Philippine International Friendship Balloon Festival 2014: It's More Than Just Hot Air

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This year's hot air balloons took flight in Brgy. Prado Siongco in Lubao, Pampanga. Unlike last year when the festival was celebrated in Angeles city, Pampanga's hot air balloon festival, now organized by Pilipinas International Balloon Festival, Inc. (PIBF) in cooperation with the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTO) and with support from Provincial Government of Pampanga, was held last April 10 to 13, 2014.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Ronnie Tiotuico did say that even though the festival was held more than 30 kilometers away from its original location, more people populated the area since the festival ground was fairly passable and accessible for both private and public vehicles. The new site was just along the Gapan-Olongapo Road going to Dinalupihan. The festival attracted more than 100,000 visitors.

Around 30 hot-air balloon teams from the US, Europe and Southeast Asia have been invited to participate in the four-day event entitled Philippine International Friendship Balloon Festival 2014 with the theme “It’s More than Just Hot Air.” 

Photo credits to Romeo Ranoco/Reuters

Aside from the hot air balloons, there were street dances, car shows, wakeboarding demonstrations, a cooking competition participated in by hotels and culinary schools, live band performances, radio-controlled aircraft demonstrations, kite-flying, balloon night glows, a fireworks display and awarding ceremonies on Governor’s Night.

The event also featured products from local concessionaires and coincided with the opening of a golf course and a cable car park in the town. The local authorities hope that this event will bring tourism and business to Lubao and other parts of Pampanga.

Contact Ricky Pablo (0917-512-9143) or Cherry Serrano (0917-437-5240) of the Lubao Municipal Tourism Office for more information.

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