Puregold Hakot Relay draws 4,000 runners

Manila Times - Sep 24, 2026

More than 4,000 runners gathered at Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, for the South Luzon leg of Puregold’s Hakot Relay, which introduced a new 8K Individual Challenge alongside the event’s signature grocery-themed relay.  The South Luzon leg marked the first time the Hakot Relay featured an individual 8-km race, giving solo runners a chance to take on a longer course while maintaining the event’s signature grocery “hakot” concept.  About 500 participants joined the 8K Individual Challenge, while the rest competed in the traditional Hakot Relay, where runners formed teams and raced through the course while collecting grocery items along the way.  Unlike the relay, which required teamwork and strategy, the 8K challenge tested participants individually as they completed the full distance on their own.   “We wanted to offer runners a fresh and enjoyable way to challenge themselves, with the ‘hakot’ mechanic adding a playful and uniquely Puregold twist to the race. Being part of the running community is meaningful to us, and it is a privilege for Puregold to bring people together for a shared panalo experience,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold senior marketing manager.  The event began with a pre-race warm-up before participants headed to the starting line. Runners then completed their respective courses within the prescribed cut-off times.  After crossing the finish line, participants received their race-day rewards...

Read full article
MORE NEWS
Michelin Guide returns for second PH restaurant selection
Sep 24, 2026
Michelin Guide returns for second PH restaurant selection

MANILA, Philippines — The Michelin Guide will return to the Philippines to unveil its second restaurant selection for Manila and Environs and Cebu, coinciding with the global gastronomy community’s celebration of the Michelin Star’s 100th anniversary. The Michelin Guide Restaurant Ceremony will be held on Oct. 29 at the Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts. The 2027 edition builds on the inaugural Philippine selection, continuing the guide’s recognition of the country’s culinary heritage, hospitality and emerging generation of culinary talent. The ceremony will also highlight the distinctions awarded by the guide, including One, Two and Three Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected. The Michelin Star recognizes culinary excellence, with restaurants receiving one, two or three stars based on the level of achievement. Bib Gourmand recognizes establishments offering good-quality cooking at good value, while Michelin  Selected establishments meet the guide’s standards and are considered worthy of a visit. The 2027 ceremony carries added significance as the Michelin Star marks its 100th anniversary. The star rating system was introduced in 1926 and has since become one of the guide’s distinctions for recognizing restaurants that deliver outstanding dining experiences. Each restaurant included in the selection is independently assessed by anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors using five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, personality of the cuisine, and consistency both over time and across the menu. The inspectors’ assessments are applied across the guide’s destinations, providing a consistent basis for evaluating restaurants regardless of location or culinary style. The Oct. 29 ceremony will also feature a curated food and beverage experience prepared by a selection of local and international chefs recognized by the Michelin Guide. The event is invitation-only but will be accessible to a wider audience through a livestream on the Michelin Guide Asia YouTube channel.

Taylor Swift to release 'The Life of a Showgirl: Encore' with 4 new songs
Sep 24, 2026
Taylor Swift to release 'The Life of a Showgirl: Encore' with 4 new songs

Taylor Swift is releasing a new version of her 2025 album "The Life of a Showgirl."

Batangas goes viral for offering free rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty for qualified residents
Sep 24, 2026
Batangas goes viral for offering free rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty for qualified residents

The provincial government of Batangas recently launched free rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty services for qualified residents.

Việt Nam to host the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity
Sep 24, 2026
Việt Nam to host the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity

As many as 250 international and regional experts will attend to contribute Asia-Pacific experience and perspectives to the ongoing international reflection on authenticity within the World Heritage system.

Free film screenings explore Hà Nội and the tradition of learning
Sep 24, 2026
Free film screenings explore Hà Nội and the tradition of learning

A highlight of the Film Week is a programme featuring 15 films and six films selected from the Hiền tài hôm nay (Talents of Today) Short Film Contest.

Ben&Ben drops anthology album 'Nine'
Sep 24, 2026
Ben&Ben drops anthology album 'Nine'

Ben&Ben has released their first-ever anthology album, “Nine.”

UNESCO honours Vietnamese singer in Athens
Sep 24, 2026
UNESCO honours Vietnamese singer in Athens

The award recognises her creative contributions to preserving, practising and promoting folk music, helping to spread cultural heritage to communities and younger generations.

Việt Nam wins gold medal at first International Circus Festival
Sep 24, 2026
Việt Nam wins gold medal at first International Circus Festival

Duo Love has been performed at numerous international festivals and competitions, with the act continuously refined in terms of technique and artistic expression.

Connecting the coast: Khánh Hòa's new vision for premium travel
Sep 24, 2026
Connecting the coast: Khánh Hòa's new vision for premium travel

By weaving its four iconic bays into a seamless, world-class cruise itinerary, Khánh Hòa is moving away from isolated attractions to pioneer a connected coastal ecosystem – poised to capture the global high-spending tourist market.

The Michelin Guide to announce 2027 PH restaurant selections in October
Sep 24, 2026
The Michelin Guide to announce 2027 PH restaurant selections in October

The Michelin Guide is back for another year in the Philippines!

Michelin honours three Sun Group-developed hotels in the 2026 Global Guide
Sep 24, 2026
Michelin honours three Sun Group-developed hotels in the 2026 Global Guide

Capella Hanoi, Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery, and InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, three luxury hospitality landmarks developed by Sun Group, have been officially honoured in the 2026 Michelin Key selection. Notably, Capella Hanoi continues to retain Three Michelin Keys, the highest tier within this prestigious global hotel rating system.

Vietnamese pianist celebrates Tchaikovsky
Sep 24, 2026
Vietnamese pianist celebrates Tchaikovsky

Vietnamese pianist Lưu Đức Anh will join the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) to celebrate the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, one of the most iconic composers of the Romantic era, at a concert in the Saigon Opera House on September 26.