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Friday, February 10, 2012

Fly High at Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012




The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is held annually at Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga. It features multicolored hotair balloons and is considered the biggest aviation sports event in the Philippines. 

I've been to this event twice already and I'd say each time was fun and exciting. I love seeing the balloons being inflated and taking off in the  beautiful February dusk. This event is definitely a good bonding experience to be shared with  friends and family. It also is a sure hit for photography enthusiasts.
Below are helpful information detailing the schedule of activities, how to get there, what to bring,  fast facts about the event and other activities that can be done while in Pampanga. 

Schedule of Activities:
Feb 11 SaturdayThird Fiesta Day
5.00-5.45 amPhilippine Flag jump
5.45-7.00 amHot Air Balloon Flights
7.00-7.30 amRP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition
7.30-8.00 amACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
8.00-8.30 amTandem Skydiving exhibition
8.30-9.00 amTurbine RC flying display 
9.00-9.45 am Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
9.45-10.30 amHelicopter flight display
10.30-11.00 amPhilippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration 
11.00-12.00 am PT13 Stearman /  AOPA-P Flyby
12.00-12.30 pmWCC / Aviatour / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / flyby
12.30-1.00 pmRadio-Controlled model aircraft demonstration
1.00-1.30 pmWinch-launched German aerobatic glider flight
1.30-2.00 pmKAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration
2.00-2.45 pm AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
2.45-3.15 pmSkydiving Exhibition
3.15-3.45 pmCIAC Fire-fighting demonstration
3.45-4.30 pm Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
4.00-4.30 pmACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
4.30-5.00 pmFEATI/Philsca Rocketry Demonstration
5.00-5.30 pm RP/Malaysian/Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
5.30-6.00 pm Hot Air Balloon Night Glow


Feb 12 SundayFourth Fiesta Day
5.20-5.30 amPhilippine Flag jump
5.30-7.00 amHot Air Balloon Flight
7.00-7.30 amRP / Malaysian / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
7.30-8.00 amACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
8.00-8.30 amTandem Skydiving Exhibition
8.30-9.15 amMeynard Halili / Aerobatic Show
9.15-10.00 amCoast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo
10.00-11.00 amWings Over Asia / AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition 
11.00-12.00 nn CIAC Fire-Fighting Demonstration
12.00-12.30 nnRadio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
12.30-1.00 pmCar Drifting demonstration
1.00-1.30 pmPT13/ WCC / Aviatour / Omni / Leading Edge/ Airlink flyby
1.30-2.30 pmKAP / KTP Flying Exhibition
3:00-3:30pmAFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition
3.30-4.00 pmACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights 
4.00-4.15 pmPT13 Stearman fly by
4.15-5.00 pmMeynard Halili aerobatic Show  
5.00-5.30 pm RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibition
5:30- 7:30 pm Hot Air Balloon Night Glow And Fireworks




What to bring:
  • Camera
  • Tripod
  • Umbrella/hat
  • Sunblock
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • comfortable footwear


How to get there:

By Car

OPTION 1:  NLEX DAU EXIT
  • Take the North Luzon Expressway and exit at Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga.
  • Make a left turn after the exit off-ramp, heading towards Angeles City
  • Take another left at the t-intersection past the bus terminals
  • Follow MacArthur Highway southbound, then make a right to enter Clark Special Economic zone. This is right after the entrance to SM City Clark.
  • Enter thru the main gate and follow M.A. Roxas highway until you see the fiesta grounds on your right.
OPTION 2: SCTEX 
  • Take the North Luzon Expressway and continue into the SCTEX.
  • Take the southbound SCTEX lane toward Subic/Olongapo
  • Use the next exit, "Clark South Exit"
  • Turn right after the toll booth
  • Take another right when you reach NAIA Gateway Ave, near the GCLC fountain
  • Follow this road until you reach the main highway (M.A. Roxas) and take a right
  • The fiesta grounds will be on your right.

By Bus

OPTION 1
  • Victory Liner or 5 Star (terminals located in Pasay and Cubao)
  • Take a north bound bus to Dau.
  • There are jeepneys and tricycles readily available by the highway that will bring you to Clark Main gate
  • At the Clark main gate, you can choose to ride another jeepney or a taxi going to the event site
OPTION 2
  • Philtranco (bus stop at the back of SM Megamall and terminal in Pasay)
  • Philtranco has a direct bus trip to Clark/DMIA. 

By Air

There are 5 airline companies offering plane rides going to Clark


Fast Facts:
  • Entrance Fee P200 is whole day consumable.
  • Entrance tickets can be bought at  SM Ticketnet Outlet, or at ROX Bonifacio Global City and ROX Marquee Mall Clark.
  • Be at the site as early as 5am to catch the balloons early morning take of. 
  • Be sure to catch the Night Glow. 
  • There are food stalls and souvenir shops around so bring extra cash.
  • Riding the balloon is for $200 per person, but on a fist-come-fist -serve-basis. 



Other activities to do while in Clark:
  • Food trip Pampanga and experience Kampampangan dishes.
  • Visit churches around Pampanga.
  • Go to the neighboring destination-- Subic!
  • Experience Tree Top Adventure. 

You guys enjoy!!!


2 comments:

  1. We missed the flying balloons on Sunday coz we're late. :(

    Next time we'll be there very early na or stay overnight near the venue. :) Ang cute pala ng cow barn na balloon. :)

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