DroneSpot

Taking to the Skies: A Recap of the Pampanga Drone Fest 2026

The hum of high-speed motors and the smell of fresh grass filled the air on March 8, 2026, as the Pampanga Drone Fest took over the Rainwater Park at Capital Town. Organized in partnership with Megaworld and the Society of Aerospace Engineers of the Philippines, the event proved that the local FPV (First Person View) scene is not just growing—it’s soaring.

From seasoned veterans to curious first-timers, the festival was a masterclass in “Unleashing Aerial Passion.” If you missed the action, here is the breakdown of what went down in the heart of San Fernando.

The Morning Rush: FPV Racing

The day kicked off early at 7:00 AM with the main event: FPV Racing. This wasn’t just a casual flight; it was a high-octane battle of reflexes and precision. Some of the most respected names in the Philippine drone community graced the track, including:

• The Heavy Hitters: Mayonaise, Dronehub, Xtian and Pikachua.
• The Technical Pros: Mcfly.
• The Trailblazers: PinayFPV and CreantFPV.

The technical course required pilots to navigate tight gates and hair-raising dives at speeds that made the drones look like mere streaks of light against the Pampanga skyline.

Precision and Play: Afternoon Sessions

As the sun climbed higher, the focus shifted from pure speed to technical mastery.

• Drone Obstacles Challenge (2:30 PM): This segment tested the agility of both the pilots and their rigs. It wasn’t about who finished first, but who could navigate the complex, multi-level maze without clipping a prop.
• Drone Soccer Demo (5:30 PM): Closing out the daylight hours was a fascinating look at the future of competitive drone sports. Drone Soccer featured protective “exoskeleton” drones bumping and grinding in mid-air to score goals—a hit with the crowd and a glimpse into the growing international competitive scene.

Why Capital Town?

Rainwater Park served as the perfect backdrop. Its wide-open spaces allowed for safe flight zones while giving spectators a clear view of the “cockpit” feeds on the big screens. The event successfully bridged the gap between hobbyists and professional aerospace engineers, showing that drones are as much about sophisticated engineering as they are about the thrill of flight.

Whether you were there to watch Mayonaise pull off a flawless power loop or to see PinayFPV inspire the next generation of female pilots, the Pampanga Drone Fest was a resounding success. It wasn’t just a race; it was a celebration of a community that continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the Philippine skies.