A drone developed by Filipino engineers is set to take center stage at the country’s premier aviation celebration next year.
The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will feature the public debut of the “Hoverbike Air X1,” a manned drone designed and constructed entirely in the Philippines. The event runs from February 13 to 15, 2026, at New Clark City in Tarlac.
Festival organizer Captain Joy Roa announced the inclusion, aligning with the event’s mission to present “a weekend of everything that flies.” He expressed pride in the achievement, noting it would be the first public demonstration of a Filipino-piloted drone of its kind.
Inventor Kyxz Mendiola confirmed that his team will exhibit the one-person model, which supports a pilot weighing up to 80 kilograms. From the engineering to the welding, this was built by a local team. His group is currently developing a two-seater variant and aims to have it ready for the festival.
The aerial spectacle will extend after dark with a synchronized light show involving 550 drones, marking one of the largest displays ever held in the country.
Traditional hot air balloons will still fill the sky, with organizers promising the most expansive lineup in the festival’s history. Pilots from at least nine countries, including the United States, Germany, Brazil, and Japan, will also participate. A collection of 22 uniquely shaped balloons will also be on display, a new record for the occasion.
The schedule is packed with aerial sports contests, including internationally recognized paragliding and drone racing competitions. The Philippine Sports Commission has endorsed the festival for its role in promoting air sports.
Source: ABS-CBN News