Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Photo Credit: @pinay
It's February and once again the Philippines will celebrate the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Omni Aviation Complex, Clarkfield, Pampanga from February 8 - 11, 2018. It is going to be another "Weekend of Everything that Flies."

A little over nine years ago, I never failed to attend this amazing festival for FREE! LOL! Yes, the entrance fee then was P300/head (USD6 bucks). This year I understand the fee is now at P500/head (USD10 bucks).



Photo Credit: @pinay
Why free? Well, the aviation company I worked for was and is still currently located right smack at the center of the festival venue. Lucky, lucky me!

This annual fiesta is a jampacked gathering of aviation enthusiasts and spectators from all walks of life and from far and wide. Local and foreign tourists from nearby cities and provinces all troop to enjoy and experience this exciting aerial event.







Photo Credits: www.philballoonfest.net
There are at least 15 foreign and a few local multi colored hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes. Depending on the weather and wind conditions, these balloons take off one by one from four to five o'clock every morning during the four day fiesta. And, they come back to roost at around 5 to 6 PM. What a sight to see!

A Weekend of Everything that Flies

For the money-ed people, USD300/head is what it takes to go fly in a hot air balloon. The fiesta is not all about hot air balloons. It's all about everything and anything that flies. That is from kites to fighter jets in a nut shell.



Photo Credit: www.omniaviation.com
Aviators from the Philippines and from all over the world fly-in to participate in the festivities and contests. Local flying schools also join-in.

There are also several Ultralight aircraft participants who charge a fee for those daring who want to take to the sky.

Then you have an array of both military and private sky divers in their colorful parachutes gliding down to earth.


Captain Meynard Halili Practicing for His Aerobatic Performance
(Filmed by Jerome Lauron)

Mr. Bill Wright Flying His RV-4
(Filmed by tonetriv)
Breath taking and suspenseful aerial aerobatics performed by local pilots keep the spectators on their toes with loud shouts of Woooawh... in unison.

Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets and other air assets do fly-bys from time to time.

In the afternoons, you'd see kite flying as well as Radio Controlled aircraft contests.



Photo Credit: https://en.m.wikipedia.org
A new addition would be DRONE flying. Other ground activities include hopping and shopping around a flee market and enjoy good dining in a food court with several food stalls.

There is also an area housing sales and marketing booths highlighting mostly aviation products and aeronautical schools.

Yes my friends, go see for yourself. Take a flight in a balloon or on an ultra-lite. It's an experience you'll never forget. It may be your one and only chance to "touch" the sky.