Lifestyle

How JBL’s AuraCast technology powered the Merrell Trail Challenge

When sound moves with you, an outdoor race becomes a festival of energy and connection.

Published

on

Trail running meets technology as JBL brought its signature sound to the Merrell Trail Challenge. The audio brand energized runners and spectators alike through a seamless fusion of music and innovation.

Held at Corterra Eco Reserve, the event gathered nearly 400 trail runners, some stepping off-road for the first time.

The air buzzed with anticipation, but it was the sound that made everything come alive. JBL filled the festival grounds with its signature audio experience, transforming the forest into a living, breathing concert for runners.

Powering the trail experience

At the center of the action were the JBL PartyBox 120 and PartyBox 320. The speakers turned the stage area into a vibrant soundscape.

From the starting gun to the final cheer, their deep bass carried through, setting the tone for the day’s celebration. It became the heartbeat of the event, keeping it loud and full of life.

GadgetMatch’s Account Manager and Professional Singer/Host, Noela Amparo-Oro, energized the crowd even under heavy downpour.

Then there was the PartyBox Encore 2, easily the most mobile sound system at the venue. Carried by event host Noela Amparo-Oro, it roamed the festival grounds, following the movement of the crowd and keeping the energy alive no matter where the action went.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Noela 🎧❣️🎶 (@noeyylovesyou)

With JBL’s AuraCast technology, every PartyBox stayed perfectly in sync, creating a seamless flow of sound across the area.

The coverage was expanded even further using the new JBL Charge 6 speakers in the outer zones of the festival area. When heavy rain rolled in, the setup was challenged, yet the sound never faltered.

The speakers powered through the downpour, still delivering crisp, powerful audio that pushed runners and spectators to keep their spirits high despite the storm.

Filipina guitarist and vocalist of all-girl band ROUGE, Jeri Vega Oro, took part at the 12KM category co-presented by JBL Philippines.

Celebrating every finish line

Even in the heavy downpour, the celebration continued. As the co-presenting partner for the 12K category, JBL honored the top finishers with its newest JBL Sense Lite true wireless earbuds.

It’s a fitting reward for athletes who run to the beat of their own determination. The Sense Lite is designed for those who move, built to keep pace with a life in motion.

Merrell Trail Challenge’s winners of the Full Distance category, awarded with the JBL Sense Lite

At its core, JBL’s presence at the Merrell Trail Challenge was more than a brand partnership. It was a statement about how technology can amplify human experience.

By bringing immersive sound to one of the country’s most beloved trail races, JBL showed that innovation is not only about power or precision. It is also about connection, about keeping the spirit of adventure alive one beat at a time.

About the Merrell Trail Challenge

Organized by Go Better Sports, the Merrell Trail Challenge has become a hallmark event for the growing trail running community in the Philippines.

The event was co-presented by JBL, the Official Sound Partner, and EastWest Ageas, the Official Life Insurance Partner.

Supporting the event were brand partners that kept every runner fueled and every moment documented, including Injinji for socks, Old Town Coffee for the early morning fix, Sip and Sip Plus for hydration, Insta360 for capturing memories, Rudy Project for eyewear and gear, and Fourtify Market for nutrition.

Together with supporting brands like QminC, Founding Fathers, Salonpas, Vida C, Vita500, XS Energy Drink, Fitbar, Artistry Sunscreen, and Nanlite, the event became more than a race. It became a festival of motion and shared passion, a reminder that the best adventures begin when community and innovation meet on the trail.

Entertainment

Crunchyroll Winter 2026 anime season lineup and schedule

Full schedule of anime releases for this season

Published

on

Crunchyroll has added nine exclusive titles for its Winter 2025 anime season lineup for Philippine viewers.

Step into the worlds of these titles as part of the lineup:

  • Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
  • Trigun Stargaze
  • Sentenced to be a Hero
  • My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2
  • Oshi no Ko Season

The streaming platform is also offering a limited-time year-end sale. Fans can avail of the annual Fan and Mega Fan Premium Memberships for PhP 560 and PhP 710, respectively until December 30.

For its winter calendar, Crunchyroll will simulcast several titles weekly throughout the season. Below is the official schedule.

31 December

  • Tamon’s B-Side 
  • Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None 

2 January

  • The Outcast 6

3 January

  • Sentenced to Be a Hero 
  • Fate/strange Fake

4 January

  • Hana-Kimi
  • MF GHOST Season 3
  • The Daily Life of a Part-time Torturer
  • Journal with Witch
  • Kunon the Sorcerer Can See

5 January

  • My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2
  • Wash It All Away

6 January

  • Tune In to the Midnight Heart 
  • The Demon King’s Daughter is Too Kind!!
  • There was a Cute Girl in the Hero’s Party, so I Tried Confessing to Her
  • Isekai Office Worker: The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter

January

  • SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table
  • Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord
  • An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29

8 January

  • JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3
  • The Holy Grail of Eris
  • Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You Season 2
  • The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife
  • ROLL OVER AND DIE

9 January

  • Fire Force Season 3 Part 2
  • DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR

10 January

  • TRIGUN STARGAZE
  • Dead Account
  • A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans

11 January

  • You and I Are Polar Opposites
  • Kaya-chan isn’t Scary
  • The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom
  • In the Clear Moonlit Dusk

12 January

  • ‘Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess Season 2

14 January

  • 【OSHI NO KO】Season 3

16 January

  • Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Binge-watch your favorite anime with this new Ani-One YouTube channel

Ani-One PH Collection channel features full season compilations

Published

on

Ani-One Philippines has officially launched Ani-One PH Collection, a new YouTube channel made for non-stop anime marathon viewing.

Created especially for Filipino fans, the dedicated hub is designed for the ultimate binge-watching experience.

It takes hit titles from the main Ani-One Philippines channel and reimagines them for the binge-watching audience. Videos range from about four to nine hours in length.

This means no more need to click “Next Episode” every 20 minutes or so; the new channel also features Full Season Compilations — entire seasons of one’s favorite anime stitched together into single, uninterrupted videos.

Among the anime titles that can be found on the channel are:

  • Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
  • The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
  • The Healer who was Banished from his Party is in fact the Strongest
  • In Another World With My Smartphone
  • The Dreaming Boy is a Realist

In addition, content is localized for those who prefer Tagalog-dubbed anime. For instance, Kaiju No. 8 is available in Tagalog audio.

There are also curated libraries depending on one’s preferred genre, like Isekai, Romance, Fantasy, and Action.

Continue Reading

Accessories

Thoughtful gift ideas for modern living: 2025 holiday gift guide

Gift ideas that feel intentional and considered

Published

on

The best gifts aren’t impulse buys nor extravagant. This year’s holiday gift guide is about giving with intention. Each pick was chosen not as a novelty, but as something that adds value to your loved ones’ lives. They support routines, encourage rest, create shared moments, elevate everyday comforts, and provide peace of mind. These are the kind of gifts that feel considered, personal, and truly meant for the person receiving them.

Peace of mind, wherever the day goes

OrbitKey Travel Sling (3L), US$89.90

This sling is designed for moving through the day feeling organized and secure. Along with its compact, structured layout, it includes RFID-protected pockets that help shield cards and personal information from digital theft. It’s ideal for both commuting and traveling and comes in Black, Stone, and Terracotta.

Statik TireHero Smart Tire Pump, US$69.99

This is the kind of gift that helps people feel prepared rather than reactive. Compact and easy to use, it quickly inflates tires at home or on the road. A small tool that offers real reassurance, it’s especially useful for drivers and cyclists alike.

ExpressVPN Aircove Go, US$169.90

This pocket-sized router creates a secure, VPN-protected network anywhere, making public Wi-Fi far safer to use. Ideal for travelers, remote workers, or anyone handling sensitive information on the go. It’s small enough to travel with but powerful enough to protect privacy beyond the home.

OrbitKey Foldable Duffel, US$49

Having an extra bag when you didn’t know you need one can remove a surprising amount of stress and unnecessary expenses. This duffle folds down flat for easy storage, then opens into a 55L bag when packing gets too ambitious and you’re being charged at the airport for your overweight suitcase. It’s reliable, flexible, and quietly reassuring to have on hand.

Thoughtful tech for home and productivity

Native Union WEIGHTER, starts at US$29.99

Sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest difference. This weighted desk accessory keeps charging cables from slipping out of reach, reducing friction in everyday routines. It’s a subtle but satisfying improvement for someone who works from home or their messy night stand. It comes in Black and Sandstone, and two models: 1 Cable and 3 Cables.

Rocketbook Core, US$38.99

For someone who loves writing by hand but also wants their notes organized digitally, this reusable notebook allows handwritten notes to be stored in the cloud. It’s great for planners, students, even creatives that don’t want clutter. It combines the satisfying tactility of pen and paper and digital convenience.

Nomad Stand One Max, US$159

Built with Qi2 25W, this charger brings calm to the end of the day. With one solid, beautifully weighted base, it charges the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in one place. It reduces clutter and decision-making, turning charging into a simple ritual.

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set, starts at US$105

Extra storage becomes invaluable once someone starts creating, traveling, or documenting more of their life. This portable SSD offers fast, reliable storage with a magnetic sleeve that makes it easy to attach and carry. It’s ideal for backing up photos, videos, and important files without fuss. It’s a practical gift to support that creative in your life and help them stay organized.

Rituals, wellness, and slowing down

Üllo Original Wine Purifier, US$79.99

For someone who enjoys a glass of wine as part of winding down but hates the headaches that come after: Üllo removes sulfites while aerating the wine. It helps enhance the flavor and aroma of wine while being gentler for those sensitive to additives. Add the hand blown Decanter that’s made from ultra transparent lead-free crystal to make any bottle taste fancier.

La Jolie Muse Season of Stories Trio Set, US$60

With artful vessels and clean-burning soy wax, these candles feel as much like decor as they do self-care. The scents are cozy and ideal for winding down or hosting. It’s a gift that invites pause.

LEGO Botanicals, starts at US$14.99

A calming, screen-free build that becomes a beautiful piece of home decor, each set invites someone to slow down and enjoy the process. With flower bouquets, bonsais, and plants to choose from, it’s a satisfying project that brings a sense of completion without the upkeep of real plants. As an added bonus, if you can build it together it turns the gift into a shared memory, so every time they see the finished piece, they’re reminded of the time you spent creating it together.

Small joys, big upgrades

SURI 2.0 Electric Toothbrush, US$135

This device makes an everyday habit feel more intentional. Created with sustainability in mind, it’s a sleek yet practical gift that elevates anyone’s bathroom shelf. It’s got wireless charging and the redesigned travel case powers UV cleaning on the go. It comes in five colors: Winter Fern, Sea Mist, Sunset Bloom, Midnight Black, and Morning Waves.

XGIMI MoGo 4, US$499

This portable projector makes it easy to turn any wall into a big screen. You can give the gift of a quiet solo night for someone who needs to decompress from work, or movie nights shared with their loved ones. It’s great for a cozy home setup this winter or the outdoors when the weather starts to get warmer.

Eve Flare, US$109.95

Lighting is one of the most overlooked features in any space, but is truly transformative. This smart LED lamp creates soft, customizable ambient light that works indoors or outdoors. It’s perfect for someone who just moved into a new apartment, or that person in your life who cares about mood and intentional design.

Liiton American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set, US$129

This glassware set transforms drinking into a sensory experience, whether on display or in use. It’s a great conversation piece and makes a nightcap more intentional. Place your glass in the freezer and get chilled and aerated whiskey in just 18 seconds thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System. Made from lead-free crystal, the glassware is sculpted with the majestic U.S. mountain peaks: Mount Whitney, Yosemite, Smoky Mountains, Mount Rainier, and The Rockies.

For growing lives and staying connected

loog mini acoustic, US$129

With fewer strings and a simplified design, kids can start playing real songs quickly without feeling overwhelmed. It builds confidence and creativity while introducing musical fundamentals. It’s a gift that supports learning through play.

Instax Mini Link 3, US$99.99

This gift turns fleeting moments into tangible memories. With a few taps, photos on your phone become physical prints that can be shared, saved, and displayed. In an age where taking photos has never been easier, having physical prints encourages reminiscing without increasing screen time. It’s a wonderful gift for families and friends who love documenting life.

Arzopa Digital Photo Frame, starts at US$99.99

Bring warmth to someone’s home without requiring technical effort. This photo frame is great for that loved one who’s moved far away. Photos can be updated remotely, making it easy to feel closer despite the distance. It comes in two sizes: 10″ and 14″, both with a champagne colored bezel.

Continue Reading

Trending