From the time prehistoric man discovered the power of the flame, to the childhood phase where we scudded our slippers over sparks of watusi, to the present-day trend over-the-top explosives used in films like “Transformers” and “Iron Man,” humankind has always been drawn to playing with fire. We have, in fact, made a tradition of it, as we light up round after round of fireworks on the final day of every passing annum: New Year’s Eve.
But after the seemingly harmless watusi found international notoriety after killing hundreds of Filipino children through accidental ingestion—not to mention burn-related injuries—people began to grow wary of the bright lights and big bangs. The question loomed: to fire up, or not to fire up?
As early as June this year, the sale of fireworks was banned in Baguio City, in an effort to prevent injury to person and property (the rate of which increased during the previous New Year’s festivities). Now, only citizens with government permits will be allowed to set off celebratory explosives; and even then, firecrackers such as the perilous “five-star,” “mother rocket,” and of course, watusi, are strictly prohibited.
The private sector, on the other hand, continues to support the use of fireworks—mainly because it’s a cherished cultural practice not only in the Philippines but in most other parts of the world. What would New Year’s be, come to think of it, without the rockets (and the racket)? For a number of years, the Philippines has even played host to the World Pyro Olympics, a fantastic fireworks display represented by a diverse selection of nations—this year’s crop including Germany, Australia, and South Korea, to name a few. Even when the Department of Health issued a warning that “there are no safe fireworks,” it seems like tradition-loving individuals are only too happy to take the risk for a shining, shimmering showcase.
What do YOU feel about using fireworks for New Year’s Eve?
