MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta decided to cancel its "A Weekend of Everything that Flies" event scheduled on February 2019 due to lack of government commitment.
"We regret to inform you that because PIHABF has not received the commitment from our government partners on time, we will not be able to organize the annual The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (and The Weekend of Everything that Flies!) in Clark this coming February 2019," the organizers said in a statement released earlier this month.
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The hot air balloon event, which was supposed to take place in Clark, Pampanga, was supposed to feature two women wing walkers for the first time.
Other shows outside Clark might still be organized next year, the PIHABF said.
Plans of possible events will be posted on the PIHABF's website and social media accounts.
The hot air balloon event has been the longest-running sports aviation event in Asia, featuring hot air balloons, aerobatic exhibitions, formation flying to radio-controlled aircraft, paragliding, skydiving and several on-ground activities for four days.
The event first started in 1994 to help local communities recover from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. — Patricia Lourdes Viray