Every fireworks display begins with a spark, lights up the dark, causes explosions in the quiet of the night, and fills our hearts with glee.

It is a wonderful sight to behold, especially when one watches these incredible lanterns in the sky and the confused noise they bring on New Year's Eve, at the end of a Disneyland tour at night, during the 4th of July celebration in the United States, and even in beauty pageant competitions. And who can never stop showing love with fireworks, more so if you are moneyed?

I recall with shock and awe my every exposure to fireworks as a kid, playing with firecrackers and watusi with my friends despite being aware that these striking, low-explosive pyrotechnic devices and flaming balls could drastically change my life and leave a scar on my heart forever.

What is a slight injury if everyone is happy? However, this happiness could turn to chaos and remorse once the injury becomes severe or life-threatening.

For years, private households have been banned from staging their own fireworks displays, as many local governments have designated specific areas for LGU-sponsored fireworks shows to prevent or minimize injuries.

The Philippine National Police has, in fact, prohibited firecrackers such as the super lolo, 5-star, pla-pla, piccolo, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Bading, giant bawang, watusi, atomic triangle, sinturon ni Hudas, Super Yolanda and Super Coke-in-Can.

At least 35 local government units, including all 17 Metro Manila LGUs, have passed ordinances making their localities firecrackers-free. This was in compliance with a memorandum issued by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. "banning the individual, personal, and household use of firecrackers of any kind."

The ban did not help, however, because of our countrymen's different concept of merrymaking. Behind the lights and bangs are the disheartening stories and statistics on fireworks-related injuries last New Year and a few days after that (which we call the Three Kings celebration).

The Department of Health, or DoH, recorded 609 injuries from 21 December 2023 to 5 January 2024 compared to the previous "surveillance period" during the Christmas and New Year holiday. The long period for fireworks shows can be traced to the country's long Christmas celebration, which usually begin with the "ber" months.