Up, up, and away!

After 14 editions of the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Clark Freeport Zone in Subic, Pampanga, it seems that there's no stopping the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF) organizers from continuously staging this annual event here. From a 19 balloons from across 13 countries last year, the organizers predicted 25 countries would be joining this time around. Although I'm not sure of the exact number of the participants this year, it still is a fact that this event has become an instant attraction for Filipinos and foreigners alike. Sadly, I wasn't able to go to this year's staging. But I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to attend last year.

At almost the same time last year, me and my girlfriend went to see the balloons' lift off with her aunt and cousins and with a friend of ours. We had to wake up way before the break of dawn, which I might add is the most advisable time to go to the venue. That gave us the chance to see the balloons being prepared and filled up with air.

It was quite a sight to behold with the enormous balloons being fueled with air with the sunrise as our backdrop.

That was actually my first time to see hot air balloons up close and personal. I usually get to see these contraptions in pictures and movies only. Haha! This was quite an experience for me. I wanted to make the most out of our trip and ride on one but it was just a little too expensive for my taste already. I just had to satisfy myself with the fact that I got to see not just one, nor two, but 19 hot air balloons lifting off one after the other.

What's so unique about the event is that it not only gives you the chance to see hot air balloons at a very close proximity. The organizers made sure that the projected 100,000 strong attendees wouldn't get bored by looking at gigantic balloons chasing a "rabbit" ( that's what they called the smaller balloon the bigger ones were chasing after as part of a contest). Other attractions were arranged for the event-goers to enjoy. Kite-flying, paratroopers, an aerial show, military equipment on display (which we enjoyed really), AUVs, tanks, and planes were also parked within the vicinity. All these were strategically placed all around the venue for the people to occupy themselves while waiting for the balloons to get back.

I heard from a few friends that this year's edition was equally a success as last year's. Most of the attractions remained the same. Hopefully next year, they'd add more stuff to the event to make it a more exciting and thrilling experience for the attendees. If they're able to add something that would attract my attention, I'd probably pack my bags and relive the whole experience again.

Peso Power: 5 (only real cost would be getting a hotel and gas)

Amor: 3

Over-all Rating: 4