MANILA, Philippines---After getting rained on last weekend, organizers of this year’s World Pyro Olympics 2009 is rescheduling the event to January 2010.

Dubbed the “Greatest Show on Earth”, the event kicked off last Saturday at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City but fell short of a promised spectacle because of the rain. Succeeding fireworks shows have been set on November 28, December 5, 12, and 19.

“Due to safety considerations in the firing site, the WPO executive committee decided to reschedule the staging of the WPO in January next year,” said Arriane Dizon, marketing assistant of World Wide Womb for WPO.

In its official press statement, WPO cited that the firing area is unfit for pyrotechnics due to incessant rains.

“The Pyrotechnics launchings have certain international standards to observe. The participating countries agreed to postpone the event,” it said.

Last Saturday’s opening showcased colorful displays from Germany and China. The show started late due to rains.

In its fourth year, the WPO added a musical component in the competition, or “pyromusical”, blending music with the bright fireworks display.

Aside from Germany and China, other competing countries this year include Australia, Japan, Canada, Italy, Korea, and USA.

Italy, which made its debut last year in the competition, is the reigning champion of the World Pyro Olympics that began in 2005.