PIHABF Unveils Spectacular Lineup: Thrilling Aerobatic Show and Captivating Special Shape Balloons Take Center Stage in Official Schedule of Activities

A Weekend of Everything that Flies happens on February 16-18 at the New Clark City

The Philippines is gearing up for an exhilarating weekend as the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta returns with a spectacular lineup of events, promising aviation enthusiasts and thrill-seekers an unforgettable experience. Set to take place from Friday through Sunday, February 16-18, 2024, at the dynamic New Clark City in Tarlac, this year's festival brings a fresh wave of excitement with an array of new activities and ground events.

The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta welcomes an enchanting addition with the introduction of special-shaped balloons that promise to mesmerize spectators. The iconic hot air balloons will once again take center stage, filling the sky with an array of shapes and colors and will feature whimsical designs, ranging from giant animals to iconic characters, transforming the sky into a vibrant canvas of colors and imaginative shapes. Delight from the entries like Bella, Buster, and Dyno from the UK; Bidu and Steggy from Brazil; the Sky Runner, Party and Little D from the United States; Belgium’s Princess Nelly, Austria’s Hugo, the Cartuja Monastery from the Netherlands, and more that will float over for a spectacular show.

 

Steggy

Sky Runner and Princess Nelly

Hugo the Tiger

Dyno, Cartuja Monastery, Bidu

Global Stars Team Aerobatic Pyro Display: Manila Bankers Assurance, offering a wide array of innovative, flexible and affordable life and non-life insurance products, invites us to watch in awe as the Global Stars Team takes to the skies, combining precision aerobatics with a dazzling pyrotechnic display. This fusion of skill and spectacle promises to be a highlight of the event.

Global Stars Team Aerobatic Pyro Display

Night Glow: As the sun sets, the festival takes on a magical aura with the enchanting Night Glow. Hot air balloons illuminated against the dark canvas of the evening sky create a mesmerizing spectacle, turning the festival grounds into a wonderland of light and color.

Drone Competition: Technology meets excitement in the drone competition, where skilled pilots showcase the capabilities of these agile machines. The 2024 PIHABF Drone Racing World Cup is finally happening, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) and FPV Racing Philippines (FPVRP). In close coordination with Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) World Air Sports Federation officials, the team is dedicated to ensuring adherence to international drone racing standards throughout the event. Witness precision and creativity as drones race, maneuver, and perform aerial acrobatics in this cutting-edge addition to the festival.

Skydiving Exhibition: Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies are in for a treat with a heart-stopping skydiving exhibition. Watch in awe as daredevils gracefully descend from the heavens, demonstrating unparalleled skill and fearlessness. This exciting addition is bound to captivate audiences and inject an extra dose of excitement into the festival.

Helicopter Demo: Prepare to be amazed by the power and versatility of helicopters in a high-energy demonstration. Helicopter enthusiasts and novices alike will have the opportunity to witness these aerial wonders in action, highlighting their agility and importance in various aviation applications

Tandem Paragliding: For those seeking a more immersive experience, tandem paragliding offers the chance to soar through the skies with an experienced pilot. Feel the rush of the wind and marvel at the breathtaking views in this thrilling adventure that combines adrenaline with the beauty of flight.

RC Models: The sky will be buzzing with miniature marvels as remote-controlled model enthusiasts take center stage, showcasing their skill and precision with intricately crafted RC models. Witness the skies come alive with these agile and dynamic replicas, adding a new dimension to the air festivities.

Kite Flying: Adding a touch of traditional charm, kite flying enthusiasts will showcase their artistry and skills. The skies will be adorned with vibrant kites, creating a picturesque scene that complements the modern aviation marvels.

Apart from the thrilling airborne spectacles, the festival grounds offer an array of activities to cater to all interests:

VIP Lounge: Experience the festival in style with the VIP Lounge, offering a premium view of the events along with exclusive amenities and services.

Aviation Career Lectures: Aspiring aviators and those curious about aviation careers can attend insightful lectures, providing valuable information and inspiration for a future in the skies.

Kiddie Rides: Families can enjoy a day of fun with kiddie rides, ensuring that the festival caters to aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

Fly Market: Browse through the Fly Market, where aviation-themed merchandise, memorabilia, and unique items await. Take home a piece of the festival as a lasting memento.

Food Booths: Satisfy your cravings with an array of food booths offering a diverse selection of culinary delights. From local favorites to international treats, there's something to please every palate.

Aviation School Activities: As part of its commitment to education, the festival includes activities conducted by aviation schools, fostering interest in aviation careers and promoting knowledge in the field.

Check out the full schedule below:

The 24th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta extends its heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed major partners who have played a crucial role in making this spectacular event possible. FedEx, the official logistics provider, successfully delivered hot air balloons from around the world through their reliable global network. As the Official Airline Partner, Philippine Airlines has played a pivotal role in connecting the participants from around the globe to the heart of the action at New Clark City. Hann Resorts, the Official Integrated Resort Partner - and the ultimate luxury playground in Clark, ensures a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication during your stay.

Mark your calendars, secure your tickets at https://www.balloonfiesta.ph/home/tickets/, and prepare to witness the skies come alive with the magic of flight. For real-time updates, follow the official social media channels: Facebook – www.facebook.com/pihabf, Instagram – @philballoonfest, TikTok – @philballoonfiesta. Get ready for a weekend of everything that flies!

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PRSP Students' Conference goes virtual this November!

The first virtual PR Students' Conference happens this November 20 and public relations, marketing, advertising and communications students are gladly invited to participate. The event aims to help everyone to learn to decode the information we consuming and prepare them in the journey to PR for Good through an informative virtual adventure to the different stages of the content journey.

This year, it will be interactive, and nationwide edition of the Students’ PR Congress, the organization’s annual event for students to learn more about the public relations industry from leading practitioners in the field. With the theme “Decoding Content: The Journey to PR for Good”, this year’s Students’ PR Con aims to help participants navigate the new media landscape and tackle the three different stages of the content journey, which are:

• Capture and Consume - aims to address how we contextualize the content that we come across in everyday life to mindfully capture and consume information from different media platforms.
• Curate and Converse - discuss curating content from reliable sources and starting conscientious and fruitful conversations about topics that matter as a way to fight misinformation and become responsible communicators.
• Create and Care - collates all the learnings gained from the previous segments by talking about why creating our own PR for good can show that we care, not only to communicate our messages for self-serving purposes, but to push forward ideas, advocacies and causes that benefit society.

Top PR practitioners in the country are expected to share their expertise as speakers for the online event. For the Capture and Consume segment, Lynda Jumilla-Abalos of ABS-CBN News Digital will tackle “The News and Information Media” while Peach Natividad of Google, Neil Trinidad of Lazada, and Toff Rada of Tiktok will talk about “Social Media and the Emerging Platforms”.

The Curate and Converse segment will include Yvonne Chua of Vera Files and Luz Rimban of Asian Center for Journalism to discuss “Dissecting Fake News, Trolling, Propaganda and Demolition”, and Dr. Randy Dellosa of Pinoy Big Brother and Carlo Ople of PLDT and Unbox for “Being Digitally Ready and Responsible”. Finally, joining the Create and Care segment will be Caroline Veronilla of World Vision, Anna Meloto-Wilk of Human Nature and Cat Trivino of MindNation for the “Forwarding Your Advocacy and Giving Voice for Social Good” discussion. 

Norman Agatep, President of PRSP and President and Managing Director of Grupo Agatep shared, “Students of Communication have always been a significant sector that the PRSP has been reaching out to over the years. As such, we have designed pillar programs that aim to supplement their classroom learning, fuel their interest in public relations, and ignite their desire to pursue careers in our industry. This year's PR Con will give all participants an exclusive glimpse of what their lives as PR professionals could be like.”

Students’ PR Con 2021 is also set to kick-off the upcoming Students’ Grand Prix in January 2022. The upcoming Students’ Grand Prix will be PRSP’s first hack sprint edition of the annual student event and competition. More details will be announced during its launch in the upcoming PR Con.

Everyone, PR practitioners and students are encouraged to take part in the timely issues and conversations in the event. They can register by going to www.prspstudentsprcon.com/register to secure their slots. PRSP’s Students’ PR Con is free but registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, based on allocation per location (NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao) and per school, so register early and don't miss out on the biggest virtual event for students this year. Confirmed registrants will receive an email with a link to access the virtual platform for the event.

It will be more exciting with exciting prizes and a concert after-party after the event. PRSP has partnered with Warner Music Philippines and PhilPOP Musicfest Foundation to bring together a line-up of up-and-coming artists for a one-of-a-kind musical experience, which includes Jikamarie, Keiko Necesario, Lara Maigue, Paul Pablo and Reon.

Badges and raffle tickets are also given to those who will complete the talks making participants eligible to games and prizes including a Lenovo laptop. A social media game also encourages everyone to actively participating for exciting incentives. Click on the posters below on more details.

 

To learn more about the PRSP Students’ PR Con 2021, follow www.facebook.com/studentsprcongress or linkedin.com/company/prsp-students-pr-con-and-grand-prix. For inquiries, please email studentsprcongress@prsp.ph.

The first-ever virtual PRSP Students Conference would like to thank these sponsors:

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SpectaculART 2: Virtual auction set on October 1-3

Art lovers, attention! Here's your chance to get hold of rare pieces in Santuario de San Antonio Parish's SpectaculART 2 - a fund-raising virtual auction. The event will be live on their website www.spectaculartph.com.

This year, keep your eye on pristine and pre-loved art, jewelry, and homeware. Fine Jewelry, Estate, Artisan and an assortment of diamonds, pearls, and colored stones are up for grabs.

 

The homeware collection will feature European, Asian, and locally sourced pieces ranging from antique, vintage, and contemporary furniture and home décor.

Nganga Betel Nut Set

Thai Low Chairs and Table Set

SpectaculART 2 will also showcase a carefully curated selection of meaningful works created by esteemed artists namely: National Artist for Visual Art Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Impy Pilapil, Romeo Tabuena, and Anita Magsaysay Ho. Unique pieces by renowned Filipino Visual Artists Gus Albor, Ramon Diaz, Jojo Guingona, Noli Principe Manalang, Isabel Campa, Ivy Lim and Marivic Rufino are pooled together in a celebration of Philippine Art in the last few decades. Unique prints by Salvador Dali and John Lennon will also be for sale.

 

SpectaculART 2 also gathers numerous up-and-coming artists to give them an opportunity to reach a wider audience and also to showcase their work. They may just dominate the scene in the years to come. A bid on their work gives a heartwarming sense of validation and accomplishment. A ray of positivity and inspiration during these troubled times. A win-win situation.

SpectaculART kicked off its first edition last year in response to the pandemic and the quarantine restrictions imposed upon us.

The proceeds of the auction shall assist in the numerous Social Services and development ministries of SSAP and its sister parishes.

For more information, visit Instagram.com/SpectaculArt.ph, Facebook.com/SpectaculArt.ph or email hello@spectaculartph.com

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Mr. DIY opens 147th store in SM Cherry Antipolo

Asia's largest home improvement store, Mr. DIY, opens it's 147th branch in SM Cherry Antipolo. The celebration kicked off with a blessing and a ribbon-cutting with Mr. DIY Philippines and SM Supermalls executives.  

Mr. DIY Philippines and SM Supermalls executives for ribbon cutting

Continuing to be the one-stop shop for home improvement, hygiene, arts and crafts, house wares and more reaches to more residents near SM Cherry Antipolo. The Mr. DIY branch is the first in an SM Supermalls showcases more than 16,600 items in 10 different categories that can make our lives easier and every member of the family has to choose from. A one whole shopping experience for everyone around.

MR.D.I.Y. Philippines Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Roselle Marisol Andaya said, “we are very excited to open our 147 th store here at SM Cherry Antipolo. This is another milestone for us as this is our first MR.D.I.Y. store in the SM Supermalls group and certainly not the last. So, I would like to sincerely thank all our SM partners who are here today, thank you for giving us a chance to serve your customers by providing them with over 16,000 SKUs of products from 10 different categories. We are sure to cover the life and home improvement needs of each member of the Filipino family who SM Cherry Antipolo serves. We hope to bring more excitement to the shopping experience of your customers when they step into our MR.D.I.Y. store.”

After the blessing, we had a tour inside the branch and browsed through all the exciting items found inside Mr. DIY. They got every item that's specific to your needs and you'll also find things that you never knew you needed. It's the ultimate budol-place to beautify and improve your homes for you and your family.

Aisle for food keepers

Food keepers and organizing storage

Party favors and arts and crafts

Electronics section

Fluffy and soft carpets for your "feed goals"

 Aside from the eye candy tour, I would like to thank Mr. DIY for the take-home gift filled with neat and useful stuff. I also bought a few items but I'm definitely going back.

Mr. DIY is located at the 3rd floor of SM Cherry Antipolo, Marcos Hiway, Antipolo City. For more store opening updates and awesome promotions, visit MR.D.I.Y. official Facebook page at @mrdiyPH and corporate website at www.mrdiy.com/ph

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Butt-hurting tour to the North of the Philippines

Last Holy Week, I and a set of bloggers took ourselves unknowing of a very long travel to Cagayan Province. We were supposed to participate in the Ropali-Shell Partakan Festival -- "Partakan" meaning speed in the Ilocano dialect. Almost like an Amazing Race for motorcyclists to the endpoint in Sta. Ana municipality in Cagayan.

It was an estimated 13 hours from Manila but we arrived after 21 painful hours to our accommodation in Cagayan. Passing through different provinces north of Manila. Any wrong turn will take you to another province - might be a good thing as I was longing to go to Baguio which is just at the Western side of Nueva Vizcaya. We all felt that our butts nearly deflated in the long travel. It could have been easier and comfortable if plane tickets were booked for us. Below was an honest story and expect a few rants.

Good thing we managed ourselves along the way with road chats a enjoyed the view of the mountains and valleys of Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela and finally Cagayan. Let me share with you a few stops that you will pass by on the road to the North part of the Philippines.

You can drop by at Malolos, Bulacan where a religious and historical landmark called Barasoain Church sits. We didn't make it here because there were no instructions from the organizer that we have to check in different spots along the way.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel of Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan (c) Pamana.ph

A long 1.5 hours (almost from home to Makati on a regular basis) via MacArthur Highway, we arrived at Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija for the next Ropali Stop. There we learned about the real itinerary from start to finish. Apparently, many of the Ropali and Shell stops didn't comply for the requirements of the Partakan Festival promo. And since we were media outfits who were just invited to cover, we think that we should also do the challenges in the nearby stops. Instead, we just went on and had breakfast on the first okay stop along the way until we found Five Mamas.

Tawisilog and their special Yema Cake here at Five Mamas. #CabanatuanCity #NuevaEcija #perstaym #travel #food #foodie #foodporn #foodstagram

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Apr 12, 2017 at 5:06pm PDT

It's a battery-saving tour when I didn't open my mobile data along the way. Vivo Y55 is efficient for that not to mention that it takes the photos that I want, how the way I like it. The Professiona Camera feature works best for my still-life photos.

The zigzag and elevating road in Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya gave ear pops which I barely noticed because I was light sleeping along the way. We had a few stops for stretching, lunch and number 1 (for Php5) and number 2 (for Php10). And before we enter Isabela province, we stopped at Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park as it is also included in the tour. It's the spot for a new photoshoot while we are looking for tupig.

Our team for the #PartakanFestival2017 A road trip with pit stops and challenges. This is taken from Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park in Nueva Vizcaya. We've been on the road from 2:30 am this morning.

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Apr 13, 2017 at 1:20am PDT

I almost forgot that many establishments are closed since Thursday because it was Holy Week and normal operations resume Easter Sunday so we found it hard to locate dining areas.

We continued the drive, thanks to our very reliable driver, Lito, who remained as cheerfully and patient with us when we are getting grumpy due to the long travel time. Imagine nobody was able to freshen up or had taken a bath that time. We're still on the road at sundown and we're again driving where our headlights is just the source of light. Looking out the window and up is seeing the Milky Way on the ceiling. And your imagination will just invite some stories that you might not want to hear but tolerating it just to keep you awake and support those who have been awake for a while. It's been a past time activity until 10:30pm.

Around 5 arches or so and around 637 km traveled, we arrived at Sta Ana, Cagayan. We're about to meet the Partakan Festival people, but was also a hard time to know where they are. The GPS isn't much of a help but mobile signal is good. Finally we can stretch our bodies which are excruciating with pain. We had our dinner at Nassim Hotel & Restaurant where it also took hours before they served us food. I was told that they do it first come, first serve. So when there are a few people ahead of us, they will partake of it first. They just prepared the meals when we arrived when the order was made 3 hours in advance. The main person who invited us wasn't even too accommodating and she's been enjoying Cagayan more than a day already.

I understand that somehow they want to promote tourism in the area. The place is peaceful, no question, and you'll love the view of the mountains and sea. But in cases that Holy Week is a travel escape for many of us, the hotels in Cagayan (there's a few of them) should have anticipated the number of people coming in so that they have stocks to serve. Displaying good hospitality for tourists is a good business for countries like the Philippines.

Related links:
Earth's VLOG
Ruth's Road Trip to Cagayan
Rhea and Jeff's Summer Vid and Photo Shoot

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Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila celebrations for Chinese New Year

5-star Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila hosts the Chinese New Year celebration with grand welcome to the Fire Rooster this weekend.

The lobby is decorated with trees made of upcycled materials made by artist Jevie Pagpaguitan, whom started it with 2 of his friends and later on building his own empire of upcycled materials turning them into good aesthetic use. There are also merchants that are selling Chinese goods and charms that can bring luck, fortune or anything that you want good to come in your life.

Spring Village at Crimson Hotel

Charms and crystals for good fortune

Delectable buchi

Crimson Hotel's CNY-themed cake

This Sunday, January 29, they are having a Chinese New Year Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Grand Ballroom featuring Feng Shui expert Joseph Chau. He will give tips and forecast for this new lunar year for every one that will attend this grand feast.

I was lucky to hear a few forecasts and tips for this year and I am thankful that the Year of the Rat is one of the lucky signs. There is also good fortune as the eldest son in the family and I can't wait what this year will bring.

Suckling Pig served during the CNY Sunday Brunch Buffet

If you want to know Mr. Chau's forecasts and fortunes, you may avail Crimson Hotel's Chinese New Year Sunday Brunch Buffet this Sunday for only PHP 1,588++ per person. There are many courses that you will enjoy like the suckling pig. You will also get the chance to win a staycation at the hotel's Presidential Suite for 4. Call 863-2222 local 1612 for reservations.

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Teleperformance ushers in the Year of the Fire Monkey

Chinese New Year will be celebrated this coming February 8 and the country's leading contact center company, Teleperformance, ushers in the Year of the Fire Monkey with hope and prosperity as it will continue to strive in giving the best client servicing and employee satisfaction. I was there to witness the event and had a tour of their facility at SM Mall of Asia Annex.

Starting with the traditional lion and tiger dance to spread good luck and to cheer the people up. I never encountered such performance so close and also learned new culture aside from just watching it roam in different establishments everywhere.

Teleperformance celebrates its 20th year in 2016 here in the Philippines. As a leader in the ICT-BPO sector, it also keeps its commitment in providing the best employment experience by constantly reviewing and upgrading its facilities in different sites in the country. They have 274 branches in 62 countries and 16 of them are located in Metro Manila, Antipolo, Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu and Davao.

We were then toured around their office facility where a certain feature was very noticeable. Teleperformance gives the five essential elements, cosmos, earth, metal, air and fire -- a representation to their core values: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, Innovation and Commitment. This serves as a reminder for the top management to the ranks of how Teleperformance treats the business very well as well as the welfare of its employees.

I was amazed by the amenities available for training, workstations and even for their leisure activities. Their training area provides the instructor/trainer and trainees adequate interaction so that employees will be able to handle calls very well. It has come to their analysis that customers must be well understood to prevent irate and adverse events.

Neo Samson, Site Director, Teleperformance SM MAAX

Inside the actual training room

We also toured around their canteen, which is adjacent to the gym, and the recreational area. I smelled the fresh leather in the gym equipment and the recreational area has gaming consoles, table tennis and billiard tables. Aside from accepting people's calls, TP employees also get to enjoy their free time socializing with each other. Aside from that, they also hold promote socio-civic engagements where they interact with other employees from other branches.

For further information, visit Teleperformance website at www.teleperformance.ph or their Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/teleperformance.philippines.

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