentine’s Day weekend concert after both pyromusical displays to further entertain the crowd at the Mall of Asia.
Here’s the scheduled of the countries that will be competing in the succeeding weeks. Aside from S Maison you can also buy tickets from any SM Ticket outlet or selling booths at SM Mall of Asia, or stay in Conrad Manila or Microtel to enjoy the event, each with its own vantage point and ambiance