Accidental Lawyer: 17th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

As planned, we went to Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City last Sunday (February 12) to have a weekend of everything that flies. For this trip, Me and Hunny were with our usual travel buddies, Gani and Ais.

We left Manila an hour late than our ETD of 4:00AM, so we were really in a rush to outpace other vehicles at the NLEX. Too bad, the traffic was so heavy as a result of at least 4 accidents. Yes that is right, there were four separate collisions from the Candaba Viaduct up to the area before the Total Gas Station near the San Simon Exit. Sleepy drivers maybe, coupled with those hurrying to beat the traffic in going to Clark. So our spirits were a little bit dampened since we were really trying our best to see the balloons fly.

As expected, we encountered heavy traffic at the entrance to Clark. It took us two long hours to get to the parking lot.

With the balloons already gone, we just resigned ourselves to the fact that we still have the chance to watch the Nightglow, the fireworks display, and of course, the other activities and attractions in the area. Remembering that it was really a weekend of everything that flies, so we'll just look forward for next year's edition for the Balloon flight.

Skydivers

As we were contemplating what to try or where to proceed, we encountered Capt. Joy Roa of the Asian Air Safari, who gamely acceded to our request for a brief photo-op...heeheehee. We were really glad to meet the man behind the HABF.

....with Capt. Joy Roa

Our first stop is the Air Asia booth. Of course, everybody knows that Air Asia is one of the budget-carriers that ply their trade in Clark. Maybe in our next travels we'll be flying with Air Asia...who knows?

Air Asia Phils will soon ply both International and Domestic Routes

We also had fun at the different exhibits featuring the Armed Forces of the Philippines. There were planes from the Air Force, jeeps and other armaments from the Army, and the Globemaster of the USAF.

Maverick

"Rambo"

Bazooka

Elmendorf

Globemaster

Abu Sabaya look...

Engr's date...yeehee

We came back in the afternoon for the nightglow, but first, we were treated to a variety of songs by a band from the USAF. And they really perform well. I loved their rendition of the song "Faithfully" by Journey.

USAF

Unfortunately, drizzle and heavy winds made it impossible to inflate the balloons properly. Still, I commend the efforts made by some of the participants who did their best in trying to inflate their respective balloons despite the dreadful conditions.

Nonetheless, we really had a great time and really enjoyed the 17th HABF. Though it was just the second time for us to go to the HABF, I believe more and more people have become interested of the HABF. While we look forward for next year's Fiesta, I now leave you with pictures taken during this year's event.