LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Seventeen colorful hot air balloons took centerstage as the first-ever Bicol Loco festival kicked off on Friday, May 3, in this city.
A SKYDIVER with a Philippine flag descends from an airplane during the opening of Bicol Loco Festival in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday, May 3. (Nino N. Luces)
Hot air balloons representing a six-story Spanish monastery, dogs, and a dinosaur, among others, went up the air with a breath-taking view of Mayon Volcano in the background.
"Bicol Loco is intended to draw in more tourists that will in turn create more local jobs and opportunities. It has been my dream for over eight to 10 years. Now it's here…The hot air balloon festival will excite everyone to the adventures of flying," said Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who conceptualized and initiated the festival at the old domestic airport.
A free public concert featuring Bamboo, Sarah Geronimo, Ely Buendia, and Jericho Rosales will be held on May 3 and May 4.
Balloon, aerobatic, and drone pilots, and skydivers from England, Brazil, Sweden, France, Netherlands, Belgium, China, and the United States, are showcasing their talents in the festival that signals Bicol’s readiness for tourists.
Capt. Joy Roa, Co’s co-organizer for this event, said that aside from the hot air balloons, fireworks, aerobatics, a drone show, car drifters, and even a race between a Porsche electric car and a piston-powered airplane will be held to entertain the people.
“We want participants to enjoy these colorful days and create unforgettable happy memories with Bicol Loco festivities,” Co said.
Co expects the Bicol Loco festival to draw at least one million tourists from all over the world. He said hotels here and as far as Naga City are fully booked.
Heto na po ‘yung ating inaasam-asam na magkaroon ng maraming tourists, the PR value or the value that we will create. Not only the tourism, potential na pumunta po rito. The PR value we were going to use this to advertise and promote abroad tulad po ng Cappadocia, Co explained.