"Firework" is the third single by American recording artist Katy Perry from her album "Teenage Dream." This could well be my "theme song" when I was watching the 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition in Mall of Asia on two different Saturdays this month with my fellow Zone V'ers. As I was shooting the amazing fireworks like a little child in wide-eyed wonder, this song kept playing inside my head. Actually, I've had some realizations while I was doing this...
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?
Sometimes I would feel uninspired and uncreative especially when I get too caught up and too busy with my day-to-day grind. There would be moments when I feel that I've totally forgotten my passion and that they've already been frozen and buried deep. Everyday life seem to have ways of wearing them down. And this feeling actually becomes evident--nothing good is coming out from my work, my output, even in my photographs.
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine...
Even if there are days that I'd feel that my energy is drained, my passion would eventually always float to the top. I just remember the talent God has given me and see how much of a great person He has made me and I'm not like everyone else. I draw strength from my own uniqueness...
Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth...
Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst...
It takes great moments like this pyromusical show to ignite that excitement again and realize that I still have that passion within me to take wonderful photos. Since it WAS my first time to shoot fireworks, it was a good chance to use an almost full battle-gear like a tripod, a cable release or wireless remote, a wide angle lens (which I borrowed) setting my camera to manual focus at infinity, bulb mode, etc... and my sense of humor. ;) Yes, I also had the chance to experience shooting in an uncooperative weather, negotiating with mall staff on our space, getting wet in the drizzle and thinking quickly how to shoot in this situation, and well... just marveling at this incredible sight. I definitely had a blast! (no pun intended)
So next time you feel like "a waste of space" (among those other photographs in the gallery), just remember those fireworks that kept getting brighter, more colorful and better... and say, "Baby, I'm a firework!" ;)
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February 12, 2011 - South Korea vs. Spain
February 19, 2011 - Portugal vs. United Kingdom
February 26, 2011 - China vs. France
March 5, 2011 - Japan vs. Canada
March 12, 2011 - Australia vs. Philippines
