THE Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival (LIBMF) is expected to draw thousands of spectators during the three-day event set for April 5 to 7 at the Pradera Verde, Prado Siongco in Lubao, Pampanga.
Now on its sixth year, the LIBMF will feature 10 new special-shaped hot air balloons that will be flying in the Philippine skies for the first time, in addition to the 21 regular-shaped balloons, said event chairman Noel Castro.
Among the 31 participating balloons, four are from the local sponsors including the Lubao Municipal Government, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the SM Supermalls and the Isuzu D-Max.
The 27 other balloons will come from 18 different participating countries.
“This year is a banner year for Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival because we will be bringing you above and beyond with a lot of activities that will surely excite the young and the old,” Castro said.
The LIBMF has also lined up several mainstream and up and coming local music artists including for the nightly music festival that is expected to draw 30,000 to 35,000 tourists from around the country.
The artists include I Belong To The Zoo, JK Labajo, Ben and Ben, and December Avenue on the first night (April 5); Al James, Shanti Dope, Gloc 9, and Apl de Ap on the second night (April 6); and This Band, Moira dela Torre and Bamboo on the third night (April 7).
Spectators can also enjoy a whole day of exciting activities inside the Pradera Verda such as off road and rally cross, ultralight, motor paragliding shows, balloon’s night glow and bazaar featuring foods, toys, clothes and other souvenir items.
Photographers’ haven
LIBMF launch Master Bernie Bituin, meanwhile, assured that the event will be a haven for professional photographers, photo enthusiasts and selfie-lovers with the variety of balloon designs.
"I will hold the balloons nearby as long as possible for all the photographers and the people to take better pictures and selfies. We are expecting at least 30,000 tourists and we wanted them to maximize their visit to the best possible way,” he said.
Bituin added that the special-shaped balloons will be placed in the flight area to showcase the variety of designs of balloons to give chance to photographers to have better shots.
If the wind condition permits, the balloons will also be allowed to take outside flights, Butuin added.
“The event will be a haven for photographers and everyone who loves to take pictures,” he said.
The LIBMF, which debuted in 2013, is the biggest annual tourism festival of Lubao town.
The event is held in coordination with Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTO) and with support from the Provincial Government of Pampanga.