Insider Spotlight
The three-day festival, known as “A Weekend of Everything That Flies,” will feature 22 new special-shaped balloons flown by pilots from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, alongside paragliding, FPV drone racing, ultralight formations, and nightly balloon glows capped by a 500-drone light show.
Why it matters
Tourism officials and organizers see the fiesta as more than a spectacle, positioning it as a driver of non-traditional tourism, sports development, and aviation industry awareness, particularly outside Metro Manila.
What’s new
This year’s edition includes FAI-sanctioned paragliding and drone racing competitions with international participants, as well as the fast-rising Soccer Drone competition, which organizers hope could eventually lead to a world championship hosted in the Philippines. Filipino inventor Kyxz Mendiola will also showcase his homebuilt manned flying drone, offering a glimpse into future personal air mobility.
On the ground
Beyond aerial displays, the event blends motorsports, food tourism, and retail, with car drifting exhibitions, a Fly Market, and a wide selection of regional and local cuisine aimed at boosting visitor spending across hospitality, transport, and services in Tarlac.
What they’re saying
“For over 25 years, this event has been our way of sharing the magic of flight with every Filipino,” said Capt. Joy Roa, founder and organizer of the fiesta. “We’re thrilled to bring even more experiences that inspire, amaze, and open doors to the world of aviation.”
“This stands as a beacon of innovative sporting events and ushers in a renewed vibrancy as it soars once again in the province of Tarlac at New Clark City,” said Frances Canlas of the Provincial Government of Tarlac, noting expectations of stronger demand across hospitality, culinary, transportation, and experiential sectors.
“As we prepare for this return, we envision a festival that is not only bigger and more vibrant, but also more inclusive,” said BCDA Officer-in-Charge Mark Torres, highlighting Clark’s positioning as a tourism and investment hub.
Looking ahead
With support from the Philippine Sports Commission and growing international participation, organizers aim to use the fiesta to strengthen aero sports, inspire future aviation professionals, and reinforce New Clark City’s role as a national events destination. —Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
