Nearly 30,000 visitors from across the Philippines and overseas gathered over three days for the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in New Clark City, reinforcing the area’s growing role as a hub for sports tourism and large-scale public events.

Families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts filled the venue for a weekend celebration featuring sunrise balloon ascents, night glow displays, paragliding exhibitions, and paper plane competitions. International balloon pilots from countries including Brazil, Switzerland, Belgium, the United States, and Macedonia joined the festivities, adding to the event’s global appeal.

For the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the strong turnout demonstrated how former military lands can be transformed into open, accessible spaces for recreation, tourism, and community gatherings.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said hosting the event supports the national government’s push to maximize public assets and convert infrastructure investments into real benefits for communities.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure major developments directly improve the lives of Filipinos and create meaningful economic impact. He added that beyond attendance figures, the event showcased families bonding, balikbayans returning home, and foreign visitors discovering the area for the first time.

Branded as “A Weekend of Everything That Flies,” the event was organized by the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta team led by founder and event director Joy Roa.

Meanwhile, Governor Christian Yap highlighted the broader economic and social gains for the province, citing increased activity for hotels, tour operators, and small businesses. He expressed support for continuing similar initiatives to strengthen tourism-driven growth in Central Luzon.