There are Hot Air Balloons in the Philippines and they are Colorful

The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) is very active on attracting tourists from all over the world by launching its campaign slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” last January 5, 2012. Despite of some negative criticisms, the slogan generally becomes more appealing to the public and probably to many foreigners who either have been into the country or are still planning their travel and tour at this very moment. In an economic point of view, tourists definitely provide lots of income to the country – to the government and even to the local community. Supporting this claim is the statistics released by DOT on its website. It says that in 2011, there are about 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the country. That is 12.66% higher than the previous year. As to how much was the financial income on these visits, it was not stated. But that is probably millions of pesos.

On the Photos: Attraction at the 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta




The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta held last January is one of the highlights of fun and excitement in the Philippines. It is being held annually in Clark Freeport in Pampanga. This is usually a 4-day event and it displays everything that flies. These are the kites, helicopters, air gliders, airplanes and of course, the hot air balloons being the main attraction. The objective of this event is to fuel the passion of flying and help improve the aviation industry in the Philippines.

On the Photos: More Attractions and Highlights of the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Aside from flying, there are also exhibits of land vehicles and military combat tools and equipment. These include battle tanks, bicycles, guns and tents. You will see soldiers in their combat uniforms and gears entertaining every guest by allowing them to hold the guns, ride into the tanks and explore the inside of the US Air Force cargo planes. Look everywhere and there is an activity to engage with. There are rock climbing, bombing demonstration, sniffing dog exhibition, aerobatic show, rescue demonstration, paragliding, fire-fighting demonstration, car drifting, fire-fighting demonstration and a lot of more. There are also souvenirs to bring home. Everybody is excited and enjoyed with what they are seeing. You can see the liveliness of this 4-day event. It’s literally colorful and it truly reflects the DOT’s slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines”.

On the Photos: Fun and Exciting Activities at the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012














The 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is a contract agreement between Clark Development Corporation and the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) Foundation, Inc. Its objective is to raise money for the aviation industry, in general. One way or the other, not only two parties are benefiting from this activity, but also our military forces, the visitors, the sponsors and the Philippines as a whole. This is the real essence of promoting tourism in the country – someone is benefiting from it. There are hundreds of tourist spots in the Philippines. And to name a few, they the recently declared “One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature” - Puerto Princesa Underground River, the Boracay Beach in Kalibo, Aklan, the Mayon Volcano in Bicol, the Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, and the Hundred Islands

in Alaminos, Pangasinan. These are all beautiful places and they are among of the top contributors in the Philippine's tourism industry. The local government is increasing its revenue each year, as well as the community - it is also earning extra income from local tourism. Adding to that is their exposure to different foreign nationalities which is in a sense is giving them the ideas and knowledge about their culture, hobbies and behaviors – things that play very important role when someone will fly into other countries for work or visit purposes.

On the Photo: Souvenirs and Memorabilias at the 4-day Event 

Behind this tourism campaign slogan and the obvious positive results of it, it would be fine at least for the Filipinos to appeal to its government on issues concerning their well-being - jobs, health care, education, transportation and foods. At present, these are not equally being given. However, the government is continuously moving for a change and there are some results. Some groups might be irritated about our government. Others might be thinking negatively about how the president will renew the Philippines in his remaining 5 years of leading the nation. On the other side, it would be the same for the government to appeal to Filipinos and non-Filipinos to collaborate and help the country achieve its goals – become a progressive and developed country in terms of economy, culture and quality of life. It is more fun in the Philippines, like the fun felt in the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, if these goals will happen in the next 5 years.

On the Photo: Campaign Slogan of the Department of Tourism


Gaining more ideas is not only fun but it can also uplift our consciousness about taking actions that will improve our life. Like in business, learning by reading and asking is a key to success. Read more articles about business at www.projectnoriel.com. Ask our consultant by sending an inquiry to norielpanganiban@gmail.com. Let us help our country together by becoming equipped with business ideas.