Hot air balloons take flight in Clark, Pampanga until weekend

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (Facebook photo)

MANILA — As long as the winds don’t interfere, over 30 hot air balloons participating from all over the world will take to skies over Clark, Pampanga just in time for this Valentine’s weekend.

From Thursday to Sunday (Feb 12 to 15), these hot air balloons among many other sport aviation activities will amuse audiences once again as part of the annual 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

Organized by the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), the fiesta is also known as “A Weekend of Everything that Flies.”

The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta began as a passion project and has now evolved into the longest-running sports aviation event in Asia.

It aims to instill discipline in participating young pilots and be an opportunity to share and exchange cultures and traditions with visiting pilots from all over the world.

According to the PIHABF, guests can expect visual spectacles such as skydiving, paragliding, kite flying exhibitions, aerobatic and jet shows, among many other aviation activities to feast their eyes on.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is also set to present a rescue demonstration during the third day of the much-awaited fiesta while a Valentine’s Day concert will also be held on the same day.

A set of Aviation Awards will also be given to those people who exemplify the highest standards of flying and service or have made outstanding contributions to Philippine air transportation system and the people they serve.

Among the awards up for grabs include Fixed Wing Pilot of the Year, Helicopter Pilot of the Year, Flight Instructor of the Year, Female Pilot of the Year, CAAP Check Pilot of the Year, CAAP Controller of the Year, and Aircraft Mechanic of the Year.

PIHABF will also be announcing winners in this year’s Miss Aviation beauty pageant that aims to inspire the youth to explore a career in aviation and support tourism in the country.