Up in the Air Again: Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is back with more aero-activities

After a three-year hiatus, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2024 gave us a weekend to remember. 

True to its theme, “A Weekend of Everything that Flies”, the festival features a variety of attractions and exhibitions that hover through the sky, from different-shaped hot air balloons and helicopters to paragliders, drones, and so much more. It was a sight to behold and breathtaking to witness. Some might say you could live your Top Gun: Maverick dreams for a day.

The 3-day event started on February 16 until the 18th in its new home–New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac City. Families, students, and even aviation enthusiasts flock to witness various activities on the event grounds. Many have waited since 3 am on February 16 just to be the first to watch gargantuan hot air balloons soar in the middle of the sun rising. The balloons vary from cartoon characters, places, and animals. #IGWorthy!

The main event on the first day was not just the showcase of aviation spectacle; it was also the celebration of two lovebirds. Wolf and Susan Kadach exchanged “I do’s”  on the cathedral-inspired hot air balloon, professing their decades-long love. It was a lovely start for the festival and the perfect ending to Valentine’s Week. 

Dreaming about being a pilot? Throughout the celebration, seminars and lectures were also held where expert speakers from different areas of the aviation field gave insights on what to do and what to expect if you want to pursue a career in the industry. 

Food and beverage kiosks were also available inside the venue to cater to the attendees’ appetites. From sisig, churros, Korean dishes, and many more, it was a treat to experience a variety of dishes. Being famished was not a problem.

Attendees also enjoyed pumping and adrenaline-inducing musical performances from local and international artists, including Danny D, Love Maria, DJ Deon, DJ Ayel, Clinton Mann, and many more. Night flares and fireworks display ended the day.  

CLTV36 was proud to be one of the first few to experience this annual event. Our Facebook Live garnered over 80,000 views, 215 shares, over 1,000 reactions, and 331 comments as of February 19, 2024. People were excited to watch as they inflated the balloons. Furthermore, a news byte from Balen at Balita also featured the said event.

It was my first time attending, but I hope it won’t be my last. 

I hope for more editions of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!