| Written by Randell Raymundo |
Paragliding
 The sport flourished for a time before entering a lengthy hiatus until a few short years ago when a second generation of dedicated enthusiasts realised the untapped potential for flying here in the Philippines. There are a number of reasons for the resurgence. As a result of paragliding’s increased popularity around the world, equipment has become more affordable, efficient and safer. The goals of those currently flying in the Philippines are many. Foremost is to realise the potential of the mountainous regions of the Philippines through the development of accessible flying sites. In addition to sites already flown such as Montalban, Abra de Ilog and Dingalan (to name a few) there are the innumerable coastal bluffs crying out to be flown. The relatively new sport of para-motoring has removed many of the limitations to flying traditionally imposed by terrain and weather conditions.
We would like to see the Philippines as a destination for pilots from around the world that encourages safe flying, a place where new pilots can learn to fly and experienced pilots can enjoy flying new sites while honing their skills. The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is the event anticipated by all those that love to fly in the Philippines. It provides the unequalled opportunity to raise awareness, enjoy fellowship, share ideas and highlight the Philippines as a destination of choice for this exhilarating sport throughout Asia and the rest of the world. |
Paragliding was introduced to the Philippines by a handful of pioneers in the 1990s. A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft where the pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing. Powered paragliding, also known as paramotoring, is a form of ultralight aviation where the pilot wears a motor on their back (a paramotor) providing enough thrust to take off using a paraglider wing.
