Monday, February 16

14th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2009


This is my 2nd time to see the hot air balloon or HAB at Clark . The invitation came from Mel and Surath, whom I met during the Cebu trip with Mel and her officemates. Rosahlee also joined this trip.

The group met at EDSA Shell near McKinley Road . It was a good thing that Mel and Surath had arranged a van going to Subic . It was a Friday so as expected going North wasn’t a breeze. Traffic was dreadful. Our way of forgetting our ennui was to chat and chuck joke on our way to Subic .

Mellany, Rosahlee and I spend the night at Marlim, an old hotel outside the Clark Base. In close proximity, clubs and karaoke bars were lively. Surath however stayed inside the base where US military once used as their barracks.

We got up at 4:30am and headed to Surath’s place. There’s a long queue of vehicles going to the venue of HAB. Every year, locals and tourist alike pour in to see this event.

My first HAB was actually with Rosahlee and her officemates. That time I didn’t get to see the balloons up in the air because of the strong wind. This time around I had the opportunity to see all the colorful and gigantic balloons soar high in the air.

We had lunch at the famous Razon’s. After lunch, we decided to visit Subic , about two hours drive, and checked out the yacth club as well as the go cart area. We didn’t stay that long at the Marina. We went back again at the HAB and stayed until 7pm.

HAB at night was even more alive. The balloons were lined up and were all lit up. I had a hard time taking pictures as spectators were blocking the steel fences but I managed to peek through a small opening of the tent and took some pictures. =)

Please click on the link to see HAB pictures Hot Air Balloon

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