Prepare for takeoff! The much-awaited Hot Air Balloon Festival of Clark, Pampanga, is spreading its wings to the Bicol region, landing in Legazpi City, Albay province, for “A Weekend of Everything Flies” from May 3 to 5, Friday to Sunday, at the former Legazpi airport.
Set against the scenic and breathtaking backdrop of the Mayon Volcano, this balloon festival will showcase different hot air balloon airshows, including Brazil’s Bidu and the UK’s Bella and Buster (featuring different dog designs), USA’s Party Balloon, UK’s Dyno (a dinosaur), and Belgium’s Princess Nelly (an elephant), among others.
For the schedule of the activities, see:
Adding to the excitement, the Global Stars aerobatic team will dazzle the visitors with aircraft stunts, complete with daytime smoke trails and nighttime pyrotechnics. Attendees can also look forward to mesmerizing drone light shows, spectacular fireworks displays, and the captivating “Night Glow,” where illuminated hot air balloons dance to synchronized music against the dark sky.
The event will also feature exhibitions showcasing paramotors, kites, FPV drones, ultralight planes, and car drifters. The show will not be complete without satisfying your cravings with Bicol cuisine and authentic products available at the “Fly Market” and its food stalls.
While admission to the festival is free, it’s recommended to book tickets online in advance for those interested in experiencing different sky rides such as hot air balloon flights for PHP20,000 per person, tethered rides for PHP500 per person, tandem paragliding for PHP20,000 per person, and tandem skydiving for PHP25,000 per person, as slots are limited.
Organized by the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival has been a staple event in Clark and New Clark City, Tarlac, for the past three decades. To book your tickets, you can visit their official website at www.balloonfiesta.ph.
