Couples and families looking for a Valentine’s weekend activity may find it in the skies over New Clark City as the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta returns from February 13 to 15 in Tarlac.
Timed with Valentine’s Day, the three-day event will feature early morning balloon flights, aerial exhibitions and evening activities, including a Valentine’s dinner on February 14. Dinner tickets are priced at P1,800 per person.
Balloons are scheduled to lift off as early as 6:30 a.m. each day, forming the centerpiece of the festival. Organizers said the annual gathering, considered the country’s longest-running hot air balloon event, will also include drone demonstrations, paragliding displays, paramotor stunts and a Kyxz hoverbike presentation.
Several special-shaped balloons will appear in the Philippines for the first time, including Finley the Turtle (UK), Tuca the Toucan (Brazil), Red Macaw (Brazil), Blue Macaw (Brazil) and Walrus (Brazil).
Other featured balloons include Master Zaba (UK), Gnome (North Macedonia), Winnie (UK), Iggy the Purple Baby Dragon (Netherlands), Te Amo (USA), Frank Boy (Brazil), Babbe the Witch (Belgium), Saxon (USA), Boo (USA) and Cupid’s Heart (Switzerland).
Returning entries include Yoda, flown by Benoit Lambert (Belgium); Princess Nelly, piloted by Peter Van Overwalle (Belgium); Busby, piloted by Paul Burrows (UK); Party, flown by Sheryl Reichert (USA); Bagger, flown by Thomas Grubbstorm (Switzerland); and La Cartuja, piloted by Fred Kool (Netherlands).
Beyond the Valentine’s programming, the fiesta will host an Aviation Seminar for students, aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals, covering topics on flying, safety and aviation developments.
Competitive events such as the Paragliding Accuracy Competition, FPV Drone Races and Drone Soccer are also scheduled. On the ground, visitors can attend car shows and drifting exhibitions, kite-flying demonstrations and the “Fly Market,” featuring food stalls and local products. Live musical performances will be held in the evenings.
Tickets are available on-site and in advance through HelixPay, SM Tickets and Klook. Schedules and updates are available on the festival’s official website and social media pages.
