Hot Air Balloon Festival in Philippines

To see a real Hot Air Balloon.. .. This is just one of my childhood dreams that I didn't know will happen. I'm living in the Philippines and this stuffs are usually seen in only in the movies or in books or in the internet.

 I actually forgot about this dream of mine, I grew up and here comes college. I was studying Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management and during one of our class discussions our Professor, Miss Yolanda Montaces informed us that currently Philippines is hosting the one and only Hot Air Balloon Festival in Asia, and that is happening in Clark Pampanga, the country has been hosting it for quite some years ago but I think it was not advertised like the way it is now so only few people knows about it. Upon hearing the good news I got excited think of ways how to get there but because I'm still a poor student during that time I wasn't able to go to the Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Years passed and I graduated College. I was immediately employed in a travel agency located in Intramuros area. Part of my work is to develop new products or travel ideas for the company. This is the chance I've been waiting for a long time, the season for the hot Air Balloon Festival is coming so I made out a proposal for a tour on this Festival and luckily it was approved!

With months of preparation finally the Long wait is over. February 2012 arrived. I can still remember my excitement while I was travelling to the area where the event is about to take place. We arrived there at around 5:00 in the morning, it was very early but I am very much awake. We patiently waited at the viewing area, slowly the 4 by 4 jeeps arrive one by one carrying the things needed to set-up the balloons. 

Preparation for the Balloons

Balloon burners starting to light the area

The program officially started and from the background the National Anthem of the Philippines played. A plane got near to the event area and suddenly around five or more skydivers jump from it. We were surprised to see that one person is carrying a very huge flag of the Philippines. Seeing the flag being blown by the wind was very breath taking and it is a rare experience to have a Flag Ceremony of this kind.

The Flag of the Philippines

The most awaited moment finally came. The balloons are all prepared in the ground and slowly being inflated.

Balloons Preparing to Fly

I was expecting only the normal shaped balloons and to my surprise there are different shapes as well.

Mr. Sun

The flight of the balloons was like magic to me. I suddenly realize that one of my dreams finally came true and it's in front of me. I was like a little child who is enjoying a balloon but this time a very different one.

Flight of the Balloons

Suddenly the Hot-air balloon became like a yearly tradition for our company. We wanted to share the experience we had to different people.

A wonderful experience for the YOUNG ONES

YOUNG AT HEARTS

Perfect Family Bonding

This year (2014) will be a different Hot Air Balloon Festival, it was themed "It's more than just Hot Air. It's a celebration of life in times of adversity". The festival will not just showcase the famous hot air balloon but it also aims to help the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Part of the proceeds will be allotted to rehabilitate the areas damaged by typhoon. 

This photo was taken during last year's Festival. It was recovered by our friend, Mam Nice, from the remains of Typhoon Yolanda

This will be a great year to visit the Hot Air Balloon Festival because aside from enjoying this one of a kind experience you will also get a chance to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

For details on how to be part of this Festival please contact:
Shaikha Travel and Tours Co.
Tel No: 02-4859696/ 02-5459977
Mobile: 09175928601
email: shaikha_travel@yahoo.com




Credits to Mr. MJ Ebuen fro some of the Pictures