by Lambert Rellosa

As someone who was born and raised in Manila, I have always looked forward to celebrating the New Year that, traditionally, we ushered in with deafening explosions from firecrackers, big and small, being lit everywhere, literally. It was always loud and chaotic, just the way we Filipinos like it.

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Well, New Year’s Eve came early to Calgary this year – and for the past 6 years, in fact, thanks to the Globalfest 2009 International Fireworks Festival. For five nights, four countries competed for the title of Best of 2009 by lighting up the Calgary sky with fireworks synchronized to music. While the pyromusical presentations by Canada, Mexico, and China were equally impressive, Spain emerged the winner and will return next year to compete against Germany, Italy, and Portugal. The breath-taking Finale presented on August 29th by the organizers was a fitting way to thank the fans and families who flocked to Elliston Park night after night to celebrate Calgary’s cultural diversity.

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As a community partner of the Globalfest 2009, Pinoy Times provided an extensive pictorial coverage of this year’s International Fireworks Festival. The following photographers captured the fireworks imagery for this month’s issue: Jv Rivera, Ronnel Chua, and Lambert Rellosa.

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DAY 1: “Canadian” presented by Big Bang Fireworks Inc. of Canada

DAY 2: “Vive Mexico” presented by Lux Pirotecnia of Mexico

DAY 3: “Spanish Rainbow” presented by Pirotecnia Turis S.L. of Spain

DAY 4: “Chinese” presented by Forward Fireworks of China

DAY 5: Finale presented by Apogee Fireworks

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The “Spanish Rainbow” was a spectacular presentation set to the music of Queen and The Police, among other artists.  Showing the most variety of colors and effects and seamless transitions between songs, Spain was virtually guaranteed to win.

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The Globalfest 2009 Fireworks Festival opened with a “Big Bang” by Canada.  Not surprisingly, Canada received the People’s Choice Best of Pyromusical Presentations award.

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Lambert Rellosa is a photo-hobbyist from Manila who moved to Canada 5 years ago. He has made Calgary his home and his springboard to nearby North American cities for his favourite activity: street and travel photography.