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

October 2, 2025

MJ Jucutan

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.

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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.

Accessories

Thoughtful gift ideas for modern living: 2025 holiday gift guide

Gift ideas that feel intentional and considered

Published

December 20, 2025

Chay Lazaro

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.

Lifestyle

Festive foodpanda riders bring holiday cheer to Metro Manila traffic

Sometimes, holiday comfort shows up through a glowing pink reindeer~

Published

December 18, 2025

Her

If you have spent the past few days trapped in Metro Manila traffic, staring at brake lights and questioning your life choices, you may have noticed something unexpectedly charming slipping through the carmaggedon.

It’s not your imagination. That really is a foodpanda partner rider with reindeer antlers peeking out of a glowing pink delivery box, wrapped in fairy lights like it wandered out of Santa’s workshop and into EDSA.

You will be seeing more of these festive riders around Metro Manila until the end of the year, and honestly, the timing feels ideal.

The holidays have a way of piling everything on at once, especially when work deadlines stretch longer. Commutes also feel heavier, and the city moves at a pace that tests even the most patient among us. In moments like that, a small spark of cheer lands differently.

There is something soothing about that soft pink glow cutting through traffic. It interrupts the noise, even for a second, and reminds you that joy does not always arrive loudly. Sometimes it shows up quietly, on two wheels, while you are stuck at a red light.

For those ordering from foodpanda, the delivery does not feel purely transactional during this season. It arrives carrying comfort and a little emotional exhale after a long day.

When everything feels rushed and overwhelming, having food or groceries show up with a touch of holiday cheer feels strangely reassuring.

What makes it hit closer to home is the people behind it. These partner riders already do so much, navigating traffic, weather, and time pressures so others can slow down, even briefly.

Seeing them bring extra effort and warmth into their work feels deeply Filipino. It reflects that instinct to look out for one another and to find lightness even when the surroundings are messy.

In its own understated way, it is a reminder that someone out there understands how exhausting the season can be. So when a glowing foodpanda delivery bike pulls up beside you in traffic, take it as a small holiday signal. You are not alone in the rush.