The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is an annual gathering of local and foreign aviators.

Pampanga (CNN Philippines) — Twenty-eight colorful hot air balloons kicked off the 20th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival this Thursday morning (February 11) at the Philippine Airforce Grounds in Clark Freeport Zone.

 

The annual event gathers both local and foreign aviators, with most of the pilots this year hailing from the United States, France, Germany, and other parts of Europe and Asia.

According to Organizing Committee Head Captain Maynard Halili, this year’s festival showcases the past 20 years of civilian and military partnership which brings aviation to the forefront.

He said the festival continues to attract audiences from here and abroad, and the organizers are expecting a grander festival in the future. 

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty Arthur Tugade said the event helps boost tourism in Pampanga and the rest of the country.

Tugade said they are expecting a hundred thousand tourists during the event, which will run until Valentine’s Day, February 14.

On day one, a skydiver carrying the Philippine flag wowed the crowd while the national anthem was sang.

Among the standout balloons were a snowman, a dinosaur egg, a young boy, a cathedral, and one bearing a Philippine-flag design.

Festival attendees may also visit wellness centers, golf courses, hotels, resorts, and a museum inside Clark Freeport Zone.

Meanwhile, the Clark International Airport Corporation said there are no affected flights at the airport due to the festival.

SOURCE