We watch in awe at the colorful scenery of fireworks across peaceful skies. Many enjoy the crackling, loud and sporadic sound of firecrackers traditionally believed to drive away evil spirits as a new year approaches from a few hours away.

Fireworks have been common in the Philippines during Filipino celebrations like fiestas, Santacruzan, concerts, Flores de Mayo in May, and New Year, among others.

The use of firecrackers traces to back Bocaue, Bulacan, now known as the center of the fireworks industry where class A and high-quality fireworks are said to be produced.

Back in 1867, one Valentin Sta. Ana learned this craftmanship from a parish priest in Santa Maria town who, instead of a public address system, used a 'kwitis' or rocket to wake up the parishioners for the 'simbang gabi' or Misa de Gallo.

The priest taught Valentin the basics of making firecrackers, who later mastered the trade. Valentin, before his death, was said to have taught his two children, Valerio and Fernando.

Now Bocaue town is reputed to be the country's "fireworks capital", expanding the manufacturing to other nearby towns like Sta. Maria.

History says fireworks were first developed in ancient Liuyang, China in the second century B.C. using bamboo stalks that when thrown in a fire, would explode with a bang. Later between 600-900 AD, a Chinese alchemist innovated and mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal to produce a black, flaky powder in the bamboo.

In the Philippines, the lucrative fireworks industry has evolved through the years. In my childhood, I can only remember luces — a sparkler held on a thin wire — and labintador — a small triangular firecracker with a wick. Now there are Super Lolo, Goodbye Philippines, Whistle Bomb, Piccolo, etc. when lit up create the sound of gunfire, scaring off even the toughest pet dogs.

But, oh there's more to fireworks than just entertainment, and profit for retailers, dealers, and manufacturers.

A Department of Health advisory cited the effects of using fireworks and firecrackers. Results of expert studies showed that suspended particulate matter or SPM, CO, NOx, hydrocarbons, and SO2, increase to unprecedented levels in the air during fireworks displays.