Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2009 – Clark, Pampanga

We skipped going out on Valentines night coz we were preparing on an early morning trip to Clark, Pampanga. On to the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta we went last Sunday. We should have left our place at 3 am but made it at 4:30 am. As we reached the place of the festival by 5:15 too many cars were swarming for the nearest place to park and worst, hundreds of thousands of people were already queuing for tickets to enter the venue. Most of them were families with Grannies and Grandpas to the tiniest tots in tow. I also saw groups of youngsters and yuppies alike. We were quite unlucky not to see the actual preparation of those big balloons for the grand take off as we were still queuing in the longest line of excited spectators. We can’t do anything but to watch those beautiful big balloons soar high to the early morning sky from afar! So beautiful and breathtaking! When we finally got inside the festival place, a few balloons were still about to soar, but our attention were caught by the beautiful music and attractive showmanship of the Phil. Air Force Band with the Lady members of the Air Force, I supposed. They played magnificent music from danceable ones to slow pops with matching dance steps. They were enjoyed by photo enthusiasts next to colorful Hot Air Balloons.

Kids had good times too. They enjoyed sitting inside the planes on display. Young men and women were able to pose with soldiers in full uniforms with all their combat paraphernalia. There were also a number of RC planes flying atop our head. It was indeed a weekend of everything that flies. A very interesting day for photo journalists and enthusiasts. There’s no chance for you to get hungry either, coz different stalls lined up on one side of the place selling all kinds of food and souvenir items. Everything is fine until the sun glares fiercely and we can’t stand it any longer, hence we turned to exit and drove back home.

A close shot of the entrance ticket.

One of the late flyers.

This one was ahead.

And so withl these.

A parachuter carrying the Philippine flag.

Just a part of the simultaneous flying.

The Phil. Air Force Band. Fantastic performance!

With the Lady Air Force Members. Graceful dancers!

One of the planes on display.

Wanting to get a picture with that event's huge banner.

These curious onlookers waiting for more actions..

(Tom, Jaja and Luigi)

Hubby taking more photos for his blog. he he..

Crowds waiting to get inside.

If going out, get yourself stamped, so you

won't pay again if coming back.

(We didn't comeback though.)