The longest-running sports aviation event in Asia is slated to return in February 2024 with more exciting activities and thrilling displays than ever before.
The countdown has definitely begun for the most-anticipated event that will literally take your excitement to new heights: the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival. The ultimate airshow experience that has captured the hearts of many Filipinos is making its return to the skies this coming February 16-18, 2024, at an all-new venue in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
Having to pause because of the pandemic, the event is making a comeback with a theme: “A Weekend of Everything that Flies”. Painting the skies with vibrant colors and jaw-dropping aerial displays, families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts get a chance to witness non-stop flying exhibitions from regular and special-shaped hot air balloons to helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, kites, and drones, all in one venue.
First-Time Attendee? Here’s What You Have to Know about PH Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024
Aside from the awe-spiring and extraordinary displays, you can also anticipate a wide range of delightful and educational experiences through aviation seminars, bustling fly markets, diverse food booths, and family entertainment. And just when you thought the day was over, another spectacle is yet to behold with the magical hot air balloon night glow and concerts.
Exciting, right? As the event director of the PIHABF, Captain Joy Roa puts it: “Since restrictions have been lifted, we now have a chance to gather families and friends for a meaningful event. By inviting aviators from all over the world to participate in the flying exhibitions, we continue to share with everyone a real airshow experience, just as we have done for over two decades.”
In its 24th rendition, PIHABF partnered with Clark Development Corporation and the Provincial Government of Tarlac. New Clark City is an athletic facility established by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, showcasing a sprawling 20,000-seat Athletics Stadium, an aquatic center, and an assortment of expansive open grounds. “We are thrilled to welcome the PIHABF to New Clark City, their new home. This modern-day festival, which brings joy to the young and old, deserves to be celebrated at the world-class facilities of New Clark City that are comfortable, spacious, and convenient for eventgoers. We hope this partnership is just the start of many more events in the coming years.”
Fully supporting the objectives of PIHBF of sparking interest in aviation, instilling discipline in young pilots, and imparting a spirit of volunteerism to the whole community, Governor Susan Yap also shared: “The province of Tarlac welcomes the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which for more than 20 years, has consistently staged highly-entertaining and educational aviation events, bringing a lot of tourism and business opportunities to this part of Central Luzon.”
Are you ready to soar with the limitless possibilities of aviation? Mark your calendars and participate in this weeklong activity. See you!
Cover image credit: Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
