Netizens, climate groups burst bubble of Cove Manila over plan to ‘drop’ 130,000 balloons for New Year

Netizens and environmental groups have gone up in arms as they slammed Cove Manila's plan to set a world record for the largest indoor "balloon drop" to welcome the New Year, which involves showering an enclosed venue with 130,000 balloons.

Cove Manila, regarded as the largest indoor beach club and night club in Metro Manila, made the announcement earlier in December where it revealed its plan to shatter the world record for a balloon drop.

The balloon drop served to accompany the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Cove Manila led by international dance music icon Pete Tong.

Netizens, however, expressed their dismay over the event, saying that balloons are, more often than not, not environmental-friendly.

"RIP mother nature. More more plastic/rubbers. ????????" said Jonie Garin.

Bayani R. Zurbito wrote: "Not good to the environment another air pollution po. Some countries are starting to realize that it's harmful to the environment . Imagine all 130k plastic up in the air and will soon to land to nearby water and land . Hmmp not a good idea po."

"Hi, Cove Manila! The Balloon Drop event will produce 130,000 plastic/latex wastes. You can definitely think of more sustainable ways to celebrate New Year and promote Okada. Please remain true to your "vision of contributing to both the economic and sustainable development of the Philippines", as stated by your COO in 2017 in one of your CSR events," according to Pebbles Badillo Sanchez-Ogang.

Others also cited that the Guinness World Record no longer monitors those posing environmental challenges.

The Climate Reality Project Philippines, a non-government organization, has labeled the activity as a "wasteful, unsustainable and ecologically apathetic."

In its Facebook post, the organization claimed balloons end up as waste in landfills which will harm wildlife and the environment.

In a reply to one of the commenters in its FB post, Cove Manila clarified that the balloon drop will happen inside the Cove Manila’s dome, an enclosed space.

"Rest assured though that the property is consistently following the Local Government Unit’s waste disposal guidelines and we’ll apply the same for our upcoming NYE2019 event," it added.

According to Cove Manila, the last record for indoor balloon drop was set in 2012 with 109,000 balloons. — MDM, GMA News