The 18th PHILIPPINE INTL HOT-AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL (PIHABF), which was pioneered by the Department of Tourism in 1994 before it was turned over to the current organizers in 1998, will now be held on Feb. 21 – 24, 2013, Thurs - Sun, this time at Omni Aviation Complex (flying school), Clark, Pampanga.
This internationally renowned event is an annual encounter of some 20 - 25 foreign balloon pilots from all over the world engaging themselves in a wholesome aerial competition known worldwide as the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology.
Its Humble Beginning:
It was initiated in 1994 by the Department of Tourism during the reign of former Secretary Mina Gabor as a motivation for our fellowmen in Central Luzon to rise above themselves and be hopeful of the region's bright prospects some three years after the Mt. Pinatubo catastrophe. The event was successfully run by the collective effort of tourism players and stakeholders in the industry all from Clark Development Corporation (Tourism Promotions Office), Angeles City Tourism Office, Philippine Air Force (600th Air Base Wing), Angeles City Four Wheelers Club, Unetcom - led only by the DOT Region III office. Its meager income then was utilized to cover local costs of operation (entrance fee then was only P10!). The parade ground was the initial venue, later moved to Omni Aviation due to increasing number of participants. The first four years of competition was run by two gentlemen from the ballooning community: Mr. Sung Kee Paik from Korea and John Emery, general manager of British Airways. Later on, DOT decided to turn it over to Capt. Joy Roa of Air Ads, Inc.
Flight Schedule:
As a reminder, one needs to be there as early as 5:00 in the morning to catch the daily morning fly-out. Remember that hot - air balloons fly early when the wind velocity is slow enough to let them soar! Not to worry though if one misses the flight. A series of aerosporting events await the unlucky ones. Just treat yourself to these equally exciting aerial shows on the ground from 9:00 a.m. to about 5:00 p.m. like skydiving, paragliding, aerobatics, ultralight flights, RC aircraft displays, professional kite exhibitions and more!
Here's more!
On Saturday and Sunday at around 5:30 p.m. and beyond, the balloonists will do a spectacular show called NIGHT GLOW.This is when the balloons remain on the ground and simultaneously inflate in the dark like blinking incandescent bulbs - to the tune of Gangnam - style music!
One can ride a balloon only after paying US$200 per person and after standing in line at the information booth at the venue.
Entrance fee has now been increased to P250 per head (adult or children). Tickets are available at any SM Ticketnet outlet, at ROX Bonifacio Global City, or at ROX Marquee Mall Clark.
How to get there:
If you want to avoid traffic at the main gate, you can enter thru SCTEX North, SCTEX South, or Friendship Gate whichever is convenient.
Those interested to set up a booth and sell their products or take school children on educational trips, please email PIHABF organizers at info@philballoonfest.net or call (63 2) 384 - 0085 or log on to www.philballoonfest.net.
Highlights of last year's event:
The 17th PIHABF was another fun-flying weekend for everyone. We had over 95,000 people that witnessed the 4-day event, which was highlighted by hot-air balloons coming from all over the world with no less than 18 traditional balloons, and 6 special shapes.
To keep everyone entertained on the ground, the event showcased several activities such as the Kids Activity Center, whole day kite shows, a fly market that housed almost 300 concessionaires and display booths. The aviation schools were of course present to help the young start a career in aviation.
The year 2012 saw the joint activity between the PAF and foreign visiting Air Forces from the U.S.A., Malaysia and Indonesia. The USAF flew in from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska and allowed visitors into their C17 Globemaster. This large Military Transport Aircraft, which is not commonly seen in our airfields, was on display while their brass band entertained the crowd with their music.
The Indonesians displayed their Air Force Maritime CN235 medium- range twin-engine transport plane and had a great time joining the pilot activities prepared by the event organizers.
We also had our very own AFP exhibit where all branches of the Armed Forces displayed their armaments, war machines and gear much to the delight of the crowd. This was one of the most popular photo spot in the event site.
BE THERE WHEN IT HAPPENS! A WEEKEND OF EVERYTHING THAT FLIES!
Emailcast by:
Department of Tourism - Region III (Central Luzon)
Paskuhan Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Phone: (63 45) 961-2612 / 5617 / 625-8525
Email: celtour@yahoo.com
Recipient (Best Ecotourism Project - Mt. Pinatubo): PATA Gold Intl Award 2001, Kalakbay Natl Award 2001, ASEANTA Intl Award 2002
Log on: www.visitmyphilippines.com
MORE THAN 200,000 ONLINE GUESTS VISIT THIS SITE EVERY MONTH. FIND OUT WHY!(Press release)
This internationally renowned event is an annual encounter of some 20 - 25 foreign balloon pilots from all over the world engaging themselves in a wholesome aerial competition known worldwide as the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology.
Its Humble Beginning:
It was initiated in 1994 by the Department of Tourism during the reign of former Secretary Mina Gabor as a motivation for our fellowmen in Central Luzon to rise above themselves and be hopeful of the region's bright prospects some three years after the Mt. Pinatubo catastrophe. The event was successfully run by the collective effort of tourism players and stakeholders in the industry all from Clark Development Corporation (Tourism Promotions Office), Angeles City Tourism Office, Philippine Air Force (600th Air Base Wing), Angeles City Four Wheelers Club, Unetcom - led only by the DOT Region III office. Its meager income then was utilized to cover local costs of operation (entrance fee then was only P10!). The parade ground was the initial venue, later moved to Omni Aviation due to increasing number of participants. The first four years of competition was run by two gentlemen from the ballooning community: Mr. Sung Kee Paik from Korea and John Emery, general manager of British Airways. Later on, DOT decided to turn it over to Capt. Joy Roa of Air Ads, Inc.
Flight Schedule:
As a reminder, one needs to be there as early as 5:00 in the morning to catch the daily morning fly-out. Remember that hot - air balloons fly early when the wind velocity is slow enough to let them soar! Not to worry though if one misses the flight. A series of aerosporting events await the unlucky ones. Just treat yourself to these equally exciting aerial shows on the ground from 9:00 a.m. to about 5:00 p.m. like skydiving, paragliding, aerobatics, ultralight flights, RC aircraft displays, professional kite exhibitions and more!
Here's more!
On Saturday and Sunday at around 5:30 p.m. and beyond, the balloonists will do a spectacular show called NIGHT GLOW.This is when the balloons remain on the ground and simultaneously inflate in the dark like blinking incandescent bulbs - to the tune of Gangnam - style music!
One can ride a balloon only after paying US$200 per person and after standing in line at the information booth at the venue.
Entrance fee has now been increased to P250 per head (adult or children). Tickets are available at any SM Ticketnet outlet, at ROX Bonifacio Global City, or at ROX Marquee Mall Clark.
How to get there:
If you want to avoid traffic at the main gate, you can enter thru SCTEX North, SCTEX South, or Friendship Gate whichever is convenient.
Those interested to set up a booth and sell their products or take school children on educational trips, please email PIHABF organizers at info@philballoonfest.net or call (63 2) 384 - 0085 or log on to www.philballoonfest.net.
Highlights of last year's event:
The 17th PIHABF was another fun-flying weekend for everyone. We had over 95,000 people that witnessed the 4-day event, which was highlighted by hot-air balloons coming from all over the world with no less than 18 traditional balloons, and 6 special shapes.
To keep everyone entertained on the ground, the event showcased several activities such as the Kids Activity Center, whole day kite shows, a fly market that housed almost 300 concessionaires and display booths. The aviation schools were of course present to help the young start a career in aviation.
The year 2012 saw the joint activity between the PAF and foreign visiting Air Forces from the U.S.A., Malaysia and Indonesia. The USAF flew in from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska and allowed visitors into their C17 Globemaster. This large Military Transport Aircraft, which is not commonly seen in our airfields, was on display while their brass band entertained the crowd with their music.
The Indonesians displayed their Air Force Maritime CN235 medium- range twin-engine transport plane and had a great time joining the pilot activities prepared by the event organizers.
We also had our very own AFP exhibit where all branches of the Armed Forces displayed their armaments, war machines and gear much to the delight of the crowd. This was one of the most popular photo spot in the event site.
BE THERE WHEN IT HAPPENS! A WEEKEND OF EVERYTHING THAT FLIES!
Emailcast by:
Department of Tourism - Region III (Central Luzon)
Paskuhan Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Phone: (63 45) 961-2612 / 5617 / 625-8525
Email: celtour@yahoo.com
Recipient (Best Ecotourism Project - Mt. Pinatubo): PATA Gold Intl Award 2001, Kalakbay Natl Award 2001, ASEANTA Intl Award 2002
Log on: www.visitmyphilippines.com
MORE THAN 200,000 ONLINE GUESTS VISIT THIS SITE EVERY MONTH. FIND OUT WHY!(Press release)
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