Lifestyle

PSA: I like phones that fit my tiny hands

Bigger isn’t always better in my case

Illustration by Migs Buera

Published

July 7, 2021

MJ Jucutan

Back in the early 2010s, we used to dread smartphones that are getting larger. At most, we could tolerate phones between 5 to 5.5 inches as our daily drivers — making it the sweet spot that fits our hands, pockets, and clutches.

Phablets were considered enormous with their insanely humongous screens sitting between 6.5 to 7 inches in size. But a decade later, we see it as the norm and compact phones have become a rare Pokémon in the wild.

But something shifted in the new decade as more smartphones, once again, started arriving in compact sizes. Although the definition of compact varies from one brand or manufacturer to another, smaller size phones coming back made me giddy. Goes to show that there’s a market to serve. As someone who constantly complained about the hefty, colossal smartphones with humongous screens, I am very much part of it.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Photo by MJ Jucutan

I actually enjoy the technology and smart features in large phones like the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, OPPO Find X3 Pro, and the Mi 10T Pro. As wonderful as they are, they came with an inconvenience that a handful of people can relate to. Too big for smaller hands, too heavy to carry, too huge and bulky inside the pocket — the list goes on.

Bigger isn’t always better, at least for me

Yes, you read it right. Bigger isn’t always better, at least in my case. I had a lot of people (and egotistical friends) preached to me how they like the biggest and the largest smartphones available because of three reasons:

1. It’s the most expensive which shows how much they can shell out for a gadget.
2. They’re the best in a smartphone lineup because again, they’re the most expensive and the biggest.
3. They have the most features that you can enjoy.

Not gonna lie, I somewhat agree. Like how the S-Pen is compatible with the Galaxy S21 Ultra but not with the base edition. Although, at the end of the day, these features are nice to have but not a must-have.

All the exact features you need to make your smartphone experience enjoyable are shared across the product lineup. It’s a lineup for a reason. Don’t let other people tell you otherwise.

Unlike the reasons listed above, I’m not looking for the best, or the biggest, or the ones that I can brag about in mirror selfies. I want the right one. The right fit for my tiny and frail hands.

I want to hold it while I’m on the street without worrying about it slipping off my hand or dropping it accidentally. Or fit in my pocket without bulging. I want it to be just enough for my day-to-day life.

The product of listening

In 2021, a lot of handsets stuck to their usual sizes — mostly 6.5-inch and above. Only two flagship phones embraced a compact size and remained true to their promise: the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the ASUS Zenfone 8.

To pack so many features in a compact body is a great feat and a mindful one — because they actually listened to what a handful of users desire. Even though we’re in the minority, Samsung and ASUS listened, and that my friend is how you make a loyal customer. Keyword: listened. (Error 404: LG Mobile not found.)

To my disbelief, I particularly enjoyed the Zenfone 8 more than the Galaxy S21. It’s made of glass, kind of curved, and it’s much easier for one-handed use.

Though it’s just a bit smaller and lighter than Samsung’s flagship, overall, the Zenfone 8 had me glued to my phone once more. Don’t get me wrong: I still like both phones (and compact phones that are yet to come), but I had more fun using the no-frills Zenfone 8.

I realized what people claim to dislike about compact phones during are also the exact reasons why I like it. Another way of saying this is “what you take for granted is what someone else wishes for.”

The misconceptions and why they’re wrong

Liking compact phones is subjective. But there are common misconceptions regarding compact phones, mostly coming from those who prefer using large phones. Or those who have unrealistic standards when it comes to the latest smartphones marketed as “small and compact.”

Some say it’s not ideal for binge-watching, but I found myself watching more shows — on YouTube and Netflix — on the go frequently. When a phone is small and light, it makes it easy for your arms to lift for a longer time and not put a strain on your hands and fingers. This works especially when you’re unwell in bed and you just want to lie down and watch something.

Also, having a smaller screen doesn’t make it hard for me to watch a video unlike other people claim. Having an AMOLED display is enough: I can delight in a visual spectacle especially when you couple it with a magnificent audio experience. Don’t believe people when they say they need to squint their eyes when watching on a smaller screen.

On the topic of working remotely, some would prefer a bigger screen — and I adamantly feel the same. It’s better for writing and doing heavy work that you need to finish as quickly as possible.

But since my work requires checking designs and monitoring social media activities, I need to be able to take a glance and be on my toes. This means being ahead of any crisis, being able to jump on sudden turnarounds even if I’m on a sidewalk or I’m heading to a restaurant for my next lunch meeting.

In my experience, the ASUS Zenfone 8 served me well. I’ve gone to several lunches and dinners, and in between meetings I was able to respond and deliver my work — all done with just one hand while my other hand carries a Starbucks cold brew.

Though having a compact phone gave me a 2010-like experience that I can enjoy in 2021, a lot aren’t still sold with my experience for one, specific reason: the current compact phones aren’t small enough.

That small isn’t small enough?!

Some friends said the Zenfone 8 isn’t small enough. But are we looking for another iPhone 12 Mini — which is cool and cute by the way — whose production ended due to a low number of sales?

I started wondering: Up to which extent are we going to force smartphone manufacturers to produce a smartphone that fits our ideals? Samsung and ASUS did it right, technically speaking. Both companies made strides to pack the smartest and best features for their lineup in a phone so small, that the only limitations I encountered were its batteries.

To which, I still think, is something that both companies should continue to work on if they decide to press forward with compact phones. Nonetheless, it’s discourteous to discredit both companies from doing their best. It’s like telling someone that their best efforts aren’t good enough.

Like it or not, compact phones are here to stay. And if the “compact” size they can do right now is a 5.9-inch, then so be it. Maybe it’s the right size, maybe it’s the new sweet spot. Only time and numbers will tell.

For now, I’ll enjoy this phone that fits my tiny hands. And I don’t think you should worry about my opinion as well. At the end of the day, the best phone that you can have is the one that fits your hands and obviously, the one that you can afford without breaking the bank. C’est la vie.

Related Topics:ASUS Zenfone 8 Samsung Galaxy S21 specials

Lifestyle

Sticker season is back, and so is the planner your ~friends~ might fill in for you

Starbucks Traditions turns 24 with five pieces in the 2027 collection!

Published

October 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

There are two kinds of people during the holidays: those who start planning their Christmas shopping early and those who hear the word merienda and immediately calculate how many Starbucks drinks stand between them and a new planner.

If you belong to the latter, consider this your annual reminder. Starbucks Traditions returns to the Philippines on November 3 for its 24th year, bringing a bigger collection with five pieces this time around. And suddenly, your afternoon coffee plans have acquired a very specific financial objective.

The 2026 collection carries the theme “Wrapped in Joy,” celebrating the little surprises that make the holidays feel special.

Think thoughtful gestures, unexpected visits, and friends who actually follow through on plans. You know, the rarest Christmas miracle of all.

Finally, someone is making plans for the planner

Starbucks is giving this year’s campaign a little emotional backstory with “Kami Naman,” a holiday film about Mara, the friend who somehow became the designated organizer of every barkada gathering.

You know her. She’s the one who starts the group chat, finds the restaurant, checks everyone’s availability, and sends the follow-up message when nobody responds.

This time, her friends decide she’s had enough administrative duties for one lifetime. They surprise her at Starbucks with a planner already filled with gatherings they’ve organized for her throughout the year.

Set to Eraserheads’ “With a Smile,” the film is a sweet reminder that the friend who makes everyone else’s holidays special deserves a little magic herself. The song will also be playing in Starbucks stores from November 3 to January 4.

You can watch the full film on Starbucks Philippines’ social media channels. Consider forwarding it to your group chat, particularly if you have been carrying the entire social calendar on your back.

Why your current coffee accessories suddenly feel inadequate

This year’s collection looks ready to be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree, with copper, ivory, and black setting the mood. Each piece has its own appeal, which makes choosing a favorite a rather complicated exercise in holiday budgeting.

The Siren Planner with Pouch is for the organized one who has approximately 47 things to remember and would prefer to make that 48 with a beautiful planner. It also comes with a surprise keychain in one of five designs, giving you another tiny mystery to obsess over.

The Travel Case with Towel makes its debut in the collection, and suddenly, the idea of booking a little getaway sounds very reasonable. You may have nowhere to go yet, but at least your travel essentials will be beautifully organized when the opportunity presents itself.

For your everyday caffeine arrangements, there’s the 20oz Stainless Steel Tumbler and the 24oz Cold Cup. Both are practical additions to your daily rotation, although you may find yourself explaining why you need another drinking vessel when your kitchen cabinet is already staging a protest.

Then there’s the 20oz Glass Mug, which is arguably the most emotionally persuasive purchase of the bunch.

You don’t necessarily need another mug. You simply deserve one that makes your morning coffee feel a little more special. That’s a perfectly respectable argument, as far as your holiday shopping budget is concerned.

The 19-sticker strategy

Now comes the part that requires a little planning. From November 3, 2026 to January 4, 2027, every Tall, Grande, or Venti handcrafted beverage earns you one e-sticker. You can collect them through the Starbucks PH App or a QR Promo Card.

Reach 19 e-stickers and you can redeem one piece from the 2027 Starbucks Traditions collection until March 5, 2027.

The strategy is fairly straightforward. You order your usual handcrafted beverage, invite your friends for merienda, and let the stickers accumulate. Suddenly, that afternoon coffee with your best friend has a second purpose, and your usual catch-up session feels a little more productive.

Before committing to a particular piece, take a look at the full collection at starbuckstraditions.ph. You might already have your eye on the planner, or you could find yourself unexpectedly falling for the glass mug. Either way, knowing what you’re collecting for makes the sticker-counting considerably more exciting.

Since its Philippine debut in 2004, Starbucks Traditions has become one of those holiday rituals that people look forward to every year. It’s the season of comparing sticker counts, coordinating coffee runs, and celebrating the little rewards that make an ordinary afternoon feel festive.

Lifestyle

adidas debuts ENERGYRIM carbon tech in the Adizero Adios Pro 5

A lighter super shoe with more foam underfoot

Published

October 27, 2026

MJ Jucutan

For runners chasing a new personal best, every gram and every stride counts. adidas is bringing its latest marathon-winning innovations to the next generation of its racing lineup with the Adizero Adios Pro 5, a race-day super shoe built to help athletes hold their pace over long distances.

Inspired by the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, the new Adios Pro 5 translates elite racing technology into a shoe for a wider group of runners.

It arrives after a landmark year for adidas, with athletes in Adizero footwear posting historic performances, including Sabastian Sawe’s sub-two-hour marathon.

The Adios Pro 5 weighs an average of 177 grams, about 23 grams lighter than the Adios Pro 4. The lighter build comes with a redesigned midsole and carbon technology, which improves energy return by 9 percent over the previous generation.

The tech behind

At the center of the shoe is ENERGYRIM, a carbon-infused structure that debuts in the Adios Pro series. It replaces the ENERGYRODS system and makes room for a greater volume of LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam underfoot, while still providing the stiffness needed for propulsion and stability with each stride.

The latest-generation LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam works with ENERGYRIM to give the shoe a responsive ride. On paper, this pairing should help runners preserve speed deeper into a marathon while staying comfortable over the miles.

The outsole combines LIGHTTRAXION technology with Continental rubber, which adidas says delivers lightweight traction and better durability. The redesigned LIGHTLOCK 2.0 upper adds engineered ventilation zones and internal support bands, along with an updated heel construction, for a more secure fit that doesn’t add unnecessary weight.

Blueprint of Adizero

Visually, the Adios Pro 5 takes cues from the Evo 3, with premium lightweight materials and ENERGYRIM carbon visible around the midsole. A reflective zone at the heel highlights the shoe’s performance-focused construction.

adidas developed the shoe with more than 25 athletes across Kenya, Ethiopia, and the United States, and combined long-term wear testing and in-house performance validation with independent biomechanical research.

Sawe, the men’s marathon world-record holder, also contributed to the process, and athlete feedback shaped how the shoe evolved.

The launch builds on the growing legacy of the Adizero franchise, which has helped athletes secure more than 30 victories at major road races and break 12 world records.

In 2026, adidas athletes wearing Adizero shoes have set world records across the men’s and women’s marathon and half marathon distances.

Price, availability

For everyday runners, the Adios Pro 5 brings some of the technology developed for elite competition into a shoe built around the demands of race day.

Its lighter construction, updated cushioning, and revised carbon system are designed to support runners working toward their next personal best, whether that means chasing a faster finish or finding the confidence to hold their pace through the final kilometers.

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 is now available in the Philippines through adidas.com.ph, the adidas app, and selected retail partners. It retails for PhP 15,000.

Lifestyle

MediCard’s MedGo app can scan your face for health risks

AI-powered Face Scan previews your vitals, cardiovascular risks, and mental wellbeing in one go.

Published

October 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Most people know when they should be looking after their health. The harder part is acting on it.

AIA Philippines’ 2026 Rethink Healthy study found that 70% of Filipinos reject a “bahala na” attitude toward their physical health, yet 83% only act after a personal or family crisis.

MediCard, the healthcare arm of AIA Philippines, is aiming at that gap with MedGo, its upgraded digital healthcare platform.

Two features stand out for anyone interested in getting ahead of a health concern: Face Scan and the EASE mental wellbeing program.

Face Scan reads your vitals from your face

Face Scan uses AI to scan your face and pick up on the blood vessels beneath the skin, which works best with proper lighting. From there, it assesses your vitals, flags possible risks such as cardiovascular ones, and gives you a read on your mental wellbeing.

The results work as a preview of where your health might be heading, which makes the data useful even when the numbers look good.

Face Scan is a screening tool, though, and a good result is a reason to feel encouraged rather than a replacement for a regular check-up.

If a result raises questions, the feature includes a link to a teleconsult, so you can talk to a professional right after seeing your data. Face Scan is currently available for select accounts only.

EASE puts mental health support a few taps away

EASE is MediCard’s mental health and wellbeing program. It lets members quickly talk to a mental health professional, a dietitian, or a fitness coach.

It also comes with resources on mental health and wellbeing, so you can read up on your own before or after a conversation.

In photo: MediCard CEO Julian Mengual

The answer to the usual healthcare headache

MedGo also covers the everyday tasks of being a MediCard member. You can pull up your Digital ID, check your benefits and coverage, request a Letter of Authorization (LOA), book appointments, and search for MediCard clinics, doctors, hospitals, and other accredited providers. Online consultation services are available as well.

Reimbursements follow a simpler path. Members can file a claim, upload the required documents, and follow the status of the request in the app. MediCard says this works through automated case creation and better tracking.

MediCard also says the redesign responds to common healthcare app complaints like downtime, login trouble, and slow performance.

On speed, the company says applicable automated LOA submissions now get a response in under three seconds. That figure comes from MediCard and covers only the submissions that qualify for automation.

Built around your existing doctors

MedGo works alongside the clinics, doctors, and hospitals members already use. MediCard’s physical clinics and nationwide provider network remain central to the experience, and the app is a more convenient way to reach them.

The platform was also built for easier integration with third-party partners, and MediCard says a dedicated team will keep expanding services through regular updates shaped by member feedback.

The launch is part of MediCard’s evolution since AIA Philippines acquired it in 2023.