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Philippines

Fair winds and friendly skies
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: Annalyn S. Jusay
Date: 2003-02-25
 
For three days this February, the country once again became the must-see destination of tourists from all over the world, especially those raring to take part in the much-awaited 8th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark Field, Pampanga.







Judging from the success of the event, there is indeed more to the Philippines than its rugged mountains, pristine beaches and imposing historical landmarks. We are getting to be known as having the friendliest skies in Asia, reason why professional flyers do not hesitate to visit when the opportunity calls for it.





This year’s Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which was organized by the Department of Tourism (DoT) as part of its Visit Philippines 2003 program, drew the participation of 19 top balloonists from all over the world. This is not to mention the other international guests who participated in a bevy of aero sports activities like sky diving, ultra-light flying, airplane rally, aero modeling and kite flying.





One of the foreign participants, Andreas Reinhold of Germany, noted that this was his fourth time to participate in the Balloon Fiesta. He said it is winter at this time in his home country and nothing could be more ideal than the fair winds in the Philippines at this time of year.





Tibor Szigligeti, a jurist back in Hungary, was privileged to fly Nestlé’s official hot air balloon, aptly named “Milo”. He revealed that while he used to be a hang-glider before, it wasn’t easy being a certified balloon pilot . He had to undergo training in a formal school and had to take written as well as medical exams.





“But once you’re on air, it’s really worth it. When you fly your first balloon, you’d say ‘give me more!” he added.





Capt. Joy M. Roa, president of the Hot Air Balloon Club of the Philippines, revealed that their aim now is to make the Philippines, particularly Region III, the premier destination of hot air balloonists and other aerosports enthusiasts in the Asia-Pacific region.





“International balloonists attest to the fact that we have the freest, friendliest skies. Hong Kong, for example does not have enough space for free flying while in Korea, certain military regulations restrict the airspace for ballooning,” Capt. Roa observed.





As a major supporter of tourism in the country, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) headed by its chairman Efraim C. Genuino sponsored the opening night of the Balloon Fiesta at the Holiday Inn Resort in Clark Field. Genuino noted the DoT’s efforts to promote the Philippines internationally as a premier destination jives with his vision for PAGCOR to become a “global corporation with a global mindset and a Filipino heart.”





In his speech, PAGCOR’s PR chief Edward F. King underscored the importance of the gaming industry in promoting employment among the people and boosting tourism. PAGCOR has two world-class casinos in the province of Pampanga – Casino Filipino-Mimosa which is under the jurisdiction of the local government of Mabalacat and Casino Filipino-Angeles which will open at a bigger and more modern location this year.





 

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