The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival, also known as the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, is an event that aviation enthusiasts and adventure seekers eagerly look forward to every year.
This colorful extravaganza showcases the beauty of hot air balloons as they gracefully soar through the sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for all ages. But the fiesta is much more than just hot air balloons.
It is a celebration of aviation, community, and the spirit of volunteerism, making it a meaningful event that attracts visitors from all over the world.
A Glimpse into the History of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Filipinos anticipate the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta every year. The brilliant hot air balloons and youthful pilots and aviation lovers draw many visitors. However, it is Asia’s longest-running air festival after 24 years. Hot air balloon races with flames have long been held in Central Luzon. It’s enjoyable and instructive for kids and adults, so many go. Since 1994, Tarlac province, led by Governor Susan Yap, has hosted the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Tarlac Governor Susan Yap is excited for the 2024 festival since it brings tourism and economy to the state. Aviation fans can now gather in Tarlac and join a vibrant and welcoming community.
Captain Joy Roa and her diligent crew hosted a hot air balloon celebration. These people planned the event to unite aviation aficionados and showcase hot air balloons’ beauty. People across the nation and abroad attended the fiesta to witness and participate. Since its founding, the festival has increased in size and importance. Volunteers, visitors, and planes increasingly flock to this enormous event. Educating people about flight’s fascinating things has also inspired younger pilots.
The hot air balloon fair has grown and changed throughout time. The fair is held in Clark Freeport, the new Clark City development. Much has changed. Because of this clever option, the venue is larger and can hold more people. It has also attracted customers and helped aviation-themed events like career nights thrive. Today, the fiesta is more than a show. Participants from across the region celebrate volunteering.
The 24th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta: Event Details
The 24th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is set to be an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, entertainment, and awe-inspiring sights. This year’s event will take place at the sports hub of New Clark City, which includes the aquatics center and athletics stadium, providing the perfect venue for the festivities.
But the fiesta is not only about hot air balloons. It offers an array of activities, from flying exhibitions to family entertainment. Attendees can also look forward to different enjoyable and educational aviation events, such as career seminars, fly markets, food booths, and family entertainment.
Evenings will be capped off by a magical hot air balloon night glow and concerts, making this event a must-see for all ages.
The Date and Venue
The 24th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is set to occur at the sports hub of New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. The fiesta grounds feature a swimming pool and a sports area, which families and aircraft enthusiasts will surely enjoy. The stadium alone accommodates an impressive 20,000 people.
The event is scheduled from February 16 to 18, 2024 at various open grounds within the New Clark City complex. Tickets are currently available for purchase on the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta’s website, www.balloonfiesta.ph.
How to get to the New Clark Stadium From Manila
New Clark City is located in Capas, Tarlac. Traveling from Manila to New Clark City directly needs a private vehicle because there are still no public buses or vehicles from Manila to New Clark City.
You can take a bus or a taxi from Manila to get to New Clark City. Take the bus instead of the train to get to Capas, Tarlac. It costs less but takes 2 hours and 40 minutes longer. Quickly getting to New Clark City is simple. Just pay 100 to 200 pesos for a public tricycle. You can take a taxi straight from Manila to Capas to get there faster. It’ll take about an hour and thirty minutes. It’s not far from the New Clark City Sports Complex.
To get to New Clark Stadium Here are your options
- Ride a bus from Cubao to Capas, Tarlac, then take a tricycle ride from the municipal hall to the stadium.
- Take a bus from Cubao to Dau. Then, at Dau Terminal, catch a bus to Capas, Tarlac. From Capas Municipal Hall, ride a tricycle to New Clark.
To return:
- Take a tricycle from New Clark City to Capas Municipal Hall. Then, take a bus back to Cubao.
- Take a tricycle from New Clark City to Dominican College of Tarlac and then a jeepney to Dau or Angeles.
Schedule of Events
The 24th PIHABF will take place in New Clark City, a sports hub founded by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), which features a 20,000-seater Athletics Stadium, aquatics center, and various open grounds. The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024, or PIHABF 2024, will be a four-day event featuring hot air balloon flights, aerobatic displays, and other air shows. A VIP lounge will be available for a luxurious experience. The festival aims to boost tourism in the area, in line with the longtime objectives of the BCDA, under the leadership of CEO Joshua Bingcang.
Day 1 Activities, February 16, 2024, Friday
- 6:10 – 6:35 AM – Skydiving Philippine Flag Jump
- 6:40-7:40 AM – 1st Hot Air Balloon Hare and Hound Event
- 7:40-9:15 AM – Jet Para Hawk Paramotor Exhibition
- 9:30-10:00 AM – Skydiving
- 10:15-10:45 AM – Global Stars Team Aerobatic Display
- 10:00-7:00 PM – Drone Racing Competition
- 10:15-10:30 AM – RC Heli World Champion Exhibition by Kenny Ko
- 11:00-11:30 AM – Paramotor Formation Flying and Display
- 11:30-12:00 AM – Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration
- 12:00-1:00 PM – RC Airplane Demo
- 1:00- 2:00 PM – Kite Flying Exhibition
- 2:00-2:30 PM – Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Fly-bys
- 2:30-3:00 PM – Navy Helicopter Flight Display
- 3:00-4:00 PM – Skydiving
- 4:00 4:30 PM – Jet Para Hawk Paramotors Display
- 4:30-5:00 PM – Paramotors Formation Flying
- 5:30-6:30 PM – Hot Air Balloon Fly-in
- 7:00-7:30 PM – Global Stars Team Aerobatic Pyro Display
- 7:30 PM-7:45 PM – Drone Show
- 7:45 PM – Musical Performance
Day 2 Activities, February 17, 2024, Saturday
- 6:10-6:35 AM – Skydiving Philippine Flag Jump
- 6:40-7:40 AM – 1st Hot Air Balloon Hare and Hound Event
- 7:40-9:15 AM – Jet Para Hawk Paramotor Exhibition
- 9:30-10:00 AM – Skydiving
- 10:15-10:45 AM – Global Stars Team Aerobatic Display
- 10:00-7:00 PM – Drone Racing Competition
- 10:15-10:30 AM – Drone Racing Competition
- 11:00-11:30 AM – Paramotor Formation Flying and Display
- 11:30-12:00 AM – Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration
- 12:00-1:00 PM – RC Airplane Demo
- 1:00-2:00 PM – Kite Flying Exhibition
- 2:00-2:30 PM – Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Fly-bys
- 2:30-3:00 PM – Navy Helicopter Flight Display
- 3:00-4:00 PM – Skydiving
- 4:00-4:30 PM – Jet Para Hawk Paramotors Display
- 4:30-5:00 PM – Paramotors Formation Flying
- 5:30-6:30 PM – Hot Air Balloon Fly-in
- 7:00-7:30 PM – Global Stars Team Aerobatic Pyro Display
- 7:30-7:45 PM – Drone Show
- 7:45 PM -Musical Performance
Day 3 Activities, February 18, 2024, Sunday
- 6:10-6:35 AM – Skydiving Philippine Flag Jump
- 6:40-7:40 AM – 1st Hot Air Balloon Hare and Hound Event
- 7:40-9:15 AM – Jet Para Hawk Paramotor Exhibition
- 9:30-10:00 AM – Skydiving
- 10:15-10:45 AM – Global Stars Team Aerobatic Display
- 10:00-7:00 PM – Drone Racing Competition
- 10:15-10:30 AM – RC Heli World Champion Exhibition by Kenny Ko
- 11:00-11:30 AM – Paramotor Formation Flying and Display
- 11:30-12:00 AM – Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration
- 12:00-1:00 PM – RC Airplane Demo
- 1:00-2:00 PM – Kite Flying Exhibition
- 2:00-2:30 PM – Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Fly-bys
- 2:30-3:00 PM – Navy Helicopter Flight Display
- 3:00-4:00 PM – Skydiving
- 4:00-4:30 PM – Jet Para Hawk Paramotors Display
- 4:30-5:00 PM – Paramotors Formation Flying
- 5:30-6:30 PM – Hot Air Balloon Fly-in
- 7:00-7:30 PM – Global Stars Team Aerobatic Pyro Display
- 7:30 PM-7:45 PM – Drone Show
- 7:45 PM – Musical Performance
An Overview of Air and Ground Activities
Get ready to be enthralled with a myriad of air and ground activities at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2024. From captivating hot air balloon rides to exhilarating air shows, there’s something for everyone. The event will also feature ground activities such as food stalls, souvenir shops, and entertainment, ensuring a delightful experience for all attendees.
Air Sports Activities
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2024 has a lot of exciting air sports events all day long. At sunrise, you can see the most beautiful sight: hot air balloons taking off. People who go can be amazed by RC Models and an amazing Helicopter Demo, or they can be amazed as professionals show off their Sky Diving skills.
A drone competition, ultra-light fly-bys, tandem paragliding, and tandem skydiving are some of the other things that can be done. As the sun goes down, the Night Glow event is sure to keep people interested. You can also enjoy traditional and relaxing activities.
For example, kite flying and hot air ballooning are fun for people of all ages. This feast of flying activities, including tandem skydiving, will make sure that everyone has a fun day.
New Air Shows and Attractions
This year’s event has a great list of new air shows and attractions that are sure to keep people looking up at the sky. Together with an Illuminated Drone Show that fills the night with color, an Aerobatic Pyroshow will create a show of light and movement.
Jet Paramotors flying through the sky will keep you on the edge of your seat, and seeing new special shapes appear in the hot air balloon show will make people smile and add a fun touch to the event. Each of these features looks like it will add something new and exciting to the air show.
Ground Activities for Everyone
The festival offers family-friendly activities, including VIP parking slots and lounge access. Guests can participate in meaningful event activities and educational aviation experiences. There are also opportunities to engage in business and aviation career seminars.
Moreover, the festival embodies the spirit of volunteerism and community engagement. Visitors can explore the fly market, and colorful hot air balloons, and enjoy various family entertainment options.
Tickets for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2024
Secure your tickets for the upcoming event in an easy way to make sure you have a memorable time. Get into the VIP area and watch amazing air shows. There are also fun things to do on the ground for everyone.
Pricing Details and Available Packages
You can choose from different ticket packages, such as VIP, general admission, and family deals. You can improve your experience with deals that let you use a lounge and park in VIP areas. Learn about the extras that come with each ticket deal. These deals are made to meet the needs of both people and groups. Show that you care by getting 20% off your ticket if you are over 65 or have a disability. Here are the prices for the different tickets:
• General Admission – ₱1500
• General Admission + Aviation Career Seminar – ₱5000
• VIP Ticket – ₱10,000
• 2 Day Pass – ₱ 2700
• 3 Day Pass – ₱ 4050
For further details, visit their website at www.tickets.balloonfiesta.ph
Essential Things to Carry to the Fiesta
These are items you ought to bring to the hot air balloon party. Please verify that your ticket has the QR code on it. It can be saved to your phone or printed. Not having a cell phone and a portable charger makes it impossible to stay in contact or remember crucial dates. If you want your photos to appear professional, don’t forget to bring your camera. Water, paper towels, wet wipes, and an extra water bottle should be kept nearby at all times.
You’ll look better if you bring floor cleaner and hand sanitizer to the event. Remember to pack your medication in case you need it. Extra diapers and waste bags ought to be available to pet owners. To ensure that your pet stays hydrated while you’re out and about, get them a water bottle. The final step is this. To keep them occupied all day, remember to pack their bowls, food, and a few snacks and candies.
Conclusion
Being the only event of its sort, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is awesome. It demonstrates how fascinating and enjoyable hot air balloons can be. It has changed since it initially appeared. The expo is a great place for kids and aviation enthusiasts right now. With so much to do both on land and in the air, the 24th event promises to be even more enjoyable.
The air displays, hot air balloon flights, and other activities were enjoyed by many. Make sure you have all you need to prepare for this unique presentation. Enjoy the breathtaking sight of hot air balloons soaring over the sky. At the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in 2024, we hope to see you there!
