A weekend of everything that flies

Sky diver jumps with the Philippine flag

The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Ballon Fiesta is supposed to be  "A weekend of everything that flies".  
So together with a bunch of my paragliding pilot friends off we went to the Omni aviation grounds at Clark in Pampanga.  

We left Manila at 3:30 a.m. so we could get to the grounds at 5:00 am in time to watch the pilots set up their gears.

A hang glider sets up his gear

When we got there the pilots from Malaysia were in full force with their paramotors and all ready to fly.

Malaysian pilots being interviewed

The festival opened with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and of course complete with a sky diver carrying the Philippine flag.

While the hot air balloons were being inflated the pilots with their paramotors started to take off.  

Fly high!

Tandem paramotor flights are not available in the Philippines so when I was asked if i wanted to try a tandem flight I couldn't refuse!

It was so cool to have that paramotor attached to your wing and be able to take off from the ground instead of a ridge for a change.  I had two cameras (Go Pro Hero) on me.  One tied to my shoe that took this picture.  The other Go Pro was on a mono pad which you see me holding to take a video of the flight.The highlight of the air show for me was watching the Breitling Jet team. They put on a spectacular show.  It was like a magical dance in the sky. The routine was so precise.

 

I imagine that these pilots put in so many hours perfecting this grand performance.

The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta runs until the weekend. It's a must see if you want to see everything that flies!

My Valentine came in a box

My early Valentine's day gift (to myself) came in a box. A Fedex box.

And like a little girl on Christmas day I opened it quickly.

It was my Ozone Mojo 4 wing!

It came with a bonus helmet from my paragliding instructor Buko.

My wing was custom color designed in orange, yellow and blue.

So that it can nicely contrast against the sky when in flight.

Isn't she a beauty?

According to Buko,  It's supposed to be one of the safest wings available. So here she is on her maiden flight...

Can't wait to take fly her again.

Happy hearts day everyone!

Valentine golf at Forest Hills

Forest Hills Ladies 

The annual Forest Hills Valentine's Invitational hosted by the Forest Hills Ladies Circle is on! Mark the date - February 18, 2013.  Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. and shotgun starts at 8:00 a.m.

This year's categories include Men's division classes A, B, C and seniors division. For the Ladies - class A & B.  Plus the Over all Champion & Runner up.  There's wonderful golf to be had including lots of prizes, raffles and fellowship.

Tickets are still available!  For more information please call Forest Hills at +63 915 328 5319, +63 922 573 6038, +63 918 274 4679, 02 401 2368.

Tiger Woods makes 75!

Tiger Woods makes his 75th PGA career win today at the Farmers Insurance Open in Torrey Pines San Diego, California.  The last couple of holes in the tournament was less than spectacular but there was never a doubt that Woods would not win the tournament.

So all Tiger needs is to bag 8 more wins so he can beat Sam Snead's 82 record wins!

Isn't that cool?  And did anyone notice all the paragliders at the tournament? What an awesome way to be a spectator at a major championship!

The new Palmer course

Ogie Alcasid, Rubby Lugtu, Dingdong Avanzado & Noel Cabangon

Have you tried the new Palmer course at Forest Hills Golf & Country Club? Yes, the back 9 has been completed and its worth
the trek to Antipolo to check it out.

par 3

The par 3 at the back nine has a stunning view.  Four bunkers heavily guard a tight green that quickly penalizes you for any errant tee shot.

Noel Cabangon

The course is most challenging. Choosing landing areas and playing for the next shot in mind is key.

Attacking the green may be the way to go for the single handicapper but certainly not for the less skillful player.

There's a fair amount of risk and reward for this new Palmer course and lots of reasons to try it out.

Fore!