Before airliners dominated the skies, hot air balloon was the first one to take its flight. Historically, the first manned hot air balloon was propelled through the air of Paris, France in 1783. For most kids and "kids at heart", hot air balloon at one point of time has been one of our fascinations. We might have wondered how it's like to go up in a hot air balloon and have a bird's eye view of the earth's terrain or an old town. It's even more fun to fly away to the next town up up and away to the South American jungle, right? You know what I mean if you watched the Pixar-Disney movie, "Up."
This fascination came to reality as Lubao, Pampanga launched its 2nd International Balloon Festival. Touted as the largest of its kind in the Southeast Asian Region, Filipinos and foreign tourists alike had the chance to see & experience hot air balloon flying. It was a four-day event from March 26 to 29, 2015. According to organizers, this year's event surpassed last year statistics in terms of the number of tourists and hot air balloon participants from different countries. There were about 42 participating balloons from all over the world that dazzled the skyline.
The venue was Pradera Verde in Prado Siongco Lubao, Pampanga. Travelling by car or by bus (Genesis or Victory Liner) from Manila to Lubao may take approximately 1 to 2 hours. One-way bus fare costs PhP150, as of March 2015. Entrance fee was at Php250 per head.
The sports and recreation park's open space was transformed into a very festive atmosphere. As expected, each day was fun-filled. Activities highlighted the festival including motor paragliding show, kite flying, cultural shows, paint ball exhibition and balloon flight. Shaded activity areas with bazaars and food booths were provided to the viewing public just in case they got tired or hungry. By the way, bringing food inside the venue was not allowed. Police officers, fire trucks and paramedic rescue team were strategically stationed for security and quick emergency response.
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Depending on wind and weather condition, the balloon flight shows might come about or be cancelled. Though there were occasional strong winds, hot air balloons were not prevented to take flight. The pilots were able to launch balloons as many as they could.
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| Photo Credits: Rence Bryan Villamarin |
In the evening, an spectacle called "Night Glow" was showcased. Spectators were so amazed how the balloons' fabric gas bags (called the envelope) were illuminated by flames, ejected from the gondolas' burners. It was very interactive because the public had the chance to enter the activity grounds and see the actual thing- how a hot air balloon works! Adding more enjoyment to the evening skies were uniquely shaped hot air ballons like Yoda, Darth Vader, Humpty Dumpty, a Frog and a Smurf! Afterwards, nightly onstage shows featuring local artists like Eureka Band, The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 Final 4, Mitoy Yonting and Kamikazee entertained the audience.
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| Night Glow Show |
Based on the visitors' positive responses evident on their delighted faces, the event was indeed an enormous success. The Municipality of Lubao's effort to promote and harness tourism was exemplary. This is one way how a local government can boost the local economic impacts of tourism--- by promoting more job and business opportunities to its people. Despite of the cataclysmic 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption and lack of unique natural wonders, they were still able to put Lubao on the map--- as a famous destination for hot air balloon enthusiasts!
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