The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival was held last February 11-14, 2016 at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. It is held annually and attracts tourist of all ages and slowly becoming a famous attraction since its launch in 2004. I emailed the organizers that I will be covering the event and got a positive feedback a day before we left for Pampanga. Photographers pass are only issued to accredited publications and their media partners. I was given and instructed to call a certain mobile number once I reach the ticket booth because that person is gonna usher us in to the launch area. However, that didn't happen because the person's mobile number is out of coverage. We decided to settle in for normal entrance fee that cost Php 350.00.
TICKETS AND TIPS
Standard ticket price is Php 350.00. Children below the height of 3 feet can enter for free but standard ticket price applies for children above the height of 3 feet. Ticket booth opens at 5:00 am and gets busy an hour before it opens and the lines can be quite long. Be sure to be there before 5:00 am to have a good spot in public spectator area provided by the organizers.
GET A GOOD VANTAGE POINT
A sea of heads and crowds vying for a position to take good shots. Good thing I was standing in an elevated section of the ground. Hot air balloons take off every morning at around 6:30 AM, depending on wind conditions. The next opportunity to see the balloons is in the afternoon at around 5:30 PM as they fly in, if wind conditions are conducive. Skydiving Philippine Flag jump and PAF S211 high speed opener before the balloon flight.
At a slow pace, the balloons took off one after another. They slowly brighten up the skies with their colorful shapes and figures. The balloons will also be tethered on Saturday and Sunday night for the Night Glow.
Not just balloons but everything from planes including decommission ones, helicopters, propeller driven planes like Cessna, gliders and kites. The balloon fiesta offers a ramp tour that allows you to walk around the active flight line with guide explaining basic principles of flight. Ramp tours charged a minimal fee of Php 5.00 per person.
FOOD
Bringing of food is allowed. Please keep the Fiesta grounds clean by not littering! Glass containers, crockery and breakables are not allowed inside the Fiesta grounds. Food and non-alcoholic drinks may be brought into the fiesta venue, except for bottled drinks. Food and refreshments are also sold around the fiesta venue in the concessionaire tents and food booths.
GETTING THERE
The venue of the 20th Philippine International Hot Air Ballon Fiesta is the Air Force City complex, along A. Bonifacio Highway, Clark Field, Pampanga. The complex have huge unpaved grounds for parking space. Be sure to bring something to cover your face against the dust.
what lens were you using to shoot on that day? particularly the ones with the balloon shots :D
ReplyDeleteFujinon lens 50-140mm
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