The 21st edition of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is happening on February 9-12, at the Clark Field, Pampanga. Once again, the skies over Pampanga and beyond will be filled with colorful hot air balloons, light aircraft, kites and paragliders – basically everything that flies.
Line Up of Activities
According to the festival’s website, the four-day fiesta which kicks off on February 9, Thursday, will offer a variety of fun activities that have to do with “Everything That Flies.” After the gates open as early as 5 a.m., participants can proceed to the Fly Fiesta and watch the hot air balloons launch. Only guests who purchased the hot air balloon ride tickets can enter the launch as well as those who purchased VIP Tickets. Other guests can watch outside the launch area and if weather permits, the balloons will launch as the sun is rising, perfect for photos.
After the balloons launch, other flying activities are lined up, such as aerobatic exhibitions of light aircraft, remote-controlled aircraft, paragliders, skydivers and even kites. Guests who purchase tickets for special activities such as paragliding and skydiving can enjoy an adrenaline rush.
Around 5 p.m., the balloons return to the grounds, which is another Instagram-worthy site. On February 11 and 12, the balloons will take part in Night Glow, where each of the balloons will light up the evening.
Ticket Prices, Where To Buy
Two types of tickets are available: General Admission tickets for PhP 350 per person and VIP Tickets for PhP 6,000 per person. General admission tickets allows guests to enter the venue and set up their preferred spot for watching the balloon launch and aerial shows. VIP tickets include exclusive access to the launch area, aircon lounge and toilets, two buffet meals and an afternoon snack. Tickets can be bought online via their online portal.
Separate tickets are available for hot air balloon rides, paragliding and skydiving activities.
How To Get There, What To Bring
The venue of the festival is Air Force City complex, along A. Bonifacio Highway, Clark Field, Pampanga. From Manila, it is only an hour’s drive away by private car via the North Luzon Expressway-Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. A quick search on Google Maps will also help.
There are designated parking areas for the festival, with a parking plan available online. Guests are advised to arrive as early as 5 a.m., when gates open. Gates close at 10 p.m. Food and drinks (except bottled drinks and alcoholic beverages) can be brought in, but guests have to manage their own garbage.
The website has an FAQ section for other questions guests may have about the festival so that they can come prepared and enjoy a “weekend of everything that flies.”