My Sanctuary of Thoughts.: Identified.Flying.Objects.

One of my goals for this year is to experience at least one Philippine Festival that we celebrate annually.My 13 for 2013 As a result, my friends and I planned a visit to Clark to attend the 18th Hot Air Balloon Festival. We were all first timers that's why our excitement was to its highest level.

Here are my three A's on why you should experience it yourself.

1. Accessiblity - Clark is just 2-3 hours away from Manila. If you're travelling by bus, Phil Tranco has regular trips to Clark. At the terminal, there are already jeepneys going to Clark Freeport Zone.
For our trip, we availed the package of Yats International. This includes a round trip bus transfer from Manila to Clark. We met at the parking lot in front of the Philippine Stock Exchange, Tektite Building in Ortigas.
The bus will leave at 04:30 AM that's why guests should be there at 04:00 AM.

BUT, in reality, the bus left around 05:30 AM. Contrary to their email advise, they did not leave late guests. We waited for one group of guests before we left Ortigas which I really find unfair because other groups including mine, made an effort to be on time.

2. Aviation - Unlike other Philippine festivals which activities are done on land like float parades, street dancing, traditional games and food displays, Hot Air Balloon Festival is unique because it conquers the sky.

The Hot Air Balloon flight started at around 06:30 AM - 08:30 AM. Since we left Ortigas late, we arrived at Clark around 07:30 AM. On our way to the Clark Freeport Zone, we already saw some hot air balloons on air.

Mr. Sun is the last hot air balloon to take flight on that day, that's why we still managed to see it up close on the grounds.

The reason why they fly hot air balloons early in the morning and late in the afternoon is because of the temperature. From the word itself, the balloons can fly because of the hot air, but aside from that they also need a cold weather to balance the heat and make the balloons fly. So the best time is early in the morning and late in the afternoon. (combination of hot and cold pala itey!)

hot air balloon night glow

Aside from the Hot Air Balloons, there were numerous air shows that made our jaws dropped. My two favorites were Meynard Hallili acrobatic exhibition and the Breitling flying jets.

Meynard Hallili learned how to fly at the age of 40. (Life begins at 40, indeed!) Even though he was already a successful businessman, he didn't give up his love for aviation and still pursue his long time dream of becoming a pilot. Right now, he's already holding a senior citizen card but he still flies his yellow plane like a freaking 20 year old!

Meynard Halili! -- Credits to the owner of this photo.

The Breitling flying jets got most of the Ohhhs! and Wooows! from the crowd. They came all the way from England just to participate in the Hot Air Balloon Festival.

And there were also para glider pilots, thanks to them, paragliding is now included in my bucket list.

3. Affordable - It is one of the Philippine festival that you can attend and enjoy without spending too much cold hard cash. If you're from Manila or nearby provinces, It doesn't require any plane ticket or hotel accomodation (since you can easily go back to Manila after the event). Entrance ticket is only 250 php per person. They were selling tickets at the entrance gate but if you want to purchase it in advance, You can buy it at any Ticketnet outlet for 270 php.

Since the venue is an open field, visitors can bring their own mats or set up their own tents and have a picnic with their families and friends. There were also different stalls selling food, kites and other souvenirs.

For our trip, we availed the 14000 php package of Yats International. This includes round trip bus transfers from Ortigas to Clark, lunch and entrance ticket. Quite pricey but it was worth it especially if you want a hassle free travel. We had our lunch at Clearwater country club and they allowed us to visit the entire place for free! Please click Clearwater, for a closer look of our side trip inside this hidden paradise in Clark.

Overall, it was a tiring but fun day. The major struggle that we experienced was battling with the heat of the sun. So these are some tips and must haves if you plan to attend the Hot Air Balloon Festival next year: bring your umbrella, sun block, mats and extra shirt, be in your most comfortable clothes, bring your own food and water, be there early and pack light. To avoid the heat of the sun leave the area around 10:30 am and be back at 3:30 pm. You can use this time to explore other places in Clark like Nayong Pilipino, SM Clark, or visit the Clearwater Country Club.