Philippines Shines Brightly at the Celebration of Light in Vancouver

Team Philippines lights up the sky with a spectacular display of fireworks choreography at the Honda Celebration of Light (HCOL) in English Bay on 29 July 2023. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

31 July 2023, Vancouver - Team Philippines, represented by Blue Peacock Fireworks, ignited the sky with a spectacular display of fireworks choreography at the Honda Celebration of Light (HCOL) in English Bay on 29 July 2023.

The Celebration of Light competition, which is one of the most highly anticipated events in Vancouver's summer calendar, showcased top pyrotechnic teams from Australia (July 22), Mexico (July 26) and the Philippines (July 29). This was the first time the Philippines was represented in the festival.

According to organizers, the competition attracted hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors who gathered to witness the awe-inspiring displays and experience the vibrant atmosphere, with the Philippine night being the most viewed having 400,000 spectators.

Blue Peacock Fireworks, led by Mr. Robert Basihan, designed a show carrying the theme, “Independence Day,” featuring

popular house/trance and epic music, and original Filipino tunes.  Their expertly synchronized explosions, intricate formations, and carefully curated soundtrack created a visual spectacle that mesmerized the audience. The Filipino community went out in Philippine colors and with Philippine flags to show their support.

The pre-show likewise included stage performances from Filipino artists and food trucks such as Shameless Buns and Potato Corner. The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, headed by Consul General Arlene T. Magno, set up a booth at the event promoting Philippine tourist destinations.

The winning team of the Honda Celebration of Light is determined each year by a panel of judges. This year’s winner will be announced on 1 August 2023.

The Honda Celebration of Light is owned by the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, and produced by Vancouver-based BrandLIVE Management Group, in collaboration with Archangel Fireworks Inc. END 

(Left photo) Hundreds of thousands of people gather for the third and final show of the 2023 Honda Celebration of Light featuring Team Philippines.

(Photo below) The pre-show event features special performances representing the Philippines at the Morton Park Music Stage.

(Top photos) The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, led by Consul General Arlene Magno, at the PH booth during the Honda Celebration of Light. (Photos below) Food trucks Potato Corner and Shameless Buns offer Filipino cuisine at the festival. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Left photo) Consul General Arlene T. Magno (4^th from left) and Consul Analyn Ratonel (3^rd from right) with the Team Philippines’ Blue Peacock Fireworks, led by its show designer Mr. Robert Basihan (3^rd from left), during the latter’s courtesy call at the Consulate. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)