Neha Jain: http://philippinesaviationnews.blogspot.com/11

Character-themed hot air balloons take flight in Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Character-themed hot air balloons take flight from an open field in Clarkfield, Pampanga province, north of Manila, Philippines, Feb. 10, 2011. The 16th Hot Air Balloon Festival kicked off with 27 participating teams, as part of efforts in tourism and aviation sports promotion in the Philippines.

Performers carry their props as hot air balloons dot the sky for the four-day 16th Hot Air Balloon festival at Clark Economic Zone at Clark Field, Pampanga province north of Manila, Philippines, Feb. 10, 2011.

2. Philippine Airlines launches India service

Philippine Airlines is preparing to launch services to India, offering discounted airfares from Australia starting at $1313 return.

Beginning March 27, 2011, Philippine Airlines will fly six times a week from Manila to Delhi, while at the same time increasing its Australian services to seven times a week from both Sydney and Melbourne to Manila.

The new services mean travellers can combine the culture of India with the pristine tropical islands of the Philippines on the one low-cost fare.

Return economy flights are available from Sydney to Delhi via Manila from $1331 including taxes, or from Melbourne to Delhi via Manila from $1313 including taxes.

The fares allow one free stopover in the Philippines, or additional stopovers for $50.

Philippines Airlines will increase its Australian services from five a week to seven from March 27, including four daytime flights and three evening flights from both Sydney and Melbourne to Manila.

3. Barons face uphill battle sans top guns

Philippines - Several marquee names will be absent in the 64th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub when the annual event gets going next week in Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon.

But what it lacks in star appeal, the event makes up for more exciting battle in the championship division.

Asian Games silver medalist Miguel Tabuena and fellow national player Jerson Balasabas will not see action, as well as US-based Jude Eustaquio and Marcel Puyat.

In fact, the only big names competing are reigning national champion Clyde Mondilla, Jobim Carlos, world junior titlist Rupert Saragoza and the ageless Tommy Manotoc.

Tabuena has begged off due to his studies while Balasabas is now preparing to turn pro.

Hardest hit is Canlubang which lost Mark Fernando and Jhonel Ababa to the pro ranks, leaving Carlos, Manotoc and Zaragoza to carry the fight for the defending champions.

Winners of the last five Interclubs, the Sugar Barons face an uphill battle against three teams that have been given equal chances with the adoption of the handicapping system this year.

Canlubang and The Country Club finished 1-2 last year in Bacolod City with team averages of 69 and 67 points, respectively. Del Monte and Cebu Country Club were the next best teams with 59 apiece.

By putting a team cap of 62 points, the gap that separates Canlubang and TCC with the rest of the field has been reduced.

“This year’s Interclub will no longer be a dual meet,” said Interclub tournament director Buddy Resurreccion. “Any of the four teams can win this year.”

Resurreccion clarified that the cap applies only to the team and not the players.

“We’re not stopping them from fielding scratch players as long as they meet the requirements,” he said.

The regular Interclub will be held Feb. 23-26 at the El Pueblo Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro and the Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon.

This year’s competition is backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Airbus, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW). Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation and Traversing the Orient.

Also lending support are corporate sponsor Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo Philippines, while minor sponsors are Lufthansa Technik Philippines, MasterCard and Century Park Hotel. Prize donors include Panasonic Avionics and Tanduay.

4. Jetstar launches services to NT, Manila
Jetstar launched its first flight from Darwin to Manila earlier this week, carrying Darwin’s Filipino community on board.
Tourism Minister, Malarndirri McCarthy said the new service greatly contributed to the government’s 2015 goals.
“A key priority of the Aviation Futures 2015 strategy is to grow airline services to the Territory and to expand the Darwin aviation hub,” said Ms McCarthy.
“The Northern Territory Government has invested $8 million over five years to support the establishment of Jetstar’s hub in Darwin and this inaugural flight to Manila marks a significant step in the creation of the hub.”
Minister McCarthy said the new airline adds an extra 531 international seats every week, increasing Territorians travel options.
The Minister said she expects the new service to add onto the 3,000 Filipinos travelling into the Northern Territory each year.
The new service will run three times weekly and is Jetstar’s first flight to the Philippines from Australia.