Free Hugs Campaign

There was a viral video in Youtube I've come across some months ago, and after watching it all I ever really wanted to do is go home to Philippines and hug everyone I know.

Juan Mann's campaign, FREE HUGS, of giving away free hugs to strangers is truly an eyebrow-raising kind of thing. But when you look closer, and understand his motives, you'd be wanting somebody to hug you as well.

Last Saturday, at our usual spot, we made it happen here in Singapore. The SPOT gang (Marga, Maron, Tracy and new recruits, Justin and Iya) and I spent another fun night at the bridge with our usual drinks. But at that one night, we made a difference. I hope to believe that we've somehow touched a few hearts and warmed their souls a little bit with the hugs we shared.

Although at first sight, you might be really curious as to what our agenda is, with drinks being passed on every minute and a "Free Hugs" poster waving left to right to passers-by. There's a slight hint of malice you may say, we might be just doing it 'cause we were drunk and we wanted to take the fun into another level. But the moment we all stepped into that position of holding the poster and got our first hug, we all got the feeling of how real it is, losing all the hesitations and just spreading the love.

I lost count on how much people I've hugged that night, I was group hugged, I was even twirled around by an old folk, I was squeezed among my friends and strangers. I was hugged back.

And it was such a warming feeling. Satisfying, I might say. Affirmation? Yes. I was proud of myself and of my friends. Much prouder that we can accept rejection and well wishing them back even.

I was happy to send out a message. That in these crazy times, in this crazy life, we can all be equal and we can always show it with a simple hug. :)