Puregold Hakot Relay Run connects communities

by Isabella Cuartero

Thousands gathered at Burnham Green Park in Luneta in the afternoon of November 22 for the launch of the Puregold Hakot Relay Run, transforming the historic grounds into a celebration of fitness, teamwork, and community camaraderie.

Blending exercise, entertainment, and Puregold’s iconic “hakot” experience, the three-kilometer relay introduced an innovative twist to the traditional fun run format. Teams of three joined the race not for speed but for strategy, competing in a hakot segment in which runners grabbed grocery items and filled their sling bags before tagging the next teammate. The result was an adrenaline-filled challenge that brought families, barkadas, and communities together in a uniquely Puregold way.

The excitement didn’t stop at the finish line. A Sunset Concert lit up the park, featuring OPM and P-Pop acts Press Hit Play, KAIA, G22, and the PBB Collab Big Winner duo BREKA (Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca). 

The crowd was energized by the performances of Press Hit Play, KAIA, and G22. Cheers grew even louder when Brent Manalo arrived, performing his renditions of “Little Things” and “Ikaw Ang Aking Mahal.”

Mika Salamanca followed with her version of “Sino Nga Ba Siya.”

Together, they delighted fans as they serenaded the crowd with their hit single “What If Tayo?”—produced and composed by ABS-CBN Music’s Creative Director, Jonathan Manalo.

Live music filled the park, turning the relay into an afternoon-long celebration for families and fans alike.

Every runner left a winner, proudly clutching his exclusive Puregold Hakot Relay Finisher’s Medal, donning the official race singlet, and hauling a custom grocery sling bag—a tangible reward for an unforgettable inaugural adventure.

The event reflects Puregold’s commitment to uplifting Filipino communities and celebrating everyday wins.

Puregold President Vincent Co, who led the first wave of runners, said, “Wins come in many forms. This is a new one for us, as Puregold tries to create moments where families, friends, and communities can connect. This Hakot Relay Run gave us a chance to do exactly that.”