Stuntman starts bid for world record in street sweeping

LEON, Iloilo — Organizers are confident that a professional stuntman will be able to set the world record for street sweeping.

Stuntman Jess Caigoy began his attempt here yesterday morning to set the world record on street sweeping.

"So far we’ve encountered no problem," events manager and Sangguniang Bayan member Roberto Calaor III told The Star.

The 45-year-old professional stuntman, who has earned the title "Master of Pain," started sweeping major streets in the Leon town proper at around 7:25 a.m. yesterday shortly after a brief opening ceremony, Calaor said.

Donning a yellow shirt and short pants, Caigoy started his attempt at landing in the record book using a five-foot broom. Attached to his waist was digital calorie counter.

Five hours into his attempt, Caigoy had covered five kilometers. As of 12 noon yesterday, Caigoy was already sweeping the highway shoulders in Barangay Pandan, Leon town.

Caigoy is attempting to sweep 26 kilometers in the towns of Leon, Alimodian and San Miguel in 24 hours.

"We are confident that he can go through it. Hopefully, he can set the world record," Calaor said. By 7:25 a.m. today, Caigoy is expected to be in the vicinity of the Aleosan District Hospital.

"So far there’s no problem with his health," Calaor said.

Caigoy is obliged to take a break for 15 minutes every eight hours, in line with the rules of the Guiness Book of World Records.

Ahead of him is a van with a public address system appealing to the people to donate spare money for the Aleosan District Hospital. Behind the van is an ambulance.

Directly ahead of Caigoy is the vehicle carrying the camera crew. Following Caigoy on foot are the members of the Leon Sangguniang Bayan and his assistants. Nearby is a public utility jeepney carrying his extra broom, water and food.

Caigoy has been performing stunts since 1994. In Singapore AXN X-Games in 1999, he performed six ‘amazing’ stunts which gave him the title "Master of Pain."