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.
More photos can be found at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas
Photography by Collin Yap
More photos can be found at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas
Photography by Collin Yap
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