And the winner is...Philippines!
"Mabuhay! ... and ... to God be the Glory!" Thus did Joel Sta. Ana of Platinum Fireworks exclaimed, as he received both the Grand Trophy of Zeus and the Grand Show Photo Frame representing the Prix Zeus (Grand Zeus Prize) and Prix du Public (People's Choice Award) respectively, in ceremonies that capped the final day of the 2013 Edition Le Grand Feux Du Casino Du Lac Leamy, an international pyrotechnics competition held at the capital region of Ottawa-Gatineau in Canada on 24 August 2013.
In a development that brightens the monsoon-swept home country on the Philippines, a visibly shocked and surprised Mr. Sta. Ana accepted the twin prizes before a jam-packed and appreciative crowd of 21,000 gathered at the beachheads of famed Lac Leamy in Gatineau. While fireworks festivals are traditionally held across Canada, the annual festival is the largest summer event in Canada's capital region.
The twin trophies marked the first time in the festival's 18-year history, and since the online poll was conducted, that both winners came from the same country. The show by Platinum fireworks held on 17 August 2013 was the runaway winner voted as the Best Show by an online poll conducted by festival organizers. A jury composed of prominent personalities in the print and broadcast media also adjudged the show as the best show of the entire festival.
The Philippines, and Platinum Fireworks - which is also the lead partner and organizer with the Department of Tourism for the annual Philippine International Pyromusical Competition in Manila, now join the elite circle of winners of the Le Grand Feux de Casino du Lac Leamy. Mr. Sta. Ana also shared his joy with the composite technical crew from the Philippines and Canada who worked hard and helped Platinum mount the show in such a short period of time.
Joel, and his wife Lisa, with their three-man crew, came to Gatineau with a mission to highlight the theme of the People Power movement in the Philippines, and to show that the Philippines can match and even exceed the best in the world in the realm of pyrotechnics production values and creativity. The couple expressed the hope that the awards they won would bring good news to their countrymen back home.
The Philippine show drew thousands of crowds from various walks of life in Quebec and Ontario, and supported by a modestly growing Filipino community in the area. The Philippine booth, as setup by the Philippine Embassy, generated much interest and foot traffic as it showcased tourism programs and attractions under the campaign - It's More Fun In The Philippines. The Bayanihan Group of Ottawa-Gatineau also regaled the festival crowd with performances of, and audience participation in, traditional Philippine dances.
Ambassador Leslie Gatan conveyed his congratulations to Mr. Sta. Ana and his Team and thanked them for bringing honor to the country amid the challenging monsoon disturbances back home. Ambassador Gatan wished them well in their coming projects, both in Canada and other parts of the world. END
