The inaugural Bicol Loco Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival concluded over the weekend with an electrifying concert headlined by rockstar Ely Buendia of Eraserheads and singer-actor Jericho Rosales that drew 85,000 at the Old Legazpi Airport in Legazpi City, Albay.
The event featured 17 hot air balloons in flight, skydiving exhibitions, and airplane stunts on a warm Sunday with the majestic Mayon volcano in the background, which captivated domestic and international tourists.
The three-day festival was organized by Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co in collaboration with Asian Air Safari and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Co was present throughout the activities. He and his wife, Mylene, were also spotted enjoying the musical performances with their fellow Bicolanos.
Two lucky audience members also walked away with a house and lot worth P1.5 million each, motorcycle and cash as raffle prizes after the concert on Saturday evening. Fireworks also delighted the crowd.
With the success of the events, Co plans to hold the festival again next year and in succeeding years. “It was a breathtaking sight to see colorful balloons dotting the horizon, each one dancing in the sky as if celebrating the vibrant spirit of Bicol,” he said in one of his recent Facebook posts.
“Couldn’t have asked for a more picturesque day filled with music, laughter, and spectacular aerial views. Here’s to more adventures that lift us up!” the party-list lawmaker added.