Here are some tips to get the best experience in The 3rd Philippine International PyroMusical Competition: 

If you were to choose which day to watch, I would recommend watching United Kingdom , the defending champions, China, and the last day when the Philippines  perform.

Competition Schedule:

February 11, 2012, Saturday:  South Korea vs. Malta
February 18, 2012, Saturday: United Kingdom vs. Spain
February 25, 2012, Saturday: Finland vs. Portugal
March 3, 2012, Saturday: China vs. The Netherlands
March 10, 2012, Saturday: Australia vs. Canada
March 17, 2012, Saturday: Italy vs. Philipines

The first competitor usually fires around 7.00pm and the second competitor around 8pm. It is super traffic going into the MOA area, so make sure you are in the MOA grounds by 6pm.

Be prepared to walk from the parking lot to the SM by the Bay area. 

The best place to experience the pyro competition is in the VIP area where you can immerse yourself in the music and be front and  center with the fireworks. 

Tickets are available from all SM Tickets, TicketNet, and TicketWorld outlets.

Patron (w/dinner): P1,500
VIP: P500
Gold: P300
Silver: P100 

(TIP:Get free access to this spectacular event by simply exchanging P100 proof of purchase of any Close Up product for a FREE ticket worth P100, or 50% discount on P300 or P500 tickets.)

Since the competition is best experienced outdoors, be prepared for rain so bring an umbrella, and jacket. 

To shoot fireworks, you have to bring a tripod, and a remote shutter device to best capture it. 

The fireworks would last for 20 minutes per competitor, but the start of the fireworks display is the best time to capture your photo because there won't be a lot of smoke. 

Cropping your fireworks photos could reveal interesting composition and shapes :)

Make sure you have a foreground with fireworks in the background. 

Don't forget to visit Manny Pacquiao :)

Don't forget to get the Closer You & I Photo :)

Overall, this is one of the highly recommended passion festival in the country. It is best experienced with your friends and family (specially the kids)!

3rd Philippine International Pyro Musical Competition
Official Website: www.PyroPhilippines.com
Venue: SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia Grounds

For inquiries, please call:
Mobile: +63 917 811-4001, 513-6001
Telephone: +632 359-1486
For block reservations, please call: Jen Sta. Ana +63 917 811-4001. 

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 

Full Disclosure: We got complimentary tickets to the opening Closeup Pyromusical Show last Saturday.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a stage musical adaptation of the popular comic strip Peanuts by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. It's a live version of the comic strip acted and sometimes sung by Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and friends.

Honestly, we are not too familiar with the characters and we did not grow up reading this American comic strip. But we enjoyed the musical because it is colorful, feel-good, and happy. :)

The cast is solid, featuring theater veterans who obviously enjoy being in the show.

One thing though, it assumes that the audience knows the nuances and habits of the characters, so having some background info on each one would maximize your satisfaction in watching the musical.

Here's a rundown of the different characters, the actors who portrayed them, and what you need to know about them...

1. Robbie Guevara as Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown is a lovable loser who enjoys the simple things in life.

Who is Charlie Brown?

"Charlie Brown and his creator are both the sons of barbers, but whereas Schulz's work is described as the 'most shining example of the American success story', Charlie Brown is an example of 'the great American un-success story' in that he fails in almost everything he does." (source: Wikipedia | Charlie Brown)

Robbie's Idea of Happiness:
"Getting along, eating good food, and being with the one/s you love."

(Photo by Raul Victor Montesa)

I love this part where Lucy asks Charlie Brown about how crabby she is.

2. Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Lucy

Lucy is a cranky bully who is in love with Schroeder.

Who is Lucy van Pelt?

"She is the main bully and the older sister of Linus and Rerun. Lucy is a crabby and cynical eight-year old girl...and often bullies the other characters in the strip, particularly Linus and Charlie Brown." (source: Wikipedia | Lucy van Pelt)

 Carla's Idea of Happiness:
"Happiness is being with my family and knowing that I am loved."
(Photo by Raul Victor Montesa)

This part was perfect for the love month, where Lucy expresses her admiration for Schroeder, who purposely ignores her. Carla never fails to embody her roles and have fun with them. :)

3. Tonipet Gaba as Schroeder

Schroeder is a talented musician and the object of Lucy's affection.

Who is Schroeder?

"He is distinguished by his precocious skill at playing the toy piano, as well as by his love of classical music and the composer Ludwig van Beethoven in particular." (source: Wikipedia | Schroeder)

Tonipet's Idea of Happiness: 
"Waking up and doing nothing. Absolutely nothing."

(Photo by Raul Victor Montesa)

I didn't like Charlie Brown's baseball team sequence that much. Although the scene is often featured in the comic strip, I just couldn't relate to it.

4. Franco Laurel as Linus

Linus is the smart young boy who always needs his security blanket.

 Who is Linus van Pelt?

"The best friend of Charlie Brown, Linus is also the younger brother of Lucy van Pelt... Though young, Linus is unusually smart,...and he acts as the strip's philosopher and theologian,...often quoting the Gospels." (source: Wikipedia | Linus van Pelt)

Franco's Idea of Happiness:
"Happiness is being with my wife and children. Spending time with my family. Doing the things that I love like singing, acting, performing and eating."

(Photo by Raul Victor Montesa)

The entire cast performs The Book Report on Peter Rabbit to end Act I.

5. Sweet Plantado-Tiongson as Sally

Sally is the younger, happy-go-lucky sister of Charlie Brown.

Who is Sally Brown?

"Sally has blonde hair with curly bangs and sometimes a bow in front, and she wears a polka dot dress, usually pink or light blue. She has a 'take it easy' approach to life, preferring to slide by while doing as little work as possible.

Sally also frequently developed 'new philosophies' on life, which were typically short sayings or phrases with little or no philosophical value..." (source: Wikipedia | Sally Brown)

Sweet's Idea of Happiness: "Family"
(Photo by Raul Victor Montesa)

Sally and Snoopy's performances were hilarious! There's no dull moment when they're performing their short skits.

6. Lorenz Martinez as Snoopy

A very popular dog who dreams of becoming a World War I Flying Ace. :)

Who is Snoopy?

"He is Charlie Brown's pet dog. Snoopy began his life in the strip as a fairly conventional dog, but eventually evolved into perhaps the strip's most dynamic character—and among the most recognizable comic characters in the world." (source: Wikipedia | Snoopy)

Lorenz's Idea of Happiness:
"Happiness for me is being with my children and my wife."

(Photo by Raul Victor Montesa)

You've got to watch Snoopy's solo, glorifying Suppertime with a very dynamic performance. :)

(Photo by Raul Victor Montesa)

Overall, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown  is a heartwarming play that delivers the simple message of finding happiness in all our blessings in life. We absolutely love the cast, with each actor able to perform his or her "kiddie role" without patronizing the character.

(Photo by Raul Victor Montesa)

Some of the scenes are a bit mababaw, and sometimes I don't get the American humor of the skits. It's like a Bulagaan musical without the pie-throwing to elicit laughter. :)

The show ends with the Happiness song. Imagine the exact same video and adapt it on stage.

This musical is for the fans of Charlie Brown and those who want to watch a happy show and feel like kids again. :)

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN
An outrageously funny and heartwarming musical fit for the entire family that will keep audiences laughing on the edge of their seats.
Show Dates: February 11 to March 3, 2012
Show Time: Friday shows at 8pm, Saturday at 330pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 330pm.
Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati.

For tickets and other inquiries, 
Telephone: +632 557-5860, 586-7105
Mobile: +63917- 5545560
Email: info@9workstheatrical.com

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 

Full Disclosure: We got complimentary tickets to the press night show from the producers of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. 

Ultimate Visayan Food Trip Series:

• Ultimate Visayan Food Trip: Manila to Cebu on a Subaru!
• Iloilo's Dinagyang: Hala Bira! Viva Señor Santo Niño!
• ILOILO FOOD TRIP: Breakthrough, Number 1 Tourist Destination in Iloilo!
• ILOILO FOOD TRIP: Netong's Original Special Lapaz Batchoy

It is located in the birthplace of this beloved dish in the La Paz Public Market in La Paz, Iloilo.

The owner's great-grandfather is credited with the invention of the Batchoy mixture.

Batchoy or “Ba-chui” means pieces of meat in Chinese.

The authentic Batchoy contains fresh egg noodles called miki,

... buto-buto broth slow-cooked for hours, and beef, pork and bulalo mixed with the local guinamos (shrimp paste).

Its generous toppings include fried garlic, crushed chicharon (crispy fried pork skin), scallions,

... slivers of pork, intestines and liver,

.... with a spoonful of bone marrow.

You can tell your servers not to put MSG in your order.

To complete the Batchoy experience, you can order an extra bowl of the soup, 

... add an extra serving of chicharon, or  

... pair it with Roberto's Siopao for merienda :)

Overall, if you really want to taste an authentic batchoy, you have to eat in Netong's complete with the Lapaz Public Market Ambiance. (Don't worry they have an airconditioned dining area)

Netong's Original Lapaz Batchoy
Inside Lapaz Public Market, Lapaz, Iloilo 
Operating Hours: 7.00am - 7.00pm
Phone: +63 33 396-2189 
Email: netongslapazbatchoy@yahoo.com
Facebook: Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy

Ultimate Visayan Food Trip Series:

• Ultimate Visayan Food Trip: Manila to Cebu on a Subaru!
• Iloilo's Dinagyang: Hala Bira! Viva Señor Santo Niño!
• ILOILO FOOD TRIP: Breakthrough, Number 1 Tourist Destination in Iloilo!
• ILOILO FOOD TRIP: Netong's Original Special Lapaz Batchoy

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 

Full Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. We paid for our meals. We are not connected with the owners or the organizations promoting this restaurant. 

P.S. Thanks to Eugene Jamerlan for sharing with us this Lapaz Batchoy secret :)

Ultimate Visayan Food Trip Series:

• Ultimate Visayan Food Trip: Manila to Cebu on a Subaru!
• Iloilo's Dinagyang: Hala Bira! Viva Señor Santo Niño!
• ILOILO FOOD TRIP: Breakthrough, Number 1 Tourist Destination in Iloilo!
• ILOILO FOOD TRIP: Netong's Lapaz Batchoy

It's a fresh seafood restaurant by the beach...

with a simple carinderia turo-turo display where you order. 

It is famous for its Aligue Rice, 

the Managat fish (also known as red snapper or mangrove jack) that they culture on their own, and ...

Imbao, a large fatty clam version which is a pride of the Visayan region and best eaten raw.

Native chicken inasal,

fresh oysters, and ...

... baked clams are also served here.

If you are lucky, you can eat the seasonal angel-wing shaped diwal from Capiz! 

The restaurant is the brainchild of marine biologist Raymundo Robles, who just wanted to have a side restaurant business for his wife.  It was named after every scientist’s aspiration, which is to achieve a breakthrough in his/her field.

The best part of the Breakthrough experience is being able to enjoy the glorious food (and their popular vinegar called Sinamak)

... with the fresh sea breeze blowing around you.

 
For a native dessert, watch out for manong selling these native molasses :) 

BREAKTHROUGH Iloilo
Villa Beach, Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo, Philippines
Phone Number: +63 33 337-3027

Ultimate Visayan Food Trip Series:

• Ultimate Visayan Food Trip: Manila to Cebu on a Subaru!
• Iloilo's Dinagyang: Hala Bira! Viva Señor Santo Niño!
• ILOILO FOOD TRIP: Breakthrough, Number 1 Tourist Destination in Iloilo!
• ILOILO FOOD TRIP: Netong's Lapaz Batchoy

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 

Full Disclosure: Nothing to disclose. We paid for our meals. We are not connected with the owners or the organizations promoting this restaurant. 

P.S. If you don't have the time to travel all the way to Breakthroug in Arevalo, Iloilo, you can try their branch in the city called Ponsyon by Breakthrough in Plazuela de Iloilo. 

I must admit I didn't know what to expect from Fuerza Bruta, a Buenos Aires original show, which literally means "Brute Force". All I know is that it is 360-degree-immersive experience and not-your-usual-cliche-Broadway-show. And if you like Cirque de Soleil, you'll probably like this too.

To best experience the show, it is better that you do not have any idea of the show.
(This post contains visual spoilers, so better stop reading this and just wait and watch it now! :)

But if you're really insistent and want to know more, let me share with you the highlights of the Fuerza Bruta Manila experience:

The show runs from Monday to Saturday for 6 weeks, starting February 14, 2012 at the Manila Hotel Tent. The tent can accommodate 1,000 people and is located on the adjacent left side of the hotel.

Mondays to Saturdays -  8pm show

Fridays & Saturdays -  8pm and 11pm shows

(Tip: If you are coming from Makati, better leave before 6.30pm to be on time for the show.)

A ticket check with a security frisk greets you when you enter.

All you need is the ticket. Come in your comfortable chic attire (jeans are accepted).

(Tip: Cameras and video cameras are allowed, but no flash photography. The show will consume your camera's battery and memory card, so bring extras of both.)

(Official Photo by Fuerza Bruta Manila)

The Fuerza Bruta Lounge welcomes you to a futuristic lounge full of visual texture, designed by UK-trained artist and architect Juan Carlo Calma.

P900 Entrance fee to the lounge is free for show ticket holders, inclusive of 2 complimentary drinks.

Get the Fuerza Bruta Vodka Cocktail drink, which is a mix of Antonov vodka, lime and chilled cranberry juice with triple sec.

I would also recommend the Look Up Vodka Cocktail drink, made of Antonov vodka, chilled pineapple, mango and orange juice. It's served in a bigger glass for maximum vodka consumption before the show. :)

We entered the tent with excitement and anticipation -- not knowing to expect.

We settled into a techno party dance hall where everyone is required to stand and take in the sights and sounds of the show. Yes, standing room only. :)

(Chairs are given to senior citizens, pregnant women, and others who would need assistance.)

The show started with a man running on a 6-foot-high treadmill.

There were no dialogues, just shooting, shouting and chanting. We had two theories on the plot of the show...

First, we thought the entire show is about the afterlife when the man was shot dead,...

...and  we also thought that the entire show is about having a bad or weird dream.

Then two women started tumbling, suspended in mid-air,  swaying sideways, back and forth.

They ran sideways with the occasional eerie shouts and chants.

One of my favorite visual spectacles was the sequence where the running man kept on bursting through a series of moving walls.

(Official Photo by Fuerza Bruta Manila)

It's fun to watch this live. :)

Then, an elevated room platform lit up and the people started dancing and trashing the entire room.

The cast performed an intense dance with loud chants.

One of the cast members selected a volunteer from the audience and smashed a styro-paper-like panel on the volunteer's head.

This is fun -- go ahead, immerse yourself in the show and volunteer for this!

Here's a more elaborate set-up for a group of volunteers getting smashed. :)

People raising their arms to touch the 20-foot flying Mylar curtain.

The BEST part of the show is the 45-foot clear-bottom tilting pool...

(Official Photo by Fuerza Bruta Manila)

...with Buenos Aires-born ladies having fun in the water as the audience watches like stalkers underneath.

Then the women started jumping high up in the air...

...landing hard and flat on the clear-bottom pool.  You'll wonder if you'll eventually get wet with all the splashing water and landing in that pool.

The real fun began when the entire pool was lowered to  arm's length level and just continued to get even lower...

...to have an up close and personal encounter with the wet-look beauties, tempting you to touch them.

(Tip: Situate yourself in the middle of the crowd to have the best view and reach. :) )

It's like watching women in a giant fish bowl -- they just  appear larger than usual.

(Official Photo by Fuerza Bruta Manila)

Yes, touching is allowed. :)

Then, four women volted-in and swam through the pool of water.

(Official Photo by Fuerza Bruta Manila)

And, finally, the pool lowers down for a final voyeur goodbye. :)

To close the show, the main characters burst through one final wall while swinging and suspended in mid-air. :)

It's really an awesome show that you should not miss while they are performing here in Manila!

I'm now a fan of Diqui James, the Creator and Artistic Director of the show. :)

The 60-minute spectacle ended with a techno dance party with the DJ honking the horn and showering the dance crowd with water from the fire hose. :)

(Tip: Avoid the front part where the DJ is playing to avoid getting wet.)

The afterparty happened in the Fuerza Bruta Lounge, which is open until 3am (Monday to Thursday) and 5am (Friday to Saturday).

You can reserve a table, with costs ranging from from P6,000 (for a table for 4) to P20,000 (for a table for 16).

 
Overall, Fuerza Bruta is "Cirque de Soleil meets Jackass (the Movie) + a Techno Dance Party".

No photos or videos can approximate the actual experience where you can touch, interact, and immerse yourself in the moment.  Highly recommended! :) No alcohol needed to enjoy it (but it's a plus). :)

FUERZA BRUTA MANILA
Official Website: www.hoopla.ph
Facebook: Fuerza Bruta
Twitter: @FuerzaBrutaMNL
Show Duration: February 14 until March 26, 2012
Show Time: Monday to Thursday - 8pm show, Friday to Saturday - 8pm and 11pm show
Ticket Prices: P2,500 (weekdays), P3,500 (weekends)
Telephone: +632 320-1111

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 

Full Disclosure: We got complimentary tickets to watch the premiere night from the producers of Fuerza Bruta Manila.

Il Piccino Trattoria by Chef Natalia Moran, formerly known as La Casa Alfonso, is a romantic, by-reservation-only restaurant. She opens her ancestral home to family, friends, and foodies to share her love for Italian food. :)

She is known in Mercato Centrale as the Ravioli Queen, selling freshly made ravioli in the market.

We love quaint, home-based restaurants like this where the food is cooked with love, and people are welcomed as personal guests of the chef.

We celebrated the eve of Valentine's in Il Piccino Trattoria with a special set menu prepared especially for this love month. Here's our experience...

The setting is the ancestral house of the Limkako-Mejia family, circa 1925, originally owned by Spaniard Primitivo Jason.

It is filled with a mix of antique fixtures with modern art (from Carlito's and other artists), amidst wide capiz shell windows and wooden plank floors.

It's more of a house than a restaurant for now since it's where their family continues to live.

The ground floor is where the personal rooms are found, and the Trattoria is located in the living room and the outside patio.

A minimum of 2 guests up to a maximum of 12 persons can be accommodated.

We ate in the patio area, which was a bit cramped and the mosquitoes there were a bit annoying. I imagine it would be easy to overhear the conversations at the next table, which might take away the intimate feel of the place.

The February menu is a 4-course meal with course options and awesome dessert for P950 +12% VAT. (Note: Pricing should be VAT-inclusive and they can add service charge instead.)

The set menu changes every month. Drinks are charged separately (Water-P30, Soda-P50, White White Wine- P150, Red Wine - P180). You can bring your own wine if you prefer. 

We ordered different options per course so that we could try them all.

Bread Starter: Homemade focaccia bread, grissini, garlic confit, balsamico, oilo d' oliva, freshly grated parmigiano.

The starter is a serving of bread with garlic and cheese, paired with really good balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Our bread and garlic were served a little cold already (maybe because we arrived a bit late). The bread sticks could be improved because they tasted like the ones you can buy from the supermarket.

After this starter, we went straight to the next dish since there's no salad or soup option in the menu.

Course #1: Risotto ai funghi shiitake con olio di tartufo.

The risotto was nicely al dente. I liked how it had the right creaminess and bite to it.

Course #1: ★ Blue cheese and pear ravioli with asparagus sauce.

One of the Chef's specialties is the ravioli, and it did not disappoint. The soft and freshly made ravioli with creamy blue cheese was tempered by the taste of the asparagus sauce.

Course #2: ★ Pan-seared mahi mahi with orange salad, pesto arugula and lemon vinaigrette.

For the seafood course, we decided to just order the same mahi mahi dish. We loved the balance of flavors from the slightly salty and fork-tender mahi mahi, the citrus contribution of the orange, and herb-y taste from the pesto and alfalfa sprouts.

Palate Cleanser: Homemade Philippine calamansi granita

At this point, we found the first part of the menu a bit filling already, but these icy calamansi bits helped prepare our palate for the last course and dessert.

Course #3: ★ Lamb Chops (+P300) served with rustic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, dijon cream sauce, and peppercorn sauce.

Although we were not asked how we wanted our meat cooked, it came out medium well, which is what we like. :)

Go for the lamb--it's wonderfully spiced, not dry, and you'll eat it until only the bones are left. The mashed potato complements it quite well.

Course #3: ★ Tenderloin Steak (+P300) served with rustic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, dijon cream sauce, and peppercorn sauce.

The tenderloin steak was cooked well outside with still a bit of pinkish meat inside. The serving portion's good for sharing, too.

Try the steak and the lamb. The additional P300 (for each dish) is worth it. :)

Course #4 ★ Dessert: Spiced Belgian hot cioccolata sorpresa con struffoli Napolitano.

One of the things I liked about the meal was the dessert. This really good chocolate drink by RISA Chocolatier was heavenly. :) The chocolate is mixed with cheese, which really makes it a yummy combination.

This bunch of mini-dough balls on the side was a letdown, though. They were too hard. We even tried dunking them in the chocolate, but to no avail. Hopefully, this combination can be improved.

Course #4 ★ Dessert: Hand-crafted artisanal pralines by RISA Chocolatier.

The best part of the meal? Ending it with exquisite chocolate pralines. :) Save the BEST for last!

Congrats to Chef Natalia Moran for this promising endeavor! :)

Your dining room area is really quaint and beautiful. It could be easily converted into a Chef's table that has a great view of the kitchen.

***

If you are tired of commercialized restos and are looking for a private romantic escape in the metro, check out this Il Piccino secret in San Juan. :)

IL PICCINO TRATTORIA
by Chef Natalia Moran
162 Alfonso XIII Street, San Juan City, 1500
Telephone: +632 964-8034
Mobile: +63 917 829-1900
Email: gruppoilpiccino@gmail.com
Facebook: Gruppo Il Piccino

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 

Full Disclosure: We paid for our meals. Chef Natalia Moran is a former vendor partner in Mercato Centrale, but we are not connected with the restaurant and any organization promoting it.

P.S. From Ortigas-Greenhills, turn left into Santolan Road then right on M. Paterno Street (after right after Pasadena St.). Go straight and make a sharp U-turn-like left (where the police precinct and Fiesta Greetings Factory Outlet are located) along Alfonso St. You should see #162 (white gate) on your right. Park along the street in front of the house.

 P.P.S. Trivia: Il Piccino means the "Little One", named after the chef's one-year-old son. :)

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is one of the passion festivals in the country that I absolutely enjoy. It celebrates the passion for flying and highlights the love for Hot Air Balloons.

It was started after the US Military left Clark Air Base to boost tourism and the morale of the community around Clarkfield, Pampanga.

Here are some tips to have an awesome experience in the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta:

Related OAP Blog Posts:

• [10TH Hot Air Balloon Fiesta #1] The 5am Balloon Fiesta
• [10TH Hot Air Balloon Fiesta #2] All Balloons Pumped Up, Up, Up and Away!
• [10TH Hot Air Balloon Fiesta #3] What to do in the Balloon Fiesta?

Plan Ahead and Block off your Schedule in Advance.

The event has grown bigger, year after year. It is always held the weekend around Valentine's to coincide with the birthday of Captain Joy Roa of Asian Air Safari, the founder of the festival.

It is a four-day fest that starts on a Thursday and ends on a Sunday. Here are possible future dates:

18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - February 7-10, 2013
19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - February 6-9 or 13-16, 2014
20th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - February 12-15, 2015
21st Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - February 11-14, 2016
22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - February 9-12, 2017 
23rd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - February 8-11, 2018 
24th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - February 7-10, 2019
25th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - February 6-9 or 13-16, 2020  

As early as now, you can plan ahead and fix your schedule to make the trip.

Stay Overnight or Drive Very Early.

We would always drive very early in the morning to catch the Hot Air Balloon flight.

It is recommended to leave Manila at 2am, because at 4am, there's already a long line at the entrance.

It is best that you have a photographer's pass; otherwise, buy your tickets (P200) already in advance.

For those who cannot leave early, book a room in any of the hotels around Clark Field Pampanga, like Holiday Inn, Hotel Vida, or stay with family or friends in Pampanga.

Plan for an Early Morning Breakfast Picnic. :)

I suggest that you bring a picnic mat and your hot breakfast meal with you as you wait for the start of the Hot Air Balloon flight.

The festival is great for kids (and kids at heart). You can bring your strollers.

Bring jackets because the February wind is usually cold. Bring umbrellas, too, just in case it rains.

The festival starts each day with a Hot Air Balloon flight after the Philippine National Anthem and the Philippine Flag jump (usually at 6.30am).

Get a Photographer's/Media/Sponsor's Pass. :)

The best way to experience this festival is to be inside the Hot Air Balloon launch area.

Since the number of people needs to be strictly controlled, there are only three ways to get inside the flight area:

1. The Photographer's Pass is usually given by the official media partner for the event.

This year, Digital Philippines was once again chosen to handle the distribution of the Photographer's Pass (P1,500) and the official Photo Contest.

(Check out: DPP | 17th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Photographer's Pass)

2. The Media Pass is normally on a by-invitation-only basis, usually on the first day of the Festival.

This year, Ardent Comm Public Relations handled the Media event on behalf of Caltex Philippines.

3. The Sponsor's Pass is usually given to the employees, family and friends of the official sponsors.

Every year, Caltex is the co-presentor of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!

There is a big difference if you get inside the flight area versus fighting for space in the viewing area (see crowded back area). You have to go very early to reserve your space near the fence.

Once inside, you can get up close and personal with the Hot Air Balloon crew and watch how they launch the balloon. You can also take pictures very close to it.

You'll feel like a kid again once you see these giant balloons getting ready to be lifted up into the air. :)

For a $200 contribution to the foundation, you can ride the balloon -- but the slots are very limited, depending on the pilots.

I'm still waiting for the day when I can get to fly in one of these hot air balloons.

Experience it with Your Kids to see the Funny Balloons. :)

It is always fun to see the creative balloons, which change every year.

The best part of the festival is if you can bring your family inside and experience the Hot Air Balloon flights up close. :)

 The kids love having fun and wacky photos taken with their favorite balloons. :)

They love the themed balloons, like the ice cream balloon, instead of just the plain ones.

The festival is both a celebration of love and birthdays with this unique birthday cake balloon. :)

The Plants vs. Zombies' Sunflower Balloon

This year, the Plants vs. Zombies-themed balloon was the best themed balloon during the festival.

It took some time to get it off the ground, so we waited with great anticipation.

Once it was up, it definitely put a smile on everyone's face,...

...especially sweet couples taking their memorable souvenir photo of the festival. :)

After the Hot Air Balloon Flight...

After the Hot Air Balloon flight in the morning, you can bring and fly your own kites. :)

(Note: They should have a Kite Festival as part of this event.)

You can also explore the different booths and exhibitions during the festival.

We would usually go out to have breakfast around Clark or some other place in the area at around 8am.

(Tip: We normally park across the road in front of the Clark Airport so that we can exit quickly. Parking fee is P50.)

Thanks to Caltex Philippines for inviting our family to witness the Hot Air Balloon Festival! :)

Congratulations to Captain Joy Roa and Caltex Philippines for a successful Hot Air Balloon Festival!

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Telephone Numbers: +632 384-0085 or 833-3264
Sponsor Inquiries: info@philballoonfest.net
Booth Inquiries: flymarket@philballoonfest.net
Official Website: www.philballoonfest.net/
Driving Directions: How to Get There
Facebook: Asian Air Safari by Captain Joy Roa

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 

Full Disclosure: Caltex Philippines is an official partner of Our Awesome Planet.

P.S. We don't recommend the Fly-in event in the afternoon or the Hot Air Night glow because you'll be stuck in traffic with the rest of the people trying to get out of Clark after the events are over. It is still BEST to experience the Hot Air Balloon Festival in the morning with your family.

Although the celebration still has that quaint, provincial city-feel, the Ati-Ati dance productions are among the best that I've seen in street dance festivals in the Philippines. They are the Grand Champions in the Aliwan Festival (Manila-based competition for all the street dance festivals) in 2010 and 2011.

Dinagyang is the best time to go to Iloilo!

Here are the things you need to know to have an awesome experience in DINAGYANG:

The main highlight of the Dinagyang Festival is the Ati Ati Dance Competition, which is held every 4th Sunday of January (one week after the Ati-Atihan festival) from 9am to 5pm.

Dinagyang is an Ilonggo term for "merrymaking".

The fun starts with the Kasadyahan Street Dancing, on the Saturday (9am-5pm) before the Ati-Ati Street Dance Competition. It is a regional dance competition, which includes the Iloilo tribes and the Ati-Atihan tribes in Aklan, among others.

It is both a religious and cultural celebration honoring the devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebu in the Parish of San Jose. It is patterned after the Ati-Atihan of Ibajay, Aklan.

It is scheduled a week after the official feast day of the Santo Niño so that it does not conflict with the Ati-Atihan Festival or the Sinulog of Cebu.

Usually, the local high schools organize the tribes (locally known as tribu) to compete in the street dance competition to the beat of live drum music.

In the 2012 competition, there were 13 participants: Paghidaet, Buntatalan-on, Salognon, Lunok, Milagrosa, Pag-asa, Ilonganon, Molave, Atub-Atub, Aninipay, Pan-ay, Angola, Bantu. 

No actual Ati tribe is included in the competition.

Some rules: The performers should paint their skin brown like the Atis; only indigenous materials can be used for the costume; and there should be live, free-style drum music for 8 minutes each. 

The Sinulog usually has one main Sinulog drum beat, while the Masskara dances are set to one pre-recorded song.

There are four dancing stations: the first one is the Freedom Grandstand, the second is near the Provincial Capitol (near Days Inn and Iloilo Supermarket), the third is near Metro Gaisano, and finally, in the Iloilo Sports Complex.

The best place to watch it is in the Freedom Grandstand where the City Mayor showcases Dinagyang to his personal and political guests of honor. The first dancing station is where people are excited to see the exciting performances for the first time.

Tickets are very hard to get unless you know someone from the Who's Who in Iloilo.

The Dinagyang is a spectator-type of festival, like the Sinulog and Masskara, where you watch the street dance from the sidelines. It is unlike the Ati-Atihan, which is a more participative festival where you are encouraged to dance with the performers on the streets. :)

Tribu Pan-ay - Back-to-Back Winner of Dinagyang Ati-Ati Competition 2011 & 2012!

Everyone was waiting for the defending champion, Tribu Pan-ay. The group started with an eagle-inspired (Mulawin-type) costume and performance.

There were two types of eagles--the white and the brown one. Everyone was drawn to the fast-paced drum performance, the elaborate costumes and visual drama. 

The crowd went wild when a huge eagle entered the Grandstand...

and revealed its eggs, which were held aloft by female Ati dancers.

Then the eggs were unleashed into a dancing frenzy as the crowd cheered on.

Tribu Pan-ay won the following in the 2012 competition:

• Best in Costume
• Best Designer 
• Best in Music
• Best Musical Director 
• Best Choreographer
• Best in Choreography
• Best in Performance
• Dinagyang 2012 Grand Champion

This tribu is a crowd favorite and is expected to win the 2012 Aliwan Competition this summer in Manila.

One thing, though, they are being criticized for highlighting elaborate costumes and production value, with less emphasis on the Atis.

Here's the Tribu Pan-ay Dinagyang 2012 Winning Performance in the Freedom Grandstand.

See related articles: ABS-CBN NEWS | Dinagyang wows spectators, netizens

After the competition, you can explore Iloilo City on foot. It is closed to vehicular traffic during this time.

Your Dinagyang experience won't be complete if you don't get to taste Roberto's Queen Siopao, which is located near the Freedom Grandstand.

It was also great to see The Bull Runner celebrating the Dinagyang with us in spirit. :)

This man is a popular festival icon. :)

Don't forget to buy your Dinagyang souvenirs to help the local vendors! But make sure to haggle because some vendors have a tendency to raise the prices if they see you're a tourist.

The whole city of Iloilo is literally having a party. :) You can savor street food all around.

After competing in the last dance station in the Iloilo Sports Complex, the Ati dancers continue performing around the city streets.

You are more than welcome to take a picture with them. :)

One of the interesting things in Dinagyang is this stack of speakers found on the streets of Iloilo where they play the loudest dance music.

Some people just stand in front of it, listening (maybe evaluating the quality of the sound to the detriment of their ear drums?). :)

They say that the closer you are to the speakers, the less you feel the impact of the sounds.

(Can someone explain how these palakasan ng speakers came about? I've never seen this in Sinulog or in Masskara or in any festival aside from Dinagyang.)

The official cheer here is "Hala Bira! Viva Señor Santo Niño!"

Dinagyang is definitely one of the Philippine festivals you shouldn't miss. It is the best time to experience the Ilonggos' creativity, hospitality, and party scene. :)

Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc.
Dinagyang Lounge
Iloilo Freedom Grandstand
J.M. Basa Street, Iloilo City
Telephone: +63 33 336-3439 
Email: info@dinagyangsailoilo.com 
Website: http://www.DinagyangSaIloilo.com/ 

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 

Full Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

P.S. During Dinagyang, a lot of people used different hashtags like #Dinagyang , #Dinagyang2012, #HalaBira, #DinagyangFever. It would be very hard for it to trend if people use different hashtags on Twitter.

Let's use the main names of the festivals (e.g. #Dinagyang, #Sinulog, #Masskara) so that the actual festival name would trend, and then you can add other hashtags if you like. :)