Cebu eyes record for biggest zumba class

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu will attempt to break the record for having the largest zumba class.

To achieve this, organizers target at least 20,000 participants here to surpass India’s record of 6,671.

“All able-bodied participants are invited to join regardless of age. Everyone can join even those who are living outside Cebu. As long as you love to dance, you can join,” said Bobot Ramos, general manager of Livehouse Productions, one of the event’s organizers.

The event will be on October 18 at north parking area of SM City Cebu. It will be undertaken in partnership with World Vision and part of the proceeds will go to the classroom rehabilitation program for schools in northern Cebu.

The event is officially sanctioned by the Guinness World Records and endorsed by the Department of Tourism, Cebu Provincial government and the Cebu City government.

An official from the Guinness World Record will be present on the day to confirm and announce if a record is made.

Lita Quisumbing, one of the representatives of Cebu’s Zumba Instructors Network, said the event is also a call for everyone to live a healthy lifestyle through dancing.

“We want to share our passion for dancing with the community. Let us all help and support put Cebu on the map,” she said yesterday.

“We hope that through this event, we can reach out as many people to become a channel of God’s blessings,” said Pamela Melora of World Vision.

Kathleen Fernandez-Aznar, also of ZIN, reminded zumba leaders to keep the dance steps safe and simple so that every participant can follow and enjoy.

For purposes of the Guinness record, participants would need to dance continuously for 30 minutes but the whole event can last up to two hours.

Ramos said the event will proceed regardless of the weather.

“Since it will be done outdoor, bisan pa magtaligsik or mag-uwan padayon gihapon,” said Ramos.

Adult participants can pay either P250 with a “break the record singlet” or P150 without a singlet.

Students only need to pay 100 each. The registration will be at the newly opened Sports Atrium at SM City-Cebu.

Cebu currently holds the title for having the Largest Dance Class, the Largest Chess Tournament, the Longest barbeque line and Most number of rockets launched under a minute.

Zumba is a dance fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez in the 90’s.This involves dance and aerobic elements and event martial arts and also has different programs from kids to adults.

Cebu City was also involved in the largest synchronized aerobic exercise in 2007 that broke Mexico’s record, but that record was  shared  with Manila and Davao. —/JMO (FREEMAN)