However, this drew a large response from both the public and the private sector. Tens of thousands of netizens, for instance, posted on their social media to sign a petition in order to cancel this said event. Furthermore, organisations even came to step in. The Climate Reality Project spoke out on the wastefulness of the situation and how, to quote their spokesperson, ""Even if this will be done indoors, #DropBalloonDrop Cove Manila's balloon drop must be stopped. It is unsustainable, wasteful and ecologically apathetic. How about 130,000 rose petals or 130,000 leaves? Or growing 130,000 indigenous trees to offset your carbon emissions?" 

This really places into perspective the fine line between celebrations and environmental management. Considering how the Guinness World Records website no longer requires record managers to monitor attempts, this can be extremely harmful to the environment. In addition, incorporating more sustainable modes of festivities that can be reused for other events or even already upcycled materials could be taken into account. 

Cove Manila issued the following statement: Cove Manila's much-anticipated balloon drop is not a whimsical effort to just “play” with thousands of balloons. It is an earnest effort not only to make a new world record for the country, but also to demonstrate that we can have a lot of fun but still remain responsible. Firstly, the balloons are biodegradable. Secondly, the balloon drop has been planned with solid environmental management protocols in place to minimize, if not eliminate, any possible impact on the environment. And thirdly, we are recycling all the balloons and creatively turning them into something useful.

Even according to the Governmental Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this is simply not feasible on such large of a scale. Recycling, as is in the aforementioned context, can be an excuse for environmental detriments, and furthermore, doesn't have many alternatives for it to be recycled to. In regards to the Philippines' already tragic plastic pollution crisis, where the instance of turtles being choked to death on scraps is not unusual, extra precautions should be noted of. 

As a result, the DENR, along with public pressure, has recommended the Cove Manila to halt this event, which it has followed. This situation can be applied to many scenarios, regarding culture and the environment, and how there has to be a fine balance between such. Many conflicts arise, especially in celebrations like these. However, one must consider how that in the future, without proper protection of the environment, such celebrations may not even be able to occur.