It’s more fun in the Philippines - Hot air balloon festival

The hot air balloon fiesta, one from among the many events the country launches every year, does not set us apart from other countries. Why? Because a lot of countries host balloon festivals yearly.

But what sets us apart is the fact that Filipinos are hosting the festival. And what better explanation can we present than what DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said in launching the newest tourism pitch, "Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it's the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable."

Come Feb. 9 or any other day until Feb. 12, try squeezing up your time and visit Clark. Bring your cameras as well. Enjoy the activities that the hot air balloon festival can offer, especially the chance to ride in a flying hot air balloon.

Imagining this, I can readily think of a good tourism pitch…Going around town. More fun in the Philippines!

Joining the Philippine flying and air enthusiasts in the four days of fun-filled air spectacle are representatives from Sweden, United States, Hungary, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Finland, Japan, Switzerland and South Korea.

Organizers envisioned the fiesta as a fuel that burns the passion of flying for all ages and help propel the aviation industry forward.

Further, the festival hopes to instill discipline in the pilots participating in it so that they may be safe aviators for the country as well as impart the spirit of volunteerism to everyone.

More than 100,000 tourists from 25 countries are expected to troop to the fields of Clark Freeport next week as the four-day 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF) starts on Feb. 9.