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.

Participants from across the region set off at the starting line of the Puregold Hakot Relay Iloilo, signaling the start of the 2026 nationwide series.

Finisher medals await participants of the Puregold Hakot Relay upon completing the race.

Smiles and conversation are seen along the route as runners carry items gathered throughout the Puregold Hakot Relay

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.

Flow G takes the stage with a high-energy performance that keeps the crowd locked in.

A fan-favorite in Pinoy hip-hop, Skusta Clee performs a set familiar to many in the crowd.

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’s continued 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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