LUBAO, Pampanga – The second Lubao International Balloon Festival started with a bang yesterday as tourists, balloon enthusiasts, government officials, media men, students and locals gathered at the Pradera Verde Wakeboard Park in Prado Sionco Village of this municipality.
The 4-day event will be featuring 43 differently-shaped hot air balloons piloted by balloonists from United States of America, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom, and Slovak Republic among others.
Aside from this, each day will surely be fun-packed for families, groups of friends, and tourists alike with activities such as paragliding, kite flying, cultural presentation, animal show, concert, night glow, and fireworks display.
The venue is also filled with local concessionaires featuring local products, souvenir items, and various food and beverages which will cater to every guest’s needs.
And good news for those who don’t have their own vehicle, transportation won’t be a problem as well since shuttle service is available from SM City Pampanga to the Lubao International Balloon Festival and vice versa.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda was also present at the event with her daughter and town mayor Mylyn-Pineda Cayabyab. Both were pleased with the first day’s turnout and expect more guests arriving in the weekends.
“We had 37 balloons last year and now we were able to invite 43 balloonists. Hopefully, we could have more next year,” Governor Pineda shared.
Meanwhile, the governor clarified there is no rivalry between the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta held every February at the Clark Freeport Zone and this Balloon Festival in Lubao.
“There is no competition here; we, the Kapampangans, should be proud instead. The province of Pampanga is very privileged to be the host of two hot air balloon festivals,” Governor Pineda added.
The younger Pineda concurred and disclosed some insights shared by the participants in the Lubao International Balloon Festival.
“According to the pilots, Lubao is an ideal venue and one of the top 10 places in the country to hold the balloon festival. We are very fortunate as Lubao is now making its mark on hosting major and international events such as this,” Mayor Pineda said.
By Angelique DC. Tuazon
