Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

The balloon fiesta has been held at Clark since 1994, using the enormous flat expanse of the former American airbase, and it is the largest aviation sports event in the country. The centrepiece is the dawn mass ascension: balloons from teams around the world inflate in the dark and lift off together as the sun comes up over the Zambales range, which means arriving at the field before five in the morning. Around it are aerobatic displays by military and civilian teams, skydiving, paragliding, kite flying, remote-control aircraft, a night glow when tethered balloons are lit after dark, and the food and concert apparatus that attends any Philippine festival. It has been held under different organisers and at slightly different sites in recent years and has been cancelled or postponed in some, so confirming the current arrangement before booking is worthwhile.

What you actually see

• The dawn ascension - balloons lifting together at sunrise.
• The aerobatic displays - flying teams over the old airbase.
• The night glow - tethered balloons lit after dark.
• The skydiving and kites - the rest of the air programme.

When to go

February, over a weekend - confirm dates and venue, since organisers and sites have changed and the event has been cancelled in some years. Gates open before dawn for the ascension.

Honest expectations

The main event is at sunrise, so it means a night arrival or a very early start. The field is dusty, exposed and enormous. Traffic and parking at Clark are difficult, and balloons do not fly in wind.

Nearby

Angeles City and the Pampanga food towns are close; Betis and San Guillermo churches are south.