6 days Ago By Ian Ocampo Flora
One of the largest hot air balloon festival in Southeast Asia has returned after six years, drawing 65,000 spectators. Local officials said the event helped in boosting tourism in Lubao town and Pampanga province with three days of music and air expeditions. Dubbed “Back on Air,” the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2025 in Pradera Verde featured a mix of hot air balloon exhibitions, live music and family-friendly attractions from April 11 to13.
The COVID-19 pandemic and other restrictions prompted the hiatus to protect the public, the organizers of LIBF said. Some 26 colorful hot air balloons from seven countries, including Australia, Vietnam, Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the Philippines participated in the event. Filipino artists including Darren Espanto, Ben&Ben, Mayonnaise, The Juans, ALAMAT and many more performed in the event.
Fans also witnessed electrifying sets from Kyle Echarri, AL James, Silent Sanctuary, Zack Tabudlo, Juan Karlos and Bamboo, capping off the final day with high energy and emotion. The LIBF committee stated thanked the public, the Lubao local government and private partners for the success of the event that "reinforced the status of Lubao as a key destination for tourism and entertainment in Central Luzon.".
