A co-living space in Cebu has captured attention by securing a place in the Guinness World Records for its remarkable display of 12,749 origami pieces. Lyf Cebu City, a collaborative hub for locals, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and travelers, was officially recognized for the “Largest Display of Origami Sharks” by Guinness adjudicator Kazuyoshi Kirimura on August 29, 2024.
The record-breaking event coincided with the hotel’s anniversary, transforming the two-day celebration on August 29 and 30 into a vibrant festival of creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit. Following Lyf Cebu’s achievement, its sister branch, Lyf Malate in Manila, amazed guests the next day with a stunning display of 100,000 origami stars, marking a fitting conclusion to the festivities.
In a social media post, Guinness World Records praised the collaborative effort behind the origami creation, stating, “The origami was all skillfully hand-folded by the property’s colleagues, their families, the local community, and guests.” This artistic endeavor took 12 weeks and involved folding pieces from recyclable materials like old newspapers and magazines, highlighting creativity and sustainability. The hotel’s vibrant interior was transformed into a gallery, showcasing Cebu’s rich marine heritage and artistry.
The inspiration for the origami display was the Pelagic Thresher Shark, a majestic species now classified as vulnerable due to overfishing and habitat destruction. “A huge thank you to our incredible lyf Crew and Ascott family for bringing this vision to life, paying tribute to the majestic thresher sharks of Malapascua and Cebu’s dive heritage,” Lyf expressed on social media.
Beyond breaking records, Lyf Cebu partnered with Save Philippine Seas, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of coastal and marine resources. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the Pelagic Thresher Shark, transforming an artistic accomplishment into a significant cause.
Following the event, the origami installations remained on display until September 30. Rather than allowing the artwork to fade away, Lyf Cebu donated the creations to Junknot, a Filipino social enterprise that upcycles materials into innovative furniture. This ensures that the record-breaking origami will continue to inspire as artistic pieces, breathing new life into the space where they first took flight.
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