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FEATI University is crowd drawer at 15th PIHABF
Imposing in blue and yellow, the FEATI University booth stood in one of the two spacious Philippine Air Force hangars in Clark, Pampanga as a burst of rainbow colors adorned the horizon to mark the opening of the 15th edition of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF).
For the fifth consecutive year, FEATI University has been one of the constant fixtures in the world-renowned event as an exhibitor. From February 11 to 14, the Manila-based pioneer aviation learning institution saw an influx of visitors flocking to the FEATI booth with its imposing pillars connected by a beam painted in the University's blue and yellow. Two miniature custom-built helicopters proved to be FEATI's main attraction during the event. One was placed atop the beam while the other was displayed on one of the tables, urging passers-by to stop and pose beside it with cameras clicking away.
But the bigger attraction proved to be the two computers with simulation programs that allowed visitors to “fly” a helicopter or play other interactive games for free. Queries from visitors regarding FEATI University course offerings, in particular, Aeronautical Engineering (AeroE) and Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) abounded.
AeroE/AMT Acting Chair Edryan Acosta reaffirmed the positive effects of FEATI’s continuing participation in the event. “I really believe that through the active participation of the University in the event, its reputation as one of the best education and training providers of aviation-related programs, particularly in aeronautics, has been re-established.”
Acosta was also one of those manning the FEATI booth who patiently explained the intricacies of how heavier-than-air machines fly to interested visitors with the use of the displays. Apart from him, the department’s faculty member Engr. Enrico Enriquez, AeroE/AMT students Neil Bryan Siy, Ma. Katrina Cazenas, Matthew Yu and Events & Promotions staff members headed by Melanie Florentino also manned the FEATI exhibit.
“FEATI’s continued participation in the event will aid in marketing the University to possible enrollees who are still looking for courses to take in college. Aside from this, should the University consistently participate in the PIHABF, this will confirm in the public’s mind that FEATI is indeed one of the premiere tertiary education centers where students can gain a competitive edge by learning through the “FEATI Way,” added Acosta.
The four-day extravaganza of “everything that flies” featured adrenaline-pumping aerobatic shows such as skydiving, ultra light and micro light aircraft flying, paragliding and gliding. Spectators were also delighted with the spectacular aerobatic stunts of RC model aircraft. Guests also became active participants in kite flying with kites of various shapes, designs and sizes. The glow of the colorful and gigantic hot air balloons at dawn and dusk on each day of the show drew thousands of guests, scrambling to take souvenir pictures with an amazing background! (KAL)
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