Our year started in the Philippines where we would be competing against 9 other teams from around the world for the top spot, here we took only three of our own crew who were then joined by Kath and Graham from Pyro2000 along with some local talent who always seem to impress Mark with their intense and irreplaceable skills with Pyro.

While in the Philippines we made a lot of friends and as ever discovered more than we could ever hope for in the ever-growing Pyrotechnic community. The nightlife in Manila was certainly impressive and the guys spent most nights in the Roadhouse Bar, which became their HQ. While there they became celebrities in the process, often found with ques of fans asking for selfies and signatures and some even stopping for a few beers and a chat about the upcoming show. That week we soon realised that Mel was Mr Public Relations and everything to do with the nightlife schedule was planned in by him, and he was a fan favourite that’s for sure, although most people could hardly understand him due to his heavy northern accent. (sorry Mel)