Last year, I enjoyed the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon but I didn’t get to see the balloons glow at night. So this year, my main intent is to witness the hot air balloons at dusk.
Left for Pampanga at around 12 noon. Boarded Victory liner in Cubao. The trip took just 1 and 1/2 hour. I’m confident that I wouldn’t get lost because I’ve traversed that route before.
At 3pm, I was standing outside Clark field, upon seeing the huge banner, I immediately took out my camera and tried to take a photo of it. But then..ooops! Battery empty! Arggghhh! Not again!!! 
Good thing I wasn’t inside the field yet so I crossed the street and boarded a jeep back to Main Gate. I started thinking of what to do while sitting uncomfortably inside the crowded vehicle. 
I planned to go back to the cheap motel in Dau where my sister and I ended up staying last year, an hour cost Php100, I could take a rest and charge at the same time but that’s quite far from Clark. What about SM Clark? But I’m not even sure if the establishments there would allow me to charge. So as soon as the jeep stopped at Main gate, I searched for a small store where I can charge. I saw an internet shop beside a restaurant. Hmm..charging while surfing the net is a great idea! I entered the cafe and asked the staff, he then asked his supervisor I guess and told me NO. I insisted, “I will pay for it and I’ll also rent the internet”. NO, said the guy. 
So I entered the restaurant beside it and asked the staff if I could charge without even telling her that I will dine there and withour hesitation, she said YES. 
“Magkano? ” , I asked. She said it’s 10pesos only for about an hour. Because they we’re pretty nice to a poor solo traveler and I am starving too, I tried their menu. 
The small restaurant is called William C. Sisig and sisig is their specialty. The establishment is located at Main Gate sisig. 
in Clark, Pampanga fronting Jollibee. (more…)
Tickets are available at the gate, it’s advertised as Php 150 but we only paid Php 100. We don’t have a VIP pass but watching those huge colorful balloons, the planes, the exhibits, the high-end dSLRs, and lenses is like a dream come true. We didn’t get to ride the balloon though since it’s a first come, first serve basis and normally it’s for the VIP’s. The fee for the balloon ride is US$150 (minimum) per person. Go directly to the Information Booth upon arrival to book yourself a ride. 
