SAN Rafael, a town in Bulacan, Philippines, has officially entered the Guinness World Records for achieving the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Angels. The historic event took place on Saturday, December 14, at the Victory Coliseum in the San Rafael Municipal Compound, with a total of 2,000 participants wearing angel costumes, officially surpassing the previous record of 1,275 participants held by the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, set in December 2015.
The event was the culmination of five months of preparation, spearheaded by San Rafael Mayor Cholo Violago, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported and participated in the world record attempt. “This record is a collective effort, and it’s a testament to the unity and enthusiasm of the people of San Rafael,” Mayor Violago said.
Participants, including youth, barangay officials, senior citizens, students, and local government figures, gathered to don the iconic angel costumes, which included white robes, halos, and wings, as per the official guidelines from Guinness World Records. The gathering not only made history but also showcased the town’s spirit of camaraderie and creativity.
In an official statement, the Guinness World Records adjudicator, Kazuyoshi Kirimura, who was present at the event, confirmed the record achievement. He led the administration alongside about 50 expert witnesses responsible for verifying and analyzing the participants during the attempt. The successful gathering was verified and recorded as the largest in the world for a costumed event of its kind.
For San Rafael, this record-breaking event was not just about setting a world record, but also about promoting the town’s rich cultural heritage and tourism. According to Municipal Administrator Aiza Mapoy, the event also served as a platform to highlight the town’s unique Angel Festival, an annual celebration held every September to honor the town’s patron saint, San Rafael Arcángel.
“We want to introduce San Rafael to the world as a vibrant town full of culture, tradition, and community spirit,” said Mapoy. “This event, and our Angel Festival, are just a few of the many reasons why San Rafael is a must-visit destination.”
The town’s effort to secure the Guinness World Record was made possible through the dedication and financial support of Mayor Violago, who personally funded all the expenses for the preparation, including the costumes, from his own pocket. “This is my way of giving back to the town that I love,” Mayor Violago said, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and community involvement.
In recognition of the event, Senator Imee Marcos also attended the record-breaking attempt, offering her support to Mayor Violago and the people of San Rafael. Her presence underscored the significance of the event not only for the town but also for the wider community.
With the success of this Guinness World Record, San Rafael is poised to become a prominent destination for tourism, cultural events, and celebrations. The Angel Festival, with its rich history and strong community participation, will likely attract more visitors in the years to come, and the world record will undoubtedly serve as a testament to the town’s vibrant cultural scene.
As San Rafael continues to shine as a cultural and tourism hub, the Guinness World Record achievement is an inspiration to other communities around the world, proving that with passion, unity, and dedication, anything is possible.
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