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7 Things to Know About the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2018
Expect nonstop highs during this soaring weekend at Clark, Pampanga.
By: Corabelle Guevarra | February 03, 2018
These hot air balloons are ready to fly while spectators look in awe at these amazing giants.
Image by Writer
With over two decades as one of the most anticipated events in Clark, Pampanga, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PHABF) will once again take place this February 8 to 11, 2018.
The annual festival is the longest-running sports aviation event in Asia. It gathers aviators and audiences from different places, not only in the Philippines, but the rest of the world.
For this year, a lot of new and exciting activities are lined up; regular attendees and first-timers alike have plenty to anticipate. Here’s a glimpse on what to expect during the event as well as some tips for you to enjoy the four-day fiesta.
1. The Venue and How to Get There
There are ample parking areas in the venue; however, come early to get a spot near the gates.
Image: Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook Page
Every year, the PHABF is held in Clark, Pampanga, at the open field of the Omni Aviation Complex. It can be accessed by land via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) for those coming from Metro Manila, or via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) for those coming from the north and west of Luzon. International guests can come via the Clark International Airport.
Public transportation to the venue from the jeepney terminal at the Clark main gate is also available. There will also be parking areas for visitors with private cars, but it is advisable to come early to secure a parking slot near the entrances. Gates open at 4:00 am.
2. Ticket Prices
This is the air-conditioned lounge for the VIP pass holders.
Image: Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook Page
Meanwhile, attendees who can afford a VIP pass, which costs PhP6,000, will get to enjoy perks during the event. It includes priority entrance to the fiesta, complimentary use of the Balloon Launch Patio, access to the air-conditioned lounge and toilet, breakfast and lunch buffet, and an afternoon high tea.
3. An Array of Aerial Shows
Aerial exhibitions like this are scheduled throughout the day to add to your enjoyment in the fiesta.
Image: Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook Page
If wind conditions are favorable, the hot air balloons will lift off at around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM. Various aerial shows are also scheduled throughout the day. You’ll get to see pilots showcase their skills as they maneuver their airplanes in choreographed routines.
You can also catch the exhibitions of paragliders and skydivers as they fall creatively from the sky. Radio-controlled aircrafts and dancing kites will also get their “airtime” within the day. By 5:00 PM, hot air balloons will again be exhibited, and will fly if wind conditions are favorable. If the weather continues to be good, the hot air balloons will light up the evening sky with the Night Glow show.
4. On-the-Ground Activities
Booths and stalls of various activities, food items and souvenirs are available on the venue.
Image: Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook Page
Besides the air shows and displays, lots of activities on land will also keep you entertained. There is an archery booth where you can try your bow and arrow skills. Zoocobia also has its own booth where you can take selfies with the animals. You can also make use of the open ground to relive your childhood memories of kite flying. There will also be live on-stage shows to entertain the audience.
Food trucks are also available for your whole-day munching, while souvenir items are available at the shopping stalls. You can also try your luck with the different raffles and contests at the exhibitors’ booths. Grounds close at 8:00 PM.
5. The Once-in-a-Lifetime Rides
This modern paraglider is made for carrying two persons. You can ride this at the fiesta with an experienced paraglider.
Image: Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook Page
This is also the chance for you to tick a few things off your bucket list. You can experience flying in a hot air balloon or in a Cessna plane. If you are the adventurous and thrill seeker type, you might want to try tandem paragliding and tandem skydiving.
A hot air balloon ride costs USD350 (approximately PhP18,000) per person; both the Cessna plane ride and tandem paragliding cost USD150 each (approximately PhP7,710) per person, while tandem skydiving is at USD400 (approximately PhP20,570). Take note that all these ride tickets do not cover the PhP500 general admission entrance fee.
6. Photographers’ Haven
The hot air balloon fiesta is a great venue for professional photographers and hobbyists to take amazing shots.
Image by Writer
In this event, you can take as many photos as you want! Professional and amateur photographers head out to the PHABF for a shoot fest to add wonderful photos in their portfolio. The morning and afternoon schedules of the hot air balloon flights are the best time to capture that perfect shot. You can catch all the action by getting a photographer’s pass so you can be at the launch area during the take-off.
Wedding photographers are also welcome as pre-nuptial photoshoots are allowed at the vicinity. You can coordinate with the organizers to get a ramp pass that will bring you closer and have a better shot with the hot air balloons as the background.
7. Safety and Security
It’s a day to relax, unwind and have fun at the PHABF 2018. Just follow the event policies to enjoy your day completely.
Image by Writer
While you want your overall experience at the PHABF to be fun and memorable, it is of course necessary to put your safety and security first. You don’t want to spoil your day, so here are some reminders. The venue is an open field area, so bring something to protect you from the sun or from the rain, just in case. It is also advisable to wear casual, comfortable clothing and shoes that will let you move and enjoy entire days of action-packed fun.
Also, follow the rules and regulations of the event. Drones and hoverboards are not allowed. You also cannot bring monobloc tables and chairs. Finally, it is important to always be mindful and considerate of others as well as your surroundings.
Now that you know everything to know about PHABF, are you excited? On February 8 to 11, 2018, visit Clark, Pampanga with your family and friends to witness the 4-day non-stop flying action.
How are you going to prepare for the event? Let us know in the comments section below!
Unless where stated, the photos in this article were taken from the official Facebook page of Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
About Corabelle Guevarra
Corabelle, outside her full-time job as a Digital Marketing Manager in Clark, she still makes time for her hobbies, be with her family and friends, travel, and work on a side business. Someday she wishes to fulfill her travel goals by being able to visit all the beautiful islands of the Philippines and see the sights of the different countries in Asia and the world. Just like anyone who has that wanderlust gene, Corabelle’s mantra is: “work, save, travel… repeat.”
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