Germany and China faced off last Saturday to open the first night of the five-day World Pyro Olympics 2009. Rain seem to follow the Pyrolympics, as it rained pretty hard last Saturday. Still, the rain did not stop the spectators, nor did it stop the two countries from displaying their firepower.

Fireworks display by Nico Lunig

The first to perform was Nico Lunig from Germany. Their choice of music was interesting to say the least: music of legendary composer Hans Zimmer and the rock band Rammstein.

Germany’s Nico Lunig

NICO-Lünig has performed in China, Japan, Switzerland, France, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. One of the leading fireworks producers in Germany, they shoot annual shows Rhein in Flammen in Koblenz and Bonn, Rhein im Lichterzauber in Bingen/Rüdesheim, and Niederrhein in Flammen in Duisburg.

Germany fireworks at the World Pyro Olympics 2009

The rain started again by the time it was China’s turn. Still, the show goes on. The rain doesn’t let up though and my lens was getting wet, so I just took videos using my camera phone. Note to self: pick up Ixus from Canon service center.

China’s Glorious Entertainment Production has been in the pyrotechnics for more than 80 years. They won first place in the Thailand International Fireworks Competition, the Italian International Fireworks Competition, and the Grand Award for Artistry in the Pyrotechnics Guild International Gillette. The company has performed for the Asian Games, royal anniversaries, and major theme parks.

The five-day event will showcase other pyro companies from Australia, Korea, the U.S., Japan, Canada and defending champion Italy. Other firing dates are November 28, December 5, 12 and 19. La Mancha Group International of the Philippines, Audience Favorite and 2nd place Technical Jury awardee at the Zagreb International Fireworks Competition in Croatia earlier this year, will exhibit on the finale; along with a Fellowship of Fire featuring all participating countries.
For other details, please log on to www.pyroolympics.com.

[UPDATE] The Executive Committee of the World Pyro Olympics (WPO) 09 announces the postponement of the WPO originally set on November 28, December 5, 12 and 19, at the Bonifacio Global City to a later date early next year.

The incessant rains and flooding during the past months have rendered the firing area almost unfit for pyrotechnics launchings which have certain international standards to observe. The participating countries have thus agreed to postpone the event

Ticket holders are requested to contact WPO hotline 568-6908 / 384-0239 or log on to www.worldpyroolympics.com for more details.

Thanks to Blooey of Press, Inc for the media pass to this year’s World Pyro Olympics.

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