The Lubao International Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival 2018 #VisitPampanga

March 27, 2018 Ruth Dela Cruz

While riding a car on our way to Pampanga that Friday night, it occurred to me that I only get to visit Pampanga whenever there is an event – which happens to be (always) the Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Last weekend, I got to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Pampanga once again #VisitPampanga

Read: my first hot air balloon flying experience at lubao international balloon festival

Lubao International Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival has turned 5 and 30 colorful balloons from different parts of the globe flew to the sky to light up the event. I got the chance to fly the balloon for two consecutive years. This year, my friends and I enjoyed checking out the other activities in the venue including outdoor zoo, aerial shows and kite flying.

During the event, I got the chance to see #MayWard perform live for the first time. It was amazing to see fans scream and sing along with the hottest love team in the Philippines today. I was so entertained that morning, following their every moves and dismissing the hot weather outside.

I am creating a separate post with all the #Mayward photos

Edward Barber and Maymay Entrata

A visit to Pampanga is not complete without tasting the rich flavors of Kapampangan Cuisine. We had lunch at APAG MARANGLE, (hain sa bukid) a restaurant that offers an authentic medley of mouth-watering Kapampangan dishes and related cuisine perfectly complemented by an inviting native architecture.

Although my mom always cooks Filipino food at home, it was an exciting lunch to taste different flavors of Filipino dishes. One that truly made an impact is the Sinampalukang Manok – a sinigang dish which is made with sampaloc puree and native chicken. I also love the Balut Sisig and different variations of Sinigang.

At night, we once again traveled back to Pradera Verde to see live performance by Sarah Geronimo. Unfortunately, we missed our spot in the Media Area and only got to see her perform from a distance.

We thought of entertaining ourselves through a fun Ferris Wheel ride, but we found the wheel spinning a bit too fast for a relaxing ride.

It was a fun weekend at Pampanga and I wish to visit and explore more places on our next visit.

I want to give a special shout out to Royce Clark Hotel for hosting us and for being our home during the Lubao International Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival 2018.

Royce Hotel is an hour drive to Lubao but we found a comforting stay during our event coverage. I got to stay with @genzelaces and @earthlingorgeous in a big bedroom with two queen-size beds. I love that the staff is very generous whenever we ask for more complimentary bottled water. Thank you!!!