This February, prepare for a weekend where everything flies, as Clark once again stage the Philippine International Hot Air Baloon Fiesta, an annual spectacle of hot air balloons and the only show of its kind in the country.

The event is slated on February 21 to 24, 2013 at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga and is hosted by Omni Aviation Complex.

See early morning and late afternoon balloon flights, exciting aeromodelling demonstrations, ultralights, and fixed-wing aircraft competitions; get in on the action – fly a kite; watch as daredevil paraglider pilots and skydivers float thru the air; and witness (maybe even join) their brave servicemen perform rescue demonstrations.

Now on its 18th year and considered as the longest running balloon even in Asia, the 2013 Philippine International Hot Air Baloon Fiesta ‘hopes to fuel the passion of flying to both the young and the old to help move the aviation industry forward. It also hopes to create jobs and business opportunities by promoting Tourism’.

Schedule of Events

21 February 2013 – First Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM	Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM	Hot Air Balloon flight
7:30-8:00 AM	RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM	Meynard Halili  Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM	Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:15 AM	Radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration
9:15-9:45 AM	PT13 Stearman
9:45-10:30 AM	PNP Sky Diving Exhibition
10:30-11:30 AM	AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
11:30-12:00 PM	Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
12:00-12:30 PM	German aerobatic glider flight
12:30-1:00 PM	KAP / KTP Kite Flying Exhibition
1:00-1:45 PM	Airlink / WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha flyby
1:45-2:30 PM	AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
2:30-2:45 PM	FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM	Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demo
3:15-4:00 PM	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
4:00-4:30 PM	RP /U.S./ Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding exhibition
4:30-5:00 PM	Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition
5:00-5:30 PM	Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
5:30-6:00 PM	Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers
22 February 2013 – Second Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM	Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM	Hot Air Balloon Flights
7:30-8:00 AM	RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM	Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-8:45 AM	PT13 Stearman
8:45-9:30 AM	Sky diving exhibition
9:30-10:30 AM	AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
10:30-11:00 AM	ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
11:00-11:15 AM	FEATI / PHILSCA Rocketry /RC Demonstration
11:15-11:45 AM	Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:45-12:15 PM	Para-Gliding Tow Exhibition
12:15-12:30 PM	KAP / KTP Kite flying exhibition
12:30-1:15 PM	WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha / Leading Edge flyby
1:15-1:45 PM	German aerobatic glider flight
1:45-2:15 PM	Car Drifting Display
2:15-2:45 PM	Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM	ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights
3:15-3:45 PM	AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
3:45-4:15 PM	Sky diving exhibition
4:15-4:45 PM	Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
4:45-5:15 PM	RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding/Towing Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM	Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers
23 February 2013 – Third Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM	Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM	Hot Air Balloon Flights
7:30-8:00 AM	RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM	Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM	Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:45 AM	AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
9:45-10:30 AM	Tandem Sky diving exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM	ACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:00-11:30 AM	Turbine RC flying display
11:30-12:00 PM	Helicopter flight display
12:00-12:30 PM	Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM	PT13 Stearman /  AOPA-P Flyby
1:00-1:30 PM	WCC / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / Airlink flyby
1:30-2:00 PM	Winch-launched German aerobatic glider flight
2:00-2:30 PM	KAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration
2:30-3:00 PM	Paragliding Tow Exhibition
3:00-3:30 PM	Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
3:30-4:00 PM	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
4:00-4:30 PM	Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
4:30-5:00 PM	Skydiving Exhibition
5:00-5:30 PM	RP/Malaysian/Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM	Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers
24 February 2013 – Fourth Fiesta Day
6:20-6:30 AM	Philippine Flag jump
6:30-8:00 AM	Hot Air Balloon Flight
7:30-8:00 AM	RP / Malaysian / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
8:00-8:30 AM	Meynard Halili / Aerobatic Show
8:30-9:00 AM	Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
9:00-9:45 AM	Wings Over Asia / AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
9:45-10:30 AM	Tandem Skydiving Exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM	Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:00-11:30 AM	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:30-12:00 PM	Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo
12:00-12:30 PM	Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM	German aerobatic glider flight
1:00-1:30 PM	Car Drifting demonstration
1:30-2:00 PM	PT13/ WCC / Airlink / Omni / Leading Edge/ Airlink flyby
2:00-2:30 PM	KAP / KTP Flying Exhibition
2:30-2:45 PM	FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
2:45-3:15 PM	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
3:15-3:30 PM	PT13 Stearman fly by
3:30-4:00 PM	Sky diving exhibition
4:00-4:30 PM	Meynard Halili aerobatic Show
4:30-5:30 PM	RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibition
5:30-6:00 PM	Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers, Fireworks

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the exact location of the event?

The event is in the Omni Aviation Complex, inside Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga. Just follow the road from the main gate — signs along the road will lead you to the event grounds. If you are coming from the SCTEX, it’s just off the Clark South exit.

Is there an entrance fee?

A PhP 250 per person contribution to the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Foundation allows you to stay in the event site for the whole day. The foundation utilizes these funds for organizing the show and for sending less privileged high school graduates aspiring to take a career in aviation.
Where can I purchase entrance tickets?

You can purchase tickets at the gate, at any SM Ticketnet outlet, at ROX Bonifacio Global City, or at ROX Marquee Mall Clark.

What time should I go?

It is advisable to be there early. 5am would be an ideal time for you to be at the main entrance so you can avoid the crowd and see the morning balloon flights.

If I want to avoid traffic at the main gate, is there any other way to enter Clark?

Yes you can enter thru SCTEX North, SCTEX South, Friendship Gate and SapangBato. For details, you can check out Clark’s website.

What day should I go?

Everyday is exciting for everyone. All the aerial activities happen every day so it doesn’t matter which day you go.

Are the balloons flying everyday?

Yes. Weather permitting, the balloons will take off at around 6:30AM everyday from Thursday to Sunday.

Do they also fly in the afternoon?

Yes but only on Thursday and Friday. The balloons do a fly-in wherein they try to fly back into the main grounds.

On Saturday and Sunday, we will do a NIGHT GLOW. This is when the balloons stay on the ground but will inflate beautifully together in the evening. It’s something one shouldn’t miss.

Can I ride a balloon?

Yes but it’s on a first-come-first-serve basis. You will need to line up at the Information Booth early in the morning to register for a balloon ride. A contribution of US$250 per person for fuel and pilot’s expenses is required. Children should be at least 10 years old to ride.

What other activities are there aside from the balloons?

If you check out the schedule of activities, it’s a whole day of fun flying. After the balloons take off, the other aerial exhibitions follow like skydiving, paragliding, aerobatics, ultralight flights, RC aircraft displays, professional kite exhibitions and more!

Can I try the activities?

Yes, just register at the Information Booth for schedules and availabilities.

Can I bring small children?

It’s an event for the whole family so bring your grandparents and your kids too! Children 2 years old and below can enter for free.

Can I bring in food?

Yes. There are also 50+ food concessionaires on-site serving freshly-cooked, delectable dishes!

Can we do a field trip for my school?

Absolutely! This is one of the most educational activities your school can enjoy.

In the past years, schools come in busloads. You can call us in advance to arrange for a free educational tour inside the grounds.

If my company is interested to sponsor the event, what are your requirements?

Interested sponsors, may email us at [email protected] or call +63 2 384-0085.

What if I want to set-up a booth and sell my products?

For booth concessionaires, you can email us at [email protected] or call +63 2 384-0085.

Tickets

Tickets may be purchased at the gate during the event or thru SM Ticketnet outlets at P250.00. You may call (02)833-3264 or (02)384-0085 for ticket inquiries.

How to Get There

Going there via public transport from Manila, ride a bus going to Pangasinan, Pampanga, Baguio, Tarlac or Ilocos Provinces (Victory Liner, Partas, Fariñas Transit, Five Star Bus, Philippine Rabbit) that stops at Dau Bus Terminal.From there, you may catch a jeepney or a tricycle at the highway to take you to the fiesta ground.

If you are coming from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, catch a van or shuttle going to Dau Terminal.

For those bringing their own car, just take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exit at Dau/Mabalacat. Drive your way towards Angeles City and take a right turn to Clark. Upon entering the main gate, drive through Roxas highway and you will see the fiesta ground on the right side. If you are taking the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), take the separate SCTEX ramp and exit at Clark which will bring you to the Yokohama complex. Turn right at Roxas highway and the fiesta ground will be on your right.

* Some information are lifted from the official website of Philippine International Hot Air Baloon Fiesta: http://www.philballoonfest.net/