(TRAVEL) Visit Pampanga? Its Time for Lubao International Balloon & Music Festival

We all know that hot-air balloons here in the Philippines is now one of the much anticipated seasons in terms of occasions and events graced by families, adventurous groups, photography enthusiasts and celebrities.. I have seen it a couple of times and I would say Pampanga really knows how to draw such a crowd and succeed in terms of making our own summer one of a kind.

This year, Lubao International Balloon & Music Festival is turning five and last weekend, Pampanga got painted by 30 gorgeous Hot air balloons from All over the world. This includes 8 balloons in special shapes that will surely amuse festival goers. Last 2016 I was able to fly and experience the trip up up and away overlooking Pampanga.

With the venue capacity of roughly 100,000, Lubao International Balloon & Music Festival continue on with its trademark summer experience that’s perfect for family and friends.

The gorgeous hot air balloons take flight early in the morning where the wind and weather conditions are most ideal. Some of the activities simultaneously happened during the weekend are off road and rally cross, there were bazaars where everyone enjoyed food, souvenirs, toys and different booths. Zoocobia also served as the mini Outdoor Zoo side by side with inflatables, aerial shows and kite flying.

 I had a good time covering one of the entertainment shows for the weekend with my favorite teens Maymay entrata and Edward Barbers. They were definitely one of the hottest and most sought tandem both in TV and live performances as they really delivered. I did an IG live last weekend and the fans got crazy with all that kilig. Maymay and Edward also invited and greeted everyone for the success of the Balloon and Music Festival.

FOOD

You know what is there’s one place famous for their delicacies, Pampanga will always be on its list and one of the Kapampangan restaurant we visited is the famous APAG MARANGLE, a place in Bacolor Pampanga that serves authentic medley of mouth-watering Kapampangan dishes and related cuisine perfectly complemented by an inviting native architecture.

SIZZLING BALUT

Years ago, I went to Pampanga to visit Kusina ni Lilian Borromeo. Read my blog HERE

For more information about how to get to Pampanga from anywhere, here are the suggested routes:

VIA NLEX

• Take the North Luzon Expressway and then take San Fernando toll exit
• Turn left towards Jose Abad Santos Ave. (Formerly Olangapo – Gapan road)
• Head towards the town Lubao, passing Gua-Gua – Sta. Rita Intersection and Golangco interesection (brgy. Prado Siongco is the last barangay of Lubao before Bataan)
• The venue is at the right side of the highway, before the Pampanga and Bataan welcome arch.

VIA SCTEX

• Take SCTEX toll Plaza heading towards Subic
• Take Dinalupihan toll exit; then turn left to Lubao
• The venue is right after the Bataan – Pampanga welcome arch

VIA TPLEX /SCTEX

• Take TPLEX towards SCTEX Toll Plaza heading to Subic
• Take Dinalupihan toll exit; then turn left to Lubao
• The venue is right after the Bataan-Pampanga welcome arch

FROM MANILA

• Ride Genesis, Victory Liner, and Bataan Transit bus going to Olangapo, Mariveles, or Balanga ask the bus conductor if they will pass by Lubao, Pampanga
• If the bus will pass Lubao, then ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Pradera Verde where the Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place
• All bus liners takes a bus stop over in Lubao
• For Victory Liner, its 15 minutes away from Pradera Verde

I also wrote about the shuttle going to Clark International Airport from Manila HERE.

Special thanks to Royce Hotel and Casino for their warm welcome as well.

Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2018 is organized by Lubao International Balloon Festival, Inc. (LIBF) together with Forthinker, Inc., in cooperation with the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTO) and with support from Provincial Government of Pampanga. Thank you Pampanga for having me!