Vic Lactaoen

An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga

Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of the clam morning winds. 

Pilots check and ignite the propane gas tanks and release torrents of gas flames from time to time, while crew members inflate the balloon using large inflation fans. Slowly the dusty airfield is transformed into a skyway of expanding colorful blocks as the balloons rise into the air. More than the usual airshows, this hot air balloon fiesta will also have plane exhibits, modelers exhibition, and sky jumping among thei scheduled events for the next three days. The is also the country's biggest aviation sports event to watch which is the aerobatic light plane balloon bursting competition where light planes need to burst party balloons which some pilots says that this is one of the hardest of the many competition, becuase the balloon won't pop if the plane's propelers don't hit them right.

One could easily spend a week or more exploring the Pinatubo area with an aerial experience. The view at the top is spectacular and you become conscious of the effects that Mother Nature has done on sweeping the whole area with lahar and changing the landscape of the area after the famous Mount Pinatubo erruption. This is the best season to do air ballooning in the area where the weather is calm and cooperative and best of all it is not so hot. As we walked our way back to our vehicle, we saw a skyjumper plummeting 5,000 feet holding on to a huge Philippine flag larger than his parachute, a spectator said it all- "Mabuhay Philippines."