MANILA, Philippines–Four Filipino development workers are preparing to cover 100 kilometers on foot in 48 hours in Hong Kong, and make sure all four cross the finish line together.
Adrian Paul “Adi” Marcelino, Jesusa Lyn “Jess” Pomida, John Alster Soriano, and Rey Angelo “Ado” Imperio work for Oxfam Pilipinas, an aid and development organization. Together, they will represent the Philippines at the Oxfam Trailwalker 2026 in Hong Kong on November 20-22, 2026.
The route starts at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung and ends in Tuen Mun. It follows most of the rugged MacLehose Trail, with steep climbs and descents and nine checkpoints along the way. Beyond the demanding terrain, the walkers could face chilly temperatures, strong winds, and rain as they push through the hills in late autumn.
Oxfam Trailwalker is one of Hong Kong’s largest fundraising sporting events. This year’s walk runs from 20 to 22 November, as its organizer, Oxfam Hong Kong, marks its 50th anniversary. Oxfam Hong Kong began in 1976 with volunteers raising funds to fight poverty. Today, Trailwalker is one of their best-known fundraising events.
For Ado, the motivation comes from being part of a global movement for change. “Poverty and inequality cross borders, and our solidarity should too. Taking part in Trailwalker is our way of standing with communities around the world and supporting their efforts to build a fairer future. We’re walking in Hong Kong, but the purpose connects us to something much bigger.”
“We’re ordinary people taking on an extraordinary challenge to create meaningful impact for Oxfam Pilipinas. None of us can do this alone, so we’re training to support one another all the way to the finish line. It’s also a chance to connect with people in sports and beyond to bring attention to the fight against poverty and inequality around the world,” said Alster.
Outside of Trailwalker, Ado and Alster, together with Jess and Adi work with Oxfam Pilipinas to advance climate action, promote equal rights and opportunities, challenge gender discrimination, and push for care work to be valued and shared fairly in the Philippines.
Making sure that they are ready to take on this tough challenge are the Tanay Mountaineers of Rizal who are training the team on endurance, pacing and trail safety. The partnership between Oxfam Pilipinas and Tanay Mountaineers goes beyond tackling tough terrains as both share a common commitment to advance climate action and disaster risk reduction management. Tanay Mountaineers are emergency and disaster responders who have trained young people to help their communities prepare for emergencies. Their work was recognized as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in 2013. Proceeds from the Philippine team’s Trailwalker campaign will support Tanay Mountaineers.
“Taking on this physical challenge is itself a form of activism. You’re using your body, your energy, and your determination to contribute to a cause. Activism is part of Oxfam’s DNA. Alongside providing aid, we campaign and advocate to change the policies and systems that keep people in poverty,” said Lan Mercado, Chair of Oxfam Pilipinas Board of Trustees. Lan herself took on the 100-kilometer challenge when she joined the Oxfam Trailwalker in 2012.
“That same commitment to change drives our partnership with Oxfam Hong Kong. Its support over the years, amounting to PhP30 million, has helped us provide life-saving aid to families affected by typhoons and improve access to solar energy in Calayan. By joining Trailwalker, our team is helping carry this partnership forward, turning solidarity into support for communities,” Lan said.//ends
Notes:
Oxfam Trailwalker 2026 will take place from 20-22 November 2026 in Hong Kong.
Photos, training footage and interviews with Team Oxfam Pilipinas and Tanay Mountaineers are available.
Fundraising page: https://event.oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk/en/Donation/PageTeam?tId=EVLv6tzWS2U%3D
Media contact:
Rhea Catada, Communications Specialist, Rhea.Catada@oxfam.org.ph
