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.

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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.

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