1,600 join Boracay world record bid for longest massage chain

Some 1,600 masseuses on Friday gathered at world-famous Boracay to take part in a bid to set a new world record for the longest massage chain.

The masseuses assembled at the beachfront and performed basic routines for seven minutes, GMA News stringer Jonathan Cabrera reported.

Among the routines they performed were massages to the back, arms and heads, while organizers observed them.

The masseuses are working in spas and are members of the Boracay Masseurs Association.

Friday's activity was organized by the local government to celebrate Boracay Day.

State-run Philippines News Agency quoted Malay, Aklan tourism officer Felix delos Santos as saying the record attempt was registered at 8:30 a.m. Friday.

"There are around 2,000 masseuse(s) who wishe(d) to participate but we only limit it to 1,600 because of the lack of space at the front beach," Delos Santos said.

The PNA report said tourists, media, residents and local government officials and the Department of Health representatives witnessed the record try.

However, the record may not yet be official, as delos Santos said the DOH will endorse it to Guinness World Records.

"The DOH will endorse the world record attempt to the Guinness Book of World Records as we await for their official declaration," delos Santos said.

As of Friday afternoon, the Guinness World Records website said the current record is held by Thailand at 1,223 masseuses.

It was achieved by Have A Good Dream Co. Ltd and Thai Beverage Marketing Co. Ltd., both in Thailand, at the Rama IX Park, Bangkok, Thailand, on April 28, 2010.

"All people were seated in three circles behind one another, with each circle measuring 611.5 m (668.74 yd). The following massages were performed: Temporal Lobe, Neck, Shoulders, Arms and Back (chopped style)," it said. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News