BreKa delights fans at Puregold’s “Hakot Relay Run” while opening up about handwritten letters, Christmas plans, and their new film.
Brent Manalo, one half of the wildly popular BreKa love team, shared that Mika Salamanca would randomly slip him handwritten letters to lift his spirits during tough moments at work—something their “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab” would find especially touching.
“Honestly, hanggang ngayon mayroon siyang binigay sa akin na sobrang liit na bagay lang—parang hundreds of letters. Maliit lang siya pero pampalakas ng loob kapag pinanghihinaan ka,” Brent told radar Entertainment when we caught up with them during the recent “Sunset Concert” organized by Puregold for participants of their inaugural “Hakot Relay Run” at the Luneta Park.
Even in the ‘outside world’
When asked about the best gift she received from Brent, Mika didn’t even hesitate to respond: “After PBB, it was probably his promise that he wouldn’t leave me here in the outside world.” Siguro ‘ang pagtupad niya sa promise niya na hindi niya ako iiwan dito sa outside world. Talagang ginagawa niya and lagi siyang naka-alalay. Nagtutulungan kami sa outside world.”
Brent—ever candid and delightfully grounded—also shared that his Christmas plans are simple and sincere: “Family time lang talaga. ‘Yun lang talaga ma-accomplish ko this Christmas kasi hindi ko na rin sila nakikita.”
On the work front, the two opened up about the joy of filming their latest project, “Call Me Mother,” an entry to the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival. They described the set as unexpectedly warm and welcoming.
“Kapag nasa shoot po kami, hindi namin nararamdaman na trabaho siya kasi sobrang saya ng aura ng lahat. Para lang kaming nagba-bonding. Sobrang gaan po ng movie set,” said Brent.
Working the hardest
Mika acknowledged that she has prioritized work over rest, yet her enthusiasm remains unwavering. “Hindi na po ako nakakapagpahinga, pero importante masaya ang buhay at maganda ang buhay,” she said.
Her excitement for the MMFF was evident. “Manood po tayo ng ‘Call Me Mother,” mapapatawa po tayo at mapapaiyak rin po. Talagang lalo n’yong mamahalin ang pamilya n’yo.”
Meanwhile, thousands experienced a fusion of fitness, fun, and community at Puregold’s inaugural “Hakot Relay Run” held on Nov. 22 at the Burnham Green Park, Luneta.
The inaugural run drew thousands of families, barkadas, fitness lovers, and everyday shoppers eager to experience a race that was less about speed and more about strategy, teamwork, and pure, unfiltered fun. Instead of pushing for the fastest finish, teams of three navigated a three-kilometer route that included a unique hakot segment: each runner grabbed grocery items and filled their sling bags before tagging the next teammate.
As the sun dipped, the celebration seamlessly shifted into a “Sunset Concert,” headlined by crowd favorites KAIA, G22, Press Hit Play, and the much-anticipated duo BreKa, who lit up the park with their chemistry and charm. For fans, it became more than a concert; it was a gathering that felt like a shared win.
All participants went home with the first-edition Puregold Hakot Relay Finisher’s Medal, an official race singlet, and the exclusive grocery sling bag, proud symbols of a newly minted tradition.
For Puregold President Vincent Co, who led the first wave of runners, the event captured the heart of the brand’s mission. “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,” he shared.
The success of the relay affirmed one thing: community-driven experiences are now central to how brands connect with Filipinos—and Puregold intends to keep that momentum going.
After PBB, it was probably his promise that he (Brent) wouldn’t leave me here in the outside world. Talagang ginagawa niya and lagi siyang naka-alalay. Nagtutulungan kami sa outside world.
Mika Salamanca
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