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New Clark City, Tarlac
Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Rekindling the Magic of Flight
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- New Clark City, Tarlac
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in New Clark City offered a spectacular showcase of aviation prowess and cultural celebration, leaving attendees captivated by the array of aerial displays and ground-based activities. The event’s triumphant return after a pandemic-induced hiatus reaffirmed its status as a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
Enthusiasts of hot air balloons and aircraft eagerly awaited the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the only event of its kind in the Philippines, known as “A weekend of everything that flies.”
The festival offered plenty of ground activities for everyone to enjoy. Aspiring professionals could learn from aviation career seminars, while food lovers could sample a wide variety of dishes at food booths. The Fly Market attracted visitors with its selection of aviation-themed items, and live concerts added to the festive atmosphere.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
ABOVE: Every morning at exactly 6 am, as the sun came up, the excitement began with a thrilling skydiving event called the Philippine Flag Jump. This impressive display marked the start of each festival day. Parachutists gracefully descended from the sky, proudly carrying the Philippine flag while the National Anthem played in the background.
ABOVE: Every morning at exactly 6 am, as the sun came up, the excitement began with a thrilling skydiving event called the Philippine Flag Jump. This impressive display marked the start of each festival day. Parachutists gracefully descended from the sky, proudly carrying the Philippine flag while the National Anthem played in the background.
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta returned in 2024, from February 16 to 18, at a new venue in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. This sports hub boasted an aquatics center, large open grounds, and an athletics stadium with seating for up to 20,000 people.
Attendees of the 2024 festival enjoyed a weekend filled with exciting aerial displays and ground-based activities suitable for the whole family. Alongside the hot air balloons, there were thrilling shows featuring helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, drones, radio-controlled aircraft, and kites.
Every morning at 6 am sharp, as the sun rose, the excitement kicked off with a breathtaking skydiving Philippine Flag Jump, a stunning display that symbolized the beginning of each day of the festival. As parachutists gracefully descended from the sky, proudly carrying the Philippine flag, the National Anthem filled the air. It was a proud moment that started off each day of the festival, reminding everyone of the heritage and bringing everyone together.
ABOVE: Following a three-year break prompted by the pandemic, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta made its comeback in 2024. The event took place from February 16 to 18 at a location in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. This sports hub features an aquatics center, expansive open grounds, and an athletics stadium accommodating up to 20,000 spectators.
ABOVE: Following a three-year break prompted by the pandemic, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta made its comeback in 2024. The event took place from February 16 to 18 at a location in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. This sports hub features an aquatics center, expansive open grounds, and an athletics stadium accommodating up to 20,000 spectators.
The whole stadium came alive with the steady beat of drums as the Bamban Street Dancers took center stage, filling the atmosphere with the lively energy of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. The festival queen gracefully danced while holding the Sto. Niño image as a tribute.
Following them were the arrival of numerous four-wheel drive Land Rovers from the Land Rover Club of the Philippines, transporting crews, baskets and burner assemblies, and hot air balloon envelopes, marking the beginning of balloon assembly in their designated spaces on the stadium field.
The air filled with the tunes of lyres and drums as the dancers moved in captivating formations. One memorable moment was when they formed a circle, an impressive sight captured from above on the large screens at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium, displaying footage recorded by drones. This blend of traditional dance, music, and modern technology heightened the excitement of the festival for all spectators.
ABOVE: The whole stadium lit up with the beat of drums as the Bamban Street Dancers took center stage, filling the air with excitement at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. The festival queen danced gracefully, holding the image of Sto. Niño as she moved. After them, Land Rover Club of the Philippines members arrived with their four-wheel drives, carrying crews, baskets, burners, and balloon envelopes, kicking off the balloon assembly on the stadium field.
ABOVE: The whole stadium lit up with the beat of drums as the Bamban Street Dancers took center stage, filling the air with excitement at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. The festival queen danced gracefully, holding the image of Sto. Niño as she moved. After them, Land Rover Club of the Philippines members arrived with their four-wheel drives, carrying crews, baskets, burners, and balloon envelopes, kicking off the balloon assembly on the stadium field.
Shortly thereafter, the sky burst with the vibrant colors of hot air balloons, signaling the start of the eagerly anticipated Hot Air Balloon Hare & Hound Event. This event followed a traditional format of hot air balloon races. Here, one balloon, called the “Hare,” took off first, becoming the target for the other balloons, known as the “Hounds,” to follow. As the Hare balloon set the course and pace, the Hound balloons aimed to catch up and reach specific targets or checkpoints.
As the balloons rose into the air, spectators watched as they gracefully floated across the sky. Each pilot strategized to keep up with the lead balloon while navigating the winds and currents to reach their designated destinations.
After the previous displays, the next attraction was the famous Jet Para Hawk Paramotor Team Exhibition. With precision and skill, the Jet Para Hawks showcased impressive aerial stunts and maneuvers.
Spectators looked up in amazement as they watched the skilled pilots perform daring tricks with their paramotors. The sound of the engines filled the air as the Jet Para Hawks soared and spun through the sky, leaving trails of excitement behind.
ABOVE: The famous Jet Para Hawk Paramotor Team put on an impressive show. They flew their paramotors with amazing skill, doing daring tricks and maneuvers in the sky. People watching were amazed as they looked up to see the pilots spinning and soaring through the air. The sound of the engines filled the air, adding to the excitement of the spectacle.
ABOVE: The famous Jet Para Hawk Paramotor Team put on an impressive show. They flew their paramotors with amazing skill, doing daring tricks and maneuvers in the sky. People watching were amazed as they looked up to see the pilots spinning and soaring through the air. The sound of the engines filled the air, adding to the excitement of the spectacle.
In addition to the main attractions, the event featured a diverse range of activities that added to the excitement. These included the Drone Racing Competition held at the New Clark City Aquatic Center, where skilled pilots navigated their FPV drones through challenging courses, thrilling spectators with high-speed maneuvers and aerial agility.
ABOVE: Inside the inflating hot air balloon, a crew member gets ready for the journey as the sun rises outside, signaling the start of an exciting adventure. Enthusiasts of hot air balloons and aircraft come together for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, known across the country for its celebration of “A weekend of everything that flies.”
ABOVE: Inside the inflating hot air balloon, a crew member gets ready for the journey as the sun rises outside, signaling the start of an exciting adventure. Enthusiasts of hot air balloons and aircraft come together for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, known across the country for its celebration of “A weekend of everything that flies.”
The Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstrations provided insight into the important work of search and rescue teams, demonstrating their skills and equipment in simulated rescue scenarios, highlighting the vital role they play in ensuring maritime safety.
Attendees were also treated to the excitement of the RC Airplane Demo, where remote-controlled aircraft enthusiasts showcased their model planes, demonstrating their capabilities and aerobatic maneuvers. Some of them even flew above the seats of the spectators, exciting everyone.
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For those who preferred a more traditional form of flying, the Kite Flying Exhibition offered a colorful and whimsical display of kite flying artistry, with participants showcasing a variety of designs and techniques.
The event also featured Microlight Aircraft Fly-bys, providing a unique opportunity for spectators to witness these lightweight aircraft in action, soaring gracefully through the air. Additionally, The Navy Helicopter Flight Display showcased the capabilities of military helicopters and the skill of their pilots.
Everyone was also treated to breathtaking displays of aerial acrobatics, as skilled skydivers performed daring stunts and formations, captivating audiences with their bravery and skill.
ABOVE: The Global Stars Team put on an amazing air show that wowed everyone. They did cool tricks in the sky, like loops and rolls, all perfectly timed. It was so awesome that it left a big impression on everyone who saw it.
ABOVE: The Global Stars Team put on an amazing air show that wowed everyone. They did cool tricks in the sky, like loops and rolls, all perfectly timed. It was so awesome that it left a big impression on everyone who saw it.
Around 10 am, the Global Stars Team Aerobatic Display took center stage, captivating the audience with their mesmerizing performance. This elite aerobatic display team, known for their precision and skill, showcased a thrilling show of aerial maneuvers and formations.
As spectators looked skyward, they were treated to a breathtaking spectacle of synchronized flying. The roar of the engines echoed through the air as the pilots executed daring loops, rolls, and spins with impeccable coordination. Each maneuver was performed with precision and finesse, leaving the crowd in awe of the pilots’ mastery of their aircraft.
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Against the backdrop of the open sky, the Global Stars Team painted a canvas of excitement, their planes leaving trails of smoke as they performed intricate maneuvers in perfect harmony. It was a display of aviation excellence that left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it, showcasing the incredible skill and teamwork of the Global Stars Team.
As the sun set, the Global Stars Team Aerobatic Pyro Display stole the show, wowing the audience with their incredible performance. With skill and precision, the talented aerobatic team performed against a backdrop of stunning pyrotechnic effects, filling the air with vibrant colors and dazzling lights that left a lasting impression on everyone watching.
ABOVE: After the thrilling drone light show featuring 500 illuminated drones performing synchronized maneuvers, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky, delighting the audience with its brilliance and eliciting cheers from the crowd. Â
ABOVE: After the thrilling drone light show featuring 500 illuminated drones performing synchronized maneuvers, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky, delighting the audience with its brilliance and eliciting cheers from the crowd. Â
Following this thrilling display, the excitement continued to rise with a mesmerizing drone light show. A fleet of 500 illuminated drones took flight, performing synchronized maneuvers to create breathtaking formations in the sky. The coordinated movements of the drones, accompanied by colorful lights, added an extra touch of magic to the evening’s entertainment.
ABOVE:Â Â The stadium buzzed with excitement as hot air balloons were assembled and lit up, illuminating the night with a radiant glow. Cheers erupted as the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow commenced, creating a mesmerizing display of lights that captivated the crowd. With each balloon lighting up, the stadium filled with even more enthusiastic cheers.
ABOVE:Â Â The stadium buzzed with excitement as hot air balloons were assembled and lit up, illuminating the night with a radiant glow. Cheers erupted as the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow commenced, creating a mesmerizing display of lights that captivated the crowd. With each balloon lighting up, the stadium filled with even more enthusiastic cheers.
The atmosphere in the stadium became even more electrifying as hot air balloons began to assemble, their burners igniting to inflate the balloons. The entire stadium erupted into cheers as the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow began, casting a warm, radiant glow over the surroundings. The glow came in groups, sometimes with intervals, creating a beautiful pattern of lights that delighted everyone. And as each balloon lit up, the entire stadium brightened, prompting even louder cheers from the excited crowd.
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