Filipinos kiss and make up record

The event was restricted to married and engaged couples

Thousands of people have shown Philippine passion in the hopes of sealing a new world record with a kiss.

Some 5,122 couples gathered on the Manila waterfront to pucker up for the challenge and to greet Valentine's Day.

As the clock struck midnight, lips joined for the 10 seconds necessary to beat the kissing record set by 4,445 couples last month in Santiago, Chile.

Spectators cheered on the participants, all of whom were supposed to be married or engaged to each other.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza called on the couples to join him and his wife in the simultaneous smooch.

"Let's take a break from the troubles we have been having, from our work, from political bickerings," he said. "After all, it's Valentine's Day."

'Happy events'

One kisser, Menchu Cueto agreed that the event was a welcome relief from the hard times Filipinos are suffering because of political bickering ahead of elections in May and economic difficulties.

"It's a good feeling that we're part of something this big for the Philippines," he said.

The co-ordinated clinch was followed by fireworks of a different kind, with a pyrotechnic display over the bay.

The crowds were not told if their efforts would be recognised by Guinness World Records.

The event was organised by the city government and a toothpaste maker.