Up!

Cebu’s first helium balloon takes flight

UP, up and away! The first recreational ride of its kind in Cebu, the Helium Balloon, was launched at Hadsan Resort in Lapu-Lapu City last Aug. 15. The balloon can fly up to 150 meters high — offering passengers an unparalleled and exciting 360-degree view of Mactan Island and surrounding waters.

Owner Jack Song explained that the ride uses buoyancy and is connected with a tension cable from the ground that controls its movement using an electrical switch. He said similar facilities have been operating in 20 countries the last 15 years, and that it has passed international safety standards.

Cebu Helium Balloon is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with a local ticket price of P1,000 for adults and P700 for children below 12 years old. The duration of each ride is 15 minutes. For reservations, contact 0916-281-1234 or 0921-994-1234. (Bernadette Abangan and Marymil Cabrera, USJ-R Mass Comm Interns)