I’ve been hitting up the Philippines International Pyromusical Competition at SM Mall of Asia Seaside for three years now, and it never gets old!
Before the world turned upside down with the pandemic, this dazzling event used to light up our nights every Saturday in February or March. But hey, change is good, right? This year, they’re shaking things up by scheduling the fireworks fiesta from May to June.
Philippine Pyromusical 2024 Schedule
Countries from all over the globe are bringing their A-game to paint the night sky in explosive colors. And guess what? This year marks the 11th edition of the competition, and here are the dates you definitely don’t want to miss:
May 11, 2024
Opening from Philippines – Skyglitters Enterprise Philippines
The Netherlands – Royal Fireworks
May 18, 2024
South Korea – Faseecom Co., Ltd.
Australia – Skylighter Fireworx
May 25, 2024
Belgium – H.C. Pyrotechnics
Germany – Steffes Ollig Feurwerk
June 1, 2024
Portugal – Macedos Pirotecnico
China – Liuyang Jinsheng Fireworks Co., Ltd.
June 8, 2024
The United Kingdom – Pyrotex Fireworks
The Philippines – Platinum Fireworks, Inc.
The last time I was able to watch was in 2016. We snagged VIP seats for a showdown between Australia and China, and let me tell you, the view was spectacular!
Sure, the entrance was buzzing with crowds, but there was no stress—the line moved super quickly. We hardly waited at all! Plus, they stamped our arms, which meant we could pop out and back in without a hitch.
As we walked in, the vibe was instantly lifted by a band jamming out some lively tunes. It felt like the perfect welcome party!
Just to share a bit about that year’s performances… it seems Australia hit a bit of a snag. During their display, there were a couple of pauses—like everything just stopped, leaving us all in the dark for a few seconds to a minute. You could see people glancing around, wondering, “Is that it?” or “What happened?”
The music keeps going but the sky was black. I believe they would have a great show if not because of the glitch. They had a really great choice of music, it was so lively. Still, slow claps for them! 🙂
On the other hand, China really did an eye and ear worthy show. Like, we were really all eyes and ears from the very start up to the grand ending. It was a WOW. They had a really great design and creative fireworks, good choices of songs that I thought that each play was the grandest until they pop more great lights that synchronized really well with the songs. The feels was so grand. They are my winner, at least for this show! 🙂
So without any further ado, here are the tips I’d like to share with you:
Tips
1. First up, make sure to hit ‘Like’ on their Facebook page to stay in the loop with all the latest updates. They also post photos and videos a few days after each show, so even if you didn’t snap any pics while you were there, no worries—they’ve got you covered.
2. Can’t make it to every show? If you need to pick just one night to attend, do a little homework on the previous winners. This can give you a clue about who might put on the most spectacular show. While every country will dazzle you with their displays, the past champs have a track record of truly mind-blowing performances.
3. Choosing the right spot is key—make sure nothing’s blocking your view! If you’re just there to say you attended, you could technically sit anywhere around MOA. But trust me, you won’t fully appreciate the spectacle without the music. They don’t call it “Pyromusical” for nothing—the show wouldn’t be half as magical without those tunes!
That being said, the seaside is divided into various sections, each offering a different vantage point and experience. Of course, each area comes with its own price tag, as follows:
PATRON: 3000 PHP
VIP: 800 PHP
GOLD: 500 PHP
SILVER: 200 PHP
The crème de la crème of spots is definitely the Patron area, which even comes with a buffet. But if you’re looking to save a bit, the VIP tickets offer the same fantastic view at a more wallet-friendly price. That’s what we went for, and it was totally worth it.
Plus, you can either grab some food from outside or hit up the stalls nearby—plenty of tasty options! In the VIP section, comfortable monoblock chairs are provided, so just flash your ticket, grab a seat, and enjoy the show.
4. Don’t forget to bring a monopod or tripod along with a good quality camera. Trust me, those 15-minute shows might fly by when you’re just watching, but they can feel like an eternity if you’re holding up your camera the whole time. Your arms will thank you later!
You definitely don’t want to end up like I did, having to cut your video short because you just can’t hold up the camera any longer. It’s a total bummer to miss recording the best parts of a grand performance. So, make sure to bring some kind of stand to help you keep your video steady and your arms happy.
5. Make sure to arrive as early as you can. They start letting people in by 5:00 p.m., and the show kicks off sometime between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. Getting there early is crucial, especially if you want to snag the best spot in your chosen area.
Even with a VIP ticket in hand, don’t assume all seats offer a great view—you’ll still need to scout out a prime location within the VIP section. Pro tip: the absolute best spot is right in front of the judges’ table. Seriously, it’s like having the best seat in the house!
6. Definitely consider buying your tickets online through sites like StarDeals, Metrodeal, or similar platforms. It’s super convenient because you can skip the hassle of lining up, and the best part? You often snag a significant discount! This way, you save both time and money, leaving you more to enjoy the spectacle stress-free.
Expenses/Budget
800php – VIP ticket
29php – Bus from Starmall Alabang to Dela Rosa SLEX, Makati
110php – Taxi from Dela Rosa to Mall of Asia
200php – Food
7php – Jeep to Buendia Bus Terminal
41php – Bus to Alabang
Summary
You know what’s truly mesmerizing about this event? It unleashes the kid inside you, leaving you awestruck in ways that ordinary fireworks just can’t.
Sure, you might catch fireworks now and then, but how often do you get to see a display that’s so perfectly synchronized with music that it makes you say “wow” over and over? And not just any “wow,” but the kind that comes with goosebumps. This magical experience happens just once a year at this event, making each moment all the more special.
Why not give it a shot? You might just find yourself wanting to return year after year. There’s one more show left this season, featuring France on March 19th, followed by a grand finale from the Philippines. There’s still time to grab your tickets. This event is a spectacular outing whether you’re with friends, family, flying solo, or with a special someone.
Thanks for reading, everyone! I hope this guide helps you make the most of the country’s grandest Pyromusical. And if you’ve got a tip I didn’t mention, feel free to drop it in the comments below—I’d love to learn from you too! See you at next year’s show!
