Hello again! Just giving a quick review of the latest Hot Air Balloon Festival which celebrated every February month of the year. Actually this is my very first time to witness the said event so I would like to give you some ideas for those people who are planning to visit next year event. Here are some details and facts abut the famous event during the Hot Air Balloon festival.
When it is celebrated?
Hot Air Balloon is celebrated every second week of February since this is the best and perfect timing for airshow due to its cold weather. Balloons fly best in light and stable winds of 4-6 miles per hour. The location is at Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City Pampanga.
How to avail tickets?
There are lot of ways to purchase a ticket either through online or you can buy inside the venue. Ticet price is Php 350.00 per person, children under 3 ft is free of admission while PWD/Senior citizen have 20% discount. Fo those who can afford VIP passes, the price is Php 6,000 with inclusion of priority entrance to the fiesta, complimentary use of the balloon launch patio, access to the air-conditioned lounge and toilet, breakfast/lunch buffet and afternoon high tea.
How to get there?
Well since I'm five and a half hours away from Pampanga, we did book a package in travel agency. During this month, there are so many ads you can see and choose from. For us, we bought the package worth Php 1,599 with inclusion of round trip land transfer from Lucena-Pampanga-Lucena, one day admission ticket, first aid kit, toll fee, driver fee, fuel charge, travel insurance, free bottled water and a side trip to Sandbox and Nayong Filipino.
Expectation Vs. Reality
Okay, when you are a first timer, your expectation is very high right? But things don't always fall that way! Since this is a major festival in the city, expect a lot of tourist will visit the area. If you want to avoid the traffic, better travel in the evening (if you're far away from the area) to catch the next schedules of the event. there are plenty of commuters going in and out of the city so make sure you'll arrive in the location entrance gate by 4:00 am because that's the time the gates open.
What to Bring
Face mask (dust is everywhere)
Extra bottled water and food (inside food are expensive)
Face towel/handkerchief (you'll sweat a lot since its an open space)
Eye protection (shades)
Sun Burn protection (venue is direct to the sun)
Small backpack (it is not advisable to bring large one because the area is too crowded, for your safety)
Portable chair or mat (look for a perfect spot for viewing and make sure be there earlier by sun rise or else, all space are accommodated!)
Camera (drone is not allowed inside)
Major Disappointments!
1--The Hot Air Balloon itself. Okay, we are so in love with the ideas of seeing so many balloons flying around the area. The internet and the media drives us crazy which gives us the feeling of excitement to see it personally. Well, there are of course a flying balloons. But not as what we expected.
Expectation
Reality
2--The Entrance and Exit. This is the place where the tourist should start to feel excited to come inside but as you get closer, a lot of people where disappointed and even getting angry specially the exit area. Since the most crowded time for this event is during sun rise because the first batch of hot air balloons and air show will fly by 6:00 am, people leave the area by 8:00 am to stroll around, shop or dine. I myself were so disappointed on how they manage the exit areas. Though a lot of security are roaming around, still they did not carry to handle the crowd flow. The exit area are so limited which took us all for one and a half hours to get out. People are complaining because the line was extended up to the grass field. Debris are everywhere which are dangerous since we cannot see our foot steps because the whole area is crowded. it's like we are all in a one can of a big sardines.
3--The Toilet Area. I guess this is the hardest part specially for us girls. Since there are limited portable toilet room, the struggle here so freaking real! Again, the line is like a movie box office! Hahahaha but if you really can't control it anymore just sneak into the man's cr (just make sure you have a friend to watch for you) But you know what is the disappointed part here? Well analyze this line... "this will be my first and last to use a portable cr...eeeewwww!"
4--The Dust. Actually I did not able to bought a face mask, did not try to buy either and that was a wrong choice. Good thing is, I have a face towel so at least I manage to cover my nose. Its super duper dusty! If you are asthmatic person, it is not advisable for you to go. The dust are everywhere, from your pants, shoes, bags, table or even in your food!
5--The Side Trips. Well this is the most irritating part. We paid extra peso to take two side trip--Sandbox and Nayong Filipino, unfortunately, we did not had the chance to enter...totally crowded. When we reached Sandbox, the only thing we did there was to buy a milkshake which took as one hour! The other food stall are all out of food (I guess they are not prepared for the number of tourist)
Some of Piece of Advise
1--Expect the worst. If you're expecting too much in the festival, that's okay but expect the worst as well so it won't hurt you.
2--Wear comfy clothes. Do not wear a party clothes, baptismal attires or any too much burloloy (accessories). Hahahaha promise it will lessen your struggles inside. Short is okay but since its too dusty I think its not advisable. Do not wear white clothes or white shoes, you'll end up dirty!
3--Bring enough money. Since you'll walk around the whole day, you need food to energize. Its a little bit pricy inside so better bring your own. But there are so many food to choose from and one of my favorite is also here, Vigan de Empanada
4--Go back to the venue by 4:00 pm. By this time, the crowd is already lessen because majority of them go for side trips. I promise, you will enjoy roaming around because there's a lot of space to walk, run and be seated in the ground. This is your chance to fly a kite, go shopping, do the food tripping or even watch other kinds of airshow. you have also a lot of space to have a perfect photo shoot!
All in all I had a great time in this event because I had the opportunity to visit this year with my colleagues. That's the unforgettable part, I had another memories to keep with them and another souvenir to keep as well.
I hope this information will help and guide you for your next visit next ear! don't fear any, just be prepared and it will not cause you any harm.
