There’s a certain freedom that comes with not having to fuss over your earbuds.

The QCY Crossky C50 was built for people who move fast, whether that means sprinting through morning commutes, breezing through workouts, or slipping between errands.

With its open-ear clip-on design, this budget-friendly pair promises all-day comfort and practicality without sacrificing sound.

First Look

Style-wise, QCY pretty much nailed it with this clip-on iteration. The C50 launched in a clean, minimalist off-white finish with some leather-style textured panels — looking more expensive than its price tag.

Comfort-wise, the C50 features skin-friendly silicone combined with a memory titanium wire for a secure but pressure-free fit. Pop them on, and if you’re not listening to anything, you might even forget they’re there.

Seamless touch controls and dual-device connectivity powered by the latest Bluetooth 6.0 technology round out the package.

Although if you are new to clip-ons, coming from the traditional earbuds, finding the right tapping angle might take a little getting used to.

Thankfully, the QCY app lets you customize or even disable one-tap and double-tap gestures if you find yourself triggering them accidentally.

First Date

For an open-ear clip-on, the Crossky C50 puts up a competitive sound profile.

The bass has a solid punch without getting muddy, and doesn’t bleed into the vocals. The mids sound natural, with instruments sitting comfortably in the mix without drowning out the song.

And more importantly, the highs are clear and never goes into the harshness zone. Since this is an open-ear style, you’ll often need to push the volume higher depending on your environment.

The QCY app doesn’t offer a fully customizable EQ but does include preset “effects” like Pop, Bass Boost, Rock, and more; most of which don’t improve sound quality, except for Spatial Sound.

When enabled, Spatial Sound gives the illusion of a wider soundstage. Overall, it works pretty well but the vocals can take on a slightly echoey quality. Although not distracting enough to ruin the experience, it is definitely noticeable.

A single charge lasts a full workday. Give it just 10 minutes of juice, and you’re good to go for that two-hour commute home.

With up to 7.5 hours of listening per charge and 35 hours with the case, the C50 easily keeps pace with long days. The IPX5 water resistance also means it’s safe against sweat and light rain, making it a solid companion for both workouts and commutes.

First Impressions

With numerous open-ear and clip-on style earbuds available on the market, what sets the Crossky C50 apart is its magnetic contact self-adaptive technology and symmetrical cavity design.

Which means there is no fixed left or right earbud. Drop a bud into either side of the case, and the magnets instantly detect its position, remapping it automatically without needing to close the lid.

Thanks to the symmetrical design of both the case and the earbuds, you get so much convenience when you’re in a rush — or lazy. It’s super easy to pop them in your ears or drop them back into the case without fussing over which side is which.

The Crossky C50 nails that balanced mix of comfort, control, and value. It’s a strong entry point into that all-day, stay-aware listening experience. Plus, it’s only US$ 35.

The air was already humming with anticipation as I walked into Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque for Uniqlo’s Fall/Winter 2025 showcase.

Manila might not have autumn leaves drifting down sidewalks, but inside the venue, the mood was unmistakably seasonal.

Warm lighting spilled across textured fabrics. Racks of clothes stood like curated mood boards. The styling possibilities seemed endless. It felt like stepping into a fashion dream where timeless style had been gently reimagined for today.

Here to upgrade your everyday wardrobe

The theme this year, Revisiting Classic, was easy to spot from the very first look.

Everything carried a sense of familiarity, but never predictability. Think: the comfort of your favorite jeans made sharper with new cuts. There are knits that were elegant enough for a boardroom yet cozy enough for travel.

Then, there are sporty silhouettes elevated with tailoring so sleek you’d happily wear them beyond the gym.

It was all about contrasts in harmony: masculine and feminine, functional and refined, sporty and structured.

What stood out most for me was the Sport Utility Wear lineup.  As an athlete, it felt like they were both an activewear piece and a practical, lifestyle wear.

The Pocketable UV Protection Parka, featherlight yet functional, felt like the kind of jacket you’d toss into a tote and forget about until the weather surprised you.

With Uniqlo’s signature DRY-EX technology and Ultra Stretch fabrics, these items seemed built for lives in motion. These are something I could see myself reaching for a training day, spending the weekend outdoors, or just a casual work setup.

Rethinking staples

But the true heart of a Fall/Winter collection is knitwear, and Uniqlo didn’t disappoint.

I lingered over the Washable Milano Ribbed Sweater, a piece that stood out not just for its elegant design but also for how it felt. It’s soft, bouncy, and refined.

Knowing it could survive a spin in the washing machine made it even more appealing. Knitwear is often fussy, but here was a sweater made for real life without losing its luxe charm.

Of course, no Uniqlo F/W drop would be complete without HEATTECH. This year’s highlights were all about blending function with indulgence.

The Extra Warm Cashmere Blend T was luxuriously smooth, hugging the body with just the right amount of softness, thanks to a 9% cashmere blend.

Meanwhile, the Cashmere Blend Crew Neck offered the warmth of standard Extra Warm HEATTECH but at a lighter weight.

Then there was PUFFTECH — cropped vests and sleek outerwear that could travel anywhere, from airport lounges to snowy sidewalks.

Modern versatility

One corner of the event was dedicated to collaborations, and it reminded me why Uniqlo always feels relevant.

The JW Anderson jeans were already stealing attention, but there was also buzz around UNIQLO : C, Clare Waight Keller’s line of elevated wardrobe essentials.

Designed with movement and function in mind, the pieces blended formal elegance with casual ease. It’s a perfect reflection of modern life.

Add to that the updated UNIQLO U designs, the PEACE FOR ALL charity T-shirt project, and the French tie-up with Comptoir des Cotonniers, and the collection felt both global and personal.

As the event wrapped up, I left with the thought that Uniqlo isn’t slowing down in finding ways to make everyday dressing easier and more refined.

Walking out of the venue, I realized I wasn’t only excited about the new arrivals. I was already thinking about how they’d fit into the flow of my own days.

Let’s be real: these clothes feel like it was made to live with you, not just for you.

HOKA just launched its latest global brand campaign “Together, We Fly Higher” in the Philippines. The campaign puts the spotlight on the incredible power of community in the world of running.

It’s a tribute to how runners lift each other up. A glimpse of how shared effort and encouragement can help anyone go farther and faster.

Anchored by a heartfelt anthem film, “Together, We Fly Higher” zooms in on the small but powerful moments that make running meaningful.

Think pre-run rituals, post-run hugs, and those silent nods of support during a long climb. The campaign rolled out with a full-day launch experience in the Philippines.

Kicking off the day was a joint run session led by the HOKA Run Club and Just Show Up. Runners of all levels came together to move with intention and heart.

The celebration continued into the evening with a social gathering that brought the community even closer. DJ beats by CRWN and August Wahh brought a soulful live set.

HOKA also teamed up with Single Origin for in-store takeovers. The cafe served drinks inspired by the HOKA spirit, bringing the campaign into everyday spaces that feel familiar, warm, and connected.

“Together, We Fly Higher” builds on HOKA’s ongoing platform, FLY HUMAN FLY, which invites people from all walks of life to find joy, purpose, and progress in every run.

Where to experience?

In the Philippines, you can find HOKA at their standalone stores in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM Aura, One Ayala in Makati, Greenhills Mall, and Acienda Outlet Mall in Cavite.

You’ll also find them at key sports and lifestyle retailers like Commonwealth, Foot Locker, Sole Academy, Planet Sports, Toby’s, Runnr, and R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street.

You can shop online, too, at HOKA.com or follow them on @hoka_philippines.