PIHABF ‘The Weekend of Everything That Flies’ Goes to New Clark City

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga—The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) is back.  Dubbed as ‘the weekend of everything that flies’, PIHABF will happen on February 16-18, 2024 at its new home in New Clark City (NCC) in the town of Capas, Tarlac.

This year will be the 24th year of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF).  For 22 years, this spectacle was held in Clark.  On its 23rd year, the organizers brought it to Laguna.  However, for this year and for the next 4 years to come, it will be held in New Clark City, Tarlac.

According to Capt. Joy Roa of Asian Air Safari, this year’s Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) will feature more than 20 balloonists coming from different countries.  There will also be exhibitions from skydivers and aerobatics teams from England, an international drone race, a food bazaar, local live bands every night, and various outdoor activities that families can enjoy during the two-day balloon fiesta. 

The New Clark City (NCC) is developed by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).  The area has approximately 10,00 hectares and is divided into different segments that include the athletic stadium, athletics village, and aquatic center.  Also included in the masterplan of NCC are government buildings that will house several government agencies and an outdoor recreational area that is open to the public to enjoy. 

According to BCDA’s president and chief executive officer Mr. Joshua Bingcang, the Airport Road and bridge heading to the NCC area will be ready to open in January 2024.  This adds an additional six-lane road that can be accessed via the Mabalacat City gate and Clark-Angeles-Mabalacat Road.  NCC can also be accessed via SCTEX and McArthur Highway via Capas War Monument road. 

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) is organized by Asian Air Safari supported by Land Rover Club of the Philippines, FedEx, Hann, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the City of Tarlac.