First leg of Puregold Hakot Relay 2026 brings panalo energy to Iloilo, delivers timely support for Filipinos

After setting a strong precedent with its 2025 debut, Puregold officially kicked off its 2026 Hakot Relay series in Iloilo, bringing a high-energy opening leg while providing practical value for communities across the Visayas.

Held on April 25 along Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, Puregold brought its Hakot Relay Iloilo to life, combining its signature race experience with live performances from crowd-favorite Pinoy hip-hop artists Skusta Clee and Flow G. As the first of three nationwide stops, the Iloilo leg signaled a more expansive rollout for the Hakot Relay in 2026.

Participants from across the region—including Bacolod, Cebu, Antique, and other parts of Panay—made their way to Iloilo, taking part in the activities. For many, the experience went beyond participation, offering the opportunity to secure essential groceries at a time when rising fuel costs and increasing prices of everyday goods continue to impact household budgets.

Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., shared that the initiative reflects the brand’s continued commitment to creating community-driven programs that benefit Filipino households.

"We want to create experiences that bring people together while also delivering real value to our communities—something that reflects what Puregold stands for. The Hakot Relay is one way we’re able to connect with Filipinos by giving them something they can both enjoy and take home, especially at a time when basic needs matter even more. We look forward to sharing this to more areas and reaching even more customers,” he said.

More than a standard race format, the Hakot Relay takes on deeper meaning in today’s context, where rising prices and ongoing uncertainties have made everyday expenses more challenging for many Filipinos. In this sense, it serves as a timely response to the needs of families across the country. By uniting people through a shared activity while allowing them to take home essential items, the initiative reflects both a sense of community and tangible support.

“We’re happy to introduce the Hakot Relay to more regions this year, starting with the Visayas. It’s our way of giving back by creating something people can enjoy collectively, while also helping in a simple but meaningful way. Seeing that kind of response here in Iloilo makes this leg more fulfilling for us,” said Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad.

The Iloilo leg also underscored Puregold’scontinued strength in mounting large-scale, on-ground experiences, building on the success of its inaugural Hakot Relay in 2025. Race waves, loot stations, and on-ground activations were carried out with strong organization, ensuring that participants were able to fully experience both the activity and its deeper purpose.

Runners crossed the finish line with finisher’s medals, grocery bags, and exclusive event merchandise, with select waves also receiving surprise item drops along the course. More than event giveaways, these take-home items offered relevant resources—something participants could use for their households in the months ahead.

As the series continues its nationwide run, Puregold builds on a concept that resonates for its relevance in today’s environment. With upcoming legs set for South Luzon and Metro Manila, the Puregold Hakot Relay 2026 reaches more communities, delivering a panalo experience that connects people together while responding to the everyday realities faced by Filipino households.

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Ivana Alawi praises Brilliant Skin for employing PWDs

Actress and content creator Ivana Alawi praised Brilliant Skin Essentials Inc., owned by skincare and beauty mogul Glenda Dela Cruz, better known as “Miss Glenda," for promoting inclusivity by hiring persons with disabilities (PWDs) as part of its workforce of over 1,000 employees.

Ivana made the statement after a recent visit to one of the company’s production facilities, where she had the opportunity to interact with its workers.

“Isa sa mga nakakatuwa dito sa Brilliant Skin—meron silang mga PWD. Hinahayaan talaga nila magtrabaho. Talagang part sila ng Brilliant Skin,” Ivana said, noting that the company currently employs 11 PWDs and treats them as an integral part of its operations.

"Mas gusto kong suportahan yung mga business talaga na lahat welcome. Eleven ang PWD nila dito sa Brilliant Skin," she stressed.

Ivana also shared the story of Dinky, a single father who is hearing-impaired and who has been with Brilliant Skin for six years and relies on his job to support his young child.

“Ito yung kanyang bread and butter—ito yung trabaho niya para ma-sustain niya yung anak niya,” she shared.

Via sign language, Dinky told Ivana that he is happy with the opportunity to work at Brilliant Skin, to which the actress/vlogger reacted: “Tatagal ka ba ng six years kung hindi?”

She also encouraged the public to support businesses that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

“Dapat talaga binibigyan pa rin natin ng trabaho ang ating mga PWD. We need to really try to understand and love them because pare-pareho naman tayo," she pointed out.

Brilliant Skin Essentials Inc. has been recognized as the 2025 Top Employer of the Year by the Municipality of Morong, Rizal.

Aside from this recognition, Brilliant Skin Essentials Inc. was also named one of the top business taxpayers in the municipality, placing in the Top 3 Outstanding Business Taxpayers of the Year and Top 4 Highest Real Property Taxpayers of the Year.

Meanwhile, Miss Glenda’s other business venture, Pink Ladder Construction and Development OPC, was recognized as a Top 14 Outstanding Business Taxpayer of the Year.

Brilliant Skin Essentials now employs more than 1,000 workers across the country and has built a wide network of franchisees and distributors nationwide.

Anne Hathaway’s eerie pop thriller ‘Mother Mary’ arrives in Philippine cinemas this April 22

Anne Hathaway's pop psychological thriller Mother Mary, will hit Philippine cinemas on April 22, 2026, exclusively distributed by CreaZion Studios.The announcement comes alongside the release of its official Philippine trailer and poster.  

Hathaway (Interstellar, The Devil Wears Prada) stuns as the titular global pop icon in this new, ambitious film produced by A24. The full synopsis goes: “Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer Sam Anselm (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s Michaela Coel) on the eve of her comeback performance.” The film makes the viewers curious - how much of your soul are you willing to lose for fame and vanity? 

Mother Mary is written and directed by David Lowery (The Green Knight, A Ghost Story). The filmmaker takes viewers to a musical journey in the backdrop of an unlikely reunion between former friends, while exploring the haunting effect of long-lost formidable connections. The movie features original music by Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs, who also acts in “Mother Mary”.  

The singles “Burial”, performed by Hathaway; and “My Mouth is Lonely For You” by Twigs, will be released in March. Meanwhile, the film’s digital soundtrack, featuring seven songs, will drop on Hathaway’s music streaming accounts in April.

Mother Mary also showcases an impressive cast that includes Hunter Schafer (Euphoria, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), Kaia Gerber (Babylon, Shell) and FKA Twigs. 

#KwentoMoTo: Bringing Human Stories & Experiences

 

MOTHER MARY in Philippine cinemas April 22, 2026 

Mother Mary is the second A24 title CreaZion Studios is bringing to Filipino audiences this year. It has recently announced BACKROOMS with a Philippine release date on June 3. The acquisition of these highly-anticipated films is part of the company’s #KwentoMoTo mission to make “Human Stories and Human Experiences” accessible to Filipino and Southeast Asian audiences. 

“Whether you are a fan of elevated genres or you simply want to have a good time watching a movie, CreaZion Studios got you covered with an exciting lineup of film offerings that can be enjoyed on the best screen and great surround sound possible, in cinemas near you,” said RJ San Agustin, President & CEO of CreaZion Studios. 

“By bringing in the most disruptive and talked-about films to the country and Southeast Asian (SEA) region, CreaZion Studios hopes to bridge human stories and experiences to this side of the world,” he added. 

Last year, CreaZion Studios successfully brought to the domestic and SEA markets the critically-acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan Wook’s No Other Choice and A24 fantasy adventure film The Legend of Ochi; and in 2024, the award-winning body horror film The Substance. 

For more updates, follow CreaZion Studios on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube and visit creazionstudios.com. Join the conversation online with hashtag #MotherMaryPH.

Anne Curtis, Erwan Heussaff Encourage Filipinos to Move for Longevity and Holistic Health in New Video Collaborations with Manulife Philippines

Actress and TV host Anne Curtis and lifestyle content creator Erwan Heussaff are encouraging Filipinos to invest in their health and well-being through movement and everyday choices in their newest video collaborations with Manulife Philippines. Rooted in Manulife’s commitment to longevity, the videos reflect an evolving mindset—shifting the focus from simply adding years to life, to improving the quality of those years through life balance, and intentional choices that lead to sustainable habits.  

Manulife ambassadors Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff champion a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the value of balance, consistency, and making everyday choices that contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

The influencer couple was in attendance when Manulife Philippines launched ManulifeMOVE, a holistic health program that brings together the relevant proposition, services, products and partners to improve customer’s well-being at every stage.

“When I say the word ‘health,’ I often think first of movement. But lately, I’ve been thinking about something deeper,” Curtis said in the video. “At the launch of ManulifeMOVE, I realized this shift: for Filipinos, health is no longer just about adding years to your life. It’s about adding quality to those years.”

She added that this mindset mirrors insights from Manulife’s Asia Care Survey, which showed that more Filipinos are seeking life balance, wellness, and intention in their everyday lives.  

Manulife ambassadors Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff highlight the importance of staying active through mindful movement, demonstrating how simple practices like yoga can support overall health and well-being.

“MOVE is all about helping us make small, conscious choices that add up to a better life,” Curtis said. “Little things like eating lighter meals, going on walks, and prioritizing your mental health,  can go a long way to finding everyday balance.”

Heussaff, meanwhile, focused on heart health and the impact of daily habits—particularly around food and movement—on long-term well-being.

“Heart disease is the top illness Filipinos are most worried about according to a recent Manulife’s Asia Care Survey,” Heussaffsaid. “We all have a relative who had heart disease. We all know someone who struggles with diabetes. We see why. We know the risks, but the part that no one wants to hear is that we actually have a choice to make a difference.”

He emphasized usual behaviors that lead to heart health problems such as overconsumption of salt and processed food, and not eating enough fruits and vegetables. He noted that to achieve a healthy lifestyle, consistency matters more than perfection.   

As parents, Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaffshare how planning ahead gives their family greater peace of mind—helping them feel more ready for what’s next and build a future of stability and possibility for Dahlia as she grows.

“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying food or indulging, but daily choices matter,” he said. “Small and consistent actions like socializing and even just going for a walk compound and go a long way to improving heart health and overall well-being. You or your loved ones don’t have to be part of statistics.”

“Even small, consistent moves can make a meaningful difference to how we live, and how well we live, over time,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “ManulifeMOVE is designed to help Filipinos build healthier habits through movement and everyday choices that support better physical, mental, and financial well-being across life stages. As more people seek balance and well-being, we want to make it easier to take practical steps that strengthen physical health, mental resilience, and financial security. It’s how we’re enabling Filipinos to live better for longer.”

This initiative builds on Manulife’s refreshed strategy, advancing its strategic priority of empowering customers' health, wealth, and longevity and aligns to the recently launched Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform to drive action that helps people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives by 2030.

Border security expert to meet BI Commissioner on pressing issues in security

A border security expert will meet with Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Anthony Viado on Tuesday to tackle problems the country is facing regarding human and child trafficking and other security matters.

"The biggest factor and the most challenging factor is on having multiple ports of entry which does put additional pressure on our border agency," said Sharon Ayley, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the International Border Management and Technologies Association (IBMATA), in a press conference.

"The best way of managing that is by standardizing solutions across your border," she added.

As a leading non-profit organization, IBMATA brings together governments, industry stakeholders, and experts from around the world to share real-world experiences, address border challenges, and exchange best practices.

In a previous interview, Ayley recommended that the BI adopt risk-based border management systems, including biometric verification and automated e-gates.

These measures allow low-risk travelers to move efficiently while enabling authorities to focus on high-risk cases, including potential trafficking incidents.

Ayley also called on the Philippine government to maximize the use of technology as a critical step in combating child and sex trafficking and online sexual exploitation in the country.

She stressed that advanced technologies can serve as a frontline defense in identifying and preventing trafficking cases, especially amid current global pressures affecting vulnerable populations.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) earlier identified the Philippines as the second leading country of origin for trafficking victims, with 13,313 Filipinos recorded among more than 125,000 victims identified globally.

“The key is risk-based, data integration, bringing together travel history, behavioral indicators, and watch lists in real time," she said, adding that advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can help flag unusual travel patterns.

She also pointed out that biometric identification systems can help ensure that travelers are legitimate and that identities are genuine.

These tools, she emphasized, can act as a protective barrier by flagging potential victims and traffickers before exploitation occurs.

However, Ayley underscored that technology alone cannot solve the problem, saying that strong inter-agency cooperation remains the most critical component in combating trafficking.

“Fundamentally, it is inter-agency cooperation that is most important. Technology works best when combined with well-trained officers who have the skills and instinct to identify suspicious behavior and intervene when necessary," she said.

Ayley also said that IBMATA has been actively working with global and regional partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to develop strategies and conduct workshops aimed at combating trafficking and strengthening border security systems.

Beyond technology, IBMATA highlighted the importance of public awareness and education as the first line of defense, where families and communities play a crucial role in recognizing early warning signs and preventing children from falling victim to traffickers.

With prices of goods increasing due to the Middle East conflict, families are becoming more vulnerable to trafficking.

“I think that’s where it begins -- making sure people are aware of how traffickers operate and how they target vulnerable individuals,” Ayley explained, pointing out that parents and communities play a key role in preventing it from happening.

Ayley is set to return to the Asia-Pacific region for IBMATA’s upcoming event as part of its continued engagement with regional partners.