On February 9, before dawn breaks, my boys and I are heading to Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to witness the 17th Philippine International Hotair Balloon Fiesta. We intended to go the previous years but our busy schedules did not permit it. This time around we will make sure to squeeze this in, even if it means we have to work on our usual rest day. This year’s hot air balloon festival is happening on February 9 to 12, 2012.
Our homeschooler is looking forward to witness this 17th Philipppine International Hotair Balloon Festival. It will also serve as our next field trip as a homeschooling family. The closest he got to a hotair balloon was the one from Hongkong Science Museum, which he read a lot on. I can only imagine how he’d be so amazed with all those varied shapes and sizes of hotair balloons on February 9. Here’s praying that the weather will be perfect enough for all those flying contraptions to have a smashing time gliding across the skies.
Transport and trainer planes, ultra-light aircraft and helicopters, some of which will be conducting a series of fly-bys are joining the colorful and uniquely designed hot air balloons that will be dominating the skies of Central Luzon. All for the spectators delight. This year’s major attraction will be a US Air Force F-16 doing flight demonstrations. Captain Meynard Halili will spear head the thrilling aerobatics show that will also be staged by ace pilots from the foreign countries.
special shaped hot air balloons from previous year
We’re especially thrilled to witness the special-shaped hot air balloons, which include a car-shaped cutie from Germany, a daisy flower, ice cream cone, and a birthday cake from the United States, “Iwi the Kiwi” from New Zealand and several other regularly shaped huge “flying bubbles” will take the center stage of the festivities.
The 17th Philippine International Hotair Balloon Fiesta sponsors include Caltex, Hotdog on Sticks, Rudy Project, SM City Clark, Global Gateaway Logistics Corp., UPS, Krukspec, Isuzu Philippines, Crayola, Sunkist, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ROX Recreational Outdoor Exchange, Yellow Cab Pizza, Close Up, Alveoland, Department of Tourism, Fontana and Air Asia.
Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Tel. (02) 384.0085
Website: www.philballoonfest.net
