CLARK FREEPORT—Aerial exhibitions and hot air balloons filled the skies as the four-day festivities attracted more crowd on Saturday, coinciding with the Valentine’s Day celebrations.
CEO Arthur Tugade and Tourism Secretary
Jimenez engage in spirited discussion at the
festival’s opening. JESS MALABANAN
Aero-sports enthusiasts, display of military wares and other outdoor activities are lined up by the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival, organizers in this years’ ballooning, now a major tourism event at the Freeport.
The Shoe and Vincent Van Gogh balloons are among top favorites of spectators during the first day. The crowd wtook delight in such floaters as Old MacDonald’s Farm, Maximus the Beagle Dog, Burnie the Little Devil, Upside Down Balloon, Miss Daisy, Old Lady, Little Girl and Little Boy, Pink Elephant, and Octopus.
A total of 32 hot air balloons from countries are taking part in this years’ event being held at the Air Force City grounds.
Apart from hot air balloons, aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, powered paragliding, aviation formation, search and rescue flight demonstrations, and balloon bursting, among other aviation spectacles are currently showcase here.
Added attraction is car-drifting exhibition while Clark International Airport Corporation’ firefighting and safety will demonstrate its capability.
A free Valentines Concert courtesy of Jeepney TV was held on the 3rd night, Valentine’s Day. A fireworks display and nightglow culminates the four-day event the following evening.
This year activities, according to PIHABF organizers would be coupled with the launching of the search for Miss Aviation.