Lifestyle

90 days with the Dyson OnTrac

Shutting the world in style

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There are days when the world gets a little too loud, like when every honk or notification feels like a personal attack. Even as an extrovert, I sometimes crave the quiet.

Sure, I love people and the chatter inside cafés, but there are moments when I want to turn the volume of life all the way down with a pair of headphones. Although, I’ve never really been a “headphones person.”

The last time I owned a pair was back in 2017-2018. A Sony H.Ear On 2 and an Mpow H5 that saw brief daylight before I decided I preferred the freedom of earbuds. Then came wireless earbuds, and eventually open-ear ones, which suited my lifestyle perfectly.

But maybe this is what growing older does to you. You start craving peace like it’s a luxury item. Because for the past three months, I’ve been living with the Dyson OnTrac.

And now that the honeymoon phase is over, I can say it plainly: I love everything about it, except a few things.

That Dyson DNA

The first time I saw the Dyson OnTrac, it didn’t even look like a gadget. It looked like something you’d wear with a crisp blazer or bring into an airport lounge. It’s unmistakably Dyson: minimal yet distinct.

Mine came in Copper, which felt like it was made for me. It matches my gold earrings and necklaces perfectly, as if it was designed to live in my wardrobe.

That’s the thing about Dyson. They make technology feel personal, like a statement piece that just happens to have a power button.

Even the small details feel intentional. The outer caps and ear cushions can be swapped for colors of your choice, and those cushions — soft and made from microfiber — hug your ears like velvet clouds.

The OnTrac is so comfortable that I’ve worn it through entire flights and long editing sessions without a single ache or hint of warmth. It never clamps too tightly, either.

My only complaint? It’s oddly designed when you want to rest it on your neck. You have to flip it so it lays flat against your collarbones. Otherwise, the ear cups sit awkwardly and press against your neck.

It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s… fussy. Beautiful, yes, but impractical in that “fashion before function” kind of way.

Still, that comfort kept me company from my flight to Hong Kong to my bus ride into Shenzhen. It was so light, I almost forgot I was wearing it. Almost.

And that battery life — 55 hours, give or take — held up. I didn’t even need to charge it while traveling from Hong Kong to Zhengzhou and back to the Philippines.

The silence I needed

Wearing the OnTrac, I couldn’t hear the hum of the plane’s engine, the crying baby, or the chatty group behind me on the bus. Its Active Noise Cancellation is easily one of the best I’ve tried.

It feels like being inside a bubble, a little world of your own. Only a few pairs of headphones can deliver this kind of isolation without feeling suffocating. You know that eerie stillness where you start hearing your own thoughts? It’s like that, but gentler.

Of course, there are better options for pure noise-cancelling performance, but none of them look this good doing it.

The OnTrac also automatically pauses when you take it off, which I love. It’s the closest thing to someone gently turning down the world for you.

Through the MyDyson app, you can tweak your experience. You can adjust isolation levels, switch between transparency modes, and decide how much of the outside world you want to let in. It’s thoughtful and seamless, exactly what you’d expect from Dyson.

The sound I didn’t want

There’s more to tweak in the MyDyson app, including a sound exposure monitor and an adjustable equalizer with four modes: Enhanced, Bass Boost, Neutral, and Custom. I tried them all. I really did. And yet, the sound never quite came alive.

Despite its brilliance in design and noise control, the OnTrac sounds… flat. It’s clean, but too clean that it’s lacking depth and warmth. The vocals don’t quite have texture, and the bass feels subdued. Even my colleagues noticed as we compared it to the more affordable Sony WH-1000XM6 and JBL Tour One M3.

Somehow, the OnTrac falls short. It’s not bad. It’s just not enough for the price Dyson asks. It’s like ordering a luxury dessert and realizing it looks exquisite, but doesn’t melt the way you hoped.

Price and availability

The Dyson OnTrac retails for US$ 499 / PhP 32,900 in the Philippines. It’s available in CNC Black Nickel and CNC Copper.

You can personalize it further with ear cushions (PhP 3,500) in colors like Oyster Pink, Khaki, Chrome Yellow, Prussian Blue, and Ultra Blue.

The outer caps (PhP 3,500) are also swappable, with options like Ceramic Blue, Coarse Titanium, and Ceramic Cinnabar.
Even the braided Aux cable with an in-flight adapter feels premium, though it’ll set you back PhP 2,000.

Is the Dyson OnTrac your GadgetMatch?

It’s rare to find a pair of headphones that feel as much like a fashion statement as a functional device. The Dyson OnTrac is exactly that — a piece of wearable art that lets you shut the world out in style.

If you see headphones as an extension of how you carry yourself and not just a tool for listening, then this could easily be a Swipe Right.

That is, if you have a little money to burn. Maybe the comfort, aesthetics, and excellent ANC are enough to make you splurge.

But if you’re after a rich, dynamic sound profile, looks alone won’t do. It’s automatically a Swipe Left, as there are better options out there. Both the JBL Tour One M3 and Sony WH-1000XM6 sound fuller and more balanced for less.

Maybe that’s the irony of the OnTrac. It perfects the art of silence but forgets the poetry of sound. Still, every time I slip it on, it feels like I’m putting the world on mute.

And for now, that’s the kind of peace I’m willing to pay for.

Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

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As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

SEE ALSO: Kingdom Come devs are working on a Lord of the Rings RPG

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Entertainment

Dune and Dune: Part Two return to cinemas ahead of Dune: Part Three

Return to Arrakis.

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The journey to Arrakis isn’t over just yet. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures are bringing back Dune and Dune: Part Two to select cinemas and IMAX in the Philippines for a limited one-week run starting November 11.

The re-release gives audiences a chance to revisit Denis Villeneuve’s award-winning sci-fi films before the highly anticipated conclusion to his Dune trilogy. Moviegoers will also get an exclusive sneak peek at Dune: Part Three.

The first film, Dune, follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), a gifted young man destined for something greater than himself. When his family becomes entangled in a conflict over Arrakis and its valuable spice, Paul must confront his fears and discover his place in the universe.

In Dune: Part Two, Paul continues his journey alongside Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen. Seeking revenge against those responsible for his family’s downfall, he faces a difficult choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe.

Dune: Part Three arrives in December

The story continues in Dune: Part Three, which takes place nearly two decades after Paul Atreides seizes control of the Imperium. Now ruling as Emperor, Paul must deal with the consequences of his reign as old allies return, new threats emerge, and a conspiracy threatens everything he holds dear.

The film sees the return of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Javier Bardem. They are joined by Charlotte Rampling, Isaach de Bankolé, and Robert Pattinson.

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune: Part Three opens exclusively in cinemas and IMAX on December 16, 2026, with sneak previews on December 15.

Tickets for the upcoming film are now on sale. For showtimes and ticket information, visit dunepart3.com.ph.

Meanwhile, Dune and Dune: Part Two return to select cinemas and IMAX starting November 11 for one week only.

Watch the trailer:

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Her GadgetMatch

4 new nutribullet kitchen essentials to make holiday hosting easier

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There are two kinds of people during Christmas: those who arrive at the party carrying a bottle of wine, and those who have been in the kitchen since eight in the morning making sure everyone has something to eat.

If you belong to the second group, you probably already know that hosting can be equal parts enjoyable and exhausting.

Between preparing Noche Buena, accommodating everyone’s food preferences, and making sure the drinks keep coming, even a relatively small gathering can turn into a considerable production.

Fortunately, a few well-chosen kitchen appliances can make things easier. And with more Filipinos paying attention to what they eat, versatility has become just as important as convenience.

That was the idea behind nutribullet’s recent launch of four kitchen appliances in the Philippines, introducing everything from compact personal blenders to a full-sized machine and an ice cream maker.

Celebrity chef Ylyt demonstrated the appliances during the event, which also brought together content creators, lifestyle enthusiasts, and members of the Tita Run Club.

The new lineup caters to different kitchen needs, whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast before work, experimenting with healthier recipes, or entertaining the entire family.

Here’s what each machine brings to the table.

nutribullet 700: For small kitchens and everyday smoothies

Not everyone has the luxury of a spacious kitchen, especially if you’re living in a condominium where every inch of counter space matters.

The nutribullet 700 keeps the brand’s familiar compact design while introducing a 700-watt motor intended for everyday blending.

It’s particularly suited to people who want to prepare smoothies, protein shakes, and other single-serving drinks without bringing out a full-sized blender.

And while it’s easy to associate personal blenders with breakfast, they can be useful for other things, too.

Think homemade salad dressings, small batches of sauces, or a quick dip for your holiday appetizers.

Its relatively small footprint also makes it a practical option for anyone who prefers keeping kitchen appliances within easy reach rather than storing them away after every use.

nutribullet Turbo: For busy mornings and more demanding blends

If smoothies are already part of your daily routine, the nutribullet Turbo offers a step up in power.

Equipped with a 1,000-watt motor, this personal blender is designed to handle a wider variety of ingredients while maintaining the convenience of a compact machine.

It’s an option for anyone who regularly blends fruit, vegetables, ice, and other smoothie ingredients, particularly when mornings are too busy for elaborate meal preparation.

During the holidays, that same versatility can come in handy for preparing fruit-based drinks, sauces, and other blended ingredients.

The appeal is straightforward: enough power for everyday blending without requiring the space of a traditional countertop blender.

For people trying to maintain their usual routines amid the inevitable Christmas indulgence, it could be one of the more useful appliances to have around.

nutribullet Power Core: For the family that comes over hungry

There comes a point during holiday preparations when making everything in individual portions simply stops being practical.

Especially when the entire extended family is coming over.

For larger households and people who regularly entertain, the nutribullet Power Core offers a full-sized alternative to the brand’s personal blenders.

The machine features a 1,200-watt motor, according to the product materials, and is designed for preparing larger quantities of blended ingredients.

That makes it useful for everything from smoothies and fruit drinks to soups, sauces, and other recipes that benefit from a more generous blending capacity.

Imagine preparing a batch of pumpkin soup for Christmas dinner, blending a sauce for the main course, or making enough frozen fruit drinks for several guests.

A larger blender also means fewer batches, which is particularly helpful when you’re already juggling several dishes.

And unlike personal blenders designed primarily for individual servings, the Power Core is better suited to households where cooking and entertaining regularly involve more than one or two people.

nutribullet Chill: For anyone who takes dessert seriously

Now, this is where things get particularly interesting.

The nutribullet Chill is an ice cream maker designed for preparing frozen desserts at home, giving users more control over the flavors and ingredients they want to use.

It comes with five preset programs for ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and smoothie bowls.

The process involves preparing a dessert base, freezing it in the included pint container, and using the machine to process it into a frozen dessert.

According to nutribullet, its 360DoubleCream Blade Technology uses dual-direction rotation to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

For Christmas, the possibilities are particularly appealing.

You could prepare mango sorbet, chocolate ice cream, strawberry frozen yogurt, or a dessert inspired by Filipino holiday favorites.

It’s also an opportunity to experiment with ingredients and sweetness levels, particularly if you’re preparing desserts for people with different preferences.

And if you’re hosting, being able to offer several homemade flavors feels considerably more personal than simply opening another tub of store-bought ice cream.

Making room for better everyday habits

Although the holidays provide a good excuse to upgrade kitchen equipment, the more practical consideration is how often you’ll use these appliances once the decorations have been packed away.

A compact blender makes sense for someone preparing breakfast before work. A larger machine is more useful for families who regularly cook together. And an ice cream maker may appeal to people who enjoy experimenting with homemade desserts.

The best choice ultimately depends on your kitchen space, cooking habits, and the kinds of food you actually prepare.

Because while a new appliance can make cooking more convenient, the real value comes from finding one that earns its place on your countertop long after Christmas.

The new nutribullet lineup is available at the brand’s stores on Level 4 of Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, and Level 2 of Glorietta 2, as well as online at nutribullet.ph.

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