Meet world's shortest man, Junrey Balawing

Who's the world's shortest man? Meet Junrey Balawing, the Filipino man who earned the title on his 18th birthday on Sunday, the Associated Press reported. Standing less than 2 feet tall, Balawing celebrated the declaration in his hometown of Sindangan in the southern Philippines.

Balawing jokes with a ruler prior to being measured by the Guinness World Records at Sindangan Municipal Hall.

Balawing went through a series of measurements before his title was officially recognized.

At 23.5 inches, Balawing dislodged previous record-holder Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal, who is 26.4 inches tall.

Balawing was presented with a certificate by a Guinness representative, Craig Glenday. The framed certificate barely reached his ears.

Glenday said he was struck by Balawing's lively personality and constant smile.

"Although he's short, he takes that in stride," Glenday told The Associated Press. "He has this cheeky smile."

The last of a series of measurements confirming Balawing's height.

Balawing needs to hold onto something to stand because of his weak knees.

Nobody could explain why Balawing stopped growing two months after his birth, his father said, adding that he first walked with help from his parents when he was 5 years old.

Sindangan Vice Mayor Bess Jagonio, a doctor, speculated that he may have had an endocrine or a birth-related defect.

Balawing tried repeatedly before managing to blow out the candles on the cake and clapped heartily each time the crowd applauded. He was later heard saying "Kapoy," or "I'm tired."

Balawing's parents, villagers and town officials showered him with a feast of roasted pigs and seafood, balloons and cash gifts in addition to his birthday cake.

Ryan Chua, a local television reporter, has his picture taken with Balawing using his iPad.

Balawing joked around on the microphone during the ceremony. "Thank you," he told the crowd in a local dialect which was translated by his father, Reynaldo.

Balawing's mother grew teary-eyed during the ceremony, saying she was happy with her son's instant fame.

About 100 villagers and journalists attended Balawing's ceremony recognizing his status. Sindangan is a fishing and farming town of 90,000 located about 450 miles south of Manila.

Local officials got the idea of informing the Guinness records committee about Balawing from journalists who learned about his size.

Balawing has an animated personality and a lively sense of humor. Here, he jokingly props himself up with empty Coca-Cola bottles, which are taller than his waistline.

Balawing is weighed by his father prior to the official series of measurements.

Balawing waves a Philippine flag on his birthday, which also happens to be Philippine Independence Day.

Balawing's family said they tried to send him to school but withdrew him after he distracted other children's attention.

Balawing, who is about the size of a toddler, has a child's demeanor.

Balawing's mother carries him during a photo shoot with a Guinness World Records-hired photographer.

Balawing's brother and two sisters are all average size.

Aside from the Guinness certificate, the crown does not come with any cash award. Glenday said he hopes the international fame will bring in gifts and donations, particularly medical supplies to ensure Balawing's health.