21st Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival
I was so eager to attend the fiesta when I learned that this year will be the last year. The 21st Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival is a 4-day event of hot air balloon presentations, aerobatic exhibitions, formation flying to radio-controlled aircraft, paragliding, skydiving, and dozens of on-ground activities. A total hot air balloon fiesta as described and marketed. So, together with my friends, a brother, and a cousin, we went to witness the so-called “A Weekend of Everything that Flies”.
From Cubao, Quezon City, we ride a Five Star bus to Dau, Pampanga, paid a tricycle ride worth Php100 per person to arrive at the main gate of Clark, walked approximately 500 meters towards the entrance of the ground, fell in line for 30 minutes, waited for 1 hour and witnessed a 45-minute depressing show. Out of 20+ balloons, only 7 or 8 flew as far as I could remember. The rest were just decorations on the ground. I was expecting that all of the balloons will fly simultaneously but it did not happen due to the weather condition as they announced. It was sad that I expected a lot from the event and I believe I was not the only one who felt the same. Anyway, I did good shots of the balloons and the sunrise in Pampanga was astonishing so it lessened my displeasure.
Sunrise at Clark, Pampanga.
Our very own Philippine Hot Air Balloon.
Balloon Pinching.
Hot Air Balloons getting prepared for flying.
So far, this is one of the most crowded events I have attended and I was not really disappointed, I mean totally, I was just saddened of the poor organization of the event. From the event logistics and the event turn-out. A lot of people were also dismayed by it. I think the organizers can improve the next year’s balloon fiesta if there is any. I still want to attend the next year, though.
Average of 20,000 people joined the crowd daily.
How much damage did it cost?
Event Ticket – Php 370 (Php350 + Php20 Admin fee for Ticketnet)
Five Star Bus to Marquee Mall – Php 129
Tricycle to Clark Main Gate – Php 100
Jeepney from Clark Main Gate to SM Clark – Php 8
Lunch – Php 145
Jeepney to Dau Bus Terminal – Php 8
Victory Liner Bus to Cubao Terminal – Php 139
Total: Php 899 (Not that bad)
See you next year! 🙂
March 24, 2017 @ 5:15 am
Aren’t hot air ballon just the best? We have a yearly festival of sorts near where i live and I like to go .. not to ride in on necessarily .. but instead to see the beautiful colors. There’s just something peaceful about being one floating off into the night sky
March 24, 2017 @ 10:30 am
The best thing about it is that they float peacefully into the sky.
April 27, 2017 @ 8:46 pm
We have a hot air balloon festival every year in Plano Texas! They look so peaceful and beautiful as they float up up and away. I didn’t know they did this in the Philippines. Gorgeous photos.
April 27, 2017 @ 10:14 pm
I have never been to a hot air balloon festival. It seems like it would be something to see! I am not sure that I would have enough courage to ride in one, though. I am not a big risk-taker! Haha!
April 28, 2017 @ 12:21 am
We use to have a hot air balloon festival in my home town years ago. I remember the since to excite we use to have when mom would take us to go see the balloons take off.
April 28, 2017 @ 12:51 am
How fun! That’s awesome to see all the hot air balloons lined up and ready for action. I have never been on one but I hear the view is absolutely amazing once you get up there!
April 28, 2017 @ 2:28 am
What a wonderful adventure. Sounds like so much fun. I would really enjoy being there. Your photos are beautiful.
April 28, 2017 @ 3:58 am
These are all such gorgeous balloons. I’d love to attend a festival like this. I’ll have to see if my area has anything.
April 28, 2017 @ 6:07 am
This looks like such a fun experience. If I was in that area, I would love to visit this festival too. My family has never been on a hot air balloon but it’s something that we would enjoy for sure. I don’t think we’ve ever even seen a hot air balloon in person.
April 28, 2017 @ 8:44 am
OMG this is totally on my bucket list to a hot air balloon ride. It looks so serene and majestic.
May 1, 2017 @ 2:21 pm
This is absolutely amazing! It looks so whimsical I wish I was there. I have never been in a hot air balloon but I would definitely love to do this and its on my bucketlist.
May 3, 2017 @ 11:29 am
Both of my kids have recently been very curious in Hot Air Balloons. We are hoping to visit a hot air balloon festival soon. I know they will love it. They are simply beautiful to look at.