Filipino Jun Rey Balawing is World’s Shortest Man
Jun Rey Balawing poses for a Guinness World Records-hired photographer after a series of measurement conducted by its representative at Sindangan Health Center, Sindangan township, Zamboanga Del Norte province in Southern Philippines Saturday June 11, 2011, the eve of his 18th birthday which is coincidentally is the Philippines Independence Day.
Officials said Saturday Balawing was measured at 24 and 1/4 inches (about 61 centimeters) lying down and about two inches shorter than the current record holder Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal and is expected to be officially named as the world’s shortest living man when he turns 18 Sunday.
According to the report, Jun Rey is the eldest of 4 children and the only 1 of such stature. His father, Reynaldo, who is a blacksmith, told the press that Jun Rey had been sickly as a child and had stopped growing when he was 2 years old. His mother, Concepcion, added that Jun Rey had difficulty standing up for long periods of time and often required assistance in walking.
"He is a very special boy. He has trouble speaking and standing up, but he is God's blessing to his family and to the community," said Jun Rey’s uncle, Paulino Empag, the local village chief. Empag also added that some superstitious townspeople considered Jun Rey’s condition a lucky charm.
The record for world’s shortest man was previously held by Nepalese Khagendra Thapa Magar who was approximately 26 inches. No monetary prizes are given to Guinness title holders, but well-wishers, including politicians, who attended the pronouncement, handed Jun Rey cash which his family said would be added to their savings.
