(February 13, Saturday) It was my first time to attend the annual event of the PIHABF. I was wide-eyed when I woke up at around 1:30 am, excited to catch up the setting up of the balloons. We headed off to Clark from our house in Cavite around 2.30am. Sad thing, we got there around almost 8 in the morning and the sun was already up and shining. I was not even able to see the balloons while they are being inflated by those propane burners. 🙁 Fortunately, I was able to grab some tickets from SM Ticketnet, so me and my family did not wait in the long que. Tickets are sold for 150 each. It was just disappointing to buy tickets in SM Ticketnet because they just look like the usual concert tickets that they have, so if you are a first-timer or someone who keeps the ticket for souvenirs or as a remembrance, better to buy some tickets in Ayala (same price also). 
our tickets for the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
When we got to the venue, there were just only 3 balloons that were visible enough from the area. Better to really go there as early as 5 am because the balloons flies out so early and goes back late in the afternoon to prepare for the Night Glow. We just took some pics and started to roam around to check the other attractions; there were a lot of kids playing around with their kites, and yes, it was true that it is really a weekend of everything that flies. There’s a free kite from DHL too! (just present a company id), some kites are also being sold for Php150.00.
For photography enthusiasts, there were some photo contests too – one was sponsored by DPP and the other one by Caltex. (Unfortunately, there were a lot who were not informed where they can avail the VIP Pass. Promise, gonna get one on the 16th Phil. Hot Air Balloon Festival.) 🙂
There were also a lot of booths that promote other destinations in Subic. They offer great discounts too. So while we were there, we took advantage and grab some tickets of Zoobic Safari.
Schedule: Feb 11 – 14, 2010
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
HOW TO GET THERE:
NLEX, SCTEX
Take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and continue past Dau toll plaza — but do not take the Dau exit. Pull to the right and take the SCTEX on-ramp. From the SCTEX toll booth, take the southbound lane to Clark South exit. You will be entering Clark through the Yokohama complex. At the stop light, turn right into Roxas highway. The Balloon Fiesta will be to your right.
Click here to view the MAP
NLEX, DAU
Getting to the Clark Special Economic Zone by car is easy. One simply needs to take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. Take a left turn towards Angeles City and make an easy right turn into Clark itself. After entering the main gate, proceed along Roxas highway, and the Balloon Fiesta will be to your right.
Tickets:
Tickets are for 150.00. You can buy tickets at the gate or you may also inquire by calling the PIHABF office at +632 384-0085, or through mobile number: +63 927 340-4994. Tickets are also available via TicketNet and from Recreational Outdoor eXchange (ROX) in Bonifacio High Street. If you want to ride the balloon, they charge US$150 per person, but this is a first-come-first-serve-basis, you can go directly to the Information Booth upon arrival for booking.
See you on the 16th guys!!
Philippines Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the biggest event in not only in Pampanga but in the whole Philippines. Do you visit the 22nd hot air balloon festival?