Weekend of Everything that Flies
Although the term “fiesta” has its Spanish roots, fiestas in the Philippines are colorful and highly anticipated community celebrations. One fiesta that I enjoyed most is the 22nd Hot Air Balloon Fiesta last February 8-11, 2018 at Clark Field, Pampanga.
Clark Field was the former American-occupied Clark Air Base. The base was originally occupied by the Philippine Air School in 1912. Hangars for the 3rd Aero Squad of the U.S. Army were later built in the field in 1919. The field was named after Maj. Harold M. Clark (1890-1919) of the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
For several decades, the base has witnessed major events in Philippine history including World War II. It was also said the Clark was the birthplace of the Japanese “Kamikaze,” or the Special Attack Units of military pilots who initiated suicidal missions. Clark was formally turned over to the Filipinos in 1991 due to the rejection of the Philippine Senate to extend the American occupation of military bases.
Personally, I get very nostalgic each time I set foot in Clark. In 2010, I was part of the concert “Fontana Rocks" held at the Fontana Resorts and Leisure Park in Clark Freeport Zone. Featured artists included music icon Ely Buendia of the famed Eraserheads, all-girl group La Diva (Jona Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricris Garcia), and balladeer Christian Bautista.
Also in 2010 and 2014, I was able to organize Muzikademy, a free, live-in camp for young Filipino musicians. Part of the activity was a song-writing contest where the winners got to join me in concert.
I am never a stranger at Clark as this would be my nth time to go there but I must admit that this is my first time to witness the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. To think that it is now in its 22nd year! Last year, the event had supposedly burned its last fuel. The organizer’s contract with Clark Development Corporation (CDC) had expired and the government planned to develop the Clark International Airport where the event was located. So, I was surprised to learn that the hot air balloons took its flight this year. No second thoughts! I must attend this event.
Among the activities that I am excited to see are skydiving, paragliding, and lots and lots of hot air balloons. Tandem Skydiving is an uncharted frontier and I dream of one day diving at 10,000 feet. The thought always makes me scream! And my feet are still in the ground. US$400.00 for the Tandem Skydiving pricey but worth a check off your bucket list. If you find the thrill of Tandem Skydiving too much, a ride with the hot air balloon is a better, and cheaper, alternative at US$350.00. The fees does not include the entrance fee of Php 500.00. I am very curious to see how the pilots actually maneuver these gigantic inflated contraptions up close and personal.
Aside from the events that I have mentioned, there was also aircraft flight exhibition from the Philippine Air Force. Should you decide to stay on the ground and forego of the adrenaline-inducing experience, you could explore the booth exhibits or watch the lovely pre-nup photoshoots in between the flying exhibitions.
To make it more fun I invited @clairefabella to join me in this amazing hot air balloon fiesta.
To end this event I did my wushu kick which I normally do wherever i go.
The organizers lived to its promise of “Weekend of Everything that Flies.”
Happy Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!
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Well-written article!😀 Thanks for sharing about the history of Clark. I didn’t know much about it. Thanks for inviting me too and for sharing our pic. Yey!
@janicehung you are like a diamond that shines brightly!!
God bless you my dear friend!! Hugs!!
Really well-written post and i found very interesting the rumor about the japanese kamikaze and in general the suicide squads! i wish you someday achieve your dream of skydiving at 10.000 and while you do so don't forget to do your wushu kick too :P
Of course I won’t forget the wushu kick in the sky. I did split underwater in boracay in case you didn’t see it in my vlog in dtube😊😀
you know i saw it :P
"maayong buntag pud"(That was "Good morning too" in Bisaya). hehe :)
400 USD is expensive for a skydive even in America. That looks like a fun festival, though.
That’s great article and explaining how Clark turn out after .So nice to see some picture from Clark and the fiesta event .and the ending wushu kick that’s was a nice touch .😊
Thanks for sharing about the history clark.@janicehung
All your travels are amazing. But the most is ?
Your wushu kick. Hahaha. I cant get closer to ypu coz i might be wushu kicked. Hahaha
Imagine parachute jumping is already exciting and tell me who hasn't dreamed of flying in a balloon, experiences to keep dreaming. Don't stop dreaming and if you can make it happen, don't think about it and enjoy it. Life is one.
Thanks for sharing@janicehung
