Everything Flew High at Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Living up to the event’s tagline, “Weekend of Everything that Flies”, hot air balloons, light airplanes, remote control aircrafts, kites, and even people (in the form of skydivers and paragliders), were seen hovering the sky during the 14^th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) held last February 12 – 15, 2009 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Organized by the Clark Development Corporation and the Hot Air Balloon Club of the Philippines, the four-day event was filled with numerous activities, including paragliding exhibition, ultralight aircraft formation flying, skydiving exhibition, kite flying demonstration, remote controlled aircraft flight demo, and balloon bursting competition.

Additional activities were also held at the grounds of Clark Freeport Zone. These include car drifting show, performances by the Philippine Air Force band, and San Fernando Giant Lantern Parade.

The highlight of the PIHABF is the flight of the 25 participating hot air balloons. These propane powered aircrafts flew twice on each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Some of the hot air balloons shaped like a cola bottle, telephone book, coffee mug, and an elephant were head turners and became favorites of guest photographers.

During the evening, spectators were treated with a night glow, wherein these hot air balloons were fired up and turned into giant, uniquely-shaped lanterns.

The 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is sponsored by Cirrus Design Corporation, UPS, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Caltex, SM City Clark, Fonterra, Yellow Cab Pizza Co., Rudy Project, Hotel Vida, Kellogs, 105.1 Crossover, DSV Air and Sea, Inc., Filinvest, Hotdog OnSticks, Business Mirror, NCO Group, Solar Entertainment Corporation, C/S Origin, ETC (Entertainment Central), 2^nd Avenue, Jack TV, Sci Fi Channel, Land Rover, Ford Motors Philippines, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Air Force City – Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Clark International Airport Corporation, Department of Tourism, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Philippine Tourism Authority.