TO last for two decades is
not a small fete for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
(PIHABF), staged annually in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. This year—amidst rumors
that it could be the last—the festival successfully staged its 21st edition
thanks to the undying efforts and belief of its organizers.
From February 9 to 12, PIHABF
showcased 31 hot air balloons in all shapes and shades from 14 participating
countries from around the globe. The four-day event also welcomed about 100,000
local and foreign festivalgoers who enjoyed other aerial shows like formation
flying, radio-controlled aircraft flying, paragliding, and skydiving, as well
as dozens of on-ground activities like dance and song performances, and going
around exhibit and food stalls.
Traveling Journo Ph was present
at opening day, which saw the attendance of Capt. Joy Roa, event director and
head of the PIHABF organizing committee, and Tourism Undersecretary Kat de
Castro who both expressed optimism on the continued success of the world-class
festival.
All this only show that our
very own hot air balloon festival will continue to soar to greater heights in
the coming years.
For now, let’s relish the 2017
PIHABF in photos:
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| From lift off, the giant balloons then soar high in the sky |
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| In the last 20 years, the festival has lured foreign guests to showcase their balloon piloting expertise |
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| On the other hand, locals also attend to give guest pilots a helping hand |
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| This Philippine flag hot air balloon was the “first bird” to “fly” to officially open the festival |
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| The Belgian pilot who showcased his love for ‘Star Wars’ at the 2017 PIHABF |
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| Thus, this gigantic Master Yoda balloon surely made a rather smug scene at the festival |
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| Other balloons took the form of a Swiss chalet and the iconic Coke bottle |
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| And who would miss this brightly-colored yet sad-looking clown! |
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| Also spotted was Sonic the Hedgehog |
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| Overall, this year’s PIHABF did not disappoint in terms of hot air balloon showcase |
(TEXT AND PHOTOS: ©EUDENVALDEZ)
Euden Valdez
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