Strong winds prevented the hot air balloons from taking off on day one of the Bicol Loco festival, prompting spectators in the area to pray for better weather conditions this weekend.
“The wind is too strong. I don’t think we can fly today (Friday), but we tether and let everybody experience seeing the balloons. It’s too strong,” event director Captain Joy Roa of Air Safari told The Manila Standard.
Roa explained that gustiness affects flight conditions for the hot air balloons. It is critical to have just the right level of wind strength and speed for the hot air balloons to fly.
“As you can see, it’s falling… Can you imagine when they fly? How will it be? It should be straight up,” Roa explained.
Though a bit disappointed, Bicolanos were still hopeful they would witness the spectacular event. At least 17 hot air balloons were prepared for the inaugural Bicol Loco fest in Legazpi City, Albay.
“We’re doing, we’re trying our best to let everybody experience the hot air balloons,” Roa said. He noted that they will attempt to make the hot air balloons fly again this Saturday morning.
Roa mentioned that the best times of the day to make the hot air balloons fly is either in the early hours of the morning or some time in the evening, when the wind is not that strong.
“The wind gets stronger as it gets late,” Roa said. While he understands the disappointment of some people who got excited on Day 1 of the Bicol Loco festival, he noted “such is life… nothing is perfect.”
Bicolanos were still hopeful they would be able to witness hot air balloons fill the skies of Albay with the majestic Mayon Volcano in the backdrop.
To keep the crowd still entertained, flying exhibitions, skydiving, paramotors, ultralight planes and drones were released by event organizers on Friday.
The three-day Bicol Loco festival also came with a series of concerts at the open runway of the Old Legazpi Airport. The space could accommodate only 25,000 audience members.
To ensure safety and security, the Bicol Police Regional Office deployed at least 1,404 personnel in the venue. Bicol Loco is part of the Albay province’s month long Magayon Festival this May.