Some fireworks run out in Bocaue, Bulacan ahead of New Year's Eve

Some types of fireworks have already sold out in Bocaue, Bulacan as shoppers flocked to the town’s fireworks market on New Year’s Eve, driven by tradition and beliefs that fireworks ward off bad luck and bring good fortune for the coming year.

In James Agustin's report on Unang Balita, vendors reported uninterrupted foot traffic as early as Wednesday morning, with buyers arriving not only from nearby areas but also from distant towns to purchase fireworks and pyrotechnic displays for the New Year celebration.

According to sellers, supplies of several popular items—including sawaro and kwitis—were already depleted by morning. Some varieties of fountain fireworks were also no longer available.

Prices for remaining items varied by type. Luces were selling at around P100 for a pack of 10 pieces. Cone fountains were priced between P70 and P120, while tube fountains ranged from P350 to P550. 

Aerial fireworks remained in demand, with prices ranging from about P1,400 to as high as P16,000 depending on the number of shots.

Despite brisk sales, some vendors noted that demand this year appeared lower compared with last year. Still, they expressed hope that their remaining stocks would be sold out early, possibly by midday or early afternoon, prompting stalls to close earlier than usual.

To prevent accidents, safety measures were visibly in place at the market. Vendors had drums of water and fire extinguishers on standby, while signages reminded the public that smoking and on-site testing of fireworks were strictly prohibited.

Sellers said many of the stalls had been operating round the clock in recent days to accommodate the surge of buyers.

As of Wednesday morning, crowds continued to fill the area, with traders expecting last-minute shoppers throughout the day.

Prices may go up as demand continues

Meanwhile, vendors in Malolos and Calumpit in Bulacan said the prices of fireworks and firecrackers may still go up as supply lessens and demand continues, according to a separate report on Unang Balita on Wednesday.

In Surallah, Cotabato, sales of fireworks and firecrackers remained slow on Tuesday, but vendors are hoping for more sales today, hours before the New Year rolls in.

 —Sherylin Untalan/KG, GMA Integrated News