Bicol Loco festival kicks off with colorful hot air balloons

Mayon Volcano. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA/FILE PHOTO

Fanciful and colorful hot air balloons, including replicas of a six-story Spanish monastery, a couple of dogs, and a dinosaur, will fly against the backdrop of the breath-taking Mayon Volcano at the kick-off of the three-day Bicol Loco festival from May 3 to 5 in Daraga, Albay.

If you’re in the area, come to the old Legazpi Airport before sunrise at around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, May 3 to witness these fantastical balloons or even experience going up in one for a different kind of adventure.

“Bicol Loco is intended to draw in more tourists that will in turn create more local jobs and opportunities. It has been my dream for over eight to ten years. Now it’s here… The hot air balloon festival will excite everyone to the adventures of flying,” said Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who conceptualized and initiated the festival.

The public will be also treated to free concerts featuring Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo, and Ely Buendia and Jericho Rosales on the nights of May 3 and May 4 respectively.

Balloon, aerobatic, and drone pilots, plus skydivers from England, Brazil, Sweden, France, Netherlands, Belgium, China, and the United States will showcase their talents for this extravaganza that signals Bicol’s readiness for tourists.

Capt. Joy Roa, Co’s co-organizer for this event, said that aside from the hot air balloons, there will also be fireworks, aerobatics, a drone show, car drifters, and even a race between a Porsche electric car and a piston-powered airplane to entertain the crowd.

“We want participants to enjoy these colorful days and create unforgettable happy memories with Bicol Loco festivities,” Co said.