For many Filipinos, welcoming the New Year would not be complete without lighting firecrackers or fireworks, a long-held tradition that has, however, produced unfortunate outcomes. There are several cases of human injuries as a result of mishandling firecrackers, especially the big ones called Pla-Pla, Bawang, Super Lolo-- firecrackers that almost resembled small bombs. Just how many fingers have already been lost because of these dangerous firecrackers I have no idea, but go ask Vice-President Noli De Castro who in his days as Magandang Gabi Bayan anchor has intrepidly reported the very worst of injured cases. Yet, these firecrackers still continue to be produced in mass quantities, despite the ban on them by government laws.
But there are also many Filipinos who prefer the fireworks display, which although safer, also has its dangers. If handled correctly, these fireworks produce amazing displays of lights in the sky, and many people wanted to view and photograph them (including me).
And then lastly, there are those Filipinos who just prefer honking the horns of their vehicles, or clanging batyas, or, as in my case, I would just be blowing on the very simple and kid-friendly torotot to celebrate the coming of the New Year.
Meanwhile, here are some New Year's Eve photos of Bocaue, Bulacan, fireworks-producing capital of the Philippines, and the brisk business of the fireworks industry in the Philippines.
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