Hot air balloons, skydiving, paramotors, drones, and ultralight planes drew crowds at the premier Bicol Loco Festival in Albay on May 3, 2024.

A long line formed at the entrance of the former Legazpi Airport in Legazpi City as early as 5 a.m. to witness the Hot Air Balloon Festival.

“Exciting kasi first time niyan digdi sa Bicol,” Marivic Ogayon, a visitor, said.

While waiting for the hot air balloons to take flight, the audience was treated to breathtaking aerobatics, with the Mayon Volcano providing a stunning backdrop. 

A skydiver descended while the Philippine National Anthem played, displaying the Philippine flag hooked up in their harness.

A total of 16 hot air balloons were then inflated simultaneously.

“Nakaka-amaze po makita, up close for the first time, 'yung hot air balloons, tapos dito pa sa hometown [namin], nakaka-proud,” a visitor said.

However, due to sudden changes in the wind direction, the organizers decided to postpone the hot air balloon flights for safety reasons.

Captain Joy Roa, Event Director, said that they will instead start early on May 4.

“Medyo malakas na 'yung hangin natin. So, bukas, agahan [nalang] natin' yung simula. Encourage natin lahat ng tao na dumating ng mas maaga. Anyway, we will do it. Hopefully, the wind will cooperate with us,” Roa said.

One of the pilots, Linas Mastis, said safety was the first priority, considering also the significant investment in the balloons.

“It’s safety first, and the balloons are very expensive, and this balloon is about $150,000. So, if I burn a couple of panels, you won't see me in the next five days,” Mastis said.

Despite the disappointment of not seeing the hot air balloons, the crowd enjoyed watching the paramotor gliders, from different parts of the country, take flight.

“Okay naman. Kaya lang kapag medyo malakas ang hangin tulad ngayon, medyo may kahirapan ng kaunti. Pero kung meron ka nang experience, walang problema saka masaya,” Mike Tuazon, a paramotor glider, said.

Even with the occasional rain, spectators awaited the airplane bomb-drop competition.

Various air assets from the Philippine Air Force and private planes were on display at the old airport.