Launching of Lubao hot air balloon festival successful
LUBAO -- The occasionally blowing strong winds were not enough to keep the biggest hot air balloon festival in Southeast Asia from launching Thursday at the Pradera Verde, Barangay Prado in this town.
Event organizer Noel Castro said this year’s Lubao International Balloon Festival exceeded the previous one in terms of the number of tourists and hot air balloons.
Although some of the balloons were not able to take flight due to strong winds, Castro added that the event was generally successful based on the positive responses of the visitors.
“The first day was definitely good because we were able to launch many balloons. But we had to wait for the right time because the wind was changing its speed and direction,” he said.
Test flights were earlier conducted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to ensure the safety of the staffs and pilots.
Pilot Marcus Strauf said there were sudden changes in the wind speed and direction but clarified that these factors were not able to significantly hinder the balloons from flying.
"It was quite windy so we had to find the right spot and direction," he said.
The occasional winds during the opening, nevertheless, did not prevent the people from showing up and enjoying the setups that the balloon owners provided.
The festival boasted of more than 40 balloons, which featured well-known characters such as Darth Vader, Yoda, Obelix, Frog, and Humpty Dumpty.
The balloons, according to the organizers, came all the way from Germany, Malaysia, Europe and the United States.
The first part of the launching of the festival was comprised of such activities as balloon flight, motor paragliding show, kite show, and street dance.
Free shuttle services were additionally provided for the visitors coming from SM City Pampanga.
Governor Lilia Pineda lauded the efforts of the organizers for promoting the tourism of not only the town of Lubao but also the province of Pampanga.
“This will really help in making Pampanga as a famous hot air balloon festival destination. It also opened new opportunities for the people in the area,” said Governor Pineda.
Meanwhile, the second part of the festival showcased activities like water balloon fight, paint ball exhibition, magic show, night glow, and giant lantern exhibition.
Performances from the Eureka Band and Chocolate Factory also entertained the night visitors.
A five-minute fireworks display concluded the opening day program schedule.
For those interested, tickets are still available at SM Tickets outlets nationwide and thru www.smtickets.com. Visitors may also get their entrance tickets onsite at P250 per day as the festival will run until Sunday.