14th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

This year’s Hot Air Balloon Fiesta kicked off yesterday, February 12, and will last until Sunday, February 15. The venue is still Clark Freeport Zone (an hour’s drive from Manila) and participants will come from all over the world including Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, France, the US, the UK, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, the Netherlands and Malaysia. Expect corporate participants too with balloons prominently displaying company logos.

If you plan to go, here are some tips from someone who survived half a day of hot air balloon gazing and photography last year.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is not a place nor occasion for high heels and bling-bling. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing (and running if you’re taking photos) so you want really comfy clothing. Note though that at this time of the year mornings can be really chilly so if you plan to be at the site before daybreak, it is advisable to bring a light jacket.

Be an early bird. Parking space is limited so if you want your vehicle parked near the entrance of the venue, it is best to be there before 6.00 a.m. The program usually starts around 7.00 but you will want some time to look around and choose the best spot from which to enjoy the show. If you’re into photography, for instance, and you want to take photos of the balloons before they go up, you will want to stay near the launch area. Note though that unless you have a privilege pass, you won’t be able to enter the field.

Oh, and for shutterbugs, remember — a telephoto lens is good but a wide angle zoom lens is better.

Food and drink stalls are all over. If you really want to enjoy your hot air balloon experience, do not bring too much stuff. There are no seats (it’s a field) and people move around all the time. You really don’t want to be stuck in one spot manning your bags and whatnots. There is no need to bring food and drinks, including hot coffee, as they are readily available from stalls in the area.

Toilet facilities. There is no shortage on Portalets and, believe me, they’re not bad at all (still wasn’t smelly four hours after people started to arrive in droves) but you’ll have to bring your own toilet paper and alcohol for cleaning your hands. There are toilets but no wash basins.

There are more than balloons to see and enjoy. Once the balloons are off, enjoy the rest of the show. There are parachute jumps and paragliding exhibitions (at least, last year, there was) and they are just as magnificent as the hot air balloons.

Finally, for those with young kids in tow, keep an eye on the little ones. The crowds can get thick and it is easy to lose sight of young children. They’re not likely to get lost permanently as the area is gated and fenced but you really don’t want to panic and go through the trauma of having to search for them.

That said, I hope you enjoy your Hot Air Balloon Fiesta experience.

[All photos were taken at last year's Hot Air Balloon Fiesta]