Remember the novel "Around the World in Eighty Days"? The most common cover for that work would be Phileas Fogg and Passepartout in a hot air balloon, ready to go around the world. But did you know there was never a mention of the hot air balloon as one of their modes of transportation? And "balloon" was mentioned once throughout the whole novel.

Phileas Fogg may not have experienced a hot air balloon but this coming weekend, you can get the chance to witness not one but around 30 hot air balloons from 15 countries in the 18th installment of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF). Get to experience a "weekend of everything that flies".

Secretary Jimenez opened the press conference last February 19 at the Peninsula Manila's Garcia-Villa Function Room. His short speech was then followed by an AVP on the past balloon fiestas and sights in the Philippines. Maestro Ryan Cayabyab then opened the floor for some fiesta music brought to you native musicians from Dumaguete. The fiesta music made the guests get up and dance to each beat!



Speaking of guests, this year PIHABF is proud to bring the world-famous Breitling Jet Team to the country for the first time to perform their precision aerobatic show for the Philippine audience.

Don't they look dapper in those jackets? I wanted on for my own!

The Breitling Jet Team is the world's largest professional civilian flight team based in France.

Get to see specially shaped balloons like Humpty Dumpty, Space Shuttle and Tulip during the event. The three-day event will also feature aviation school displays, food booths, a fly market, the hot air balloon glow, radio control UFO flyers and an OPM concert.

OPM icons like Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Cookie Chua, Dingdong Avanzado, Jessa Zaragoza, Wolfgang, The Dawn, Imago, Kjwan, Spongecola, Joey Ayala, Pepe Smit, Urbandub, Gloc9, Noel Cabangon and Ebe Dancel will be among the performers this February 22 and 23, 2013.

The 2013 PIHABF is presented in partnership with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

For more information (and schedule of activities), visit www.philballoonfest.net or log on to the official PIHABF Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pihabf