One Weekend of Everything That Flies

Another weekend of everything that flies is coming up. Let me share with you my very first experience of such a fun-filled weekend in 2009. One of those very first moments I started to wake up early in pursuit of light and photography.

We left Manila the night before to ensure we are at the venue very early in the morning and we are more relaxed.

The venue started getting busy at 5:00am. People were coming in, the balloonist and their staff were at the staging area to prepare their places, and we scramble to find good angles to shoot. We were lucky to have gotten access to the staging area.

At exactly 6:00am, the balloons one-by-one lifted to the cloudy skies. A not so pretty background for photos, but still at awe at the colorful balloons dotting the skies.

Then came the light planes, rescue operations, skydiving and para-gliding exhibitions,  kite-flying and remote-controlled planes demonstrations. All happening simultaneously with band exhibitions, street art activities in the different areas of the venue. The air was festive. During lull moments, guests can enjoy refreshments at the tent area or check-out the displays ---old and new aircraft scattered around the huge venue.

Time flies so fast when you get to do and see a lot of things. Before we know it, it was time for the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow. This is when you get to see the 4X4 cars slowly inching into the staging area with heavy loads in tow. Then, you will slowly witness them unfurl the balloons on the ground, set up the other equipment and then, light up the fire. Slowly, you will see the well-lighted balloons take its form. Awesome sight to see! Lighted balloons all in a row!

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The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is happening the weekend of Feb 21-24, 2013 at the Clark Economic Zone in Pampanga.

For more details, please visit their official site here.