Kayanakan: Same skies, different dreams

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.