The Flying Circus Aerosuperbatics WingWalkers at #PIHABF22

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wingwalking is a stunt done up in the air on top of a plane but it has never been done on Philippine soil, errr air, yet. But now we recently witnessed a jaw-dropping display of acrobatic manoeuvres from these team of stunt men and pilots at the 22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta #PIHABF22!

We've seen a female celebrity connected with a popular TV station tried itbout herself even days before the actual event scheduled from February 8 to 11, 2018 so we are extremely envious of her very special opportunity. But Gretchen Ho claimed it hurt her a bit though it was surely all worth it because noone else is probably as lucky as her.

The Flying Circus Aerosuperbatics WingWalkers, the world's only aerobatic formation wing walking team, performed manoeuvres like loops, rolls, stall turns and even inverted flight for the first time in the Philippine skies!

Pilots Martyn Carrington and Dave Barrell are well-trained based on their performance on the first day of the event. But our hearts also go for the ones who walked on the wings of the plane.

Well not literally walking, but they seem warriors up there on top of their flying machines ready to rage war against the enemies.

According to their official Facebook page, WingWalking always requires a high level of health and fitness. Diet plays an important role in this process. So I could imagine the need to be physically fit, but also the courage to withstand the fury of the wind smashing on to your face, plus the adrenaline within you either spiking, or you could just faint from the fear, when the plane twists or turns. Ciuld you even raise a foot or two? I know you'll be tightly strapped in safety but your nerves should be as tough as steel to even try it.

Requirements to those who wants to fly with them:

*Minimum passenger age 18 years
*Height limit 6'1"
*Weight limit 85kgs

Gretchen Ho is an athlete all her life so she is fit and fab enough to manage such a feat. However, I don't think somebody with my weight and body shape could even allow the plane to get off land.

Congratulations, WingWalkers! You are a great addition to the #PIHABF22 event dubbed as the Weekend Where Everything Flies!

Visit www.aerosuperbatics.com/beawingwalker for more detailed information on their wingwalking experiences.


Photography by Collin Yap

DOE, IAEA Discuss Technical Cooperation on Nuclear Energy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

NUCLEAR ENERGY MEET: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi (R) discusses the nuclear energy option with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano (L). The high-level meeting included topics on human resource development, nuclear safety, legal and regulatory framework, international standards, cooperation with international community, stakeholders involvement and challenges which includes the closure on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant issue. This came as the Philippines plans to establish the option on the safe, secure and peaceful utilization of nuclear energy. Also in the photo along with Secretary Cusi and IAEA Dir. Gen. Amano are (R-L) is Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) Chairperson and DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos, Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque, NEPIO Vice Chairperson and DOE Assistant Secretary Gerardo D. Erguiza Jr and former Ambassador Maria Zenaida Angara Collinson.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and the officials of the Department of Energy met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headed by its Director General, Yukiya Amano, during the courtesy call on 8 February at the Department of Energy in Taguig City.

Cusi said the bilateral meeting "comes at an opportune time as the DOE will submit its recommendations to President Rodrigo Duterte on the country’s position on the civilian use of nuclear technology following a series of technical cooperation with IAEA.”

“Based on the technical assessment, the use of nuclear technologies, including nuclear energy, is seen as a long-term energy option for the country. The possible inclusion of nuclear power in the current energy mix is consistent with the national policy towards a technology-neutral energy sector,” Cusi pointed out.

HIGH LEVEL DISCUSSION ON NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi meet to discuss the safe, secure and peaceful utilization of nuclear energy on Thursday (8 February) at the DOE Conference Room.

The DOE’s recommendations on the country’s national position included the results of the energy planning studies implemented under  IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Projects, namely: PHI 2011 Assessing the Development of a Nuclear Power  Program in the Philippines for ‎2016-2017 and PHI ‎2016 003 Development of Nuclear Infrastructure in the Philippines, Phase II  for ‎2018-2019.

The meeting also discussed the scope of IAEA’s work and its role in assisting member-states in attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the use of nuclear science technology for socio-economic development in the country.

Aside from the on-going technical cooperation, the DOE presented its activities concerning the crafting of a national position. The report touched on the possible cooperation in other areas, such as human resource development, nuclear safety, legal and regulatory framework, international standards, cooperation with international community, stakeholders involvement and challenges which includes the closure on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant issue.

In addressing the queries on the other uses of nuclear technology, IAEA Director General Amano discussed the wide ranging applications of nuclear science in the areas of health and medicine, agriculture, water treatment and sanitation and the environment. He categorically stated that the commitments made in COP 21 may not be achieved without the use of nuclear technology.

IAEA took the opportunity to invite the Philippines in the upcoming Nuclear Science Applications Ministerial Conference which will be held in the 3rd quarter of the year. He also announced that a Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Conference will be one of the side events in the next UNFCCC Conference.

In order to address the inclusive participation of the Filipino youth, Sec. Cusi requested the IAEA to assist the Philippines in providing nuclear courses and trainings for PH schools on nuclear science for energy, medicine, agriculture, environment and climate change.

The meeting was organized by Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) Chairperson and Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos. Officials from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), National Power Corporation, and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Ambassador Cleofe Natividad and former Ambassador Zenaida Collinson also took part in the meeting.

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Returns for Its 22nd Run

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For the 22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta,  held from February 8 to 11, 2018 at Omni Aviation Airfield of Clark, Pampanga, you may just want to attend the early morning ceremonies only. That's when they blow up the balloons and fly to the skies.....but that may be too early for kids so you may want to reconsider bringing them to this Weekend of Everything that Flies.

Also, the event is not recommended for those with asthma or breathing problems because of too much dust at the area...so wear a mask. Plus you need sunblock because of the sun and plenty of water to fight the thirst due to heat. Though there are a few food stalls to choose from. Some souvenir spots to buy items or booths for photo ops and selfies.

But parking is a bit far from the site, so expect to walk a few, and thus sweat a bit.

You may just want to go on a food trip around Pampanga since it is known for its culinary expertise.....or try the newly-opened Yami Bulgogi at SM Clark if you want good old airconditioned...then be back for the night glow at night time (now only during weekends - Sat and Sun) and a concert featuring local OPM bands and singers.

For first-timers, you'll be awed at all the balloons when they are inflated all at the same time, but frequent visitors to this event would notice the big difference.

There are other attractions, like the Wing Walker exhibitions, that were not there last year, but some highlights from before were also no longer there.

The entrance fee may be a bit stiff considering what you'll find there but I'll gladly pay up if I want to capture great shots using a professional top-of-the-line digital camera for photos and videos.

There were quite a number of fancy balloons of different shapes and sizes plus a few sponsors with balloons of their own too.

Getting in a balloon to actually fly with the pilot is something very memorable but do expect heat on top of your head coming from the contraption that fires up hot air to the balloons. They should provide water bottles for you to drink in case you get dehydrated up there. But it would be best to bring your own.

If you must know, there's another hot air balloon event to be held in Lubao, also in Pampanga, and held after two months sonif you miss this one, you can go there instead. This second hot air balloon event rivals the first one since the organizers of both events were formerly one group. Now they separated and setup their own different events.

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Photography by Collin Yap

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