A growing number of people across cities in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila, are taking part in a location-based event called the “Jagat Coin Hunt,” with more than 800,000 participants joining the activity.
In recent weeks, participants have been seen walking through streets, parks and commercial areas while looking at their phones, occasionally stopping to scan their surroundings. The event has also gained traction on social media, where posts about the experience continue to spread.
According to organizers, users rely on the app’s map feature to track badge icons across various locations and follow clues to narrow down search areas. As the search radius shrinks, participants attempt to pinpoint the exact location. Some badges are hidden in real-world spots and can be accessed through unique identifiers or redemption codes, with rewards going to the first person who finds them.
A major draw is the chance to win prizes, including a brand-new vehicle from BYD.
Unlike traditional online entertainment, the event requires physical movement and quick decision-making. Participants often move back and forth across city blocks, reassessing clues and retracing their steps to refine their search.
User experiences vary. Some describe the event as a new way to explore the city.
“It feels like a puzzle layered onto the city,” one user wrote on social media. “You think you’re close, but once the circle shrinks, you realize you have to rethink everything.”
Others highlight its social aspect, with small groups working together to interpret clues and search locations.
However, not all feedback has been positive. Some participants say the process can be time-consuming, especially when multiple players converge on the same area.
“Walking for a long time without finding anything is quite common,” one participant said. “But you do end up going to places you wouldn’t normally visit.”
The event is also changing how public spaces are used. In some areas, clusters of participants searching for badges draw attention and spark spontaneous interactions among passersby.
User-generated content has further fueled the trend, with posts showing near-misses, failed attempts and successful finds, highlighting both the unpredictability and appeal of the activity.
More broadly, the event reflects a shift in how people interact with urban spaces, blending digital navigation with physical exploration. For many participants, the appeal goes beyond rewards, focusing instead on discovery, collaboration and the experience itself.