We’ve been catching glimpses of the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC) from afar for years from restaurants near SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall, rooftops, highways, or even through car windows. But last Saturday (March 28, 2026), we finally discovered the best way to experience it: up close at SM by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia! It’s a completely different story when you’re right there at the waterfront. It’s like sitting in the front row of a movie theater, except the “screen” is the night sky and the soundtrack is perfectly timed to every explosion of color. Even the reflections on the water add more drama to the scene!
That evening, Canada’s Fireworks Spectaculars presented “Reignite: Symphony in the Sky”, a sweeping orchestral display that painted the horizon with synchronized bursts of light. They specialize in pretty floral shapes, which think is the highlight of their piece.
Right after, Germany’s Steffes‑Ollig Feuerwerke took the stage with “Freestyler”, a playful mix of rhythm and color that had the crowd clapping along. If fireworks had a “maximalist” aesthetic, that would be Germany’s.
This year’s competition has already brought in some of the best pyrotechnic teams from around the world for the past few weeks:
- March 7: France’s LUX Factory and Italy’s Martarello Group S.r.l.
- March 14: Portugal’s Pirotecnia Minhota and the United Kingdom’s Pyrotex Firework
- March 21: China’s Polaris Fireworks, with a special exhibition by the Philippines’ Platinum Fireworks, Inc.
However, the competition isn’t over yet! The final show happens on April 11, featuring Spain’s Hermanos Caballer and a closing exhibition by the Philippines’ Platinum Fireworks, Inc.. If you’ve only ever seen the pyromusical from a distance, this is your sign to experience it the way it’s meant to be seen — right by the bay, with the fireworks reflecting off the water and the music surrounding you.
Ticket Prices for April 11:
- Patron: ₱3,000
- VIP: ₱1,000
- Gold: ₱600
- Silver: ₱250
Tickets are available at booths inside SM Mall of Asia, online via www.smtickets.com, and via the PIPC websit
P.S. I initially thought that the best spot would be the ferris wheel or the carousel at the bay, which would’ve been romantic; however, rides will be closed during the show as per our contact from SM’s management. They resume immediately afterwards, though!
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