Puregold Hakot Relay makes history as it debuts first-ever 8KM Individual Challenge in Southern Luzon

Puregold’s wildly popular Hakot Relay, now a three-leg nationwide series, brings its much-awaited Southern Luzon leg to Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City, Cavite, this time with its first-ever 8KM Individual Challenge.

The Hakot Relay drew thousands of participants on its inaugural run with its uniquely Filipino twist: instead of focusing solely on speed, teams took on Puregold’s trademark hakot portion before crossing the finish line with medals and hefty grocery hauls. The concept was an instant hit among families, friends, and running communities, paving the way for its continued success.

Set on September 19, this year’s Southern Luzon edition marks its most ambitious expansion yet, offering even more excitement to look forward to.

The new 8KM Individual Challenge is designed for qualified participants seeking a tougher test of endurance. While the Hakot Relay celebrates teamwork through shared strategy, the new format focuses on individual athletic performance while preserving the relay’s rewarding finish. With both categories taking place on the same day, the Cavite race offers twice the fun and double the challenge to participating runners.

For Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, the newly introduced 8KM Individual Challenge is meant to keep pace with and enhance the Hakot Relay experience as it grows with its community.

"The response to Hakot Relay has encouraged us to keep innovating with every edition,” she said. “This is our first Southern Luzon leg, and we want to introduce an exciting challenge while staying true to the experience that runners have come to know and enjoy.

“We hope the new 8KM Individual Challenge gives more people an opportunity to test themselves while still being part of the panalo energy that makes Hakot Relay special.”

Every registered runner will bring home a customized race kit featuring an event singlet, race bib, and finisher’s medal. Hakot Relay participants will also receive a Grocery Sling Bag and a Finisher’s Grocery Bag, while finishers of the new 8KM Individual Challenge will receive a Finisher’s Grocery Cart and other exclusive prizes.

With the addition of the 8KM Individual Challenge, the Southern Luzon leg marks the biggest evolution of the Hakot Relay since its debut. By adding another way to participate in the traditional relay, it broadens the event experience without losing the teamwork and community spirit that have defined it since the beginning.

Whether runners choose to conquer the course with teammates or take on the new solo category, race day promises generous take-home rewards and the signature Puregold Hakot Relay experience.



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Heussaffs Show How Healthy and Money-Smart Habits Start Early at Home

For Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff, the habits that shape a good life are not learned all at once but built in the small everyday moments at home. In partnership with Manulife Philippines, the couple is sharing how they are guiding their daughter, Dahlia, through two lessons meant to stay with her for years: from eating well to managing money wisely.

Healthy choices, one baon at a time

Inside Dahlia's lunchbox is a small lesson in balance. There is something fresh, something filling, and a little something fun: fruit or vegetables for vitamins, rice or bread for energy, protein to help her grow, and a treat to make her smile.

For Erwan, that perspective matters most when it is introduced early. "With Manulife as our family's health and wellness partner, we know how important balance is. Listen to your body and treat it well. It’s time to move today, because it’s never too early to start taking care of your health for the long run,” said Erwan in the video posted on his and Manulife Philippines’ social media pages.

Money lessons made simple

Anne and Erwan also believe that a good life isn’t just defined by eating healthy. Anne’s latest video shows that at the age of six, Dahlia is being raised to be a "Peso Smart" kid, and the lessons are as ordinary as the coins she sorts into three small piles—one to save, one to spend, and one to give. In their household, prices are talked about openly, never hidden. A toy she wants becomes a lesson in patience: she can wait and save for it, or earn it through chores beyond her usual ones. Bit by bit, everyday moments at home become a child's first steps in learning to make responsible financial decisions.

"You don't need to wait for kids to learn about money in school. You can teach them young, and in your home," Anne says. "I've been preparing for Dahlia's future since before she was born, because the earlier you start, the more ready you are for life’s twists and turns. People are living longer now, and that is a gift—but it also means planning further ahead. Teaching her to save today is really about giving her the freedom to enjoy a long life on her own terms."

Small steps that last a lifetime

Behind Anne and Erwan’s lessons with Dahlia is a belief that well-being, whether in health or in finances, is rarely the result of one big decision. It grows from steady choices repeated over time. A balanced meal today powers a healthier adult tomorrow. A few coins set aside now evolve into a habit of financial preparedness in the long term.

This is the idea at the heart of ManulifeMOVE, Manulife's holistic health and wellness program designed to help customers take charge of their well-being and enjoy a better, longer life. Through the Manulife App, it brings together practical health insights, exclusive perks from trusted partners across preventive care, treatment, and recovery—all backed by comprehensive health plans that protect families from early diagnosis to recovery. It reflects how Manulife sees its role: as a lifelong partner supporting Filipinos through every life stage.

"At Manulife, we believe better health and financial confidence are built through the everyday choices families make. Anne and Erwan show how healthy habits and smart money decisions can start at home, in simple moments that children can carry with them as they grow,” said Joy Concepcion, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Concepcion added, “We want to empower Filipino families to take those first meaningful steps early, giving them the confidence to prepare for the future and develop habits that lead to better health and financial resilience. Anchored by the Manulife Longevity Institute, we are deepening our understanding of longevity and translating these insights into solutions that equip Filipinos to live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.”

To learn more about ManulifeMOVE and Manulife's suite of health and life protection plans, visit manulife.com/ph or speak with a Manulife financial advisor.

Puregold launches Teatro Panalo, opens search for outstanding Filipino plays

 

The curtain is about to rise on another “panalo” cultural experience from Puregold—this time, one that brings the world of Filipino theater closer to both the artists who create it and the audiences who deserve to experience it.

 

Further expanding its commitment to champion Filipino creativity and showcase these talents to more audiences, Puregold proudly announces Teatro Panalo, an inaugural theater festival that aims to discover, develop, and stage compelling new one-act plays and musicals by Filipino playwrights.

 

Produced and organized by Wishbone Collective, Inc. and presented by Puregold, the incubation theater festival is a platform where original works can evolve from script to stage with professional dramaturgical support, production resources, and valuable audience engagement.

 

Twelve (12) original works—eight (8) straight plays and four (4) musicals—will be selected to receive full production as part of the festival, with each playwright receiving Php 100,000 in financial compensation.

 

Following the festival, one straight play and one musical will also be awarded full-length development grants, an opportunity for further artistic growth and eventual commercial production.

 

For Puregold, Teatro Panalo reflects the company’s continuing belief that meaningful experiences should be as accessible as possible, because this is the true “panalo” experience.

 

“Puregold has always been present in the everyday lives of Filipino communities,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold. “Through Teatro Panalo, we hope to be present in another meaningful way by creating spaces where people can come together, exchange new ideas, and see Filipino artistry come to life on stage.”

 

Hayagan-Piedad said the initiative is rooted in Puregold’s understanding of service as something that extends beyond the transactional.

 

“Being of service to a community is not limited to what happens inside our stores. It also means listening to what matters to people and supporting experiences that help communities feel seen, connected, and represented,” she said. “Theater has the power to create that kind of shared experience.”

 

Festival Director Vincent de Jesus emphasized that Teatro Panalo is equally about nurturing artists as it is about discovering outstanding material.

 

“We’re looking for authentic voices, fresh perspectives, and stories that deserve to be seen on the stage,” he said. “The festival is designed to help playwrights realize the full potential of their work through collaboration with experienced theaterpractitioners, while also giving audiences the opportunity to encounter exciting new Filipino stories.”

 

Submissions are now officially open to amateur and professional Filipino playwrights aged 18 and above at the time of application. Entries may be written in Filipino or English and must be original one-act works, either straight plays or musicals. Adaptations, translations, and AI-generated creative works are not eligible. The festival welcomes submissions across genres, styles, and theatrical forms, provided they are original works intended for approximately 35 to 40 minutes of stage performance.

 

Interested applicants must submit their entries no later than 11:59 p.m. on September 11, 2026. Applications should include a completed one-act script, synopsis, logline, playwright’s development vision, supporting documents, and, for musical entries, demo recordings.

 

A shortlist of sixteen (16) plays and eight (8) musicals will be announced on October 6. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their works to the Selection Committee on October 14 to 16, and a final lineup of eight (8) straight plays and four (4) musicals will be announced on October 16.

 

Selected playwrights will participate in Wishbone’s professional incubation program, which includes dramaturgical guidance, production support, and the opportunity to have their work staged before live audiences during the inaugural festival, currently scheduled for February to March 2027.

 

De Jesus added, “Original stories have always shaped communities, reflected generations, and inspired change. With Puregold Teatro Panalo, the next great Filipino play may be waiting behind an unopened script. Puregold is inviting playwrights from across the country to bring those stories to the stage.”

 

Complete festival mechanics, eligibility requirements, and application details are available through the official Puregold Teatro Panalo submission form: https://bit.ly/PGTeatroPanalo.

 

Mula Live Selling Hanggang Diamond Empire: Charo Cordial, Nagpasabog ng Star-Studded Fashion Show

Isang gabi ng kinang, fashion, at showbiz ang matagumpay na hatid ng Maddox Jewelry Iconic Runway: Diamond Jewelry Fashion Show 2026 na ginanap noong Hulyo 30 sa EDSA Shangri-La Manila. Pinangunahan ito ng Founder, President, at CEO ng Maddox Jewelry na si Charo Cordial, habang ang buong fashion spectacle ay idinirehe ng fashion director na si Robbie Carmona. 

 

Naging matagumpay ang engrandeng selebrasyon ng ika-limang anibersaryo ng Maddox Jewelry kung saan 41 celebrities ang rumampa sa apat na thematic runway segments—Icons of Forms and Radiance, Icons of Brilliance and Elegance, Icons of Timelessness, at Icons of Legacy—na tampok ang signature natural diamond collections ng brand.  

Nagbigay-ningning sa runway ang ilan sa pinakamalalaking pangalan sa entertainment industry kabilang sina Optimum Star Claudine Barretto, Ara Mina, Pokwang, Beauty Gonzalez, Katrina Halili, Diana Zubiri, Geneva Cruz, Kris Bernal, AJ Raval, Aljur Abrenica, Diego Loyzaga, Jeric Raval, Roderick Paulate, Carmi Martin, Amy Austria, Jackielou Blanco, Yayo Aguila, Gardo Versoza, Epy Quizon, James Blanco, Nadine Samonte, Regine Tolentino, Maureen Larrazabal, Aubrey Miles, Troy Montero, at marami pang iba na pawang supporters at loyal clients ng Maddox Jewelry.

Isa sa mga naging tampok ng gabi ang pagrampa ng celebrity couples na sina AJ Raval at Aljur Abrenica at Aubrey Miles at Troy Montero, habang humanga rin ang audience sa fierce runway walk ni Ryza Cenon, sa espesyal na natural diamond necklace na idinisenyo mismo ni Beauty Gonzalez, at sa eleganteng finale walk ng Optimum Star Claudine Barretto, na umani ng malakas na palakpakan mula sa mga dumalo.

Ngunit higit pa sa kinang ng mga diyamante at presensya ng mga sikat na personalidad ang ipinagdiwang sa gabing iyon. Sa kanyang mensahe, binalikan ni Charo Cordial ang kanyang paglalakbay—mula sa pagiging anak ng isang magsasaka sa Bicol na nangarap lamang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral at maging engineer, hanggang sa pagtatatag ng Maddox Jewelry, na ngayon ay isa na sa mga pinagkakatiwalaang natural diamond jewelry brands ng maraming celebrities at customers sa buong bansa. 

Ibinahagi rin niya na nagsimula lamang ang Maddox Jewelry sa simpleng live selling noong panahon ng pandemya. Mula sa pagbebenta ng bags at gold jewelry, unti-unti itong lumago hanggang sa maging kilala sa natural diamond jewelry market. Sa kabila ng tagumpay, nananatili siyang nakaugat sa kanyang pinagmulan at patuloy na nagbibigay ng tulong sa kanilang komunidad sa Bicol, kabilang ang pagpapagawa ng pathway sa kanyang dating pampublikong paaralan upang mas mapadali ang pagpasok ng mga estudyante tuwing tag-ulan. 

Para kay Charo, ang Maddox Jewelry Iconic Runway 2026 ay higit pa sa isang fashion show. Isa itong pagdiriwang ng limang taon ng sipag, tiyaga, at mga pangarap na natupad, gayundin ng pasasalamat sa mga artistang, business partners, loyal clients, at supporters na naging bahagi ng paglago ng Maddox Jewelry.

Sa tagumpay ng Maddox Jewelry Iconic Runway 2026, muling pinatunayan ni Charo Cordial na ang Maddox Jewelry ay hindi lamang tungkol sa natural diamond jewelry. Isa rin itong simbolo ng inspirasyon, dedikasyon, at paniniwalang ang bawat pangarap ay maaaring matupad sa pamamagitan ng tiyaga at determinasyon.

Para sa iba pang updates, maaaring sundan ang official Facebook, TikTok, at YouTube pages ng Maddox Jewelry.

Newest P-Pop Girl Group OONA Formally Debuts

Aguila Entertainment and Islah Entertainment officially launched its very first PPop Girl Group, Oona, ready to take on the local music scene with their carrier single "Darama."

The five-member group that includes lsaki Bautista, Coleen Trinidad, Jaylou Felciano, Karyss "Kar" Asio, and Julia "Bella" Patillas were formally introduced during a media launch titled"Unang Tingin: The Debut' held Friday (Jul 31) in Matrix Creations Events Venue in Quezon City.

"For over two decades, Aguila Entertainment built and sustained the careers of some of the country's sought after actors. So it is just as exciting for us to venture into music particularly the PPop scene and drive the careers of these extremely talented individuals," said Aguila Entertainment CEO Katrina Aguila.

"We are very proud to finally present Oona after a year of intense training and preparations with us at Islah Entertainment," said lslah Entertainment President Mayette Acuna. "These girls worked so hard, tried so many times, but never gave up. Finally, their time has come and we are very excited to be with them in this journey.

Before their debut, Oona had already gained attention online through their various on-ground performances and the release of their single "Darama," which the group co-wrote together.

Oona also had their first television appearance via GMA's All Out Sundays where they joined other PPop acts.  

"We are very grateful for this opportunity. We've been rejected so many times but we know in our hearts that this is something that we really want to do so we kept on trying and trying. Now, here we are finally debuting as Oona," shared Isaki who stands as the group's leader.  

"Our sincerest appreciation to our management, our coaches, and our glam team for believing in us and not giving up on us. Sila ang unang naniwala talaga at tumaya sa amin. We couldnt have done this without you" added Bella.  

of course, thanks also to each one of us in the group. We were each other's strength and motivation to keep working hard to achieve our common goal and that is to finally take our spot in the industry, said Coleen.  

To the delight of over a hundred fans in attendance during the event, Oona performed for the very first time their newest song, "Unang Tingin." The song is about how first impressions aren't always true. Like what the lyric says, 'you wont see all that sa unang tingin," shared Kari.  

"We hope anyone who listens to this song feels empowered and confident with who they are-Something Oona very much stands for," added Jaylou.

Coleen and Isaki, who were both former members of MNL48, already enjoyed following online and are no strangers to the PPop community. Jaylou, on the other hand, captivated netizens on Tiktok with her lifestyle content and dance covers.

Coming in fresh in the game are Bella and Kari, who both have performance backgrounds before joining the group.

For more updates on Oona follow @oona.official on Instagram and Tiktok and Oona. on Facebook. For inquiries and bookings, you may email inguiry@aquilaentertainment.ph.