Thousands take part in Valentine hugfest in Manila, world record eyed in 2014

Thousands of Filipinos celebrated the spirit of Valentine's Day in Manila Thursday night by taking part in a concert and hug-fest.

 

Dubbed "Yakapalooza," the event had friends, lovers and even relatives hug each other for 20 seconds starting 9 p.m., radio dzBB reported early Friday.

 

A free concert preceded the hug-fest, which organizers said was attended by thousands.

 

A separate report on "Saksi" quoted organizers as saying as many as 10,000 attended Thursday night's event.

 

 

Organizers plan to go for a Guinness World Record for the biggest hug-fest next year, the report added.

 

Many Filipinos on Thursday spent Valentine's Day not just with lovers or spouses but also with their families.

 

Several of them spent Thursday evening watching the sunset at Manila Bay, the "Saksi" report said.

 

Trash left behind

 

However, the National Parks Development Committee lamented many of the participants left behind much garbage.

 

A report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo said trash was left behind at Roxas Boulevard, the concert area, T.M. Kalaw Street, and Orosa Street and even parts of Taft Avenue. —KG, GMA News