Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) marked its 16th year celebration on February 10, 2011. The event started to draw tourists around the globe since it was first held in 1994. Hot air balloon aficionados and spectators once again made a spot on the history after it delivered most number of participants and observers locally and internationally during its 16th year.
With overwhelming support and publications from various media outlets such as the print, broadcast and social media, this event has forcefully hit its way as the most sought after during the first quarter of the year. It was held at Clark Field in Angeles City, Pampanga—one of the country’s widest aviation grounds.
This was another random plan. The two of us would be coming from Manila and a friend from Pampanga would wait for us. It looked like a perfect plan. Transportation from Mexico, Pampanga to Clark, food and accommodation would all be given for gratis by a friend.
On Friday night, we arrived safe at our friend’s house. Food for dinner were served while our room was being prepared. Outside our room was a pool where we could spend our whole night. It was a simple get together after two years so we almost forgot to sleep because we splurged ourselves to death on these frills while taking advantage of our brief time together.
Having only 2 hours of sleep, we woke up late for the festival and found ourselves rushing everything for us not to miss the takeoff of giant balloons. The initial plan was to be at Clark’s field at around 5:30am to secure a good spot for photo taking. Unfortunately, we left home late so we arrived an hour late of the original plan.
Since it was our first time to attend the event, we thought it would be stress-free as long as we have a private transport. But I was stunned the moment our car entered Clark’s vicinity. As early as 6am, traffic was already bad; vehicles going North and South were slow-moving, and the whole ground was nurtured by bushes which turned into cars. First problem: parking area.
After a couple of minutes, hot air balloons started to takeoff while we were inside the car. Gester was still looking for a parking space. I asked him to stop the car in the middle of the highway. I got off hurriedly and ran fast the moment it stopped. Mary Ann did the same while screaming at me to slow down so she could catch up. But I was very relentless because I wanted to take good photos of the designed balloons. There were instances where I took pauses on the road to take glimpse at the balloon flying above (my mindset: there are still balloons on the ground, I can still make it).
When I reached the entrance to the aviation ground, I was received by three long lines of visitors. This was what I get right after dealing with the problem on parking space. Like other tourists who were taking the burden of lining up for 20 minutes before entering the vicinity, I got content on watching the balloons parading in the sky. At least, even if I viewed it from afar, I still get mesmerized by the way they blended with the blue skies and swayed with the forceful wind. That was my only consolation, to enjoy the moment of being there.
Despite of being late for an hour, we still chose to go. Fortunately, three hot air balloons were being prepared for a flight when we came in. We got the chance to get closer and have our souvenir pictures. Apart from it, we also availed the opportunity to watch the paragliding exhibition, ultralight aircraft formation flying, aerobatic flight display and kite flying exhibition.
My hilarious PIHABF experience still rings a bell every time I see balloons. Things, sometimes, get twisted in a way we didn’t plan, but turn out to be awesome.
Lesson learned: I have to run faster upon getting off the car next time. Kidding. Seriously, always come on time or ahead of time. But in case you came late, don’t torture yourself; just enjoy what’s left for you.
DIALOGUE WITH A WANDERER 