The Philippines makes history once again as it set a new world record.

This time, the country got the got the Guinness World Records title for displaying the most number of origami lanterns at Megaworld’s Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila.

Confirmed by Guinness adjudicator Christelle Betrong, the origami lantern display is composed of 19,552 origami lanterns. This was larger than the record set earlier this year by Hong Kong for the largest display of origami horses, which had 11,817 horses.

The display was also custom-designed to look like a dragon as it symbolized power, strength and good luck in Chinese culture.

The record attempt was spearheaded by Lucky Chinatown in partnership with the community of Binondo. To make the project more meaningful, schools, organizations, families and shoppers were all invited by Lucky Chinatown to write their wish on an origami lantern – making each one a special Lantern of Hope.

“Each lantern of hope represents our dream for a brighter future; and it is our vision that the Lanterns of Hope Display not only set a new world record but will also be another artistic treasure of the Philippines’ Chinatown and a lasting symbol of all the good wishes of this community,” said Megaworld First Vice President and Commercial Division Head Kevin L. Tan.

At the awarding ceremony were (from left to right): Jacque M. Ruby, History Channel Asia Country Head, Christelle Bertong, Guinness adjudicator, Kevin L. Tan, First Vice President and Commercial Division Head of Megaworld Corp., Engineer Michael Lao, Senior Mall Manager of Megaworld Corp., Tefel Pesigan-Valentino, Sr. AVP and Head of Marketing and Bus. Dev’t and Elizabeth Teng, Assistant Marketing Manager of Lucky Chinatown

He also thanked the community of Binondo, who rallied to support the Lanterns of Hope project during the roadshow held by Lucky Chinatown.

“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of enthusiasm as students and faculty wrote their wishes and created lanterns to help us reach this milestone,” Tan said.

Students from different Filipino-Chinese schools write their wishes and make origami lanterns for the Lanterns of Hope project.

The Lanterns of Hope project was another way for Lucky Chinatown to realize its vision of becoming both a lifestyle and cultural center for the area. As a heritage project of Megaworld Chairman Dr. Andrew Tan, Lucky Chinatown is committed to preserving and celebrating history, as it was envisioned to revive what is proudly the oldest Chinatown in the world.

“This achievement was truly a community effort as schools and organizations participated to help us reach our goal to set a new world record. This display is the fulfillment of our vision for Lucky Chinatown to become a development that brings the community together,” said Tan.

Guests can continue to view the world’s largest display of origami lanterns at the second floor of Lucky Chinatown this October.

Lanterns of Hope was created in partnership with History Channel, Origami Pilipinas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel and Chinoy TV.

For more information on Lucky Chinatown’s Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration, please call the Lucky Chinatown Concierge at 576-8139. ADVT.