Watching hot air balloons inflate is thrilling in itself, but seeing them in different shapes and size is another. Photo By PInggot Zulueta

MANILA, Philippines — Visitors to the recent 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012 witnessed an unusual sunrise as hot air balloons of differing designs and sizes crowded the early morning skies of Clark Freeport, Pampanga. This year’s Fiesta re-ignited not just the hot air balloon burners but also interests in everything in flight: hot air balloons, training aircraft, helicopters, commercial planes as well as sky diving and paragliding. For four days, about a hundred enticing hot air balloons of different fun designs from a dog, to a panda, to a huge ice cream, floated above the enthusiastic crowd.

Numbering over a hundred thousand, visitors also participated in the air Fiesta with their own toys. Enthusiasts were allowed to bring and fly their kites, RC helicopters and small planes at the south side of the hangar, creating a sky crowded with flying banderitas. For those who preferred to be spectators, there were grass grounds where they could set up their own picnic and photo ops.

The air field was dotted by stalls selling mostly memorabilia, miniature hot air balloons, commemorative ballers, shirts, tattoo booths and even dressed-up cars. There were exhibits from Caltex, Canon, aviation schools and the military.

Regular goers of the event noticed that more and more of the general public were becoming aware and excited about the event with growing program scope, media coverage and expanding attendance. Just before dawn, the parking area was already significantly filled with cars and field-trip buses and coasters. Also noticeable was how organized the event was, with more field marshals (on horses that is), event organizers, and of course, the police.

It is remarkable how this flying event is becoming an annual itinerary for more Filipinos, much like the cultural fiesta witnessed when it’s time for Ati-Atihan. And speaking of parades, the military had its own marching band parade. How many times do you witness the military, in full uniform, blowing horns, beating the drums and actually dancing while doing that?

By midday, there were more aerobatic stunts, as well as air rescues and endless paraglider and light plane flybys. In the late afternoon, the glowing of the hot air balloons added more excitement for ecstatic visitors. The glow and illumination of the balloons made for a different experience from fireworks displays, especially for first time viewers.

Amazingly, there has not been a major untoward incident in the event’s 17-year run. Of course, this safety record is attributable to the event’s focus on aircraft and not on airplanes. But as the event gets bigger, it will not be surprising to see more airplanes featured in the future.

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival runs until today, February 12, 2012.  For more information, you can contact (02) 384-0085 or (02) 833-3264 and info@philballoonfest.net or flymarket@philballoonfest.net for sponsor and booth inquiries.