Love and Hot Air Balloons are in the Air.

For some reason, my 2009 journal entry for February 14 is "I now officially dislike V-day. :(" I can barely remember why, but since it is evident that that day belongs to the not too good memories of the not so distant past, I refuse to ponder on it any longer. In fact, my February 14 this year is way too much fun that it makes up for last year's and some other days of its kind.

This year's Valentine's day celebration was a Sunday of everything that flies! I gladly spent the day with friends at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga for the 15th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

We took an hour and a half bus ride from the Cubao Terminal to Dau, Mabalacat then another 15 minute ride to Clark Freeport Zone. We arrived there at lunch time, so naturally we missed the first flight of the hot air balloons scheduled at 5:30 to 7:oo in the morning. (There were over 22 hot air balloons from all over the world.)

After lunch, we busied ourselves watching the Skydiving and Kite Flying Exhibitions followed by the Light Airplane Flyby while we patiently waited for the Valentine's day Flowers and Candy Drop scheduled at 3 pm. Now this part is a bit disappointing because I didn't see any flowers but I did see three candies fell from the air. (Yes, I counted. It's either there were only three or I just wasn't in a good spot during the Candy Drop.)

To make up for the Valentine's Day Flowers and Candy Drop, amazing Aircraft Formation Flights and Paragliding Exhibition soon followed.

The highlight of the 15th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta for it's final day was the Valentine's Fireworks to cap off the event. The Valentine's Night Glow was another wonderful sight too. This time, the hot air balloons went up to lit the night sky and to add a romantic glow into the night.

This is one Valentine's day I'd always remember. And eventhough I could hardly feel my legs by the time I got home, I'd take the trade any day. :]