MANILA, Philippines — The New Year is looking a little glum for hot air balloon enthusiasts after organizers canceled the annual aerial festival set for February.
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) said it would not be holding its “Weekend of Everything that Flies in February” due to the lack of commitment of government partners.
“We regret to inform you that because PIHABF has not received the commitment from our government partners on time, we will not be able to organize the annual The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark this coming February 2019,” the organizers said in a statement in its website.
LINK: https://www.philballoonfest.net
However, the PIHABF said it might organize airshows outside of Clark in 2019.
The PIHABF last held a 4-day event from Feb. 8 to 11, 2018, and featured for the first time two women wing walkers. It was the 22nd edition of the fiesta.
The festival is dubbed as the longest-running sports aviation event in Asia where colorful hot air balloons from all over the world soar through the skies. /cbb