PAMPANGA - Dancing flares of varied colors illuminated the Northern night sky Saturday during the kickoff ceremony for the 10th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, held for the first time in SM City Clark.

Hundreds of spectators from all over Luzon flocked to the mall last February 23 to witness the opening of the biggest and most extravagant pyrotechnics competition in the country.

SM Supermalls lit commemorative fireworks in memory of SM founder Henry “Tatang” Sr before the start of the competition. The older Sy passed away in January.

The annual pyromusical competition was moved to Pampanga this year in support of the on-going rehabilitation of Manila Bay, after its 9-year run at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, SM Supermalls earlier said.

“Now on its 10th year, of course, we are very much thrilled for the Kapampangans, our fellow Kabalens for them to witness it. We cannot wait [for everyone to see] the world class pyro exhibition coming from the 10 best countries in the world in terms of pyrotechnics,” said SM Vice Assistant Vice President for Operations Junio Eusebio.

Eusobio said the group has coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 3 and had submitted all necessary requirements and certification for pyrotechnics “which passed the international standards” in terms of safety.

Platinum Fireworks Inc. from the Philippines marked the beginning of this year’s competition with an exhibition.

Belgium’s CBF Pyrotechnics was the first country to showcase its entry, which was well-received by the astonished crowd.

Ten more countries are set to perform in the next 5 weeks. Germany and Portugal will showcase their exhibition on March 2, followed by France and Finland on March 9.

China and Canada will perform on March 23, Italy and the United Kingdom on March 16, and Poland and the Philippines on March 30.

Patron tickets are available for P1,800 while VIP tickets are for P600 each. Gold and silver tickets are also available for P350 and P120, respectively.

Ticket prices for the March 30 show were priced at P2,000 (Patron), P800 (VIP), PP400 (Gold) and P150 (Silver).