Lifestyle

Asics Gel Cumulus 21: Your everyday training sneaker

This lite-show edition is perfect for evening runs

Published

November 25, 2019

Clinton Jeff

The Asics Gel Cumulus 21. That 21 isn’t just some random number. We’ve been through 20 previous versions of this everyday trainer sneaker, and if a sneaker line has survived over 20 iterations, they must be pretty good, right?

According to Asics, these are neutral running shoes designed to cushion and support your feet over runs. It’s a neutral every day trainer with a 10mm drop, that competes with other sneakers like the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus.

Unlike the Asics Nimbus which is more premium and made for distance, the Cumulus 21 is intended to be a go-to shoe.

Can they deliver on this promise? Let’s see!

Made for day-to-day comfort

The Asics Gel Cumulus 21 has a similar design to its previous version, the Gel Cumulus 20, which is probably a good thing because it was already a pretty good looking shoe considering how this classic design is in style right now.

It’s a pretty mature, balanced, and the Cumulus series also includes some of the top tech in running shoes from Asics which includes enough cushioning for runs.

The first thing I noticed when I took them out of the box was that the Cumulus 21 is a really well-built pair of training shoes. They’ve got a little bit of weight to them but that’s not a surprise since these aren’t really meant to be racing shoes. I’ll talk more about the weight later on.

At the top of the Cumulus 21, there’s the breathable Jacquard mesh — a welcome choice and will be much appreciated during hot summer runs. Plus its a nice, flexible mesh, so it’s pretty comfortable.

Speaking of flexibility, the toe box has a lot of space, and I’m saying that as someone that has pretty wide feet. The Asics Cumulus 21 fit true-to-size so you won’t have to worry about the sizing.

There’s also a stronger overlay over the mesh in the parts of the upper where you need stronger materials. Places like the front of the shoes, toe caps, and the eyelets for the laces. This is all so that the mesh does not tear because of your toenails.

Undeniably Asics

There’s also prominent Asics branding on the sides but this isn’t just aesthetic. There’s a functional role since it helps you secure and tighten the shoes.

Coming to the collar, its thick but soft, just like the tongue. They’re a bit larger than on most running shoes but the thicker layers do help with comfort.

There’s also an internal heel counter. It keeps the heel area stiff so that your heel doesn’t slip. This definitely helps with the stability of the shoe. Also on the inside of the shoe, is an eva sock liner which offers a nice amount of cushioning.

Overall the design of the Cumulus 21 is pretty nice, and it certainly looks like an Asics sneaker, for sure. They’re available in a variety of colors, so you should be able to find one that’s your style.

This particular sneaker is the new lite-show version of the Cumulus 21 which has reflective elements on the upper and midsole to help with those evening runs.

This was shot with flash on to show how it reflects light

Cushioning great for absorption with a modest return

I wore the Cumulus 21 for quick morning runs, and at the gym for my boxing, crossfit, and dance fitness classes, so that I could really put them in a variety of situations.

The shoes are really comfortable to jog in, and the excellent cushioning on the sole means you can probably wear them for hours.

As you walk in them, you can feel how the gel sole compresses under your foot and absorbs all the pressure. As you start to run, you won’t feel the same kind of soft cushioning, but its still really comfortable, with the forefoot area nicely cushioned off as well.

I should make it clear that there is very low energy return on this sole. The Gel sole just absorbs pressure but unlike Boost from Adidas or React from Nike, there’s not much energy returned to bounce back as you stride. But it’s also what makes the Cumulus 21 really comfortable to wear.

The sole is made of a combination of different cushioning tech — There’s the forefoot which is a bit more stiff but still has a bit of cushioning, there’s the rear gel cushioning, and then there’s the Flytefoam propel technology.

The Flytefoam offers additional cushioning, with some amount of energy return to help push you forward.

Coming to the outsole, there’s a thick layer of Asics High Abrasion Rubber, or AHAR, as they call it. This hopefully means the shoe will last a while and won’t get worn out too fast, which is appreciated since this is meant to be a daily training sneaker.

The outsole is pretty grippy and I never felt like it was slippery, even on wet surfaces.

All in all, the Asics Gel Cumulus 21 is made to last, with good quality materials, and offers about medium-to-high levels of comfort as an everyday training sneaker.

Perfect for short runs at any time of the day

The Asics Gel Cumulus 21 is pitched as a pair of running shoes but also everyday training shoes, and the exceptional cushioning and support definitely does help.

That being said, I do feel like they’re too heavy to be used for a race or long distance running. I found them a little too heavy and maybe a little stiff after a while on a long distance run. Don’t get me wrong, this sneaker is great for short distance runs and that cushioning is good, but it has a sweet spot in terms of distance before it does start to feel a little bottom heavy.

So yes, short distances, there’s no problem. However, these are just not built for long distances where you’ll really start to feel that weight. For that, the Asics Gel Nimbus might be a better option.

But for your morning jogs, or as everyday training sneakers, these are pretty great. They perform as expected, and you never really feel like you want any more from them.

If you’re just starting out with a fitness routine and you’re looking for an all-around fitness sneaker, the Gel Cumulus might be the best choice around because they offer good cushioning, great build quality, and solid stability.

Is this your Sneaker Match?

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 is a slightly tweaked update to a very successful line of neutral everyday workhorse shoes. It is priced well for the amount of tech packed into this shoe, and they’re nice enough that you could wear them around casually, at the gym every day, and even for your morning and evening runs.

It’s a great pair of all-around shoes. If you could only own one pair of running shoes, the Asics Gel Cumulus 21 is worth considering.

Related Topics:Asics Asics Gel Cumulus 21 featured

Lifestyle

What being a Superbod looks like in 2026

Century Tuna is finally turning fitness into a community movement.

Published

June 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

For the longest time, the Century Tuna Superbod competition felt like something I admired from afar. As someone who spends weekends chasing finish lines, logging kilometers on Strava, and squeezing training sessions between deadlines, I always associated Superbod with fitness models, perfectly sculpted physiques, and the bright lights of a competition stage.

That perception is changing. Standing at the recent Superbod Life community run, surrounded by runners, walkers, gym-goers, and people simply trying to become healthier versions of themselves, it became clear that Century Tuna is redefining what it means to be a “Superbod” in 2026.

The focus is no longer solely on how you look. It’s about how you move and how you fuel your body. More than anything, it’s about how you show up for yourself every day.

Fitness is becoming more connected

Over the years, I’ve noticed how much fitness has become intertwined with technology, both as an athlete and as someone who covers tech for a living.

Training used to mean showing up and hoping for the best. Now most of us track our runs, monitor our recovery, analyze our workouts, and share milestones online. Fitness has become more connected, more measurable, and surprisingly more social.

Century Tuna’s recent Superbod Era Strava Challenge tapped directly into that reality. More than 58,000 Filipinos joined, turning individual workouts into a shared movement. Whether you were chasing a race goal or simply trying to hit your daily step count, everyone found a place in the challenge.

I rely on Strava myself to stay accountable, so I understand the appeal. Seeing progress on a screen sounds simple, yet it often becomes the extra push that gets you out the door for one more run.

A community beyond the competition stage

What stood out to me most is that Century Tuna is building something that extends beyond a single competition season.

The newly launched Superbod Life Community on Facebook creates a space where fitness feels more approachable. Instead of focusing solely on transformations and trophies, the community centers on three pillars: Move Super, Fuel Super, and Live Super.

Move Super encourages members to stay active through expert-led discussions and accessible workout routines. Fuel Super focuses on practical nutrition tips and healthier eating habits that fit into real schedules. Live Super highlights the importance of sustainability, recovery, and building habits that last.

As athletes, we know consistency is the hardest part of any fitness journey. Motivation comes and goes. Community is what keeps many people moving.

The first Superbod Life community run, held in partnership with Megaworld and led by brand ambassadors Atasha Muhlach and Emilio Daez, made that clear. What started as conversations and shared progress updates online became real-world connections on the road.

Fitness can feel intimidating. Seeing people of different ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels show up together was a reminder that wellness doesn’t belong to a select few.

Fueling the lifestyle

If there’s one challenge I constantly face, it’s finding enough time. Between covering events, producing content, attending meetings, and training for races, meal preparation rarely goes according to plan.

That’s where convenience becomes important. Century Tuna recently introduced the Super Bowl, a ready-to-eat tuna and rice meal designed for people who are always on the move.

Packed with protein, Vitamin B3, and Omega-3 DHA, it offers a quick option for days when cooking isn’t realistic and skipping meals isn’t an option. At PhP 29 per can, it’s an easy add to a packed schedule.

I’ve eaten countless post-run meals in cars, airports, press rooms, and race venues, so I get why products like this exist. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is making better choices easier to sustain.

How to join the community

If this resonates, you don’t need a stage to start. The Superbod Life Community lives on Facebook, where members trade workout tips and keep each other accountable. You can find it at facebook.com/groups/superbod.life.

For those still chasing the stage, the on-ground casting call for Superbods 2026 happens at Space at One Ayala, Makati City, on June 27 to 28, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Pre-registration is open at bit.ly/2026-superbods-pre-registration, in case you’d rather skip the line.

The Superbod era looks different now

The biggest takeaway from all of this is that the Superbod journey is no longer reserved for people chasing a title. It can start with a morning walk, a first 5K, a healthier lunch, or simply deciding to move more than you did yesterday.

Technology is making fitness more accessible. Communities are making it more welcoming. Brands like Century Tuna are recognizing that wellness isn’t a destination reserved for a few. It’s a lifestyle more people can participate in.

Perhaps that’s what being a Superbod means today. Not standing under stage lights. Sometimes, it’s showing up for yourself, one workout and one healthy choice at a time.

Entertainment

Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer offers biggest look yet

The mystery remains

Published

June 19, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Photos c/o Columbia Pictures

Sony Pictures has released a new trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, giving fans their most extensive look yet at Tom Holland’s next outing as the web-slinger.

The trailer explores Peter Parker’s life after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where the world was forced to forget his identity. While it reveals several new characters, returning faces, and a looming threat, it still keeps the film’s central story largely under wraps.

Peter Parker faces a new reality

The trailer shows Peter living a lonely existence as Spider-Man. With nobody remembering who he is, Peter appears to be fighting crime on his own while watching his former friends move on with their lives.

Sony’s official synopsis describes Peter as a full-time Spider-Man struggling in a world that no longer remembers him. Seeing his old friends move forward without him sparks a change that may be beyond his control.

The footage also hints that Peter is dealing with a mysterious physical transformation. Brief moments suggest something is changing within him as he continues carrying the burden of protecting New York City alone.

Familiar faces and new allies appear

Several notable characters make appearances throughout the trailer.

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker alongside Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, Mark Ruffalo, and Sadie Sink.

The trailer offers a closer look at Mando’s return as Mac Gargan, better known as Scorpion. Bernthal’s Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, also makes an appearance, teasing a more street-level side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner appears to play a role in helping Peter understand what is happening to him.

Despite showcasing these characters and multiple action sequences, the trailer avoids revealing how they connect to the film’s larger conflict.

A threat no one can see

According to Sony, Peter will face “a powerful villain no one can even see.”

The studio’s synopsis suggests that Peter’s personal struggles and the arrival of this mysterious threat will drive the story forward. However, the trailer stops short of revealing exactly who or what he is up against.

That leaves plenty of questions unanswered heading into the film’s release.

For now, Spider-Man: Brand New Day appears set to explore the emotional consequences of No Way Home while introducing new challenges that could push Peter Parker further than ever before.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day dawns in Philippine cinemas on July 29. Tickets are now available.

Watch the trailer

Cameras

Inside an OCR training day with Bring Your Game

Captured on the Canon EOS R6 Mark III

Published

June 19, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The first leg of Spartan Race’s Philippine National Series doesn’t wait for anyone.

We joined an OCR team, BGY BYG aka Bring Your Game, at Bridgetowne Obstacle Park as they put themselves through an obstacle course race simulation. I brought the Canon EOS R6 Mark III to document every athlete giving their best.

Shooting under direct midday sun is its own challenge. The 32.5MP sensor handled the harshness of open daylight without blowing out detail. The 40fps electronic shutter and Pre-continuous shooting meant we were already in the frame before the moment fully happened.

Athletes were moving fast and in every direction, but the 8.5-stop IBIS kept every shot steady as we moved alongside them.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II stayed locked mid-sprint, mid-climb, and everywhere in between.

This is what race prep looks like up close.