Now on its 19th year, the hot-air balloon festival in Clark, Pampanga is one of the much-anticipated events in the country. The festival is dubbed as the biggest gathering of local and foreign aviators performing different sorts of aerial activities aside from the main highlight of the festival which is the hot-air balloon flying. In lieu with the coming festival, which will be held from February to 12th to 15th, here are the scheduled activities during this 4-day event.
On the first day as well as the second to the fourth day, the day will start with an RC UFO flying. Before the actual balloon flight, there will be a skydiving and after that, a motorized paragliding exhibition. Around 9am, the activities will continue with a microlight aircraft formation flights with flour bombing. A car drifting show is also included. Other aircraft shows to follow are fly-bys and aerobatic maneuvers, RC aerobatics show, and tandem sky jump. By 11am, a light aircraft balloon bursting competition will begin. This is an activity that will occur from the first to the fourth day of the festival. Aside from more aerobatic shows and aircraft demonstration, there will be a kite flying exhibition and rocketry in the afternoon.
On the second day, almost the same set of activities will be witnessed. This time, however, there will be new sets of riders and pilots. For instance, an aerobatic glider flight and RC jet turbine model aircraft demonstration.
On the third day, which will fall on February 14th (Valentine’s Day), there will be a concert around 6pm and before the Night Glow starts. Night Glow is an activity wherein all hot-air balloons will be lit while on the field. Nonetheless, other activities to watch out for are helicopter flight display, paragliding tow exhibition and rescue demonstration courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard. That is, apart from the usual aerobatics shows and skydiving exhibitions.
On the last day, other than the staples of the event (aircraft formation flight, aerobatic show, skydiving exhibition, fly-bys, aircraft demonstration, etc.), there will be a hell demonstration, again, to be performed by the Coast Guards. On the evening, the 2nd Night Glow will occur. This will be capped off by a grand fireworks display.
From the first to the fourth day, hot-air balloon fly-in will start at 5pm after the motorized paragliding exhibition.
Spectators are welcome to experience the activities. You may purchase a paragliding ticket for $100, an airplane ride ticket for $120, a balloon ride ticket for $300 and tandem skydive for $400 each per participant. A general entrance ticket is available for Php300 valid for only 1 person for 1 day. The organizers are also offering a VIP ticket inclusive of priority entrance, afternoon tea, and lounge access. Tickets are available online. Children 3ft and below will be admitted free of charge.
Indeed, this will be a weekend of everything that flies. Bring your friends with you and marvel at the magnificence of hot-air balloons in the sky. This is a once in a lifetime event where you can witness various flying activities in one place. Surely, this will be a weekend filled with adventure and fun!
About the Author : Jeric is a
Filipino guest poster that is currently working as a copywriter in Optimind
Technology Solutions, a digital marketing agency that provide services
including SEO, web design, Facebook and mobile app development.
