The Philips ActionFit Sweatproof In-Ear headphones. Tuned for Sports

Music gets me into the groove of my workout. When running it helps me synchronize my pace with the beat and at the gym, it really helps shut out some outside noise especially of people just yapping around and not really working out. I have  several earphones I use, the regular ones which I listen with for that much needed sound-trip and another one for active purposes. The Philips ActionFit Sweatproof In-Ear Headphone fits the latter and with a good budget tag to boot.

The tear-drop shaped caps

Build and Comfort

The tear-drop like shape of the silicon caps fits snugly and comfortably in the ear and I like that even if I accidentally tug the wire it stays in place. Unlike other in-ear headphones I tried, it doesn’t totally block-out the ambient sounds which I kinda like especially when I’m out in the streets. This should be worn correctly since the sound comes out from the cap holes. And Philips claims the caps have anti-bacterial properties which is nice to know. Better is there are 2 extra pairs included in the package.

The 1.2 meter long red cable wire is just the right length for me for outdoor use whether I have my player in my belt bag or pocket. There’s a detachable clip as well to keep the wire on hold. The package includes a nice pouch to keep them when not in use.

What’s included in the pack

Sound Quality

For a Php 1200 (US$28) price tag, the sound quality is very good especially on the acoustics but I would have preferred much better bass as well. I still feel my old Seinnheiser of almost equal price sounds better but for the sweatproof and active use features, it does makes up for it.

The Philips ActionFit App on an iPhone

ActionFit App

If you’re using an iPhone, Philips has an ActionFit App that goes along with it. I tried the app and it’s pretty basic in functions and doesn’t have any special features that goes along with the headphone. People are better off with other running apps like Endomondo, Sports Tracker or MapMyRun.

Bottomline

I’ve had the Philips ActionFit Sweatproof In-Ear Headphone for more than 3 months now and has been used for running, in the gym and lately while traveling as well. It’s a really good headphones for people with an active lifestyle and one of the better and cheaper sweatproof headphones out there. The headphone also comes with a one year warranty from the store I bought it which is a plus.

SRP: Php 1200 (US$28)

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Facade of Coron Eco Lodge along Calle Real

Coron has seen some major changes since my last visit 5 years ago. Aside from the better road from Busuanga Airport, definitely a lot more options for lodging has popped out. It was mid last year when Coron Ecolodge extended an invite to stay if ever we find ourselves in Coron. Luck have it that I I got a scheduled trip to Coron and took their invitation. Here’s my honest impression about this lodge.

Location

Coron Ecolodge is found at a quiet corner of Calle Real. It’s by the street but surprisingly not many tricycles pass by it. I could say location is one of the lodging’s strength being at the center of the town yet quiet enough in the evening that I have no problem sleeping. There are several eateries and stores nearby as well making it easy to buy supplies.

The double occupancy room

The Ecolodge

I must admit the word “eco” has been used a lot lately by many establishments often to the point of being mis-used. Coron Ecolodge somehow falls slightly off here. The main building though has an eco-friendly design with the natural breeze coming in so there’s no need to use airconditioning at the hallways and common area. And I do like the nice touch on the door decors. The rooms however felt a bit short on the theme. It was rather basic for me even with a few loose fixtures here and there. I would have added some greenery or even use natural products on refillable containers for the soap and shampoo (Human Heart Nature products would be good) instead of the disposable ones. Just to be fair, the aircon works perfectly and the beddings soft and clean. All rooms are double occupancy and breakfast comes free with the room rate. Wifi is available at the lobby.

Bathroom

Staff and Service

Coron Ecolodge does offer competitive package tour rates for visitors. This includes free airport transfers to and fro the lodging on every tour package arrange with accommodation. They have tours ranging from 2 days 3 nights or to up to 5 days for more exploration. Having tried one of their tours (the basic Coron Island and City Tour) we found that the the people they hire does the work pretty well. We felt very satisfied with the quality of the the tour they offered. And may I say the in-house staff will really get out of their way to help their guest. Fairly simple people that wears a pleasant air and smile.

Bottomline

Coron Ecolodge is one of the better lodgings in Coron with its location, competitive service and friendly staff as the highlights. The lodging itself still have room to improve though in terms of amenities and keeping up to the theme.

Price Range: Php 1898 (US$45) per night

visit: www.coronecolodge.com

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Some of the photo tour participants at Kiltepan Viewpoint in Sagada

I initially wanted to write the dispatch often during my 6 days with a Photo Tour Group organized by Karl Grobl for the Jim Cline Photo Tours. But I ended up late and sleepy in the evening or finding myself in a place with a poor internet connection especially in the highlands. Anyways, it’s the 3rd year for this photo tour and we had a full house of 10 photography enthusiast ready to explore and see what wonders the Philippine has to offer. It was a nice mix of group from the USA, Europe and Australia. They started in Manila the first of June and I came onboard later on the 4th to help out on their Vigan-Sagada-Baguio leg. As always, it is interesting to see different outputs from different photographers. From their styles and techniques to their creative vision. I didn’t shoot much as I try to keep myself away from people’s frame as having 12 photographers (including Karl and Kat from Jim Cline) around can get a little tricky when shooting but still I’m quite surprised with everyone’s output. I did manage to get a few shots that I like once in a while and will post them at Ironwulf En Route soon.

In the meantime, I do invite you to join us to our El Nido Photo Tour this August. Check out the details at Backpack Photography.

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The Huawei E355 Wingle

I have been using the Huawei E355 for half a year now. I went to buy one last November 2012 as I was looking for a mobile wifi solution while I travel to several places for a few months. I bring along my MacBook, my iPad and mobile phones with me and wanted to somehow connect all devices. A simple datacard dongle wouldn’t suffice as it could only connect me to my main device. A pocket wifi was also an option but it was way over my budget at that time. I found that the Huawei E355 struck a balance in terms of cost and features.

Huawei E355 Wingle Features

The Huawei site fondly calls this mobile internet device a “Wingle” since it’s a dongle with wifi capabilities. This is actually the same device used by Smart on their “Wifi Plug-it” and recently I’ve been seeing this sold with a Globe sim packaged with it. Well I bought this one since its open-line and I could use different sims depending on which provider is strong in the area. Here’s a low down on the features:

• Simple yet stylish USB stick design
• UMTS/HSUPA/HSPA+/GSM/GPRS/EDGE capable
• Downlink speed of up to 21.6Mbps and an uplink speed of 5.76 Mbps
• A MicroSD card slot up to 32gb
• IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wifi Protocol
• Wifi Connection up to 5 devices + 1 plugged to a device
• Supports Windows and Mac OS

The SIM and MicroSD card slot

Wingle Device

The wingle device is like a regular dongle. Slide off the top cover to access the slot for the sim and microSD card. There are two led indicators. One is for the wifi and the other is for the current internet status. It’s pretty easy to determine the meaning of the led signals. A continuous flashing deep blue means its searching for signal, a static deep blue means it has no signal or inactive, a cyan means there’s 3G while green is 2G. The wifi led light simply lights up green when wifi is active.

The wingle with power adapter and active led lights

Use

With the Huawei E355, you simply insert a SIM and plug it on a laptop or power source to start. If on a computer, the necessary drivers would be available and a shortcut to the device interface can be installed. My unit comes with a usb power adapter so one can plug it on a wall socket. It’s pretty much plug and play as long as the SIM is preloaded with internet credits.

The Huawei device admin interface for changing settings and sms messaging

Wifi Security and Internet Settings

By default, Wifi is accessible to the public but there’s access to the settings through the Huawei service admin at http://192.168.1.1 or mobilewifi.home when connected to the device. Wifi settings can be changed there like making the wifi secure with a password or changing the wifi zone name. I also found that a postpaid accounts have to be configured like my Globe Tattoo Postpaid SIM which has a different APN from the prepaid ones. Profiles can be setup for different types of SIM.

On the admin interface as well, there’s an option for SMS messaging if the SIM supports it.

Smart Bro broadband speedtest in my area in Pasig

Speed and Performance

The speed is really dependent on the area where I use the Huawei E355. When I was staying in El Nido, my Globe Tattoo was steady. The fastest downlink I can get is 7.5mbps. While the device can go up to 21.6mbps, I think the local internet providers cap the speed at 7.5mbps, If I wanted faster I would have to pay extra especially with Globe.

When I got back to my home in Pasig, Metro Manila, my Globe Tattoo Postpaid SIM got really inconsistent and jittery. I would occasionally get good speeds but in one moment the signal would shift from 3G to 2G. My Smart Bro SIM on the other hand was much more steady and consistent with its 3G signal in my area. See the test results done minutes apart.

My Wifi connection with the device was also consistent. I didn’t experience being disconnected even when used in more than 6 hours.

One problem I did encounter is that the Huawei E355 Wingle doesn’t support USB 3. My MacBook mid 2012 is USB 3 and it only works as a power source for the dongle. I tried it with a USB 2 laptop and it works at it should be. I’m still waiting for an update from Huawie if they’ll be supporting USB 3.

Globe Tattoo broadband speedtest in my area in Pasig

Conclusion

For its purpose as a portable WiFi travel device it serves its purpose well without problem as long as you have a power source nearby. Configuring the setting is easy, changing SIMs worked without a problem and the quality of wifi connection is quite good. My only problem with the Huawei E355 was with the USB 3 compatibility. Anything else there is little to complain about.

Huawei E355 SRP: Php 2,700

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Cebu Pacific Air at Camiguin Mambajao Airport

It was more than 5 years ago when I last set foot at the “Island Borne of Fire”, commonly known as Camiguin. When Cebu Pacific Air invited a few bloggers for a familiarization tour of the island, I was glad to be included. It was an opportune time to see what has changed through out the years. Cebu Pacific Air launched their Camiguin flights from their Cebu Hub last April 15, 2013. This familiarization tour of the island hopes to promote the island’s tourism and awareness of the easy flight access to the Camiguin via Cebu Pacific Air.

It was a rather short trip yet eventful one still. To give you a short account: we went to familiar spots like the Katibawasan Falls, White Island, Sunken Cemetery, the Old Ruins and Mantigue Island. What made things new on my recent visit is that I finally got to explore the underwater world of the Sunken Cemetery and Mantigue Island. I never expected such fantastic marine life which I’ll write about soon at Ironwulf.net En Route. Another great twist is that I got to spend time with fellow bloggers and host on a lot of eating stops and a mini-challenge organized by Cebu Pacific Air to usher this year’s Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge for 2013.

Watch out for the detailed post later, in the meantime, here are some helpful details. Camiguin via Cebu Pacific Air flies from Cebu every Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Flight schedule Cebu to Camiguin is 6:45am, Camiguin to Cebu at 7:45am. Travel time is 40 minutes.

The Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge for 2013 will be accepting entries on June 14, 2013. Watch out for more details at www.juanforfun.com.

Posted with Blogsy

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Shooting at Mt Tapyas Coron with Pacsafe Camsafe Venture V16 (Photo by Oggie Ramos

The camera bag I bring on a trip is dependent on what gear I would bring or the type of photography I would be doing. For casual street photography, I would eventually bring something like the PacSafe Camsafe Venture V12 Sling Bag. But on my recent trip to Coron Palawan, I knew I would be bringing a lot more, like my MacBook, a larger selection of lenses, some reading materials, notebooks, a water bottle and probably a few quick snacks since I would be staying longer and shooting a wider variety of subjects. I was fortunate to have the PacSafe Camsafe Venture V16 Slingpack for me to try out on that week long trip to Coron, PacSafe’s new camera bag geared for the active traveler.

Wearing the Camsafe Venture V16 on various angle

A Camera Slingpack

A slingpack is also like a backpack but uses only one main strap that slings and crosses over the  torso. For a camera slingpack, they are designed with the one side having access to the camera gear by simply sliding and rotating the pack to the front even without removing the bag. The same goes with the Pacsafe Camsafe Venture V16 Slingpack. With the bag empty, the size seems small but once I’ve placed some stuff inside it, it’s just the perfect size – not too big nor too small either.

Bag Fit

Personally I like regular backpacks since it has two straps that perfectly balances the weight of the bag on both shoulders sides unlike the a slingpack which still stress its weight on one shoulder despite having it on the back. For the Camsafe Venture V16, I had to find the perfect length for main strap and proper weight for the bag. As long as the weight is tolerable, it’s comfortable to bring on hikes. I even brought this up the 700+ steps up Mt. Tapyas without a problem. It helps that it has a firm yet comfortable molded back support padding and a secondary buckle strap to secure the bag in its place.

The camera compartment

The Pacsafe Camsafe Venture V16 Compartments

There are five main compartments here. The Camera Compartment is on the left side of the bag when carried. It has a removable padded compartment with customizable velcro dividers. It can probably fit a full sized DSLR with a fitted standard lens and an extra lens. For my mirrorless OM-D, I can fit up to 3 extra lenses being small they are. The compartment zipper flap has small velcro pockets for memory cards or a battery.

The side pocket, rear compartment and hydration port

The Rear Compartment can fit my regular sized iPad or my MacBook Pro 13″ with the iPearl Case (not both of them though). It can also fit a hydration bladder. It even has an inner velcro hook for the bladder and a hydration port for the tube. It’s a very versatile compartment.

Front compartment with an RFIDSafe pocket

The Front Compartment has several pockets with one including an RFID Safe Pocket to block RFID devices accessing info in your digital passports or credit cards. A hook ring for keys and inner zipped pocket to secure small items. The compartment is deeply spaced.

The main compartment with a string loop division

The Main Top Compartment is surprisingly roomy. It has another zipper pocket to secure items. It has a string divider as well to separate the camera compartment. This can be used as a regular bag when the camera compartment is removed.

The raincover and the raincover compartment at the bottom

The last compartment is hidden at the bottom. It’s the Rain Cover Compartment which was a welcome surprise since I didn’t notice it at first. Since this bag can be brought on hikes or even when biking, the rain sleeve included with the bag makes it weather proof. I found this useful when we were off to venture the southern part of Culion on a motorbike and suddenly a heavy rain fell.

Not really a compartment but there’s a handy stretchable pocket on one side where I put my water bottle in. I think it can carry a tripod but a small one.

The molded back support, strap and buckle

Standard Pacsafe Anti-Theft Features

The price of the Pacsafe Camsafe Venture V16 is on the premium side, higher than the regular camera slingpacks because of the added Anti-Theft Feature it has, similar to the Camsafe Venture V12:

• Exomesh Slashguard within its nylon and ripstop material linings.
• Every compartment (except the raincover) has the Smart Zipper Security hooks.
• Slashproof and releasable Dual Buckle strap.
• An RFIDSafe Pocket

the smart zipper security

Bottomline

If you are an active travel and adventure photographer, the Pacsafe Camsafe Venture V16 can hold up its own in rugged conditions like hiking and biking. The camera compartment is easy to access on a twist without removing the bag which is good for spontaneous moments. It’s better for photographers who bring light gears like me uses mirrorless cameras. But DSLR users would still benefit with limited lenses. On the aesthetic side, I thought its a good looking back with well thought out design lines and compartments.

I really like the Camsafe Venture V16 but I’m just a bit worried on the loose stitchings on a couple parts of the bag near the buckle of the main strap after using it heavily for a week. Then again, this white/gray model is a sample bag used for testing. It’s color is not available commercially. I just hope the final production which comes in black and sunset red at the stores is more sturdy.

The Pacsafe Camsafe Venture V16 is priced premium at US$180 (Php 8,890 in the Philippines) which is definitely more expensive than other camera slingpack in the market. But considering the design, functionality and Anti-theft features of this camera bag, you do get what you paid for.

The author with the Camsafe Venture V16 along the mangroves (Photo by Oggie Ramos)

Pacsafe Camsafe Venture V16 on the rocky hills of Mt Tapyas

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Action Asia Magazine May-June 2013 Issue

Check out the latest, Action Asia Magazine May-June 2013 issue, as the favorite magazine for the adventure travel and action sports lifestyle comes with a free Philippines supplement. The Philippines supplement features some stunning imagery to entice readers to visit the Philippines. It also features articles on outdoor activities and destinations just outside Manila, a gallery of fantastic underwater scenery, Chip Childers (who I had the pleasure working with a couple times before) have a story on selected beaches in the country and there’s the “Baywatching” article on kayaking El Nido’s Bacuit Bay. I was fortunate enough to be part of the supplement lending a few images to Gideon Lacso’s (the Pinoy Mountaineer) article “Halsema: Highway to adventure” which talks about the adventures to one of my favorite destinations, the Cordillera’s.

Opening spread for the feature story on the Cordilleras

Since Action Asia is widely distributed around Asia, it’s a great way to promote the Philippines in those countries. The Action Asia Magazine May-June 2013 issue itself with the theme “Asia Gets on It’s Bike” also has some wonderful articles as well that would capture the fancy of bike-lovers and pedaling enthusiast. The article “Seven’s Heaven” features selected adventure day rides and bike trails across Asia. “Pilgrimage by Pedal” is an interesting story of discovering Myanmar’s Kayin and Mon States by bike.

Action Asia Magazine is available on major bookstores and magazine stands for Php 180.

More of my image share for the issue

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