Daily TribuneStaying true to its theme, avian breeds were showcased during the event, bannered by the United Flyers Philippines.
PRINCESS brought happiness Princess Nelly, the pink elephant with a crown and a cute face, hails from Belgium and is managed by pilot Peter Van Overwalle.
ZEBRA sees you The zebra hot air balloon with a funky face is named Mister Z, owned and managed by Pilot Dan Stukas from the United States of America.
WALRUS from the skies Brazilian pilot Luiz Assis brought a hot air balloon called Walrus to the Philippines to the delight of the children watching the event.
HOME for Macaws Brazilian pilots João Justo and Rodrigo Peretto paraded Red and Blue Macaws for the representation of their homeland — which is also a home for several macaw species.
GHOSTING on Valentine’s weekend Boo, a ghost hot air balloon, was able to bring fun to people as Pilot Jack Semler displayed it for three days.
PASSION and care Florante Gozon, the president and founder of Unified Flyers Philippines, poses with his parrots, and the goers paid for a photo opportunity with the birds.
VARIOUS materials, one goal Batangas Aeromasters Radio Control Association features some of the aircraft that they showcased during the three-day event.
PERFECT landing One of the featured air sports in the 26th PIHABF is paragliding competition which observes perfect landing from participants.
FROM the ground Aside from flying objects and other stuff from the skies, attendees also enjoyed car show displays where some are for sale.
FINAL night The New Clark City Stadium served as the home of the 26th PIHABF for three days, serving as the bridge for enjoyment, education, sports and aviation.
It wasn’t all “hot air,” so to speak. The 26th edition of the annual Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) featured 27 hot air balloons, but it also filled New Clark City with the excitement of drone racing, paragliding, car drifting exhibitions and aviation competitions.
The hot air balloons, of course, flown by international pilots from the United States, Brazil, Belgium, Switzerland and North Macedonia, were the stars of the event.
And for the 30,000-plus attendees who visited the three-day event, these were no ordinary floating visions, but a dream.
Kayanakan, this year’s theme, was inspired by the Kapampangan term for “youth.”
When Captain Joy Roa, PIHABF president and founder, was asked about the target audience of the annual event, he was quick to say that the event primarily hopes to attract the younger generation.
And there were many, indeed, enjoying the colorful sights in Capas, Tarlac, which no doubt ignited memories of childhood among many.
It was dubbed “A Weekend of Everything That Flies” — hot air balloons, vivid by day and glowing by night, and more of the unseen: Dreams.
Staying true to its theme, avian breeds were showcased during the event, bannered by the United Flyers Philippines.
Inspiring future aviators and sports enthusiasts, creating platforms for learning and cultural exchange, the 26th PIHABF once more became the “hot air” to fuel dreams.
