Convenient Smart Home

This compact, portable speaker will bring the party anywhere

That 100W output is just wow!

Published

May 29, 2022

MJ Jucutan

Wassup, party people!

JBL has just unveiled its latest addition to its popular PartyBox series — and it’s pretty small. Compared to their monstrous speakers, of course.

Meet the Encore Essential, JBL’s most compact speaker yet in the PartyBox series. Boasting a 100-watt speaker coupled with an ultra-portable design, the party can be transported anywhere you want it to be.

And with an IPX4 rating, the PartyBox can handle poolside splashes or continue playing while it’s raining.

Despite having a smaller frame, the Encore Essential still carries the signature PartyBox lightshow. It can deliver a cool strobe effect that syncs to any music beat.

More importantly, it can be easily controlled together with its volume through the dedicated JBL PartyBox app.

Certainly, the party will never stop with up to six hours of battery life. Moreover, there’s a plethora of connection choices. From Bluetooth, USB, and AUX — partygoers can choose the way they want to play their music.

“With the popularity of the JBL PartyBox speaker lineup, we are excited to introduce a smaller design option that delivers the same big, bold audio used throughout the series,” said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division.

Price and availability

The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential will retail for PhP 15,999. It will be available online and in stores starting on June 30, 2022.

Convenient Smart Home

Why an air conditioner became my first real priority after moving out

The Samsung Compact Window-Type Inverter Air Conditioner helps turn a new space into something that finally feels like home.

Published

December 30, 2025

MJ Jucutan

I’ve always loved the idea of independence and the romance of having a place that was entirely mine.

What I did not anticipate was how exposed I would feel once I was alone with my thoughts and everything I was trying to carry forward after a difficult season.

There was no one else to absorb the discomfort when things felt off. Every decision landed squarely on me, and I had to figure things out while I was moving on after life took a lot from me and gave me multiple heartbreaks.

I moved out because I needed distance from what hurt and I needed room to heal in my own time. But living alone also made me more honest about my needs.

When you come home tired and emotionally spent, there’s no distraction from how your space makes you feel.

That was when it clicked for me that comfort is not indulgent. It’s essential, especially when your body works hard and your mind never fully switches off.

This is how an air conditioner became a bigger decision than I ever thought it would be.

Choosing things that fit my life

In my new place, every item felt like a small commitment. I wasn’t just filling a room; I was building a routine and a home that felt safe enough to rest in.

I wanted things that really worked with me. Practical, yes, but also gentle in the way they existed in the space.

Out of plenty of air conditioning units, choosing the Samsung Compact Window-Type Inverter Air Conditioner, 1.5 HP, immediately felt right.

The size made sense for condo living, especially in a room where I’m constantly aware of how much space I have left.

It fits neatly into the window and stays visually quiet, which I appreciate more than I realized I would.

There’s something comforting about an appliance that doesn’t ask to be noticed. It feels like a calm roommate that shows up, does its job, and never gets in the way.

Instant relief for a worn-out soul

Training days take a lot out of me. There are days when my body feels heavy and my thoughts move slower than usual.

On those days, heat and humidity feel personal, like another thing asking more from me when I have nothing left to give.

What I noticed right away was how quickly the room changes when I turn the air conditioner on. The relief is immediate!

My space becomes breathable and balanced within minutes, and suddenly I’m not fighting the environment while trying to recover.

The airflow reaches the entire unit, which matters more than people think in smaller spaces. The temperature stays consistent through the night, and that consistency has quietly changed how I sleep and how my body recovers.

This unit stays quiet, even on humid nights when I expect it to struggle. There is no disruptive hum and no sudden noise that pulls me out of sleep.

I started getting uninterrupted eight hours of sleep, with my sleep score averaging around 90.

That kind of rest felt healing in ways I didn’t know I needed.

When you start thinking long-term

Living alone also means facing your monthly bills without sharing the responsibility.

It changes how you think about energy use very quickly, especially when you are trying to rebuild your life with intention.

The inverter technology helps keep electricity consumption consistent, which gives me peace of mind over time. I rely heavily on the timer feature, especially on days when my schedule revolves around training and recovery.

I like knowing I can come home to a cool space without leaving the unit running unnecessarily. It feels thoughtful, and I have learned that thoughtful appliances make solo living feel far less overwhelming.

They remove small worries before they grow into bigger ones.

Making a place feel like home

What I love most is how this air conditioner supports the routine I’m slowly building for myself.

On recovery days, it keeps the room comfortable enough for my body to reset properly. On some evenings, it helps the space feel settled, making it easier to disconnect and just be with myself.

In a season where I am learning how to heal, that sense of calm feels grounding. Living alone has taught me to pay attention to how my environment affects my energy.

When your space supports you, everything feels more manageable. The Samsung Compact Window-Type Inverter Air Conditioner has become part of that support system.

It no longer feels like an appliance. It feels like one of those quiet decisions that made this new chapter easier than I expected.

For anyone living solo and trying to build a home that feels calm, functional, and genuinely supportive, the Samsung Compact Window-Type Inverter Air Conditioner 1.5 HP fits naturally into that story.

It brings ease into everyday routines and helps turn a new space into something that finally feels like home.

Moving Out, Moving In is a Match Home series that features hands-on stories and reviews of appliances and home technology that support everyday living, comfort, and the process of settling into a new space.

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$19.99

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.