The Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the prides of Pampanga. Usually held at the 3rd week of February, it is truly a weekend of everything that flies!
The event was formally opened on February 22 on ended on the 24th. Every morning, the skies were filled with different colors as numerous hot air balloons flew up the sky. We were blessed enough to maximize the experience when we went there on Saturday. The weather was better compared to the previous day when it rained nonstop. I availed of the package of Tuesday Tours and Travel worth P845/pax including van transfers from Trinoma and ticket to the festival. The trip to Pampanga took about 2 hours and we were there to see UFO Light Flyers and we also got a good spot near the fence.
At 6:20, four skydivers jumped from 4,000 feet altitude and one of them was carrying the national flag that was four times the size of a regular car. Halfway on his fall, the National Anthem was played and to be fair, it was the best anthem I ever sang. Next was the Balloon Flight joined by 16 hoit air balloons from different countries. The Philippine Airlines balloon was the "hare balloon" that others had to follow. The balloon that would land closest to it would be declared the winner.
The sight of the balloons being inflated and flying was really spectacular! They were really huge, colorful and the unique shapes were entertaining as well. The best one was the bouquet of tulip from Europe.
After the last balloon had flown, the Paragliding Exhibition and Stearman Air Show followed. The latter consisted of 7 jets doing tricks that really amazed the audience.
We had to leave before 10am to go to the Zoobic Safari. While waiting for the time to pass, we also went to different stalls of food, souvenirs and corporate sponsors.
Tickets are sold for only P250, available online or on the gate of the festival. It entitles you for an all day pass so be sure to bring tents, foods, and cameras.
