Happy New Year
Happy New Year from the 'pinas, everybody!
The paputok (fireworks/firecrakcers) weren't as loud this year as some years, but they were still impressive. Nothing in the world is like New Years' in Manila. Other cities might have bigger or more elaborate fireworks. Others still might bother to choreograph their displays to orchestras. But nothing will match the sheer chaos of an entire city seeming to explode with fireworks.
The first test firings started two days ago. By nightfall, there were small displays as people were sitting down to dinner. By eleven o'clock, all the various municipalities, shopping malls, and sundry corporations--not to mention the common people--were letting off firecrackers almost continuously. By the time midnight tolled and 2007 arrived, the racket was deafening. Everywhere we looked, there were fireworks. Everywhere we saw flashes and trails of acrid smoke. The super lolo and cinturon de Judas, though banned, made loud appearances, crackling through the night and rattling windows. Fountains and flares lit up the sky. Bigger mortars lobbed starbursts into the air. Somewhere, someone might have been firing into the air.
The newspapers, radio, and TV here were carrying the usual warnings from the police and hospitals about the dangers of amateur pyrotechnics. "Instead of fireworks, use trumpets and other noisemakers to scare away evil spirits," read one helpful tip printed in a newspaper. While we ourselves didn't let off any fireworks this year, it was satisfying to see that everybody else (it seems) did.
My ears are still ringing. When I get back (and get a chance to go over my photos), I'll run some new years' pictures.
Until then, Happy New Year!
The paputok (fireworks/firecrakcers) weren't as loud this year as some years, but they were still impressive. Nothing in the world is like New Years' in Manila. Other cities might have bigger or more elaborate fireworks. Others still might bother to choreograph their displays to orchestras. But nothing will match the sheer chaos of an entire city seeming to explode with fireworks.
The first test firings started two days ago. By nightfall, there were small displays as people were sitting down to dinner. By eleven o'clock, all the various municipalities, shopping malls, and sundry corporations--not to mention the common people--were letting off firecrackers almost continuously. By the time midnight tolled and 2007 arrived, the racket was deafening. Everywhere we looked, there were fireworks. Everywhere we saw flashes and trails of acrid smoke. The super lolo and cinturon de Judas, though banned, made loud appearances, crackling through the night and rattling windows. Fountains and flares lit up the sky. Bigger mortars lobbed starbursts into the air. Somewhere, someone might have been firing into the air.
The newspapers, radio, and TV here were carrying the usual warnings from the police and hospitals about the dangers of amateur pyrotechnics. "Instead of fireworks, use trumpets and other noisemakers to scare away evil spirits," read one helpful tip printed in a newspaper. While we ourselves didn't let off any fireworks this year, it was satisfying to see that everybody else (it seems) did.
My ears are still ringing. When I get back (and get a chance to go over my photos), I'll run some new years' pictures.
Until then, Happy New Year!