Macao holds dazzling int'l fireworks display contest

The 32nd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest commenced on Saturday night to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and the upcoming National Day.

The contest is sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office. Canadian and Thai teams presented the first two feasts for the audience, and Russian and French fireworks shows were scheduled for Sunday.

Landmarks in Macao, including the Ruins of St. Paul's and the Senado Square, have been adorned with beautifully designed lighting decorations, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere.

Accompanied by light music, spectacular fireworks lighted up the night sky above the water near the Macao Tower, captivating both locals and visitors alike.

According to the organizer, teams from the Chinese mainland, Russia, France, Spain and Portugal will successively put on shows on Sunday, Sept 21 and on Oct 1 and 6. Each night of these days will feature two shows, with each lasting for around 18 minutes.

"This year marks the 75th founding anniversary of our People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, which is what we call the year of two grand celebrations. Therefore, this 32nd edition of the fireworks show carries special significance. We have invited teams from 10 countries to participate in this event. We have put up the Fireworks Carnival every year, and this year we will continue to hold it, placing it at one of the most prime viewing spots. We also hope to boost our night economy through such an initiative," said Ricky Hoi, acting director of the Macao Government Tourism Office.

"I am very excited. It's been ages since I watched fireworks live, and they are truly amazing," said Ms. Cheung, a Macao citizen.

"I've brought my family here to enjoy the festivities and the fireworks. With the National Day and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the mainland approaching, I wish the country and Macao a brighter future," said Ms. Wong, another Macao citizen.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the night when the moon reaches its fullest and brightest on the 15th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar. This year, the day falls on Sept 17.

China's National Day falls on Oct 1.

Macao holds dazzling int'l fireworks display contest

A taxi fleet has been offering free rides to residents and victims in the wake of the recent catastrophic residential building fire in Hong Kong, one of the region's deadliest disasters in decades.

The fire, which broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po on November 26, had claimed 160 lives by Tuesday, with six people still listed as missing, according to authorities.

In response, the "Big Bee" taxi fleet, operated by Sino Development (International) Company, joined several volunteer groups in providing free rides for affected residents.

Beyond transporting displaced survivors, the fleet also assisted in moving donated supplies and volunteers to and from the area.

"In the first few days, drivers came to the site voluntarily to offer help. There were many firefighters and rescuers on site. During the ten days from December 1 to 10, we offered about 100 free rides daily on average, serving roughly 300 residents and fire victims each day," said Sam Wong, founder and CEO of Sino Development (International) Company.

"We are very willing to take part in this effort. Every driver is," said Lui Kai-wa, a taxi driver.

As most displaced residents have now been relocated through government coordination, volunteer taxi drivers are gradually returning to their regular routes.

More than 2,500 displaced residents have moved into transitional housing units, with Hong Kong's Transport Department providing additional public transport services to meet commuting needs.

"There is a gradual decrease in usage, as much of the transportation need for people and supplies has already been completed. Demand is clearly declining," Lui said.

Wong also praised the government's role in the relief work.

"Over the past few days, we've seen the government carry out a tremendous amount of work, especially in response to such a big and serious disaster. Its role has been very significant," Wong said.

Taxi feet offers free rides to residents, victims in wake of deadly Hong Kong residential building fire