Accessories

Chic smartwatch? Say hello to the Huawei Watch GT 5!

Found: my new distance running partner

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While sipping a cup of coffee on an afternoon date with my best friends, we pondered how I fell in love with running, especially since I’d always hated it for years. (Read: Confessions of a wishful runner)

I never imagined running more than a 10K on the road or hitting the trails on the weekend, but here we are. I guess it’s safe to say that long-distance running has a way of sneaking up on you. It’s far more addictive, empowering, and easier to ease into than short distances like 3K and 5K.

Reminiscing about my humble beginnings, I decided to put the Huawei Watch GT 5 to the test. With its lightweight design and chic Crystal Blue strap, the smartwatch became my partner-in-crime for both city and trail runs.

Featherweight accessory

I’ve been running long distances for two years now, yet I haven’t committed to a full marathon.

For now, I keep my distances between 15 and 36 kilometers, so I can still have time and energy for my other commitments. Running long distances means being mindful of what you wear—clothes, gear, shoes, and accessories.

That includes the smartwatch on your wrist. The Huawei Watch GT 5 made it easy to track my distance without feeling weighed down by its size. The 41mm variant felt like a featherweight—I totally forgot I was wearing it until it buzzed to signal each completed mile.

The comfort of the Huawei Watch GT 5 helped keep my focus on the path, not my wrist. I barely felt any itching from the fluoroelastomer strap, and I trust its tracking features enough to maintain my momentum.

Another huge perk? I use both an iPhone and an Android device, so having a smartwatch that isn’t locked into one ecosystem is a game-changer. It tracked my progress seamlessly, giving me one less thing to worry about as I push through each mile.

Trail running

Sometimes, city runs don’t quite give me the runner’s high I crave. On some weekends, I add a level of excitement to my runs by hitting the nearest trails.

Trail running is unpredictable, no matter how prepared and strong you are. It’s got hills, uneven ground, and sometimes, a bit of mud.

Even though the terrain can be tricky, I love how it provides a refreshing break from the repetitive concrete. It’s also mentally engaging—I need to be cautious with every step and hop along winding paths.

I recently visited Mount Ayaas for an 11-kilometer trail run with over 600m elevation gain. With just my smartwatch, a belt bag of gummy bears, my phone, and a 500ml water bottle, I took on the trail alone.

Since the Huawei Watch GT 5 is equipped with Sunflower Smart GPS, it gave me a reassuring “safety net” as I navigated the trail. I was familiar with the route, but the solo adventure made it a bit nerve-wracking.

Thankfully, there’s a route backtracking feature, so if I ever got lost, I knew I could find my way back.

There are also offline contour maps for those who want to explore more remote areas, but that’s an assignment for another day. (I need to stay alive to keep running and testing this watch!)

Pacing yourself

Throughout the trail, the watch’s clear display allowed me to check my heart rate and pace at a glance. I’ve also braved different weather conditions during runs, even getting soaked in the rain on my way back.

The Huawei Watch GT 5 kept up with me, despite my ever-changing pace, terrain, and weather.

If you’re tackling longer runs, monitoring your heart rate is essential to avoid overexertion. The Huawei TruSense technology in the GT 5 is designed for faster and more accurate heart rate readings.

Comparing it with my Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2), the Huawei Watch GT 5 provided real-time heart rate monitoring on par with my other smartwatch.

This precision helps me tune into my body, both on long-distance road runs and trail runs. I can pace myself on steep hills and conserve energy, avoiding early burnout on challenging routes.

To be honest, long-distance running is as much a mental game as it is physical. Maybe that’s why I enjoy it so much—I have to strategize, think, and move cautiously rather than rely solely on strength and speed.

In these moments, I rely on the Huawei Watch GT 5’s real-time alerts as gentle reminders to stay focused. Each buzz helps me reframe my mindset, guiding me through the remaining distances on my training log.

Battery life that matches my stamina

If you follow my Instagram Stories, you’ll know how much I love back-to-back races or training sessions. On a perfect weekend, I start my Saturday morning running the trails of Montalban, Rizal. After freshening up, I’ll head to an evening session at my nearest Obstacle Park to test my endurance.

The next day, I’ll run at Car-Free Sundays on Ayala Avenue, where runners gather from six in the morning until ten. After an easy run, I’ll head to Anytime Fitness for an upper body strength session.

With back-to-back training sessions, the Huawei Watch GT 5’s battery life truly shines. It holds its own alongside my Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) and outperforms other smartwatches like Apple and Samsung in terms of endurance.

I’ve bid farewell to constant recharging and can freely schedule workouts without worrying about plugging in the watch daily.

The secret to getting stronger

Long-distance running certainly builds strength, but it can only take you so far. My secret to getting stronger is ensuring my body recovers well, which is critical for endurance training as muscles repair during rest.

The Huawei Watch GT 5’s sleep tracking feature has been especially useful, providing detailed reports on my sleep quality. I listen to my body and my smartwatch, using its data to decide when I need to cut back on runs and prioritize recovery.

Pondering about my thoughts again, I realized I’ll always love long-distance running. Some days, I’m setting personal records, while other days, it feels like a slog. But every run is part of the process; each step is another part of the story.

With every boost in endurance, the Huawei Watch GT 5 is there to build confidence along the journey.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

For anyone unsure of which smartwatch to choose, I recommend taking a look at the Huawei Watch GT 5.

It’s more than just a fitness tracker—its lightweight design, comprehensive health tracking, and unmatched battery life make it the ideal running partner. (If you’re single, that is.)

As for me, the Huawei Watch GT 5 has kept up with my adventures. I’ve had a smartwatch that’s not only stylish for post-run brunches but also a reliable accessory on the road and the trail—even if it doesn’t look rugged.

At this point, it’s not just a smartwatch; it’s a must-have accessory for anyone aiming to become a beast while keeping a touch of beauty.

Price, availability

The Huawei Watch GT 5 (41mm or 46mm) starts at PhP 12,999 for the Blue Fluoroelastomer strap, and PhP 13,999 for the Brown Woven or White Leather straps.

Meanwhile, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro (42mm) starts at PhP 22,999 for the White Fluoroelastomer strap, and PhP 31,999 for the White Ceramic. Also, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro (46mm) retails for PhP 17,999 for the Black Fluoroelastomer strap, and PhP 24,999 for the Titanium.

The Huawei Watch GT 5 series is available on Huawei’s authorized online and offline stores.

Accessories

Father’s Day gift guide: Gadgets for every kind of dad

Dad deserves a gift that won’t collect dust after Father’s Day

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As we get older, Father’s Day shopping gets a lot easier when you stop thinking about the typical dad gifts. Especially since it’s not always your dad you’re shopping for anymore. It could be your grandfather who insists he doesn’t need anything. Maybe it’s your brother who just became a dad and is running on three hours of sleep. Maybe it’s your father-in-law.

Whoever it is, here are some of my favorite picks to give them this year. Spoiler alert: there are no “World’s Best Dad” mugs included in this list.

For the dad who wants a smarter home

Some of the best tech is the kind you stop noticing because it just runs in the background. The Baseus X1 Pro dual security camera is one of those. It combines a dual-lens design with a wide 210-degree field of view and 300-degree motion tracking, allowing it to cover areas that would normally require multiple cameras.

What makes it stand out is its ability to track two subjects at the same time. Unlike traditional security cameras that can lose sight of one person while following another, the X1 Pro’s dual-lens system can independently follow both, creating a more complete picture of what’s happening around his home.

Its dual 3K cameras capture plenty of detail during the day, while color night vision and 8x zoom make it easier to identify visitors, vehicles, and other activity after dark.

The included solar panel means less maintenance for dad. As little as 20 minutes of direct sunlight can provide enough power for a full day of operation. It’s also got local storage with no monthly subscription fees.

You can get the Baseus X1 Pro for as low as US$119.99 using the code X1PROPRNO1 until June 30th.

And then there’s the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini, which solves one of the most ignored chores in any home: cleaning windows. Dad can attach it, let it run, and something everyone’s been avoiding for months just disappears from their mental checklist.

From large glass panels to smaller apartment windows, the compact robot cleaner uses intelligent WIN-SLAM 4.0 navigation to map out the most efficient cleaning path and avoid missed spots. Multiple cleaning modes let you choose between a quick refresh, deep cleaning, edge cleaning, or targeted spot cleaning depending on what the glass needs.

Hard-to-reach windows become less intimidating for dad to clean. Whether it’s a second-story window, a glass door, or a large mirror, the Winbot stays securely attached while it works, turning a tedious chore into a hands-free task.

You can get the Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini for just under US$240.

For the dad who’s always in the kitchen

Every family has someone who treats grocery shopping like strategy. If that sounds like your dad, then the FEPPO compact food vacuum sealer is a great addition to the family.
It keeps food fresher longer, makes bulk buying from Costco more practical, and turns freezer storage a lot more organized.

Unlike traditional countertop vacuum sealers, the FEPPO is compact, cordless, and rechargeable, making it easy to store when not in use. Despite its size, it delivers strong suction and can seal food in just a few seconds with a single button press.

The included kit comes with 10 reusable BPA-free vacuum bags and three storage containers. The bags and containers are washable and reusable, s not only are you saving space in the fridge or freezer, you’re also helping reduce waste.

I also like that FEPPO designed it with a detachable water tank that collects excess moisture during the sealing process, making cleanup simpler and helping keep the machine running smoothly over time.

It doesn’t look exciting on paper, but once it’s part of dad’s kitchen routine, they’ll wonder how they managed without it, and thank you later.

Get the FEPPO Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food for under US$70.

For the dad who needs any excuse to be outdoors

Some dads are indoors dads. Others will take any excuse to be outside. The OGERY F11 camping fan is one of those small upgrades that makes outdoor time noticeably more comfortable—not just for them but for the whole family. Whether it’s camping trips, backyard BBQs, RV adventures, or just surviving peak summer heat, it’s a gift dad would surely appreciate.

What makes it stand out is its versatility. The adjustable tripod lets it work as either a floor fan or desktop fan, while the massive 30,000mAh battery can keep air moving for days on lower settings. It also doubles as an LED lantern and emergency power bank, perfect for camping camping and even power outages.

Dad will love the wide-angle oscillation and the included remote control so he can sit back and relax while cooling down.

The OGERY F11 Camping Fan is available for US$89.99.

The SJCAM C400 action camera is for the dad who is always doing something worth remembering: biking, fishing, hiking, skiing, traveling, or just being the unofficial family photographer.

It captures 4K video through a wide 154-degree lens, making it easy to record everything from scenic landscapes to fast-moving action. Built-in 6-axis image stabilization helps keep footage smooth even when the camera is mounted to a bike, helmet, or backpack. Its battery life is rated to last up to seven hours so his adventures get documented before needing a top up.

The C400 also supports features like slow motion, time-lapse, and wireless app control, making it equally useful for adventure loving dads or one who simply wants a hands-free way to capture family memories.

Get the SJCAM C400 Action Camera for US$179.99.

And the Kiwibit smart bird feeder turns into something unexpectedly addictive. It’s the perfect gift for the dad who enjoys slowing down and appreciating the little things.

The built-in camera captures 4K video and 8MP photos through a wide-angle lens, allowing you to watch visiting birds up close and even check in after dark with infrared night vision. Two-way audio also lets you listen in on the activity happening outside.

For dads who enjoy learning, Kiwibit’s AI can identify more than 10,000 bird species and send alerts whenever a new visitor arrives. The companion app automatically creates galleries and summaries, making it easy to keep track of backyard regulars.

The feeder itself is thoughtfully designed, too, with a solar-powered roof, removable battery, and a dual-compartment seed hopper that can attract a wider variety of birds. It’s the kind of gift that would keep delivering small moments of joy long after Father’s Day is over.

The Kiwibit Bird Feeder is available in two gorgeous colors: Sage Pine and Autumn Clay and is on sale at just under US$180.

For the dad who treats his car like a second home

Cars collect everything. The FEPPO cordless vacuum handles the everyday mess: crumbs, dust, snack debris, pet hair, and whatever else somehow finds its way into the car. Powered by a brushless motor, it delivers strong suction while remaining cordless and easy to maneuver around tight spaces like dad’s car.

What makes it particularly useful for busy households is its thoughtful design. The anti-tangle brush helps prevent hair from wrapping around the roller, while a multi-stage HEPA filtration system captures fine dust and allergens before recirculating cleaner air.

Long battery life means it’s ready for quick cleanups without constantly needing a recharge. The different attachments make it easy to clean around the house or car.

The best part is you can get the FEPPO Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for under US$200.

The STATIK TireHero tire inflator is the tool you never think about until you reallyy need. It lives in the glove box until the exact moment it saves you from a low-pressure warning, a road trip delay, or a late-night stop at a gas station air pump.

Beyond inflating car tires, it can also handle bike tires, sports balls, paddleboards, air mattresses, and other inflatables, making it surprisingly versatile for road trips, camping, and family outings. It even doubles as a portable power bank for charging a phone in an emergency and includes a built-in flashlight for nighttime use.

It’s a practical gadget that may not feel exciting when dad unwraps it, but becomes invaluable the first time he actually needs it.

The STATIK TireHero is available for US$59.99.

For the dad who brings people together

Some of the best gifts will keep on giving. The XGIMI MoGo 4 portable projector turns any blank wall into a movie screen. Dad can set up backyard movie nights, World Cup watch parties, or casual weekend hangouts without needing a dedicated entertainment room.

What makes the MoGo 4 special is how portable it is. About the size of a tumbler, it’s easy to toss into a bag for camping trips, vacations, or visits with family. The built-in battery provides up to 2.5 hours of viewing time so you can enjoy a movie without needing to plug it in. It’s also got a 360-degree adjustable stand and automatic image correction to make setup almost effortless.

Despite its compact size, it delivers Full HD 1080p visuals, built-in Harman Kardon speakers, and Google TV with licensed Netflix support.

The XGIMI MoGo 4 is now US$469.

The Liiton American Peaks whiskey decanter set is for dads who have had a stressful year. It helps them slow down, unwind, and appreciate the ritual of pouring a drink at the end of a long day.

Inspired by some of the most iconic mountain ranges in the US, the set includes a crystal decanter and four whiskey glasses featuring detailed 3D mountain impressions molded into the base. Beyond looking beautiful on a bar cart, the mountain design helps chill and aerate the drink. Place the glass in the freezer and in just 18 seconds he gets a drink that stays cold until the last sip, thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System.

Made from heavy lead-free crystal with a weighted base, the glasses feel substantial in the hand and elevate everything from bourbon to tequila. The included gift-ready presentation box also makes it feel like a truly special Father’s Day gift.

And because the set includes four glasses, it’s just as much about sharing a drink with friends and family as it is enjoying a quiet moment alone.

The American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set is available for under US$130.

For the dad who likes to express himself

The INKWON TAG is probably the most unexpected product in this entire list. This pocket-sized printer can create stickers, temporary tattoos, iron-on transfers, and photos directly from a smartphone. Paired with the INKWON app, it can turn almost any image into something physical within minutes.

That’s where it gets fun. One day it might be custom stickers for a water bottle. Another day it’s temporary tattoos for his kids. It can even be used to create personalized shirts, tote bags, and keepsakes. For dads who enjoy making things, it’s the kind of gadget that sparks creativity long after Father’s Day is over.

The INKWON TAG starts at US$199.

Not every gift needs to change someone’s routine. Some just make it slightly better.

The Baseus MC2 open-ear earbuds are for dads who always have something playing in the background. Unlike traditional earbuds, the open-ear design lets them enjoy music, podcasts, or audiobooks while staying aware of traffic, conversations, and everything happening around them.

They’re lightweight enough to wear for hours, offer impressive battery life, and deliver surprisingly rich audio despite their compact clip-on design.

Get the Baseus MC2 open-ear earbuds for US$49.99 using the code MC2OWSPR.

Then there’s the Posh Tech Hunt distressed leather Apple Watch band, which transforms one of the most common pieces of tech into something with a little more character.

Made from genuine distressed leather, it develops a worn-in look over time that feels more personal. It’s a simple upgrade, but one that can make an Apple Watch feel less like a gadget and more like an everyday accessory. It’s available for US$35.

For the dad who’s focused on staying well

The Merach NovaRow R50 rowing machine is one of the best examples of low-impact fitness that can stick. It’s a full-body workout that engages his legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms, all while being easier on his joints than running or other high-impact exercises.

What makes it work isn’t intensity; it’s consistency. The movement is smooth, the setup is simple, and the Merach app adds guided workouts, performance tracking, and scenic rowing routes that make it easier to show up again tomorrow.

With 10 levels of air resistance, it can grow alongside dad’s fitness journey, whether he’s just getting started or looking for a more challenging workout. It also folds for easier storage, making it a practical option for apartments and home gyms alike.

The Merach NovaRow R50 is the priciest item on this list but is an affordable option compared to the Concept2 RowErg. It’s on sale now at US$529.99.

The Amazfit Balance 2 is one I gave to my dad, who’s almost 70. He’s not training for anything nor is he tracking performance. What the smartwatch has done is he is paying a little more attention to himself.

He checks how much he’s moved. He looks at his heart rate. He notices patterns he wouldn’t have thought about before.

At the same time, it scales up for someone who is more active. With over 170 sport modes, recovery insights, golf mapping, scuba support, and up to 21 days of battery life, it’s a great smartwatch no matter the recipient’s fitness level.

Get the Amazfit Balance 2 for US$299.99.

And then there’s the CAVN blood pressure monitor.

Instead of being intimidating or clinical, it’s designed to be simple enough for everyday home use. It’s got a barrel-style design with one-touch operation that removes the hassle of wrapping a cuff properly. Dad can just slide his arm in, press a button, and it does the rest.

It also supports multiple users, stores readings over time, and makes it easier for families to track trends. The large display and color indicators also make it more accessible for older users, too.

The CAVN Blood Pressure Monitor is available for US$179.99.

The Blueair Mini Restful sunrise clock air purifier takes a different approach to wellness by improving the environment dad sleeps in.

It combines a medical-grade air purifier, warm evening lighting, and a sunrise-style alarm clock into a single bedside device. Blueair’s HEPASilent filtration technology removes airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke while operating quietly enough not to disturb sleep.

In the evening, the warm amber lighting helps create a more relaxing wind-down routine, while the sunrise alarm gradually brightens before wake-up time to make mornings feel less abrupt.

Thoughtful extras like soothing wake-up sounds, app controls, and a built-in USB-C charging port make it an easy addition to any nightstand. It’s an all-in-one device for cleaner air, better sleep, and calmer mornings.

The BlueAir Mini Restful is available in Coastal Beige and Midnight for US$199.99.

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Match Pulse: VOLTME MagPak 5K magnetic power bank

Extra power to keep you going

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While smartphone manufacturers have been equipping devices with larger batteries over the past few years, power banks still remain an essential carry.

That’s especially for heavy smartphone users who have to push their device’s power to the limit — be it for gaming, content creation, and similar demanding tasks.

Or, you know, if you just suddenly ran into an unexpected long day and have to spend extra hours outdoors.

Whatever the case may be, that’s where the VOLTME MagPak 5K comes in. This small, 5,000mAh capacity magnetic power bank easily recharges your phone’s battery wirelessly.

The VOLTME MagPak 5K is chiefly meant for the iPhone 12 to 14 models, but can still pretty much refuel more modern devices, so long as they have magnetic charging capability.

It uses V-Dynamic technology and is MagSafe and 7.5W Qi compatible. With a 9N Magnetic Alignment Force, it has a stronger attachment so users can focus on the titles they play or the scenes they shoot.

Or, if you want to slow it down while recharging your handset, the power bank comes with a kickstand to help you place your device either horizontally or vertically.

Beyond the magnetic charging capability, the MagPak 5K also supports USB-C to USB-C charging to another device.

You can even simultaneously charge two devices at once, or just opt for the wired charging if that’s what your phone is using.

At just 134 grams, it’s an easy carry, and something that fits seamlessly into your pocket. There are also five colors to choose from.

For days where you feel you’ll have extended device usage, it’s best to keep a portable gadget to keep you going.

Who knows, that extra power can spell the difference between going out of battery or being able to transfer money, purchase something at a convenience store with cashless payment, or booking a trip home.

No need to worry about battery drain. Just focus on what you’re doing with your daily life.

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The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra can chill your skin in ten seconds

It has a misting function and a small water tank.

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The world is heating up. While one side of the world is swelteringly humid in anticipation of a rainy season, the other side is gearing up for a scorching summer. Unfortunately, the world needs a more long-term solution. But while we wait for such a remedy, we have personal solutions. Introducing: the Aecooly Cold Air Ultra.

As you can probably see from the rest of its lineup, Aecooly means business when it comes to personal cooling. The Cold Air Ultra, in particular, does more than just move air; it chills the air instantly. The personal fan does this with a misting nozzle (and a small water tank) that delivers an ultra-fine layer of pre-cooled mist. The air itself can reach up to 25m/s. It can cool your skin’s temperature by up to 18F in only ten seconds.

It’s also packed with tech right inside. The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra comes with a full-color touchscreen panel that offers a seamless way to control the air. Besides the screen, it also has two physical buttons to control the power and the misting.

The Cold Air Ultra comes with a sizable 7000mAh battery, which promises up to 10 hours of continuous operation. Additionally, it can charge devices with a 20W two-way fast charging function.

The Aecooly Cold Air Ultra retails for only US$ 39.99. Plus, you can get 20% off with the code GMATCH20 from Amazon.

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