CLARK FIELD, Pampanga–Aside from the grand spectacle of seeing gigantic floating balloons dotting the sky, this year’s Hot Air Balloon Fiesta also aims to promote aviation as a career.

Twenty-five hot air balloons of different shapes and sizes took off this morning here for the opening of this four-day event.

These balloons were flown into the country by cargo firm UPS from participant countries including Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, France, United States of America, United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Netherlands and Malaysia.

Touted as the country’s biggest aviation event, the event also includes skydiving, paragliding and kite-flying exhibitions by military and privately-run flying clubs.

Held yearly here at the former American air base, this year’s event is expected to better last year in terms of the number of visitors. According to event organizers, last year’s event drew in some 55,000 visitors.

“From the looks of it we’ll probably double that this year or add at least 20,000 more visitors,” said Joy Roa, event director of the 4th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

The opening day also saw a lot of students who came in at sunrise to witness balloons take off amidst the clear weather condition here.

In an interview with INQUIRER.net, Roa said this year’s event include numerous activities lined up for young people to learn more about aviation.

“All the (flying) schools are here giving lectures on how to start a career in aviation whether being a mechanic or air traffic controller, a pilot or even a flight attendant,” he said.

Tourists can ride a hot air balloon for $150 or about P 7,000. Free rides are also accommodated but on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Roa.

The event, which runs until the weekend, charges an entrance fee of P100 per person.