3-day Bicol hot air balloon fest seen to attract more tourists
PERFECT SPOT. The Bicol Loco Hot Air Balloon Festival takes off amid a clear view of Mayon Volcano as the backdrop at the old airport in Legazpi City, Albay on May 4, 2024. The festival, on its second year, is set from June 14 to 16, 2025 at the same venue. (PNA photo by CONNIE CALIPAY)
LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Tourism in Bicol (DOT-5) hopes that the upcoming Bicol Loco Hot Air Balloon Festival will attract domestic and international tourists.
In an interview on Tuesday, Herbie Aguas, the regional director of DOT-5, said the festival is expected to bring in more than 500,000 tourists from Metro Manila and other regions.
“The Bicol Loco Festival, now in its second year, is a significant factor in attracting visitors. Many have already confirmed their attendance for the three-day event,” Aguas said.
The festival is set from June 14 to 16 at the Old Legazpi Airport.
It will feature a variety of activities including a Philippine flag skydiving jump, a hot air balloon flyout, paramotor fun flying with balloons, a car drifting show, an aerobatic display and paramotor formation flying.
The presence of renowned performers such as Fred Engay with the Rise High Band, DWTA, Kim Won Shik, Kim Ji Soo, Earl Augustin, SB19, Zack Tabudlo, Hev Abi and Rico Blanco is seen to excite large crowds.
Aguas said the festival benefits not only the city and province but the entire region as well.
“Last year, all resorts, hotels and restaurants were fully booked, and even small stores gained significant profits. This is promising as it creates growth opportunities,” he said.
“When a tourist arrives at the airport and takes a tricycle or buys food, income starts to flow,” Aguas explained.
“If a tourist spends at least P2,000, just imagine how much more revenue can be generated with a larger number of visitors,” he noted.
Aguas said the funding for the festival came from the Ako Bicol Party-list (AKB) and the city government of Legazpi.
He also cited the various attractions for tourists visiting Albay, which has places that showcase nature’s beauty within and around the city.
“We have resorts like Punta Almara in Ligao City, Misibis Bay in Bacacay and several waterfalls in the province,” Aguas identified.
“Moreover, there’s Sumlang Lake in Camalig and the famous ATV rides with the majestic Mayon Volcano as a backdrop,” he further enumerated.
In a separate interview, Legazpi City Mayor Alfredo Garbiin said the city is all set for the three-day festival.
“Promotions are now in full bloom. We have billboards in Iloilo, Cebu and even in EDSA,” Garbiin pointed out.
“More surprises, concerns, colorful hot air balloons will participate, and even air shows. We hope that we will surpass the previous tourist arrivals,” the mayor said./apl
