The waves weren’t as strong as I remember it to be, yet there were still a few bodies paddling across the darkening waters of Baler, hoping to catch one last swell before calling it a day. On the horizon, the silhouette of the Sierra Made mountain range was capped in wispy clouds, and above, a hue of pink glowed across an overcast twilight. Us, we were happy just to be here, sprawled on the sand, with spicy chips on one hand and bottles of beer on another.

BACK IN BALER AFTER FOUR  YEARS

It was my third time to visit Baler in Aurora Province; the first time was with office friends, the second, a tour. This latest one has a much more meaningful purpose—we were here to do a coastal clean-up of Baler’s famous surfing spot, Sabang Beach.

Not one for fireworks, I never really intended to watch the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at the Mall of Asia. It was pure chance that a visit to the mall coincided with the first day of this year’s fireworks competition.

We bought a ticket at Seattle’s Best, Php400.00 per head, inclusive of a medium-sized coffee, a biscuit and potato chips. A bit expensive as the total for the said items would more or less fall at Php250.00, but we’ve got a good view of the sea for the upcoming razzle dazzle and I guess it’s worth it.

The air was filled with cheers and claps as the sample fireworks were set off every once in a while. Anticipation was building.

Soon enough, a countdown began and colors were unleashed above the waters of Manila Bay. South Korea and Spain lit the night in magic. Every head was tilted upwards, mouth agape, as they witness the extravagant blooms of colors dance in sync with music.

The night ended with the approving cheers of the crowd. I was hooked.

It was 8:29 in the evening and lights in our house was flickering off one after the other; it was fully dark as our clock struck 8:30 PM. A candle was set up on a table and lit, the fourth Earth Hour had begun.

The first Earth Hour happened on Sydney in 2007, initiated by the World Wide Fund and The Sydney Morning Herald, it has now become a global phenomenon as cities around the world switch their lights off for an hour to raise awareness for the need to fight global warming.