MCP at the 11th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

We left Caltex-Ortigas at exactly 330am. SANTY , with a new 400D, rode with KEITH in the red Swift, while VEN and I rode in our MIATA. We got there a few minutes before 5am, and there were already many photographers and media lining up to get in. VEN got us passes to get in not only for free, but with unlimited access to the launching area.

It was comfortably cool as we watched the balloons inflate, while catching the sun rise. One by one the balloons started to rise, and soon the 21 colorful balloons from around the globe were floating in the sky. One of the balloons was not shaped like a balloon but like a big Tetra Pack box!!! After all the balloons were launched, we all started to get hungry and decided to eat at BRETTO'S deli just outside the Friendship Gate . I had Eggs Benedict, SANTY had a sausage breakfast set, while KEITH, MARCEL, and VEN had BIG MAN'S BREAKFAST. It wasn't long till JOEY ALMEDA called and he was able to join us for breakfast too.

We went back to the site as soon as we finished eating and then I had to get going back to Manila. I left at 10am and got home at 1130am. It was a smooth and hassle free ride back for me. VEN, SANTY, KEITH and JOEYA stayed on to watch the rest of the aviation show, and to take more pictures.

Notes:
1. We had a difficult time tuning the radios of VEN to Channel 12 before taking off at 330am. But thank God we were able to. I saw VEN take the wrong exit ramp at the DAU exit, and i was able to radio him instantly. Had it not been for the radios, we would have had to wait a good ten to 15 minutes while he tries to find his way back. That is why i insist that we have radio communications everytime we do a funrun. Thanks guys for bothering to bring your radios yesterday. It surely paid off.
2. Thanks to VEN for arranging the passes with unlimited access. The best angle for watching all these balloons inflate and take off is with the sunrise at our backs. And that would only be possible at the runway and fields not accessible to th e general public.
3. Thanks also to VEN for treating us to breakfast.
4. The balloons are gone by 8am, so be there early, or else you miss the best part of the show.

Chito Frondoso

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