Health

How I got fit with the OPPO Watch

Our goal is to survive

Published

September 22, 2020

Leez

When the global health crisis struck the world into a colossal spiral while we all watched anxious in our homes, I decided to escape into a fitness challenge. Hey, I needed some form of healthy coping and I thought putting my frail, petite figure into the ringer was a good way to keep me distracted.

So, since the end of March of this year, I decided to do at-home workouts six days per week. And, by the end of April, I had somehow dedicated hours into working out consistently from Sundays to Fridays.

Deciding to be fit

If you’re thinking, “she’s mental,” hi. Yes, I am. I always knew I was capable of sticking to something I wanted to work towards. I’d go so far as to say I’ve always had an obsessive tendency towards things I set my mind on. There was, of course, a good incentive: my mental health.

I’ve always struggled with my mental health. Even when writing about how video games helped me through rough patches in my life, I’d spiral back into the same mental state over and over. I wanted to break that horrible cycle. And so, I set myself to use fitness to expend energy I would usually have to be anxious or self-destructive on something healthier and beneficial.

Oh, I almost forgot a tangent motivation to all of this: I was weaning off my medication. So, if you didn’t know, which you probably didn’t, I was taking antidepressants and mood stabilizers to get by.

Whenever I had teetered into fitness, I weirdly felt on-top-of-things. I brought this up to my psychiatrist and knew that if I wanted sustainable stability, I had to work on long term changes to my lifestyle.

So, back to the task at hand, I had consistently worked out, built muscle where I didn’t know I had and gained a ton of weight. By late August to early September, I had felt better mentally.

Tracking with the OPPO Watch

When I got the OPPO Watch, I had already checked out most of my personal goals except one: getting stunning abs. I went to work on journaling ab workouts I was going to do and healthy meals I wanted to treat myself to. I was planning on running outside to get my daily 10,000 steps through the watch’s Wear OS out of the way and was pretty excited to strap on the OPPO Watch.

Before we hop into my journey with the OPPO Watch, here’s a couple of things you might want to know. The Oppo Watch’s dual-curved 1.6-inch AMOLED display makes it look identical to the Apple Watch.

Elephant in the room finally out; let’s talk specs. It’s got a Snapdragon Wear 3100 SoC with an Apollo Chip. All of that runs on Wear OS by Google and is powered by a 300mAh battery. And, OPPO boasted the watch’s 21-day battery capacity. So, I was hyping myself up for a two-week ab workout program to accompany the specs and features the watch was decked out on.

Let me just get it out there: as much as the OPPO Watch has an identity crisis on potentially being an Apple Watch wannabe or clone, it delivers on looks. The watch is pretty and the interface never once stuttered while I used it. But I digress…

Road to getting abs

On day one, road to maybe getting abs, the watch flopped and stopped recording my run, and ab exercises because it had run out of battery. Frustrated but also quietly relieved, I dropped my plan for the afternoon and eased out of my workout quicker than I often would.

You see, I had become overly obsessed with working out. So much so, that I was scheduling everything else in my day around the 2-3 hours every single day I wanted to exercise.

Although it was a disappointing first day, it was a wake-up call. I had always felt fatigued and out of breath from just doing typical chores. I’ve long ignored this symptom of over-training and kept overworking myself.

As much as the watch didn’t get to keep up with my “typical” day, it drew red flags on the fact that I was unusually active.

Don’t get me wrong. The OPPO Watch is a great smartwatch. It’s got a ton of features I want a smartwatch to have. It had a training assistant, a heart rate monitor, a sleep tracker, sedentary reminders, and had a vast array of workouts you could track through Wear OS.

It was the best thing to help validate the hard work I was making on a daily. I would use and abuse installing the Google Fit app to track my strength training, workout sets, and footsteps. But, if there’s anything I slowly learned from over-training and “over tracking,” it’s that you tarnish your relationship to exercise if you obsess over calories.

More to getting fit than looking a certain way

If you’ve been hating yourself for not getting fit or not losing weight while the rest of the world is ablaze, let this be the reminder you need. We’re here to survive, not to pressure ourselves into losing weight, getting fit, building unhealthy self-images, or getting sick and injured.

This year, especially, is not the time. I know that being isolated can feel relentlessly daunting and peeking into social media feeds into unhealthy and toxic standards you might feel pressured to try to achieve. But, there’s more to health than trying to look a certain way — there’s the important bit about how you are and how you are feeling.

A lot of the ironically toxic parts of health and fitness is from building fundamental goals on visual validity: a number on the scale, a measurement, or aesthetic muscle development. When health and fitness should be about developing something sustainable: strength, flexibility, stamina, or better well-being.

It’s also good to note that quick and sudden fixes can show fast results but won’t be sustainable long-term. The quicker the change, the quicker it is to lose. Easing your way into small changes until you achieve a healthy lifestyle that isn’t restrictive of anything you want is the way to go.

For the past two weeks with the OPPO Watch, I decided to be more attuned with myself, mentally and physically. It was a good time for my body to recover from brutal stress I put it through.

The watch’s Wear OS features breathing exercises that helped a lot with this. I would find myself struggling with anxiety late at night and I’d go on the watch and do the breathing exercises until I calmed down. I know the feature is simple and I can do without it but, having something to guide me through deep breathes really helped.

Throughout my two weeks of what was meant to be non-stop ab exercises, I decided to work out on days I felt like working out and rested on days I wanted to. The OPPO Watch gave me a good feel of my health with my heart rate and step count even if I stayed indoors.

It monitored and gave me customizable daily goals which were less about reaching them every day and more about realistic and forgiving progress.

Oh! It’s good to note that the watch might be able to last about a week but it’ll need to be on power saver mode. You’ll be limited to viewing the time, checking your pulse when you want to, counting your steps, and getting notifications.

On that week, I kept active and went about my day without worrying about the nitty-gritty details of how much calories I burnt from walking, running, or lifting weights.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

I didn’t keep the OPPO Watch on power saver mode for long for a few reasons. To recover from over-training, I wanted to improve on my sleep and work on my relationship with exercise and calories so tracking my sleep was important to me.

On top of that, the breathing exercises weren’t accessible on power saver mode which was a huge bummer seeing as that feature helped me through some anxious nights — what a legend of a feature.

The OPPO Watch is decked out with so much to help you get better, happier, and healthier but only in ways, you choose to. So if you’re not a fitness fiend and are looking for a smartwatch to just track your pulse, steps, and of course, keep track of time, consider this watch. The OPPO Watch costs PhP 12,990/GBP 229.

Health

Spring reset: Growing more at home with Auk Mini

From kitchen counter experiment to everyday habit

Published

May 21, 2026

Chay Lazaro

Spring and summer rolling around almost always makes me want to reset something in my routine.

A few years ago, it was growing broccoli sprouts in a jar. Getting the Auk Mini over Christmas felt like the natural next step.

From sprouts to something more

Starting with sprouts was easy. After having them at a family gathering, it clicked that I could actually grow something, even in our small apartment. Anyone, including my husband can do it on the kitchen counter, and upkeep takes less than a minute a day. Watching something grow and actually eating it made me realize how nice it is to have fresh greens around all the time.

The Auk Mini builds on that. Instead of just one thing in a jar, now I have herbs growing consistently at home.

Getting started was easy

This was the part I was most unsure about, but it ended up being very straightforward. Setup took a few minutes, the instructions were clear, and nothing felt overly technical. The kit comes with everything you need to start: Auk Mini itself, seeds for planting, coco fiber, and nutrients that you add to the water to support both growth and flavor.

Once it’s up and running, it mostly takes care of itself. The lighting system handles what the plants need throughout the day, and the watering system keeps everything consistent. I have been away on trips, and I still come home to herbs that are healthy and fresh, waiting to be trimmed and added to my food.

It fits real life and small spaces

Fresh herbs growing beside my microwave

Living in a New York apartment, space is limited. While there are community gardens I could participate in, it’s not as convenient as having access to your own, especially when you’re in the middle of a snowstorm or a heatwave.

The Auk Mini sits beside my microwave, on a table that used to be my desk. It doesn’t feel like I added a new project to my life – it just blends in. I have the black and walnut version, which works well with the rest of my space, but it also comes in white, with oak or cork as other finishes, if you want something lighter.

Watching and competing

My husband and I set it up together and turned it into a challenge: who would harvest first?

Our kit came with basil and parsley. He planted basil, which sprouted first. I took on parsley, which grew much slower and wasn’t ready for harvest until a little over six weeks later. The competition was a small thing, but it made the whole process more fun. We started paying attention to growth day by day, and it’s satisfying when you finally get to use what you grew.

One thing we learned pretty quickly is that different plants grow at different speeds, which can make lighting placement a little tricky in a shared setup like the Auk Mini. Since the basil grew faster and taller, we had to angle the light unevenly so it wouldn’t burn the basil while still giving the parsley enough exposure to catch up.

It changed how I use herbs

Basil and parsley used to be something I added as garnish. Now I’m using them all the time because they’re right within arm’s reach.

Learned to be creative and made pasta from scratch, made better with fresh herbs

I’ve been making sauces, marinades, pesto, even building meals and cocktails around them. It’s expanded the flavors we use in home cooking, and forced me to experiment instead of defaulting to our go-to recipes inspired by East Asian cooking. In fact, the biggest hurdle I’ve encountered is not having enough recipes in my repertoire that use herbs.

Even when a dish doesn’t call for it, I’ll cut some and add it anyway. Every time I did, it made the dish better. When something is always available and always fresh, you naturally start using more of it. And if you trim it properly, it just keeps growing back. It doesn’t go bad or get forgotten in the fridge.

You can grow anything you want

One of my favorite things about Auk Mini is that it’s not a proprietary system. They do offer other kits like a chili and tomato set or an Italian cuisine mix, but you can also grow your own choices.

I joined a Facebook group of Auk growers, and it’s been inspiring to see how others are using and expanding their indoor gardens. It makes me excited to try things that are harder to find or expensive in the U.S., especially vegetables and herbs I grew up with, like pechay, moringa, lemongrass, pandan, and kangkong.

A small step toward something bigger

Constant fresh herbs within reach

Growing herbs indoors reminds me of something from years ago. In university, I did an immersion program in a low-income community. We recommended sustainable food systems for the stay-at-home moms we met — including hydroponics systems — both as a source of extra income and fresh food.

That experience stayed with me, but I never acted on it. This feels like a small, techie version of that idea: a hydroponic system that works in real life, in a small space, and is easy to keep up with.

Is the Auk Mini your GadgetMatch?

Starting with sprouts showed me I could easily grow something. The Auk Mini showed me I can keep going and expand it. Now I have fresh greens ready whenever I need them.

It starts at $239, which isn’t the cheapest way to get into hydroponics. If you don’t use herbs on the daily like I do, the cost is even harder to justify. But that’s also why I recommend it even more. It’s convenient, it’s fresh, and at the same time it challenges you to be more creative with food.

Basil and parsley keep growing in the Auk Mini after multiple harvests

Auk Mini’s ease of setup and maintenance, and flexibility make it worth it, especially if you don’t know where to start. It was a great hobby to start the year with, and an even better habit I’ve kept building on five months on. It’s given me confidence I can grow my own food for the rest of my life, one way or another.

Health

AIA Philippines rethinks what it actually means to be healthy

Move from just thinking about wellness to actually doing something about it

Published

March 28, 2026

MJ Jucutan

AIA Philippines recently hosted its first-ever Rethink Healthy Influencer Summit, bringing together over 200 creators, health experts, and advocates to flip the script on traditional wellness.

The goal was to prove that being healthy isn’t about extreme lifestyle overhauls, but about the small, brave choices we make every day.

The summit follows a recent study by AIA Philippines which shows that Filipinos are becoming more proactive. We are moving away from “enduring” health issues and toward a “ready” approach, understanding that our responsibility to our families starts with taking care of ourselves.

Breaking the “enduring” cycle

One of the biggest hurdles in local healthcare is the tendency to delay care until it becomes an emergency.

MediCard CEO Julian Mengual pointed out that many people wait until a health scare happens before they take action. This “enduring” habit doesn’t just hurt our bodies; it creates a massive financial burden later on.

AIA Life Planner Grace Quinto emphasized that having a plan — whether it’s an emergency fund or insurance — is actually an act of love for your family. It gives you the freedom to seek help early without the fear of draining your savings.

Real talk on mental wellness and burnout

The conversation got vulnerable during the mental wellness session with brand ambassador Wil Dasovich, MindNation co-founder Cat Triviño, and psychologist Dr. Francine Bofill. They tackled the reality of being “high-functioning” while struggling internally.

Wil shared that his most meaningful connections happen when he shows his setbacks, not just his highlight reel. The takeaway was clear: you don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom to ask for help.

Mental wellness should be a regular maintenance thing, not a last resort.

Authenticity over perfection

Celebrity couple Nico Bolzico and Solenn Heussaff joined TikTok’s Charissa Kow to discuss how online content shapes our habits.

Solenn noted that real influence comes from honesty, while Nico reminded everyone that the “perfect” lives we see online are exhausting and, frankly, not real.

By being authentic about their own health journeys, they hope to inspire a culture where people feel empowered to express themselves without the pressure of being flawless.

Strength is about showing up

To close out the summit, Physical: 100 winner Amotti shared a grounded perspective on fitness.

For him, strength isn’t about being the most extreme person in the gym; it’s about consistency. By building simple routines for waking up, eating, and moving, health becomes a natural rhythm rather than a chore.

At the end of the day, the Rethink Healthy movement is about giving you the confidence to start. As AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson put it, the focus is on turning intention into action.

Health is within reach, you just have to take that first brave step.

Features

Why this AI-powered eye health exam is the only reading you need this season

Forget astrology and scary clinics; the future of preventive health is waiting for you in a Vision Express branch!

Published

March 27, 2026

MJ Jucutan

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul. They never lie.

You can always tell when someone is truly thriving because their eyes radiate a certain spark. A glimmer that suggests they are actually winning at life.

But a doctor I once dated (briefly, for research purposes, mostly) told me that eyes are also a sneak peek into your physical survival. A quick check-up can reveal underlying illnesses before they even knock on your door.

The problem is that hospitals and clinics feel intimidating. Most of us avoid check-ups because we’re terrified of what we might find. Ignorance feels like bliss until reality finally catches up.

When I heard Vision Express (VEX) was reimagining eye care through AI, my inner “orange cat” curiosity took over. I dressed up, booked a ride, and headed to Greenbelt 5 in Makati City to see if technology could make health feel less like a chore and more like… well, a treat.

Sanctuary for my senses

The VEX branch in Greenbelt 5 feels less like an eyewear store and more like a prestige lounge. Even with brands like Dior, Gucci, and Cartier shouting from the shelves, the atmosphere remained inviting.

It lacked that “peasant-profiling” energy you sometimes get in luxury boutiques. I just walked in and gasped at the aesthetic. I’d say I immediately felt at home.

While I waited for the Vision7 program, I detoured to the AI Styling Studio. If we’re being honest, shopping for frames is a high-pressure exercise in self-doubt.

You’re constantly asking, “Does this make my face look too round?” or “Is this too much?”

This AI tool acts like a personal shopper with an objective eye. It’s like ordering McDonald’s at a kiosk, but instead of a chicken sandwich, you get a face shape analysis.

The machine measured my jawline, temple, and the gaps between my eyes with the precision of a fitting for a modeling gig. It concluded I have a round face — or oval, if I tuck my bangs away.

The AI suggested square or rectangular frames. Since I’ve spent years badgering friends to tell me if my sunglasses look okay, having a non-judgmental computer give me the green light was a massive relief.

Seeing the bigger picture

Currently, you can access the full Vision7 program for free. I started by filling out my history on a tablet, feeling very much like an official patient (but a fashionable one).

Dr. Daniel, the optometrist, guided me through the process. As a self-proclaimed “professional yapper,” I quickly learned he was VEX’s top doctor for 2025. His expertise (and, let’s be real, his charm) made the technical bits go down smoothly.

We moved through Objective and Subjective Refraction using their state-of-the-art autorefractometer to check for current eye-grade errors. Thankfully, my vision is still perfect after I stopped wearing correction glasses in 2024.

The three-minute miracle

The real magic happened during the Binocular Vision assessment with VisionPlus. In just three minutes, the system used retinal imaging and machine learning to generate a clinical health report.

I’ll admit, I was nervous. Despite my “perfect” vision, family history is a ghost that haunts your medical charts.

I watched as the AI screened for systemic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, and even early signs of cognitive decline or cardiovascular risks.

Surprisingly, the results came and showed I am “Low Risk” across the board. The system even tagged me as “Very Low Risk” for things as serious as cardiac arrest, provided I maintain my current lifestyle.

The report, which landed instantly in my inbox, gave me tailored advice on diet and sports. It turned out my athletic lifestyle and love for good food weren’t just fun: they were working.

Redefining the retail visit

Unlike traditional checks that only care about your lens prescription, this experience felt like a preventive-health intervention hidden inside a shopping trip.

It proved that an eye exam can be a powerful window into your total health, made easy through clinical-grade AI.

In a world where AI can feel cold or intimidating, this is its most human use case: giving us the clarity to live our lives without fear.

I walked out with a clean bill of health, a clear mind, and yes, I might have lingered just a second longer at the Gucci frames on my way out. After all, I needed to celebrate my health in style.

Try out VisionPlus at Vision Express’s branches at SM Cebu, SM City Cebu, Ayala Cebu, Ayala Glorietta 2, Ayala Greenbelt 5, Ayala One Bonifacio High Street, Ayala Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA – The Block, The Podium, and Ortigas Greenhills Mall.