Why Flying is More Fun in the Philippines: The Hot Air Balloon Festival 2013 Adventure

The heat is on once again as the 18th Clark Philippines Hot Air Balloon Fiesta kicks off this year – and for sure Adventuroj wouldn’t miss this one. Not just that, a couple of friends also went along with me this time!

So here’s a round up of photo taking under the scorching heat of the sun that happened during the day of everything that flies.

Hot Air Balloon flight

The show started early with the morning hot air balloon flight that many long to want in sight.

Hot Air Balloon flight (7)

Hot Air Balloon flight (8)

Hot Air Balloon flight (6)

Hot Air Balloon flight (5)

Hot Air Balloon flight (4)

Hot Air Balloon flight (3)

Hot Air Balloon flight (2)

Trivia: You may wonder why Hot Air Balloons fly only early in the morning or late in the afternoon?

A: Despite the intimidating size, balloons are very gentle aircraft, indeed they are sometimes referred to as Gentle Giants. Balloons need cool stable calm winds to operate effectively and the hours following sunrise are the most suitable before the heat of the day. As hot air balloons are the only form of flight which moves with the wind, the weather is most important.

Hot Air Balloon flight (1)

Hot Air Balloon flight (14)

Hot Air Balloon flight (13)

Hot Air Balloon flight (12)

Hot Air Balloon flight (11)

Hot Air Balloon flight (10)

Hot Air Balloon flight (9)

Aerobatic Shows

Fantastic flying skills came up next as aerobatic shows were shown.

Aerobatic Show 4

Aerobatic Show (3)

Aerobatic Show (2)

Aerobatic Show (1)

Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition

One of the biggest highlights this year is the performance of the Breitling Jet Team, the largest civilian aerobatic display team in Europe. Based in Dijon, France, they fly seven Aero L-39 Albatros jets.

Breitling Aerobatic Exhibition (8)

Breitling Aerobatic Exhibition (7)

Breitling Aerobatic Exhibition (6)

Breitling Aerobatic Exhibition (5)

The Breitling Jet Team flies an aerial display lasting 18–20 minutes that includes close formation flying, opposition passes, solo routines and synchronized maneuvers. The team flies displays across Europe and the Middle East and each year undertakes a busy schedule of engagements, including major international air shows and Breitling corporate events – just how lucky we are for them to perform for us here! Breitling Aerobatic Exhibition (4)

Breitling Aerobatic Exhibition (3)

Breitling Aerobatic Exhibition (2)

Breitling Aerobatic Exhibition (1)

Kite Flying Exhibition

The skies were once again filled with these colorful flying little wonders.

Kite Flying Exhibition (7)

Kite Flying Exhibition (6)

Kite Flying Exhibition (5)

Kite Flying Exhibition (4)

Kite Flying Exhibition (3)

Kite Flying Exhibition (2)

Kite Flying Exhibition (1)

Love Story in the Scene

And in the middle of all these things – we were lucky enough to witness a love story of these two love birds, who let themselves burned under the heat of the sun particularly unaware of their surroundings, so deeply engrossed in attention with each other alone.

If only I was able to caught in camera the almost 3 hours of gazing, fighting, apologizing, and making up again – and simply being inlove of these two – you surely will believe that true love still do exist.

Love Story

And so the day continued with more flying stunts, photo ops and plane spotting.

Plane Spotting

Plane Spotting (6)

Plane Spotting (5)

Plane Spotting (4)

Plane Spotting (3)

Plane Spotting (2)

Plane Spotting (1)

Ultralight Flying

Ultralight Flight (4)

Ultralight Flight (3)

Ultralight Flight (2)

Ultralight Flight (1)

Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition

Sky diving exhibition (5)

Sky diving exhibition (4)

Sky diving exhibition (1)

Sky diving exhibition (2)

Sky diving exhibition (3)

Night Glow

Night Glow (2)

Night Glow (1)

Flying Friendships and More Photo Ops

Fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers meet up with Mai from Budget Biyahera and Yaj the RJ d Explorer.

Flying Friendships (1)

More photo opportunities with the gang that made it all happened – my travel buddies!

Flying Friendships (3)

Flying Friendships (4)

Hot Air Balloon flight (14)

Flying Friendships (5)

Flying Friendships (6)

Until next year again Philipppine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!

Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival – Baguio Panagbenga Itinerary

After last year’s Hot Air Balloon experience, I am all set now for another adventure up, up, and away.

Clark Hot Air Festival 2012

Clark Hot Air Festival 2012

Together with 5 more buddies we’ll be attending the grand and colorful festivity on the 22nd of February (see the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities here), then off to Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival on the 23rd, my first time to attend such flowery festival.

And so here’s our itinerary for this budget trip, taking place on February 22-25, 2013.

Date & Time Activity Est Cost
February 22, 2013 (Friday)
4pm Arrival in Clark
Jeep to Downtown 50
Stroll in Nayong Pilipino / Air Force / Clark Malling
Dinner 100
Camp in Clark Air Field for the overnight stay
February 23, 2013 (Saturday)
Hot Air Baloon Festival
Entrance 250
Lunch 100
9pm Depart to Baguio 300
Overnight in Victory Liner Baguio
February 24, 2013 (Sunday) Est allowance for the day 700
5AM Early Morning Strawberry Taho
Eat breakfast
Burnham Park | Session Road | Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral) Downtown area
Session Road – Cathedral tour – Attend Early Morning Mass
615AM Short walk in Session road to find a good spot for the parade
8AM Start of Grand Float Parade
945-10AM End of Grand float Parade (at upper session road/SM Baguio)
10AM-1030AM Deposited our bags at baggage counter at SM!
Lunch at Good Taste (Behind Baguio Center Mall)
Pizza Volante located in Session Road. The house specialties are Pasta Puttanesca and Vegetarian Pizza. For a budget of only Php300-Php500
Botanical Garden | Wright Park | The Mansion | Mines View Park | Good Shepherd (Leonard Wood Area)
Walk down to Session Road
Reach McDo Session at the lower Session Road, turn left to Mabini Street (marker is Danes Bakeshop) and look for the jeepney terminal with jeepneys going to Mines View Park
Ride and tell driver to “Mines View Park”. Fare is “long trip”.
Mines View – Ketchup Community Series
1PM To Mines View Park
120PM Mines View Park
Arrive in Mines View Park for some photo ops with horses, the view deck and big dogs. No entrance fee but there is charge for photo ops with the animals.
Then ride same jeepney (going back to downtown), tell the driver to drop you off to The Mansion.
Photo ops “The Mansion”. Walk to the side of the mirror lake until you reach the gazebo. By this time you are already in the Wright Park.
Picture taking with the horses or ride the horse (for P200).
Lunch time in Ketchup Community. By this time it’s already noon. If you are on a budget you can get back to town and eat in cafeterias or fast food restaurants.
The Botanical Garden – Haunted White House Walk Tour
From Wright Park, head to Leonard Wood Road passing through Pacdal Circle. Walk until you reach the Botanical Garden.
Photo ops inside Botanical Garden.
Walk out of the park and continue walking until you reach the Baguio Haunted White House.
Get inside it. *This is an update: the Haunted House is now open to public since late last year. Entrance fee is P50.
The Camp John Hay Tour and Adventure
From Wright Park, you can turn left going to The Baguio Country Club and finally Camp John Hay. You can take photos of the wide green fields there.
You can also check out there Cemetery of Negativity (where you bury your negative mind setting and being there).
Baguio City Market
Baguio City Market sells almost anything. The place boasts its cleanliness and cool environment. You can also find great deals and bargains for items (especially if you are good with haggling). This place is ideal for last minute shopping for souvenirs and gift items.
Your stay in Baguio may be short but you know that the memories will be treasured forever. The long ride can be tiring but the environment and weather of the city can relieve you from your pains and aches.
Evening – Night Market
Wait for the Night Market to open along Harrison Road. Night Market opens at 9PM.
Ukay-ukay to the max (second-hand goods and thrift goods market). This is where you can buy jackets, hoodies, pants, shirts, bags and more…at the cheapest bargain!
After the Night Market, you can try café or night bars (with or without dance floor). Paddis Point and 18 BC are night bars.
February 25, 2013 (Monday) Est allowance for the day 700
4am Bell Church | Strawberry Farm (La Trinidad Area)
Jeep to La Trinidad (Market)
Walk to La Trinidad Strawberry Farms
Souvenir Buying at Strawberry Farm
to Bell Church in La Trinidad, Benguet
visit Rito’s along Marcos Highway. This restaurant serves bulalo and crispy pata.
Option 2 The Grotto-Diplomat-Tam-Awan Tour
From Lourdes Grotto, you walk your way to Diplomat, or ride same jeepney, then drop off to the foot of the Diplomat Road.
Photo ops inside Heritage Park. Diplomat Hotel Ruins and the World’s Largest 10 Commandments Tablet is there.
On going back, you ride same jeepney (Dominican Hill) back to downtown. Near the Abanao Square, the terminal of Jeepney going to Tam-Awan Village is at Shagum St cor. Kayang. Signboard says “Quirino Hill” or “Quirino Hill via Tam-Awan”. You can also ride jeepney going to “Long-Long”.
Walk a bit to Tam-Awan Village (driver will instruct you).
Photo ops inside Tam-Awan Village. It’s another hiking thing so you have to prepare for this. Picture taking of the different artworks is strictly prohibited.
Visit Arko ni Apo that is just across Tam-awan Village. Different metal works and wood works art gallery are showcased in this place.
Continue your tour with a visit to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and this has 252 stairs before you reach the top of the grotto.
The last place to visit is the Ben Cab Museum
On going back, ride the same jeepney going back to downtown.
Departure from Baguio 300
Arrival in Clark 100
2600
Terminal Fee (Back & Forth) 400
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES 3000

Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival 2013: Schedule of Activities

Excited in witnessing this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark?

Clark Hot Air Festival 2012

Clark Hot Air Festival 2012

Here’s the schedule of activities for this colorful event.

21 February 2013 – First Fiesta Day

6:20-6:30 AM – Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon flight
7:30-8:00 AM – RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM – Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM – Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:15 AM – Radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration
9:15-9:45 AM – PT13 Stearman
9:45-10:30 AM – PNP Sky Diving Exhibition
10:30-11:30 AM – AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
11:30-12:00 PM – Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
12:00-12:30 PM – German aerobatic glider flight
12:30-1:00 PM – KAP / KTP Kite Flying Exhibition
1:00-1:45 PM – Airlink / WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha flyby
1:45-2:30 PM – AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
2:30-2:45 PM – FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM – Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demo
3:15-4:00 PM – ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
4:00-4:30 – PM RP /U.S./ Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding exhibition
4:30-5:00 – PM Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition
5:00-5:30 – PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
5:30-6:00 – PM Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers

22 February 2013 – Second Fiesta Day

6:20-6:30 AM – Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon Flights
7:30-8:00 AM – RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM – Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-8:45 AM – PT13 Stearman
8:45-9:30 AM – Sky diving exhibition
9:30-10:30 AM – AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
10:30-11:00 AM – ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
11:00-11:15 AM – FEATI / PHILSCA Rocketry /RC Demonstration
11:15-11:45 AM – Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:45-12:15 PM – Para-Gliding Tow Exhibition
12:15-12:30 PM – KAP / KTP Kite flying exhibition
12:30-1:15 PM – WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha / Leading Edge flyby
1:15-1:45 PM – German aerobatic glider flight
1:45-2:15 PM – Car Drifting Display
2:15-2:45 PM – Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM – ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights
3:15-3:45 PM – AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
3:45-4:15 PM – Sky diving exhibition
4:15-4:45 PM – Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
4:45-5:15 PM – RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding/Towing Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM – Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers

23 February 2013 – Third Fiesta Day

6:20-6:30 AM – Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon Flights
7:30-8:00 AM – RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM – Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM – Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:45 AM – AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
9:45-10:30 AM – Tandem Sky diving exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM – ACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:00-11:30 AM – Turbine RC flying display
11:30-12:00 PM – Helicopter flight display
12:00-12:30 PM – Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM – PT13 Stearman / AOPA-P Flyby
1:00-1:30 PM – WCC / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / Airlink flyby
1:30-2:00 PM – Winch-launched German aerobatic glider flight
2:00-2:30 PM – KAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration
2:30-3:00 PM – Paragliding Tow Exhibition
3:00-3:30 PM – Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
3:30-4:00 PM – ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
4:00-4:30 PM – Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
4:30-5:00 PM – Skydiving Exhibition
5:00-5:30 PM – RP/Malaysian/Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM – Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers
24 February 2013 – Fourth Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM – Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM – Hot Air Balloon Flight
7:30-8:00 AM – RP / Malaysian / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM – Meynard Halili / Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM – Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:45 AM – Wings Over Asia / AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
9:45-10:30 AM – Tandem Skydiving Exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM – Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:00-11:30 AM – ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:30-12:00 PM – Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo
12:00-12:30 PM – Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM – German aerobatic glider flight
1:00-1:30 PM – Car Drifting demonstration
1:30-2:00 PM – PT13/ WCC / Airlink / Omni / Leading Edge/ Airlink flyby
2:00-2:30 PM – KAP / KTP Flying Exhibition
2:30-2:45 PM – FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM – ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
3:15-3:30 PM – PT13 Stearman fly by
3:30-4:00 PM – Sky diving exhibition
4:00-4:30 PM – Meynard Halili aerobatic Show
4:30-5:30 PM – RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM – Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers, Fireworks

Visit www.philballoonfest.net for more info.

HOW TO GET THERE FROM MANILA

1. Take a bus going north and get off at Dau, Pampanga. Fare is Php 200 – 300 pesos.
2. From the bus station, take a jeepney by the highway that will bring you to Clark Main gate.
3. Ride a jeep to the main gate. Fare is Php 8.00 pesos.
4. From the main gate, ride a jeep again to the venue. Fare is Php 10.00 pesos.

ENTRANCE FEE AND WHERE TO BUY TICKETS

  • 250 pesos entrance fee / person / valid for 1 whole day
  • You can purchase tickets at the gate, at any SM Ticketnet outlet, at ROX Bonifacio Global City, or at ROX Marquee Mall Clark.
  • You may call 833-3264 or 384-0085 for ticket inquiries.

RIDING THE BALLOON

It’s on a first-come-first-serve basis. Register at the Information Booth, fee is US$250 per person. Children should be at least 10 years old to ride.

For more information, visit http://www.philballoonfest.net