The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta: 22 Special-Shaped Balloons, Daring Drone Races & Spectacular Night Glows

Nothing compares to the sky spectacle only the original fiesta can deliver — where sky champions rise, glowing nights dazzle, and a sky full of dreams soars higher than ever. 🎈✨

The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta transformed the skies over New Clark City  into a vibrant showcase of aviation excellence, thrilling competitions, and world-class entertainment.

22 Special-Shaped Balloons Take Flight
A spectacular lineup of 22 special-shaped hot air balloons from around the world floated above the festival grounds, drawing thousands of spectators to the iconic dawn mass ascension. From whimsical characters to towering novelty designs, the balloons turned the morning sky into a moving canvas of color.

In the hare and hound hot air balloon competition, Thomas Grubbstrom from Sweden emerged as champion, followed by Joao Justo from Brazil in second place and Coen Heuvel from The Netherlands, in third. Their precision flying and strategic maneuvering impressed judges and festivalgoers alike.

Cultural Opening and Aviation Inspiration
The Fiesta opened with a dynamic cultural performance by the Bamban Street Dancers celebrating Filipino heritage, setting the tone for a weekend that honored both tradition and innovation.

Bamban Street Dancers

The festival also featured aviation career lectures that inspired aspiring pilots and aviation professionals. Captain Frank Desiderio, Executive and Business Jet Pilot, delivered a talk on “The Future of Filipino Aviators.” He was joined by Alfred Martin Hermosilla (Air Traffic Management Officer III), Dennis O. Enriquez (Flight Dispatcher), Brent Louis Palisoc (Quality Manager), Nicole Anne Manalang (Cabin Crew), Capt. Sergio Venuti (A320/321Type Rating Examiner (TRE)), Capt. Edgardo G. Bartolo (Acting Chief of the Airmen Examination Board at CAAP), Victoria Emmanuel Angeles (Flight Instructor), Cecile H. Hurtado (Air Traffic Controller), Samantha Beatrice M. Medina (Cabin Crew), Capt. Frank Desiderio (Executive/Business Jet Pilot), Capt. Raschel Uy (Cabin Crew turned Pilot), Ben Marie Alli Jr. (Director of Maintenance), and Neil Joaz Lagundino (Air Traffic Management Officer I). Each speaker provided valuable insights into the diverse pathways within the aviation industry.

Capt. Frank Desiderio gives a talk on "The Future of Aviation" for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals. 

High-Speed Action on Land and in the Air
Beyond the balloons, the festival grounds buzzed with excitement. A car showcase and drifting exhibition thrilled motorsport fans, while drone racing competitions demonstrated remarkable speed and control.

In the Paragliding Accuracy Competition, Team Legit, composed of Jokohsuprianto Nasir Villanueva, Realino Indapan, and Junrey Cambal, claimed the championship title. Team Triyo secured second place, followed by Team Amaya in third and Team UAE in fourth.

In the Singles Category, Joey Galao of the Philippines won first place, with Junrey Cambal placing second and Jokohsuprianto Nasir Villanueva finishing third.

The FPV Drone Race Competition featured standout performances from Minseo Lee of South Korea, Siyang Peng of China, and Chun-Yan Stephen Kwan from Hong Kong.

Adding a futuristic highlight to the program, Kyxz Mendiola showcased the Kyxz Hoverbike in a live demonstration that captivated audiences and offered a glimpse into the future of personal flight.

Kyxz Mendiola demonstrating the hoverbike

Family Attractions and Valentine Highlights

Festivalgoers enjoyed a wide range of attractions throughout the venue, including thrilling fly-bys, parrots on display, a lively fly market filled with souvenirs, a Drone Soccer demo, and kite-flying activities for children and adults.

Flyby

Drone Soccer

Couples celebrated love under the open sky during the special Valentine Dinner, creating a romantic atmosphere unique to the Fiesta experience.

Night Glow, Concert, and Fireworks Finale
As evening descended, the much-anticipated Hot Air Balloon Night Glow and Concert illuminated the festival grounds in partnership with NUSTAR Online. Balloons lit up in synchronized brilliance while live performances by Pixie, KO Jones, Sound of Hera, Project March, Asa, and Barabas energized the crowd.

Night Glow

Pixies perform song and dance to entertain the crowd

The celebration concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Clark skyline and marked a triumphant close to the 26th edition of the Fiesta.

Sharing the Joy of Flying
True to its advocacy of making aviation accessible and inspiring to all, the PIHABF organizing committee extended complimentary invitations to two orphanages, Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth and Rehoboth Children’s Home. A total of 72 beneficiaries, composed of children and their guardians, were welcomed as special guests during the event.

With its mission of sharing the Joy of Flying with everyone, the organizing committee sought to give these young guests the opportunity to witness and appreciate the airshow firsthand. For all of the children, it was their first time seeing hot air balloons and aerobatic displays up close, making the happy experience both memorable and deeply meaningful.

A Celebration of Dreams Taking Flight
For Event Director Capt. Joy Roa, the 26th edition was a powerful reminder of the festival’s enduring mission.

Capt. Joy Roa

“This Fiesta is not just about balloons filling the sky,” said Capt. Joy Roa. “It is about inspiring dreams, supporting the next generation of Filipino aviators, and bringing families together through the magic of flight. Seeing thousands of people look up in wonder reminds us why we continue to grow this celebration every year.”

With record participation, world-class competitions, and unforgettable performances, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta once again proved that it is more than an event. It is a movement that educates, elevates passion, and national pride.

Powered by Strong Partnerships
This event was made possible with the support of valued partners: Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and New Clark City; FedEx as the Official Logistics Provider; Supporting Partners: The Philippine Sports Commission, and Prulife UK; Hann Resorts and Casino (Widus, Marriott, and Swissotel) as Official Hotel Partner; NUSTAR Online as Lifestyle Gaming Partner; Festival Friends McDonald’s Philippines, Converge, and DITO Telecommunity; Official Media Partners BusinessMirror, PTV4, and Asian Air Safari. Special thanks to Philippine Airlines.

As the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta comes to a close, it once again proves that it is more than a festival. It is a celebration of dreams, learning experience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of flight.

Stay updated with schedules, announcements, and festival news at www.philballoonfest.net. Follow the Fiesta on social media for sneak peeks and live updates: Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.