Hot Air Balloon Fest kicks off today

CLARK FREEPORT -- The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) will kick off here today, Thursday, and will run until Sunday, February 24, 2013.

Events director Joy Roa said the festival, which is all set for another weekend of everything that flies, is an annual air show which will be held at the Omni Aviation Complex here.

Roa said this year's event will highlight the world-famous Breitling Jet Team of France, which is expected to perform precision aerobatic show.

"We are proud to mark a milestone in the history of Philippine aviation with the participation of the world-renowned Breitling Jet Team. And this is just the icing on the cake because this year's hot air fiesta will offer more than aerial entertainment," Roa added.

Spectators will get a chance to watch 30 hot air balloons from 15 countries with specially-shaped balloons like Humpty Dumpty, Space Shuttle, and Tulip, according to Roa.

The event will also feature aviation school displays, food booths, a fly market, the hot air balloon night glow, and concerts.

Roa said performers namely Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Cookie Chua, Dingdong Avanzado, Jessa Zaragoza,Wolfgang, The Dawn, Imago, Kjwan, Spongecola, Joey Ayala, Pepe Smith, Urbandub, Gloc 9, Noel Cabangon, and Ebe Dancel are expected to join the event.

"One of the main goals of the festival is to tell the world that flying is definitely more fun in the Philippines. We are inviting everyone to come and join us as we put the Philippines in the map of top destinations for aerial activities," Roa said.

The 2013 Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is supported by the Clark Development Corporation, the Clark International Airport Corporation, the Bases Conversion Development Authority, and the Department of Tourism.