PIHABF is yearly held at Omni Aviation Complex in Clark, Pampanga every February.
TIP #1: Join a tour from a travel agency.
If it's only a day tour, you are coming from Manila, you don't have or won't rent a private car, and you are going solo or you're only a group of 2-3, it's better to join a tour from a travel agency. Make sure that the tour package includes transfer, driver,/guide, entrance fee/ticket, or even a snack. There's  a lot of affordable packages out there; you can score a package for only 800 to 900 pesos. But always make sure that the travel agency is legit before you make a purchase. Plus, going home from these kind of festivals is always a struggle especially when you'll commute, so knowing that there will be a tour van waiting for you is a less of a stress.




PIHABF gates open as early as 4am. 
TIP #2: Arrive early and save a front row seat. 
Another advantage of tour packages is it leaves very early. I mean, it leaves at 12 midnight so you'll have a better view of the hot air balloons. We arrived around 4am and was surprised with the crowd. People was already placed in the front seat, behind the barriers, it was difficult to find a decent spot. We found a spot far away from the crowd, but still at front. And believe me, the crowd doubled every hour, so it's very important to arrive early.


 TIP #3: Protect yourself.
PIHABF is situated in an open field, so expect heat from the sun and lots of dust from the ground. Though it's optional, for me it's a necessity to bring umbrella, sunnies/shades, surgical face mask, lots of water and something to sit at, like mat or foldable chair.



TIP #4: Never leave your spot.
Okay, leave it after the hot air balloon show, because the heat of the sun will start to hurt, but never during the show. If you are with someone, make sure to ask them to keep your spot whenever you'll have a toilet break or you need to buy food, because I'm telling you, people at the back are dying to get that front seat. Witnessed it couple of times.




These were some of the hot air balloons that didn't have the chance to fly.
TIP #5: Don't expect too much.
There is no question that hot air balloon festival is dreamy and exciting. But be informed enough to know that these balloons can only fly when the weather is good — meaning, with a clear, non-windy sky. And NOT ALL balloons would fly because of the possible change in weather.





There were plenty of food and drink stalls, a stage for the program, games, and some local and international artists performed.  
TIP #6: Take pictures and enjoy.
The last and most important tip. How often in your life would you witness and experience hot air balloons? So why not take thousands of pictures and savour each moment. Brush off the crowd, the heat and sweat and the dust, and look at the bright sky, the smiles and everything that flies. It is a good day, after all.