CAPAS, Tarlac – Close to 30,000 people from all walks of life and around the globe gathered over three days for the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) in New Clark City, as families, friends, and visitors shared a weekend of flight and celebration.

The strong turnout reinforces the city’s role as a growing hub for sports tourism and major public events.

The skies came alive with sunrise balloon ascents, night glows, paragliding exhibitions, and paper plane competitions, among others.

International hot air balloon pilots joined from Macedonia, Brazil, Switzerland, Belgium, the United States, and other countries, adding to the event’s global character.

For the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the gathering showed how former military lands can be transformed into open, welcoming spaces for recreation, tourism, and shared experiences.

BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said the hosting of the event supports the national government’s push to maximize public assets and turn infrastructure investments into tangible benefits for communities.

“This event is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that major developments directly improve the lives of Filipinos and generate real economic impact for our communities,” he said. “Beyond the figures, what we witnessed was families spending a day of love and joy together. We saw ‘balikbayans’ returning home, foreign visitors discovering New Clark City for the first time, and local communities proudly welcoming them. That is the kind of place we set out to build, one where infrastructure serves people and brings communities together.”

Branded “A Weekend of Everything That Flies,” the organizers of PIHABF, led by founder and event director Capt. Jose Mari “Joy” Roa, turned New Clark City into a venue for sport, aviation, and public enjoyment at scale.

“We are grateful to our partners, especially the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta organizers, for their trust and collaboration. Their confidence in New Clark City affirms that with sound planning and governance, we can host large gatherings while keeping our spaces open and accessible,” Bingcang added.

Tarlac Gov. Christian Tell Yap highlighted the broader impact of the event on the province. “This boosted the province economically and socially. There was a clear ripple effect on hotels, tour operators, and small businesses. We want to continue promoting initiatives like this to strengthen tourism-driven growth in Central Luzon,” Yap said.