Every February, the former American airbase of Clark (just outside Angeles City) hosts one of the biggest and most festive air shows in Asia drawing an approximately 60,000 visitors in 2007. Celebrated since 1994, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight in a field next to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (one of the increasingly important Philippine international gateways), with at least two dozen of hot air balloons of different shapes and sizes (we spied a balloon shaped like a rolled newspaper, a coffee cup, a huge elephant) from all over the globe participating. Skydiving exhibitions, flights of ultra lights, motorized hang-gliding, remote controlled model aircraft, kite flying and other aero-sports activities keeps the usually week-long festival busy. Rides on the hot air balloon are not for free and is on a first come, first served basis. Arrive as early as 4-5am, and then head out to the booth where they hold the list-up. Usually the registration area is in the middle of a concrete pavement leading to the main hangar. Organizers and contact persons on the ground can be very disorganized, so once you sign up, stay where you are- there is a huge chance of being bumped off the list unceremoniously. Unless you finally paid for your ride (do not forget to get a receipt), do not leave the registration booth.
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