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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8 chefs join global celebration of French cuisine

The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia invites foodies to experience a French cuisine feast by 8 chefs based in Metro Manila featuring a specially-curated menu (following the order of starter, main course, main course, cheeses, and desserts, accompanied by French wines and spirits) from their respected restaurants in Gout de France starting today, October 14-22, 2021.

The event, dubbed "Goût de France" aims to help the food industry to bounce back in the COVID-19 pandemic with healthy and sustainable dishes, with eco-friendly practices, while promoting the French culture.

• Chef Marc Aubry, Brasserie Sagana (Taguig City)
• Chef Sau del Rosario, Cafe Fleur (Makati City)
• Chef Alain Raye, Dr. Wine Manila (Makati City)
• Chef Janus Florencio, Mirèio (Makati City)
• Chef Miko Calo, Metronome (Makati City)
• Chef Robert Lilja, Pardon My French (Makati City)
• Chef Patrice Freuslon, Society Lounge (Makati City)

Previously based in Baguio City, French chef Didier Derouet will also be offering a special menu on October 21 as part of the virtual Les Jeudis culturels / Cultural Thursdays organized by the French Embassy and by the Alliance française de Manille.

Each menu, inspired by the ingredients and flavors of France’s Centre-Val de Loire region, was crafted to demonstrate the richness of French gastronomy, responsible cuisine, and may highlight local culinary traditions in the Philippines. Restaurants were also encouraged to offer menus with reduced levels of fat, sugar and salt, and with vegetables and grains. You may check the menu here.

The public is invited to experience French culinary tradition and expertise by dining in or ordering from any of the participating Gout de France / Good France restaurants throughout the duration of the campaign. To reserve a table or place an order, please directly contact the restaurants.

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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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Macao Imperial Tea to serve at SM City Masinag with special offers

Macao Imperial Tea opens its 4th branch in Rizal and will serve our favorite beverages at SM City Masinag. As the fastest growing milk tea shop, they have special offers only at their Grand Opening Day on October 19!

Be one of the first 100 customers and get their limited edition Happy Bear Tumbler for FREE. Macao Imperial Tea opens at exactly 10AM so make sure to be included in the first 100 eager customers. Cash basis transactions only.

They also have a BUY 1 TAKE 1 offer only for tomorrow, October 19 on their Chestnut Cream and Cream Cheese series. Enjoy your favorite drinks and another one for FREE!

Brag about your MIT beverages and strike a pose in the IG-worthy interiors of Macao Imperial Tea SM City Masinag branch. Indulge in their cakes and delectable fares like the MIT-exclusive mozzarella and lobster balls.

  

Other Macao Imperial Tea branches in the eastern part of Metro Manila are located at SM City Taytay, SM City San Mateo, and SM Cherry Antipolo. Follow SM City Masinag and Macao Imperial Tea - SM City Antipolo for more updates.

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Macao Imperial Tea opens at SM Cherry Antipolo

Manila's number 1 milk tea brand Macao Imperial Tea expands to cater to new crowds and I'm happy that the newest location is quite near to me in SM Cherry Antipolo.

Macao Imperial Tea execs with SM Cherry Antipolo execs

The first in this side of the East, Macao Imperial Tea's newest place is spacious and is a good chill spot for you and your friends with their Instagrammable interiors and cozy chairs and tables.

Ushering more than 100 first customers on its grand opening day last September 7, every one got a taste of their favorite milk tea and fruit tea beverages made in-house by Macao Imperial Tea.

Now everyone around SM Cherry Antipolo will get their favorite Macao Imperial Tea milk tea. I got mine from the Cream Cheese Series and my friends got their own favorites as well. Satisfy with their sinkers and sweetness level.

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