A few weekends ago, my friends and I decided to head up North for the hot air balloon festival. This year is the 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival, held in Clark, Pampanga. It was coined as the weekend of everything that flies, from hot air balloons, airplanes, kites and parachutes.
A weekend of everything that flies!
It was an approximate 2 hour drive from Manila, so we made it a point to make the road trip entertaining!
Beer for the road!
It was unfortunate though that the weather didn’t cooperate with us. It was a dark and gloomy day. But despite that, I was more than eager to watch the balloons take flight because this is the first time I actually went to the festival.
Waiting for the balloons to fly!
As the balloons went up, the sky lit up with colorful and humongous balloons of all shapes and sizes. It was magical. I could only wish I had the chance to ride one and kiss the skies. There were some cute balloons that flew that day. There was a cake, an orange, a panda and a flower balloon, among others.
Up, up and away!
It's an orange!
A cake balloon!
Fly away, beautiful balloons!
Capturing the moment
Float on
And my personal favorite was this giant ice cream cone!
Giant ice cream cone!
People could also bring or buy kites to fly themselves. It was pretty cool to see a hundred kites up in the air like that.
Kites dancing in the sky
Kite flying
I’ve always wondered how it felt like to fly on a parachute. It was really relaxing to watch them float up in the sky. I would probably freak if I was up there, but I’m sure it’s a life changing experience all the same!
Parachutes
Watching the weather change
And my quirky friends. I love them so.
Dhadi the owl, Chelly the pooh and Pompy the doraemon
Claire the bear, Venice the piglet
Distorted buddies, experimenting with car reflections
Running around with a pinwheel in her hand
Shooting in black and white with my bell howard
I am really happy I got to see the balloons fly this year. But more than that, I am happy that I got to spend time with my friends and watch the sky with them. I hope I get to go again next year and maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to ride a hot air balloon and check that off my bucket list!
A few years ago I surprised my children by taking them up in a hot air balloon during our Great Reno Balloon Race — SO much fun! Sadly, though: It wasn’t the ice cream balloon.
It looks like you had a blast!
Posted by Mikalee Byerman | March 2, 2012, 7:15 pmi want to eat the ice cream balloon! hahaha
yes i did! I’m looking forward to next year 
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:48 amI was so caught up on the way you named your friends, I was laughing all the time! Nice entry and your pictures are way better than mine!
Posted by Joycelyn S. Aralar | March 2, 2012, 7:38 pmAww, thank you! I love my friends <3 thankful everyday for having them in my life
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:47 amReblogged this on onswipetesting.
Posted by onswipetesting | March 2, 2012, 7:43 pmawesome
thanks!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:46 amVery Creative Love your pictures!
Posted by starlaschat | March 2, 2012, 7:51 pmthanks!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:45 amBig smiley! Great photos; congrats on FP!
Posted by Mad Queen Linda | March 2, 2012, 7:53 pmthank you!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:38 amHow I envy you for having been able to go there! :>
Posted by Cathy | March 2, 2012, 7:56 pmcatch it next year!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:37 amWhat an incredible site to see! Balloons have to be incredible. When the burner isn’t firing, it must be eerily silent. Friends of mine who are ballooners say it’s easy to hear dog’s barking down below or to drift over a cornfield and see deer grazing…without even realizing you’re staring down at them.
Posted by Life's Flight Plan | March 2, 2012, 8:13 pmI would love to experience that! I promise that next year i’ll fly in one
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:35 amI’ve always thought it would be amazing (and somewhat terrifying) to go up in a hot air balloon. They are so beautiful from the ground, but I bet they would be incredible to see from the air.
Posted by Rae | March 2, 2012, 8:24 pmFear of heights?
at least you’ll be confined in a basket thing with walls. if you’re up on a parachute with just your body dangling in the sky, that would be the scariest thing ever!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:33 amGreat photos! I love the picture of the sunkist balloon and the balloon in the center of your fingers.
Posted by Carlie Chew | March 2, 2012, 8:33 pmThank you
the cake balloon was awesome!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:32 amThose balloons are amazing!
Posted by livvy30 | March 2, 2012, 8:46 pmthey were!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:31 amWow, this weekend looks so fun! I love that hot air balloon with the stars on it, it looks so cool. Great post!
Posted by Writer Fighter | March 2, 2012, 9:52 pmIt was! Thank you
my personal favorite was the ice cream balloon. There was a Panda one but I wasn’t able to take a picture cause of the excitement, haha
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:28 ammy bucket list- FLY IN A HOTAIR BALLOON!!! i must fly in one
also that looks like a really cool day, looks like you had awesome fun there.
hope you are smiling
Posted by emmahevezi | March 2, 2012, 10:09 pmsmiling from ear to ear! haha, but yes. I must fly on a balloon next year!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:26 amGreat pics,
These don’t happen in the UK because everyone would blow away.
Posted by lesacbanane | March 2, 2012, 10:38 pmHahaha, yeah that makes sense
thank you!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:23 amWould have loved to be there!
Posted by juju | March 2, 2012, 11:02 pmIt happens every year
Come visit the Philippines!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:21 amNice photos. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Italy.
Posted by roberto88264 | March 2, 2012, 11:47 pmHi! Greetings from the Philippines
I’ll have you know I’m going to Venice this summer! I know it’s gonna be amazing 
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 1:20 amColorful ! like rainbow, btw I also have a posting about rainbow. Here http://priajelita.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/shes-a-rainbow/ please check it if you have time. Thank you
Posted by Lulu Simawati | March 3, 2012, 2:10 amWow! What a lovely post, I hope I could watch that once I got back to the Philippines.
Posted by Kris | March 3, 2012, 2:41 amYes, it usually happens on February!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 11:19 amAbsolutely the most colorful sky I have ever seen. Great photos and narrative.
Posted by Grumpa Joe | March 3, 2012, 3:03 amI hope it’s sunnier next year, though! thank you
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:20 pmThe Ice cream cone photo is really cute. I’m jealous you got to see this, riding in a hot air balloon has been on my bucket list for a while but can never find a place where I can do it.
Posted by jjalbertt | March 3, 2012, 4:19 amCome on over my friend haha Next year, i promise I will get on that balloon!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:23 pmYou better!! At least for all your readers!!
Posted by jjalbertt | March 4, 2012, 3:05 amBeautiful photos! My fave is the photo of the cake ballon
Posted by catstache | March 3, 2012, 4:24 amWish i could eat that one… haha!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:27 pmXD me too!
Posted by catstache | March 3, 2012, 5:11 pmOooh! Hot Air Balloon Festival!!! I also like the ice cream cone balloon. haaayyy, I always miss this. I just hope I’ll be there next year. I’m going to make sure that I’ll be riding on a hot air balloon!
Btw, lovely pictures!
Posted by Aubrey | March 3, 2012, 4:25 amI always miss it too, cause you have to be there by 530am to see the balloons fly. I always sleep in, haha!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:28 pmWuah. makes me wanna go to another hot air balloon expedition. really, seeing your pictures just made my day :”) thank you!
Posted by oktina.chan | March 3, 2012, 4:39 amAww, that’s so sweet! Thank you :>
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 5:06 amReblogged this on msamba.
Posted by agogo22 | March 3, 2012, 4:53 amNo prob!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 5:07 aminteresting pics and one can see how much fun you must have had
Posted by namitalad | March 3, 2012, 5:35 amthanks! it was a pretty interesting weekend
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:26 pmI don’t suppose they were serving ice cream on the ice cream balloon were they? lol
Posted by andy1076 | March 3, 2012, 5:45 amI wish! hahaha
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:24 pmGreat pics!love all!
Posted by Yingying Xue | March 3, 2012, 7:40 amI try my best
have to practice to perfect the craft 
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:25 pmbeautiful pictures! i love the one with the parachutes! it was mind blowing! looks like u had a fun weekend!
congrats on being the freshly pressed!
Posted by Ria Gandhi | March 3, 2012, 9:30 amThank you! i will keep practicing so I can shoot better pictures next year, haha
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:17 pmOH MY GOD !! M sure you had a wonderful time !! Cheers to this !!
And please check out my latest post on LOVE – http://raajtram.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/let-the-time-decide/ and even my new PhotoBlog – http://raajclicks.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/oh-i-love-my-laptop/
Posted by Raaj Trambadia | March 3, 2012, 9:57 amSure did! okay i will check that out
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:16 pmI missed this year’s balloon festival because my tummy has hot air
Posted by elmer | March 3, 2012, 12:52 pmoopsie! don’t worry, there’s next year!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:21 pmBristol is where I live. It has a huge balloon fiesta every year. It’s like we get invaded by extaterrestrials floating over our city – michelin men, animals, tubs of butter, they all go up and sometimes almost come down in the middle of the city. We also have a kite festival that is a lot smaller but in a way better as it is far more about seeing what the big kids do and then trying stuff out yourself. We don’t look up at the skies enough. Thanks for this.
Posted by Barb Drummond | March 3, 2012, 1:08 pmI will have to put Bristol in my bucket list <3
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:11 pmthis is so nice! too bad i missed this wonderful event. next year, maybe!
Posted by xoxomheg | March 3, 2012, 1:21 pmCatch it next year! let’s hope the skies are much more sunny then
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:10 pmbloody fantastic!!
Posted by Fiona.q | March 3, 2012, 1:50 pmthank you! i love the “bloody” comment, hahaha
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:08 pmwe are both on the freshly pressed page…2 pinoys…not bad eh!!!
let’s enjoy the limelight!!
btw nice shots…
congrats!
Posted by emilie lazo | March 3, 2012, 1:58 pmCongrats to you as well!
Thank youuu
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:07 pmGood content… good job)
Posted by Milanist | March 3, 2012, 2:26 pmI try my best
thanks for dropping by!
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:30 pmWe have paragliding here (Pokhara, Nepal). I’ve seen hot air balloons too. But the ones here are really magnificent. Congrats on FP!
Posted by Sajan | March 3, 2012, 2:33 pmAnother of my life goals is to paraglide! I already tried parasailing, but paragliding must be so much scarier! And Nepal is a beautiful place, I wanna go there someday, hahaha thank you
Posted by kypzrr | March 3, 2012, 2:38 pmHi,
Great post ! A few years ago I had a go at flying in a hot air balloon – great fun.
Posted by lovefoodpinny | March 3, 2012, 2:37 pmgood content
Posted by real madrid | March 3, 2012, 2:54 pmgood content and site
Posted by real madrid | March 3, 2012, 2:55 pmI also went to Pampanga that weekend, the Hot Air Balloon Festival rocked but our experience with Yats International a travel agency was such a bummer. : http://unidentifiedwalkingobject.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/yats-international-poor-quality-round-trip-transfer-to-annual-hot-air-balloon-festival/
Posted by unidentifiedwalkingobject | March 3, 2012, 2:56 pmAwesome pictures! It looks like you all had an amazing time! The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is on my list for next fall!
Posted by harpersfarm | March 3, 2012, 3:58 pmOne of these days I will take flight in something other than a airplane. Awesome pictures! Amazing balloons!
Posted by thelightwithinyou | March 3, 2012, 4:50 pmLovely very lovely
Posted by Azhar Ali | March 3, 2012, 5:32 pmblog looks good
Posted by shirely | March 3, 2012, 5:52 pmbeautiful pics…when I noticed the first picture on the menu of blogs, I assumed it would be the “Albuquerque Balloon Festival”….either way, ‘looks like you had a good time…’fun to see..’
Posted by frodo441 | March 3, 2012, 5:53 pmThese are fantastic! I love the one of you licking the ice cream! Our families would get along! LOL! When I first saw the parachutes after seeing all the hot air balloons i thought they were like stealth hot air balloons til it clicked in what they really were. Congrats on being freshly pressed!
Posted by Sarah Harris | March 3, 2012, 7:14 pmAwesome pictures.. I’ve always wanted to fly a parachute.. Least of all see one for I’ve never even seen one in my life.Thanks for sharing..The fifth picture is especially stunning !
Posted by vandysnape | March 3, 2012, 7:26 pmVery entertaining! Love the photos!
Posted by A Cameo Life | March 3, 2012, 10:38 pmLooks like you had an excellent time at the Balloon Festival. I’ve only been to one hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico and I enjoyed it as well. Very creative and colorful balloons to be seen. I have some photos in a blog I posted if you or anyone are interested. Cheers.
http://bespoketraveler.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/balloons-in-albuquerque/
Posted by Cabbie Notes | March 3, 2012, 10:50 pmReblogged this on OnGleeBlog.
Posted by Ignacio Molina | March 4, 2012, 1:22 amOoh…Red Horse. I wasn’t a huge fan but it brought me closer to home. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! I follow everything Pinoy. So I’m following you.
Posted by Janis | March 4, 2012, 2:08 amGreat pics…do you choose your beer for it’s bright colors as well? Thanks for sharing.
Posted by corinthcorners | March 4, 2012, 2:11 amAmazing shoot, but it will be cool if you effect it into classic style.
Posted by I am Teddy | March 4, 2012, 2:22 amNice pictures!
Posted by Jona Bering | Backpacking with a Book | March 4, 2012, 2:28 amReblogged this on nothing but a facade..
Posted by Char. | March 4, 2012, 2:29 amReblogged this on écrivez la vie.
Posted by Samantha Sherer | March 4, 2012, 3:49 amAn event that’s billed as “everything that flies” gets my attention for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by T.D.C. | March 4, 2012, 4:35 amI’d love to ride in a hot air balloon someday.
Posted by d_vaz | March 4, 2012, 5:17 amCool… I wish I can experience that also..
Posted by My Last Pen | March 4, 2012, 7:09 amGreat Pics…!
Posted by UCTeja | March 4, 2012, 1:08 pmI love hot air balloons and have been to a few festivals in the UK. Seeing a balloon flying first thing in the morning is a fantastic sight.
I have been up in one and REALLY want to do it again someday.
Great pics!
Maria
Posted by mariawriter | March 4, 2012, 1:31 pmI really wanna experience being in a parachute, I wanna fly
Hihi 
Posted by Gift | March 4, 2012, 2:12 pmIt’s just kewl to see many colours…….nice work……:)
Posted by Vikas Ranjan | March 4, 2012, 3:06 pmReblogged this on sambaltempoyak.
Posted by Little Miss Grumpy Pants | March 4, 2012, 4:01 pmGreat photos and equally informative write up.
Sharing one of my post on paper made hot air balloons
http://rangandatta.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/fanush-paper-made-hot-air-balloons/
Posted by Rangan Datta | March 4, 2012, 4:55 pmI wish we have a hot air balloon festival in Palestine, you really have a wonderful and fabulous time there…
Posted by linaalqam | March 4, 2012, 5:47 pmThank you for sharing your adventure with us! . . . Sure hope you’re on one of those balloons next year!
http://arabianmusings.wordpress.com/
Posted by Michele LMS | March 4, 2012, 6:00 pmYour photos are amazing! I wish I could see those kinds of colourful balloons some day. Flying with the cake balloon would be weird. If someone happens to call you during the flight could the answer be hard to understand: “Sorry dear, call me later ‘cos I’m admiring the landscape under a cake.”
Posted by sofiarainio | March 4, 2012, 7:58 pmAwesome post! Thank you.
Posted by barbara | March 4, 2012, 11:58 pmGanda ng pics! I have always wanted to go to the hot air balloon festival in clark but work kills my plan… all the time
well, next year i hope! ganda talaga ng pics 
Posted by janiscooking | March 5, 2012, 12:45 amIt’s a shame the weather didn’t cooperate, but it seems you had a great time! Your pictures are fantastic. The colors in the kites and balloons probably popped even more against the gloomy sky, and as a result your photos are playful and fun. Makes me want to check out an event like that one!
Posted by They Call Me Crafty | March 5, 2012, 1:27 amI was there, too! I liked the panda, even if it wasn’t meant to fly
Posted by alonelywanderer | March 5, 2012, 2:10 amNice,interesting festival.
Posted by hanwoodyouthhostel | March 5, 2012, 2:31 amgreat pics!
C
Posted by Camilo | March 5, 2012, 2:36 amReblogged this on todaysnote and commented:
A really neat post about attending a hot air balloon show. This is very entertaining and has some fun snapshots. Enjoy.
Posted by biggecko | March 5, 2012, 3:23 amJust want to congratulate you, Kabayan! Like Emie, the other Filipino who made it to Freshly Pressed today, I must say WELL DESERVED!
It’s more fun in the Philippines indeed.
Posted by Sony Fugaban | March 5, 2012, 3:35 amCONGRATULATIONS!
Posted by Sony Fugaban | March 5, 2012, 3:35 amGreat blog post! Thanks so much for the photos – I have been to two different hot air balloon festivals, and the one you describe sounds like one I should experience!
Posted by Deborah Hutti | March 5, 2012, 3:38 amI wish I get to see that when I go home next time! Great pics!
Posted by Mickee | March 5, 2012, 4:13 amI’ve never been to a Balloon Festival, but these pictures sure make me want to go to one this year! Thanks for sharing these pictures with us. I especially liked the cake and orange hot air balloons! Nice photos with you licking the icecream cone! Hope you have a nice week!
Posted by Java Girl | March 5, 2012, 4:45 amBeautiful shots! I especially loved the Sunkist and cake balloon shots! It’s so nice to see a post from the Philippines featured in FP! Congratulations on being FP-ed!:)
Posted by yen | March 5, 2012, 5:00 amJust too sad I wasn’t able to go this year. Last year was just like nagkayayaan lang. Tapos natuloy. This year, none. Huhu.
Posted by Dustin | March 5, 2012, 6:11 amAwesome post! I’ve been wanting to go to this event every year but circumstances never allow me.. too bad! Looks like you had an amazing time up there.. Cool Blog you got here..
Hope you have time to visit mine too! I’m a newbie but with blogs like yours, I’d be inspired any time of the day. 
More power! – Val of foodscrapbook.wordpress.com
Posted by grillqueen | March 5, 2012, 6:13 amI can feel the vibrant spirit , enthusiasm and happiness of the crowd…feels like I was there myself. Not only are the colors beautiful but more importantly the people who watched it…”mabuhay!”
Posted by island traveler | March 5, 2012, 7:07 amReblogged this on TSAYNATOWN.ph.
Posted by Minette | March 5, 2012, 8:21 amLooks amazing! Great photos
Posted by nordallam | March 5, 2012, 9:34 amI had fun with this cool post.. Thanks for taking me there!
Posted by itsmecherry | March 5, 2012, 9:55 amInteresting photogs that Nature with artistic photos ! the coulours arent seen in western countries that make it more cool and unique.
Posted by Aidyearts | March 5, 2012, 10:23 amlove the joy you conveyed through your photos and story!
Posted by Sacha Calagopi | March 5, 2012, 10:49 amI was there, too, on Feb. 11th naman! My favorite balloon was the cake, and the panda that couldn’t fly hahaha. Ano nangyaro dun?!
I got to ride on a hot air balloon. Not in Clark, though. The experience was both terrifying and breathtaking. You should definitely try it!
Posted by The Background Story | March 5, 2012, 12:57 pmAwesome photos! I love the orange.
Posted by Zak Suhar | March 5, 2012, 1:40 pmestoy de acuerdo que fotos tan bonitas http://www.acantarmexico.com
Posted by acantarmexico | March 6, 2012, 3:06 amHaha, I want to eat the Orange, it looks so juicy. Would have liked to see a closer shot of the cake ballooon.
Posted by Flybilletter | March 5, 2012, 1:42 pmvery beautiful pictures.
Posted by falgunihdesai | March 5, 2012, 4:15 pmAwesome. We have a similar festival here and I will have to go next year. I love the colours and like the cake balloon picture especially. At the risk of sounding odd, I reckon that would look great in b/w too.
Posted by junkiestew | March 5, 2012, 4:53 pmHey this hot air balloons are amazing, another option may be in cappadocia if you wish to check Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cappaadocia Turkey (http://www.luxuryistanbul.com/itemDetails.aspx?id=163 )
Posted by IstTrpAdvsr | March 5, 2012, 7:01 pmPhotos are amazing! Loving all the colors
Posted by twistedsistersdesign | March 5, 2012, 8:25 pmWow this looks so awesome! Where is this?
Posted by elleeyeenn | March 6, 2012, 12:31 amThese photos are great fun!
Posted by needtotaste | March 6, 2012, 12:58 amAh this is lovely those hot air balloons in the air look awesome thanks for sharing and well done for being featured here.
Posted by stirringtrouble | March 6, 2012, 1:09 ami went there. But unfortunately, all my photos taken were accidentally deleted by my sistah! tooo bad!
thanks for posting it…heheheh//…i love the cake balloon!..so disappointed dat daisy didnt make it! <3
Posted by proudPINOY | March 6, 2012, 3:15 amthe photos are amazing…….. i like it,,
come to indonesia…..
i provide a nice Indonesia Package tour….
Posted by rena wijaya | March 6, 2012, 3:45 amenvious.. i would love to be there and hope i could do it next year.. love the balloons and my fave is that ice cream cone..
Posted by starlight | March 6, 2012, 4:07 amBeautiful pics and entertaining post!
Posted by Sue Ghosh | March 6, 2012, 6:52 amNice pictures!
Posted by Ray Kevin | March 6, 2012, 7:44 amThese are beautiful photos of a really colorful event!
I wish I could be a part of this someday. I don’t fly kites usually, but in a place like this, I’d be more than happy to learn.
Posted by Eeshan | March 6, 2012, 9:08 amgreat pics
Posted by Acep Aprilyana | March 6, 2012, 2:31 pmawesome photos!!
Posted by almostawesome | March 6, 2012, 5:14 pmGreat pics! I’ve enjoyed the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta for years now. Unfortunately, I missed this year’s but looking at your post makes me feel I’m there too.
You’ve got an eye! *insert my envy here*
Janina
Posted by thethirdpeverell | March 6, 2012, 6:07 pmI’ve never been anywhere near a hot air balloon but I always wanted to be in one! I also didn’t know there were festivals for it! I am definitely going to look for one close to me!
Awesome photos by the way!
Posted by Joanna | March 7, 2012, 4:28 amsurprisingly, not that I have a lot remaining, but I had been pulling my hair out on the lookout for something on the subject of this topic today then simply right when I found myself gonna surrender your website turns up out of the blue
Posted by Milanist | March 12, 2012, 4:09 pmyou got it! congrats!
Posted by John Sanders Agbayani | March 13, 2012, 9:48 amomg, so cute! ahh, i wish i have diz in my own country..
Posted by tragicboat | March 27, 2012, 8:46 pmA Pinay on Freshly Pressed! Now that’s rare. Congrats! Great pictures and friends!
Posted by josephinereubenne | March 28, 2012, 3:01 pm