The splendid 22nd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest comes to a fruitful end as Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Co., Ltd. from Japan netted the top prize, while Panda Fireworks Group Co., Ltd. from Mainland China and
Platinum Fireworks, Inc. from the Philippines took second and third places at a ceremony held at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center on October 1.
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government Cheong U, Macau Government Tourist Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, Deputy Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Manuel Pires attended the prize giving ceremony. Cash prize to the winner is US$8,000, while prizes to the first and second runners-up are US$4,000 and US$2,500 respectively.
This edition featured ten teams from the UK, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, Portugal, Korea, Japan, France, Italy and China.
The organizer purposely invited teams with distinguished performances in international contests. Over the years, there were internationally known fireworks companies participated in the contest and this year, MGTO invited 10 companies from various countries and regions to Macau.
A few strong teams with outstanding performance in the previous editions of the Contest step foot again in Macau this year. Among which, Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Co. Ltd. from Japan won the championship in 2004, 2005 and 2009, as well as the second prize in 2008. Platinum Fireworks, Inc. from the Philippines was the second runner-up of last year. Pyro 2000 Limited from the United Kingdom pocketed the second prize of the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest 10 years ago while Wan Dar Fireworks Mfg. Co., Ltd. from Chinese Taiwan attained the third prize in 2008.
Director Antunes expressed that this year came across some bad weather during the Contest, but finally turned out well. With professionalism, skillfulness and creativeness, the 10 fireworks teams made the show a brilliant one. The organizer arranged China's Panda Fireworks Group Co. Ltd. to present the last fireworks show to celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. Crowds of residents and visitors enjoyed the fireworks during the National Day holiday at various spots of Macau and Taipa, adding festive and joyful atmosphere to the city.
This year MGTO and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) jointly launch "SMS Game" to promote citizen participation in the event. Macau residents can send one text message to CTM through their mobile to vote for their favorite team after each night of display. The 5 teams who get the most SMS votes will be awarded with "The People's Choice" certificates and souvenirs. However the voting result will not affect the jury's decision on the fireworks display contest. Organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has a history of 22 years and receives wide accolades and recognitions. The annual glamorous fireworks displays, together with the colorful activities, have become a signature event that brings splendid experience to the public and visitors in Macau.
To add festive atmosphere to the fireworks display contest, MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau jointly presented the Fireworks Carnival on the shorefront beside the Macau Tower on each of the fireworks display nights, offering an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights.
This Press Release is available at http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/index.php?page_id=172
