WE’LL soon be looking up in the sky again as the organizers of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta are set to hold its 21st event inside the Clark Freeport Zone. For two decades, locals and tourists from around the world have a reason to stay in Pampanga during the month of February. Because of this fact, some might perceive that the organizers of the said event will just have a walk-in-the-park. But according to Captain Joy Roa, the head of PIHABF, it’s the other way around.
Thanks to the initiative and efforts of Mr. Rene Romero, I got the chance to meet with the host of ANC’s Asian Air Safari to understand further how PIHABF works to make this annual four-day event a success. Captain Roa was bringing an operations manual when he explained how the activity is being put up into place. All the procedures were written down and they present this manual to CAAP for approval of air show permit. And this is just a tip of the iceberg.
This year is more complicated for the PIHABF team. Roa only found out last January 4 that there will be major change in this year’s activity mainly on the venue itself. There is an on-going construction of a sky trooper hangar, and he would not want to disturb the SIA taxiway and the Clark airport operation. The organizers acknowledge the challenges concerning security threat, compliance with CAAP regulation, and that there is an existing long ditch along the way that would need several bridges for people to pass through.
In short, there is no other option but to move the venue back to Omni instead of the Air Force area. I mentioned “back to Omni” because PIHABF had previously held events in this area about five times already. The only difference for this year is that it will take place on the other side of the runway specifically at the western part. The new venue is actually longer (approximately 84,700 square meters) than last year’s area of about 70,000 square meters. The advantage of this scenario is that people won’t have to walk for about 750 meters from parking to the main entrance.
Roa said that they’ll only be breaking the primary fence of the CIAC which is still acceptable for as long as they won’t go beyond the secondary fence. Another advantage is that there will be a parallel passageway, meaning those who carry baggage can have easy access. Operationally, it should be better for the organizers but admit that they anticipate difficulty in implementation.
Having only a month to prepare, the organizers have this gargantuan task in front of them. Expect dust when entering the parking area so no need to have your car washed. Towels can be convenient during this 4-day event. The organizers also have to deal with the illegal settlers in the area therefore prompting to entail additional security expense. It’s really an upscale type of activity.
For this year, Roa disclosed that there will be five specially shaped balloons apart from the dozens of regularly shaped balloons. On February 9, the gates will open at 4 in the morning to visit the Fly Fiesta and to have those spectacular sunrise selfies while the balloons are being inflated. If the weather condition is favourable, the hot air balloons are expected to lift off around 5:30 a.m. The grounds will close at 10:00 p.m.
It has been mentioned by observers that this year’s activity might be the last in Clark. However, CDC’s Noel Tulabut clarified that this is because the contract between Clark Development Corporation and the PIHABF has been set to end this year. This means both parties can agree to renew another contract if they want to. But for now, let’s enjoy the fun-filled weekend of everything that flies!