Pampanga (CNN Philippines) — Forty-one balloons floated over Pampanga on Thursday morning (April 14), kicking off what’s considered as the largest balloon festival in Southeast Asia.
On its third year, the Lubao International Hot Air Balloon Festival is projected to be bigger, since organizers are using a larger launching area.
Noel Castro, head organizer of the festival, said they are expecting 100,000 tourists will attend the event, which runs until Sunday (April 17) at the Pradera Wake Park.
Both foreign and local aviators are present at the four-day event.
Ronnie Tiutico, Regional Head of the Department of Tourism, said the festival is a good way of promoting tourism in Pampanga, which can now be dubbed as the “ballooning capital” of the country.
Aside from seeing uniquely shaped balloons, festival attendees can enjoy other activities such as live concerts, night glow parties, fireworks displays, and food stalls.
Festival organizers do not allow the bringing of outside food, liquid drinks, deadly weapons, drones, and explosives within the venue.
They also advised festival-goers to bring hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas since the event is being held at open grounds.
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