The skies of Lubao, Pampanga have been painted once again with colorful hot air balloons during the annual Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival (Lubao IBMBF). Now on its 6th year, the Lubao IBMF was welcomed by a huge crowd who were looking forward to a fun-filled weekend.

The Lubao IBMF 2019 was a three day event featuring ground and aerial activities that were enjoyed by the whole family. Some of the activities include aerial shows, car shows, off road and rally cross racing, and ultralight flying. A food festival and a bazaar were also present at the venue to cater to hungry visitors and shoppers. The highlights of the event were the early morning balloon flight, night glow, fireworks display and music festival.

I am originally from Pampanga but it was my first time to attend the Lubao IBMF, and actually setting foot in Lubao. Thanks to Cebu Pacific Air, this first moment finally happened.

We are able to watch the music festival on the first day with JK Labajo, Ben & Ben and December Avenue on the lineup. I was really amazed by the huge turnout. Thousands of Cabalens and visitors from neighboring towns flocked at the event venue to enjoy the concerts and ongoing festivities.

On the second day of Lubao IBMF, we woke up early to see the hot air balloons fly. Early morning is the best time for hot air balloon flights because the wind condition and temperature are more stable. 31 hot air balloons painted the sky of Lubao with colorful and beautiful designs. My favorites are the Elvis and White Bear balloons.

I was able to make another first moment happen during this trip and that is riding a hot air balloon! It was a short but memorable ride. Bucket list checked!

Going to the venue was very convenient thanks to the direct flights of Cebu Pacific Air from Cebu to Clark which takes about 1.5 hours. The airline flies from/to Cebu-Clark route twice daily. The Lubao IBMF was held at Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga, from Clark, it takes about an hour drive by car via SCTEx by taking the Dinalupihan exit.

Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone (CFSEZ) is slowly becoming a center for economic development in Central Luzon. The former US airbase was converted into a special economic zone in 1992 and since then attracted global investors from various markets.

With the development and upgrades of Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, more and more flights are being routed to the airport. Cebu Pacific Air recently announced that they will be flying direct between Clark and Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Iloilo and Bacolod in August, and Puerto Princesa in October. From Clark, Cebu Pacific Air currently flies direct to Cebu, Bohol, Boracay (Caticlan), and Davao for domestic flights. For international flights, they fly direct to Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.

Flying to Clark is the best option if you want to explore the Central and Northern Philippines because it can cut your travel time for two to three hours compared to flying to Manila. This summer, if you’re planning an island hopping adventure at the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, a surfing trip in La Union, a heritage tour in Vigan or a food trip in Pampanga, make sure you book a flight through Clark via Cebu Pacific Air.