SEVENTY five skydivers will jump. Twenty five colorful balloons will fly. And balloons shaped like elephants, tigers, sugarhouse, mug cup, para-gliders, kites, helicopters, and planes will take to the sky during Clark Freeport’s 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF).

Apart from the Philippines, other countries including Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, France, United States of America, United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Netherlands and Malaysia will participate in this year’s event.

“Our objective is to open the eyes of everybody of what aviation is about. It gives the country an opportunity for aviation tourism. This is an opportunity for us to show that we have a friendly sky. We welcome them in flying in our airspace and see the beautiful country side,” says Joy Roa, events director of PIHABF.

Tourists can ride a hot air balloon for $150 or about P 7, 200. But for those who cannot afford, free rides are being offered but only on a first come first serve basis, according to Roa.

Chic Talde, marketing director of PIHABF, says about 80 percent of the sales from the event will go to a foundation, which will offer full college scholarships for high school students.

These scholarships are meant for students who want to land a career on aviation.

The PIHABF foundation has been accommodating about four to five scholars every year since 2007. Currently, their foundation has sent seven scholars to college.

“A lot of Filipinos have good motor skills. We don’t need to be tall to be able to fly,” says Roa.
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PIHABF expects to gather tourists and aviation enthusiasts from all over the world from February 12 to 15, 2009 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines grounds.

Aside from aviation tourism, Roa says that the 14th PIHABF aims to promote social responsibility.