4 Pinoys join OXFAM Hong Kong Trailwalker

After 14 years, OXFAM Pilipinas will send delegates — four of its employees — to the 2026 OXFAM Trailwalker Hong Kong set from 20 to 22 November.

Four Filipinos working for OXFAM Pilipinas will take on the challenge of completing the 100-kilometer MacLehose Trail within 48 hours as part of their participation in the 50th year of the non-government organization’s fundraising campaign for poverty alleviation.

OXFAM Pilipinas chairwoman Lan Mercado spearheaded the launch of Team OXFAM Pilipinas Trailwalker at the Ardenhills Suites and Hotel in Quezon City.

“The OXFAM Trailwalker is a way to show international solidarity that crosses borders,” Mercado said, pinning his hopes on their four bets who will see action in one of the largest fundraising sporting events in Hong Kong that is being held annually since 1986.

Composing the team are John Alster Soriano, Adrian “Adi” Marcelino, Rey Angelo “Ado” Imperio and Jess Pomida, who are expected to do well after the group of Mercado, Bobby Garcia, Ian Manlutac and Choy Beltran shone with a clocking of 47 minutes the last time the company was represented in 2012.

The 100-km trek has nine checkpoints, starting from Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung and ending at Harrow International School Hong Kong in Tuen Mun.

“At that time (in 2012), 11 teams were the fastest to cross the trail. They were flying through the trail. They weren’t walking; they were running,” Mercado recalled.

“You cannot finish without being together. You need to cross the checkpoints together. You can overtake each other on the trail, but when you arrive at the checkpoint, you have to be as a team.”

In preparation for the grueling challenge, the squad underwent a series of training sessions in the mountains of Tanay, Rizal under the watchful eyes of the Tanay Mountaineers.

The training began in August and continued through September, with the team’s final training scheduled from 16 to 18 October.

The team leader, Imperio, a Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Social Accountability Officer of OXFAM Philippines, said he is determined to prove to himself that he can overcome such a challenging task.

“I want to prove to myself that I can do difficult things and come out intact, or even stronger, with all the people putting their weight behind this effort,” the 26-year-old from Quezon City said.

Meanwhile, Soriano, a 42-year-old Care Connect Project Coordinator, also took on the challenge of becoming one of OXFAM Philippines’ delegates.

“I joined TOP to achieve something I just imagined — to walk or run 100 kilometers in 48 hours. Also, to bring glory and honor to the organization I represent,” Soriano said.

Another OXFAM Philippines MELSA Officer, 34-year-old Marcelino, also accepted the challenge.

“I want to know whether my physical and mental limitations can overcome this challenge,” said Marcelino, who is known for using humor as a coping mechanism.

Rounding out the team is its only female member, Pomida, a 35-year-old Finance Officer of OXFAM Philippines from Dolores, Eastern Samar.

“I want to challenge myself and see how far I can push myself while doing something meaningful at the same time,” said Pomida, who is thrilled to represent OXFAM Philippines and contribute to a fundraising effort that supports communities affected by poverty and disasters.