Manila: The Church of Christ (INC), a non-Catholic Christian group, won three Guinness World Records for its fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, sources said.
Two representatives of the Guinness World Records from London declared INC’s victory in world’s largest fireworks display, longest line of lighted sparklers in a relay, and most number of sparklers lighted, categories at INC’s Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Metro Manila’s northern suburban Bulacan on December 31, said lawyer Glicerio Santos, INC’s chief operating officer and legal counsel.
About 100,000 people saw INC’s display, which began at midnight on December 31 and ended at 1am on January 1, said Santos.
Watch the full display here:
“Awestruck viewers” did not leave the Philippine Arena even when it rained during the countdown, said Santos, adding that INC’s event was the “most grand” across the Philippines.
Online viewing of INC’s fireworks is still being measured, said Bert de Leon, director of Viva Life, which produced the event. So far, the viewing at INCTV and Net 25 is “getting viral,” said de Leon.
A musical production was also part of the event.
Watch the record attempt for the longest line of sparklers here:
There wasn’t much publicity about the “well-attended event,” said Judy Cruz who was at the countdown with her family.
Observers believe that the recognition given by Guinness to the annual INC event will catapult its popularity in the Philippines.
Felix Manalo founded the INC and was its first executive minister in 1914.
Last year, second and third generations of the Manalo family were involved in a tussle over an alleged corruption issue in the establishment of the Philippine Arena. Spanning 140 hectares, it is the world’s largest domed arena and has a seating capacity of 55,000. It was inaugurated during INC’s 100th year, 2014.
Politicians favour INC leaders because of their ability to demand block-voting from its members.
