Amanda Virrey
Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2016
It has been a fun and energetic day at the 20th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2016 at Clark, Pampanga.
Everything that flies was indeed seen high and mighty up on the sky the whole first day of the event. There were aerobatic exhibitions of various aircrafts, skydiving, paragliding, remote control aircraft, kite flying, and of course, hot air balloon fly-in.
On ground were a grand fair of exhibits, activities, treats and food, participated by the country’s leading names in different industries.
The Air Force Reserve was there to present their cause and honors, as well as recruit new officers; the Philippine Search and Rescue Team had a simulation display of their standard operational procedures; Jeepney TV offered free printed photos for every photo-op in their booth; Camiguin Aviation presented their services, as well as their cute yellow aircraft; aviation schools showcased their specialties; and many more.
Visitors had a blast fitting into helicopters and double engine aircrafts that were on display along with small fighter planes and race cars.
The food fare streamed with all-time Filipino meals of meat with rice and eggs, carinderia treats, small-scaled fast food chains, donuts, ice creams, shawarmas, steamed dumplings, and assorted deep-fried favorites like fish-balls, squid balls and fried chicken.
Yet there were a few healthy food booths; only those that were selling delicacies made with Carabao milk, buko shake and fresh fruit shakes.
Good thing that food brought in from outside (or packed at home) were allowed inside. This even made for a perfect picnic with the view of the amazing aerobatics amid clear blue skies.
Kites that were flown also gave an attraction during the event, as visitors brought and bought their kites to play with the smooth wind blowing. Kids flying their own kites felt empowered, as they were able to feel and maneuver the kite moving with the wind on their own.
Later in the day, the much-awaited hot air balloons flew for the second and last time, giving late arrivals a culminating show in the evening. Live music were afterward performed by popular local musicians at the main stage.
Famous musicians are expected to perform on Saturday, February 13 for the pre-Valentine’s concert called, Love Is In the Air, a day before the festival’s last day, which is on Valentine’s Day, February 14 on Sunday.
Camiguin Aviation – Aerial Tour from [email protected] on Vimeo.
Helpful Info:
- Day Pass tickets cost 350php per person.
- There’s a Clark multi-cab stationed at the Dau Bus Terminal that brings passengers straight to the event venue. It costs 50php per person.
- There is free flowing mineral water supplied by Clark Manila Water Company.
- Hats and umbrellas are necessary to provide shade from the sun.
- There are portable toilets everywhere, but no sink to wash hands in. Better bring a hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol along.
- There is no good variety of vegetarian food. It is advised for vegetarians and vegan to bring their own food.
