Mark your calendars for the eagerly awaited return of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), the sole airshow spectacle in the country. Set to grace the skies once again, the event is scheduled from February 16-18, 2024 (Friday-Sunday). This year’s three-day extravaganza will take place at a fresh location: the vibrant New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
Following a three-year pause, the much-anticipated “A Weekend of Everything that Flies” is poised to return, granting families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to witness an uninterrupted display of aerial exhibitions. This encompassing showcase will feature a captivating array of regular and special-shaped hot air balloons, helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, kites, and drones, all seamlessly integrated into a single venue.
Moreover, attendees can anticipate an array of engaging and informative activities, including aviation career seminars, vibrant fly markets, diverse food booths, and family-oriented entertainment. Each evening will culminate with a mesmerizing hot air balloon night glow followed by invigorating concerts. As Capt. Joy Roa, the Event Director of the PIHABF, affirms, “With the lifting of restrictions, we now have the opportunity to unite families and friends for a meaningful event. By extending invitations to aviators from across the globe to partake in the flying exhibitions, we continue to bestow upon all a genuine airshow experience, much as we have for over two decades.”
The 24th iteration of the PIHABF is set to unfold in the vibrant New Clark City, a sports haven established by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). This bustling locale features a sprawling Athletics Stadium with a seating capacity of 20,000, an aquatics center, and expansive open grounds. In a harmonious partnership, the PIHABF has formalized a Memorandum of Agreement with BCDA designating New Clark City as the esteemed host of the 2024 airshow. The MOA was formally inked by Capt. Joy Roa, the Event Director of the PIHABF, and Engr. Joshua Bingcang, the President and Chief Executive Officer of BCDA.
Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, BCDA PCEO Engr. Joshua Bingcang remarked, “We are excited to welcome the PIHABF to New Clark City, its new home. This contemporary festival, which brings delight to individuals of all ages, deserves to unfold within the world-class facilities of New Clark City—spaces that are comfortable, expansive, and seamlessly accessible for event attendees. We anticipate that this partnership signifies the inception of numerous forthcoming events.”
This remarkable event is held in conjunction with the Clark Development Corporation and the Provincial Government of Tarlac. Governor Susan Yap of Tarlac shares the collective enthusiasm, stating, “The province of Tarlac warmly embraces the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, an event that has consistently orchestrated a blend of captivating and educational aviation displays for over two decades. This event has not only attracted tourism but has also brought about promising business prospects to this segment of Central Luzon.”
For more than 20 years, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, renowned as “A Weekend of Everything that Flies,” has stood as Asia’s most eagerly anticipated and longest-running sports aviation extravaganza. It remains steadfast in its pursuit of sparking aviation interest, nurturing the discipline of young pilots, and fostering a spirit of volunteerism within the community.
For tickets and the latest event updates, stay connected via PIHABF’s official social media platforms: Facebook – www.facebook.com/pihabf, Instagram – @philballoonfest, TikTok – @philballoonfiesta. Catch the teaser video here: https://fb.watch/mBo_XAOdbP/.
