A Weekend of Everything That Flies Takes Off February 13–15 at New Clark City

Mark your calendars as the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta takes flight on February 13 to 15, 2026, bringing three days of color, energy, and sky-high excitement to New Clark City in Tarlac. This upcoming edition is set to be one of the biggest yet, featuring 22 new special-shaped balloons, the highest number in its history, with pilots flying in from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil.

(L-R): BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet, BCDA Officer-in-Charge and Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, Provincial Government of Tarlac Investment Promotions Officer Frances Canlas, PIHABF Founder and Organizer Capt. Joy Roa, and BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Kenneth R

Each day of the 2026 edition will close with two crowd favorites: the glowing hot air balloons and a massive 500-drone show lighting up the New Clark City skyline with colorful formations and messages.

Guests can enjoy world-class action with Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) sanctioned paragliding and First-Person View (FPV) drone racing competitions, featuring participants from at least six countries, including the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, and the Philippines. More competitors are registering following the announcement that the Airsports Federation of Asia (AFA) will hold its first 2026 board meeting in New Clark City during the balloon fiesta.

Adding even more energy to the experience is the fast-rising Soccer Drone competition, quickly gaining global popularity, with a demo court for visitors to try it out and hopes for the Fiesta to host a world championship in the future. School teams from Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated University (FEATI University) and Philippine Air Transport and Training Services College of Aeronautics (PATTS College of Aeronautics) are forming their respective teams to compete, with the winning team set to represent the Philippines in international events and competitions around the world. A Paper Plane competition, open to all ages, invites everyone to join in the fun, while throughout the day, RC airplane demos, aerial dogfights, and kite shows fill the skies with excitement. 

Filipino inventor Kyxz Mendiola will also demonstrate his homebuilt manned flying drone, showing himself flying inside it, a glimpse at the future of personal air travel, as it takes flight across the grounds for all to see. Ultralights will do their usual formation flying around the fiesta grounds. On the ground, guests can enjoy car drifting, browse through a lively Fly Market, and savor Pampanga’s well-loved dishes along with other popular food choices.

With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) stepping in as a strong supporter, these efforts are expected to boost Aero Sports and draw more non-traditional tourism into the country. The PSC has begun supporting our paragliding and paramotor athletes for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, and these same paramotors will be showcasing their skills during the event.

“For over 25 years, this event has been our way of sharing the magic of flight with every Filipino,” shared Capt. Joy Roa, expressing his excitement for the 26th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. “We’re thrilled to bring even more experiences that inspire, amaze, and open doors to the world of aviation.” 

Ms. Frances Canlas, Investment Promotions Officer of the Provincial Government of Tarlac, expressed the local government unit’s full support to the Balloon Fiesta. She says, “This stands as a beacon of innovative sporting events and ushers in a renewed vibrancy as it soars once again in the province of Tarlac at New Clark City. This exciting event is expected to catalyze transformative economic growth, drawing thousands of visitors into the province and driving demand across the hospitality, culinary, transportation, and experiential sectors, while strengthening resilient logistics and supply chains province-wide.”

Engr. Mark P. Torres, Senior Vice President and Officer-In-Charge of the Bases Conversion and Development Bases and Development Authority (BCDA), noted, "As we prepare for this return, we envision a festival that is not only bigger and more vibrant, but also more inclusive—one that brings benefit to our communities and highlights Clark's readiness as a premier tourism and investment destination."

For those interested in a career in aviation, Capt. Joy explained that the Fiesta will feature passionate and successful professionals sharing their journeys. “We want to inspire the next generation of aviators by showing them how we started and what it takes to succeed in this industry,” he said. Attendees will learn about the adventures, challenges, and triumphs of working in a fast-paced field that offers strong career potential and high ROI. “Aviation offers excellent opportunities abroad, competitive salaries, and a chance to see the world while doing something you love,” Capt. Joy added. The lineup includes air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, safety inspectors, civilian and military pilots, and many more ready to share their stories.

With every flight and stunt over the years, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has captivated audiences with unforgettable moments, from the “100 Years of Flying” tribute and aircraft rallies from across Asia to breathtaking performances by the Breitling Jet Team, the Wing Walkers, and the daring aerobatics by Mark Jefferies of the Global Stars team. The Fiesta has also thrilled spectators with annual skydiving exhibitions and tandem jumps, hosted Ms. Aviation competitions, and featured ABS-CBN concerts alongside the iconic hot air balloon night glow. Cultural exchanges with countries like Turkey, complete with traditional dancers, porcelain artists, and carpet weavers, have enriched the experience, while renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor contributed designs for posters and souvenir programs. Indoor aviation career seminars have long inspired students to pursue careers in the industry, providing insights from experienced pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, safety inspectors, and mechanics. These diverse experiences, from high-flying stunts and concerts to educational programs and cultural showcases, have become the very soul and heart of “A Weekend of Everything that Flies.”

Discover more at www.philballoonfest.net and stay connected by following Philippine International Hot Air Balloon (@philballoonfest) on Facebook www.facebook.com/pihabf, Instagram www.instagram.com/philballoonfest, and Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@philballoonfiesta.

#PIHABF2026 #AWeekendOfEverythingThatFlies #26thPIHABF

Everyday Holiday Snacks You’ll Actually Make

 Transform URC favorites into crowd-pleasing holiday treats

The holidays have a way of turning all of us into ambitious home cooks—but sometimes, all you really want is something delicious without the stress. The secret? Some of the best holiday treats don’t require fancy ingredients at all. In fact, they’re probably already hiding in your snack stash.

With a little imagination (and your favorite Jack ‘n Jill snacks), you can magically turn everyday merienda into festive, feel-good dishes. These easy, clever recipes are perfect for Noche Buena spreads, barkadaparties, potluck moments, or those sweet holiday surprises you throw together at the last minute—but pretend you planned the whole thing.

Check out these easy recipes you can try, featuring your favorite Jack ‘n Jillsnacks:

Piattos Nacho Bake

This quick, flavor-packed party tray transforms Piattos chips into a warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing nacho bake. The crispy chips serve as a savory base that pairs perfectly with gooey melted cheese, salsa, and your favorite toppings—ideal for barkada movie nights or last-minute holiday entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 packs Piattos (Nacho Pizza recommended)
  
  

• 1–2 cups grated cheese (quick melt or cheddar)
  
  

• ½ cup salsa
  
  

• Optional toppings: cooked ground meat or beans, jalapeños, olives, onions, sour cream
  
  

Directions:

1. Arrange Piattos chips on a baking tray or oven-safe dish.
   
   

2. Sprinkle generously with cheese.
   
   

3. Add salsa and any optional toppings you prefer.
   
   

4. Bake for 5–7 minutes or until the cheese melts.
   
   

5. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
   
   

Nova Snack Mix

This colorful and crunchy snack mix brings together the best textures from Nova, Vcut, and Knots, combined with nuts and chocolates for a sweet–savory blend. It’s the perfect grab-and-go treat for holiday road trips, game nights, or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Nova
  
  

• 1 pack Vcut
  
  

• 1 pack Jack ’n Jill Knots
  
  

• ½ cup nuts (peanuts, cashews, or mixed nuts)
  
  

• ½ cup chocolates, marshmallows, or other mix-ins
  
  

Directions:

1. Combine Nova, Vcut, and Knots in a large bowl.
   
   

2. Add nuts and sweet add-ins of your choice.
   
   

3. Toss until everything is evenly mixed.
   
   

4. Serve in a bowl and enjoy

Cream-O Cake

This no-bake Cream-O cake turns a classic cookie snack into a soft, layered dessert you can whip up with minimal effort. With its creamy center and steamed cookie base, it tastes like a cross between a refrigerator cake and a moist pudding—perfect for holiday potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 10 packets Cream-O Vanilla
  
  

• 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
  
  

Directions:

1. Separate the Cream-O Vanilla filling from the cookies. Crush the cookies finely.
   
   

2. Mix crushed cookies with evaporated milk until fully combined. Divide mixture into two parts.
   
   

3. Line a pan with parchment paper and pour in the first half. Spread evenly.
   
   

4. Steam for 5 minutes and cool for another 5 minutes.
   
   

5. Spread the Cream-O filling over the cooled layer.
   
   

6. Pour in the second half of the cookie mixture, spread evenly, and tap to remove bubbles.
   
   

7. Steam for 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

Wafrets Chocolate Milkshake

This rich and creamy milkshake blends the chocolatey goodness of Wafrets with ice cream and milk to create a dessert drink kids (and adults) will love. It’s a sweet, refreshing treat that works as a fun recess drink, after-school snack, or holiday merienda.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 sticks Jack ’n Jill Wafrets (plus 1 extra for garnish)
  
  

• 1 cup milk
  
  

• 2 scoops chocolate or vanilla ice cream
  
  

• 1 cup ice (optional, for thickness)
  
  

Directions:

1. Chop Wafrets into small pieces.
   
   

2. Add Wafrets, milk, ice cream, sugar, and ice (if using) into a blender.
   
   

3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
   
   

4. Pour into a glass and garnish with a whole Wafrets stick.
   
   

5. Serve immediately.

Hello Vanilla Wafer Balls

These bite-sized wafer balls are a fun, customizable holiday treat you can coat in chocolate, peanuts, powdered milk, or even coffee. They’re easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for gifting—each piece delivers a creamy, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 Hello! Vanilla Wafers, crushed
  
  

• 1 tbsp chilled all-purpose cream
  
  

• 1 tsp condensed milk
  
  

• 2 tbsp coating of your choice (crushed Hello! Chocolate Wafers, crushed peanuts, powdered milk, or instant coffee)
  
  

Directions:

1. Mix together crushed Hello! Vanilla Wafers, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk.
   
   

2. Divide the mixture into six portions.
   
   

3. Roll each portion into a small ball.
   
   

4. Coat each ball in your preferred topping.
   
   

5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving or gifting.
   
   

Tip: Crush the wafers using a hand blender, stand blender, food processor, knife, or rolling pin.

Holiday Snacking Made Creative

This season, let your favorite Jack ‘n Jill snacks shine beyond everyday merienda. With these easy and versatile recipes, you can turn simple pantry staples into delightful holiday creations perfect for sharing, and celebrating all month long.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

TCL’s All-Category Growth Powers Forward into 2026

 TCL, the Philippines' No. 1 Panel TV brand and a global leader in both TV and air conditioner sales, delivered an extraordinary performance throughout 2025. This achievement is a significant feat, solidifying the brand's leadership and competitive dominance in the market.

Celebrating a 25-year legacy, TCL has been instrumental in integrating technological progress into the Filipino lifestyle. The brand offers solutions tailored to Filipino consumers, from TVs that deliver immersive viewing experiences to energy-efficient washing machines that make laundry effortless to smart AC units that keep homes comfortably cool in the tropical heat. This commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries has successfully made more intuitive, efficient, and powerful technologies readily accessible to families across the country.

 

This success is built on deep trust from loyal customers who have fully invested in the TCL ecosystem. This widespread loyalty is a direct result of the brand's steadfast commitment to delivering premium quality, continuous innovation, and reliable after-sales support, proving that sustained consumer confidence is the ultimate driver of market supremacy.

“We are immensely pleased to have secured this significant achievement and market recognition. 2025 has been an overwhelmingly rewarding and successful year for TCL. We are now strategically focused and look forward to building on this momentum with even more exciting milestones in the coming year,” said Peter Chen, TCL Philippines CEO.

 

Leading the Future of Television

As the Philippines' undisputed No. 1 panel TV brand for two consecutive years, TCL maintains a leadership position that underscores a critical strategy: continuous, aggressive innovation coupled with a commitment to market accessibility.​

“We aim to deliver an elevated home entertainment experience through superior picture quality, outstanding sound quality, and seamless overall performance. The shift in consumer demand toward premium TV categories such as QLED and Mini LED is driven by technological advancements, lifestyle changes, and greater market accessibility. It indicates that consumers are no longer satisfied with standard LED performance and are actively seeking a superior viewing experience,” said Charlie Huang, Deputy Product Director of Brownline at TCL. 

 

TCL is advancing its 2030 TV vision and continues to push the boundaries of display technology. The core objective is to make premium, large-screen viewing experiences accessible to the mass market.

He stated, “TCL aims to be the reliable partner for every Filipino home, delivering smart appliances that simplify and enhance daily life. This commitment is underpinned by the continuous establishment of QD-Mini LED as the core technology, ensuring industry-leading extreme brightness, superior contrast, and vibrant color accuracy for high-end streaming and gaming.

The Core of TCL's New Air Strategy

Marking a key strategic shift, TCL Philippines is expanding its residential air conditioning success into the commercial HVAC sector. The brand aims to aggressively compete with established players by focusing on cutting-edge technology, attractive pricing, and comprehensive project support.

Bert Cheung, Deputy Director of Air Solution and B2B Business, outlined TCL Philippines’ roadmap to enter the commercial market without sacrificing its strong trajectory in residential innovation.

“As we expand our market coverage from Residential to Commercial applications, we highlight our TMV6 VRF System, with its key features boasting flexibility and reliability of the products, the hero products of our Residential lineup, featuring our T-AI technology for highly efficient and cost-effective requirements. Our strengthened portfolio brings confidence to the partnerships we are working with, from major developers up to key organizations and consultants in the industry,” he said.

Bert continued, “Being focused on distribution in the past, we are now shifting our business model into an HVAC company to be able to work with projects on a larger scale. We will continuously build a team of professionals to grow the commercial side of our business, for us to be able to  be at par with the current market leaders in this segment.”

 

Engineered Super Drum Excellence

The introduction of the TCL Super Drum C682 washing machine marks a strategic pivot in TCL’s smart home journey. This product embodies the brand’s new focus on technological mastery and superior engineering, aiming to provide high-quality, seamless consumer experiences. 

As Senior Product Manager Eric Li noted, the C682 is an 'anchor product' designed to 'recalibrate the consumer's perception' of TCL, establishing it as a premium, high-durability, and high-technology innovator rather than a value-driven manufacturer.

“Our Washing Machine business in the Philippines is projecting strong momentum, with an estimated 30% revenue growth in 2025. We are fully committed to this market, and will continue to enhance both our products and customer service aggressively.”

The Super Drum C682 signifies a significant step forward, leveraging its unique 540mm drum, intelligent sensing, and smart control to meet the demands of contemporary homes. Crucially, the C682 functions as a strategic flagship, driving TCL’s brand repositioning as a premium, high-technology leader in the Philippines.

 

Sustained Momentum Plan

Overall, TCL's 2026 strategy includes the launch of significant technological innovations that extend well beyond expected product updates. Soon, the Whitelines category will be undergoing a major refresh, introducing an all-new design and model lineup for TCL Refrigerators.

 

In addition, TCL is prioritizing substantial improvements in its customer post-purchase service and support.

Eric adds, “TCL recognizes that a superior customer journey—from purchase through a decade of use—is essential for transforming initial sales into long-term brand loyalty. By 2026, TCL's enhancements to customer service, post-purchase support, and warranty offerings will be driven by data gathered in the current year, focusing on speed, accessibility, and proactive ownership.”

Log on to https://www.tcl.com/ph/en for more information.