Flash mobs – a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, and then quickly disperse.

There have been several notable flash mobs in the past, but let’s look at some that have recently been in the news — ones that didn’t cause too much of a disruption in public, but was also used to commemorate something. It’s easy to dismiss flash mobs as something of a sort of advertising, but hey, if you’ve ever seen one unfold right.before.your.eyes, it’s definitely something.

(Sorted in the chronological order.)

Michael Jackson Dance Tribute – This has been a central theme in MJ videos of the past — a large congregation of people (dancers) suddenly bursting into the middle and then doing their thing. This particular flash mob was done to celebrate MJ’s contribution to the arts — and I know there are only too many MJ fans willing to lend a hand on this one. Just before the video ends, it also encourages other cities all around the world to do the same: beat it. :D

Jollibee Flash Mob in MOA – This one strikes closer to home, not only because this one happened in the Philippines, but I WAS THERE. If you’ve ever fancied living a Jollibee commercial, where everyone is happy, dancing and just overall celebrative of life — this is one to watch. Notice how, even in video form, you could just feel the energy of the crowd, both curious and entertained at the spectacle happening. Hey, if life was as sweet as the ‘Bee sees things, then maybe breaking out in song/dance spontaneously could become a national past time.

Oprah 24th Season Surprise – The Black Eyed Peas and the Oprah staff decided to surprise Oprah for the 24th Season kick-off for her show. Rigorous planning involving 20 professional dancers, 800 people + 20000 more Chicago citizens decided to start dancing in sync to the special “I Gotta Feeling” mix by the Black Eyed Peas. From the video, you could trace Oprah’s shock at the lukewarm reception of the crowd (at first) then the synchronized dancing.

Unless people start disrupting Ayala traffic one of these days, I’m gonna be on the watch out for the next big flash mob!