Clark, Pampanga: The 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival

After four years, we have returned with friends.  We made sure to witness the early morning balloon flights since we missed it the last time. 



Here we are...

We left Manila at 12AM and stayed in San Fernando for a while.  At 5:30AM we are at the site.  There's a heavy traffic already since it's a Saturday.  Available parking is quite far  from the entrance.  We need to walk for 10 mins. 

I thought we can watch the balloons without entering the venue, but I was wrong.  So, here's another for the pocket.

That's 200 per head....good for a day's pass

The area near the gate is already jam packed, with people setting up tents and marking their territories.  Good thing, there are some available spots. In times like this, you need a good strategy to get a good spot for taking photos.

After waiting for the balloons, they arrived at 6:00AM and started to fly by 7:00AM.  The only thing to describe them - Amazing!  Another magnificent man's creation.

Aside from the balloon flights, you can watch the sky divers and para gliders.  They are so amazing as well.

There are other exhibits that you can visit and have pictures with - Military planes, armories, uniforms, tanks, etc.

After lunch, we went to Fontana to take a rest.  This villa costs P6,400.00/night (with 2 rooms and 1 maid's quarter). There are no cooking utensils here.  If you want to cook, you should bring a rice cooker and pots.  Living room is quite big.  

Here's our temporary home with our friends.

There is also a water park here.  For non-members, entrance fee is P475.00/person.  It looks good from the outside.  Too bad, we are on a limited budget so we didn't take a dip.  There's always a next time...

Before the night glow, you'll also be amazed with the sky's change of colors.  

Too bad, the wind is so strong, thus, the night glow is not quite a success.  We were not able to see the balloons glowing in the dark.

Anyway, we have enjoyed the early morning flight.

My tips for families who wish to visit this festival:

1. Hot Air Balloon festival is being held every 2nd week of Feb. and in Clark only since there is strong wind here by this time of the year.

2. If you have the time, it's better to go there by Friday early morning since not a lot of people will be there.

3. Bring your own vehicle since most of the passenger jeepneys are always full.  It will be hard for kids to commute especially if you are bringing a lot of stuff and food.

4. Leave Manila at around 12:00-2:00AM via SCTEX.  Bring a tent and sleep there (at the site) while waiting for the balloon flights.  You can set-up your tent infront of the gate from the venue where the balloons are.

5. If you are not on a tight budget, there are a lot of concessionaires there (Jollibee, McDo,   Zagu, etc.).  But be patient in waiting for your turn so it is still better to bring some food, candies, drinks and snacks with you.  

6. Remember to wear shoes, not SLIPPERS as the venue is full of dust.  Also, wear a mask for protection.
7. Bring a kite.  You and your kids will enjoy this activity.

8. Bring a lot of tissues, wet ones, towels, hats, and shades as it is really hot by lunch time.

9. To escape the heat, you can go to duty free shops and return by afternoon, that is, if you want to witness the night glow (during Saturday and Sunday only).  Just have a mark on your hand so you can return.  Bring a jacket as it is quite cold during the afternoon.

10. There are portable toilets (portalets) inside.  Again, be patient to wait for your turn.

11. Always look at your kids.  It's a big area with lots of people.  Kids can be easily lost.
12.  Bring extra cash as a lot of stuff can be bought, including souvenirs.  You know how kids are!

 

Overall expenses for a family of 6, including gas, toll fees, entrance fees, stay in fontana with friends and food is around Php 8,500.00.

We'll definitely come back for the next hot air balloon festivals....