PHL bags top awards at fireworks competition in Canada

The Philippines swept the top awards at this year's Le Grand Feux Du Casino Du Lac Leamy, an international pyrotechnics competition at Ottawa-Gatineau in Canada, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Joel Sta. Ana of Platinum Fireworks received 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).

“Mabuhay! And to God be the Glory!” Sta. Ana said upon receiving the prizes last Aug. 24, the DFA said in a news release on Wednesday.

Sta. Ana and his wife Lisa expressed hopes the awards they won would bring good news to their countrymen back home.  

Some 21,000 people gathered at the beach of famed Lac Leamy in Gatineau witnessed the Philippines' moment of glory in what the DFA described as the "largest summer event in Canada’s capital region."

The DFA said the twin victory was the first time in the event's 18 years that one country won both major awards.

"The show by Platinum fireworks held on August 17 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," it said.

The DFA said the Philippines will now join the elite circle of winners of the Le Grand Feux de Casino du Lac Leamy.

It added the Philippine show attracted thousands from various walks of life in Quebec and Ontario, and got support from the Filipino community in the area.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie Gatan conveyed his congratulations to Sta. Ana and his team and thanked them for bringing honor to the country amid the floods at home.

Platinum Fireworks is the lead partner and organizer with the Department of Tourism for the annual Philippine International Pyromusical Competition in Manila. - VVP, GMA News