Free Hugs in the Philippines

While Filipinos love to have their photo taken, will they easily hug a stranger on the street?

Source: http://youtube.com/watch?v=iGcjtDXrlVs

It's understandable to see people hesitate. Afterall, there's always the nagging suspicion that strangers carrying signs which read "Free Hugs" might be a couple of manyakises. When a few brave souls do dare, however, the rest of the Pinoy crowd begins to feel comfortable enough to give it a try.

If you watch the faces of the huggers, though, you'll see the truth.

(I wonder if that was Liz I saw in one of the scenes.)

Are Filipinos comfortable with physical contact? Chest-to-chest hugs? Side-to-side shoulder hugs? It depends on the situation. Expect to see a lot of nervous laughter (or head scratching, or nose/mouth covering) though, because we Pinoys don't often hug in public. Especially not in front of a video camera.

Then again, you just might get surprised.

Maligayang Pasko in advance!

[ First posted on 12/23/2007 by Manuel Viloria ]