Now set to dominate the skies of New Clark City in Tarlac, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) is braced for its grandest edition yet for its 26th year, happening on 13–15 February 2026.
With the theme "A Weekend of Everything that Flies," the three-day showcase will highlight regular and special-shaped hot air balloons, helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, kites, and drones — all for the enjoyment of families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts.
For this year’s festival, 22 creative designs will be flown by pilots from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil across the landscape of New Clark City, which is developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
"Bringing all these aerial spectacles together within a three-day celebration reminds us how meaningful it is to keep offering a true airshow experience — one we've honed and shared with the public for more than two decades," PIHABF Event Director Capt. Joy Roa shared during the press conference Monday afternoon.
BCDA officer-in-charge and Senior Vice President Engr. Mark P. Torres explained that the maiden PIHABF, which happened in 1994, was conducted to revive the city’s tourism due to the aftermath of the Mount Pinatubo eruption.
Aside from amplifying the city’s tourism, Provincial Government of Tarlac’s Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer Frances Margaret Canlas said that the PIHABF will also boost local MSMEs and artisans and will help promote Tarlac as a destination for local and international tourists.
“We will be supportive of anything that flies,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Edward Hayco assured.
Hayco also said that they will be extending help to offer “a more colorful and sporty event” for the country’s longest-running aviation sports gathering.