MJ’s GadgetMatch for 2023

Finding the right gadget that matches your wants, needs, and lifestyle is difficult to achieve — but not impossible. This year, I’ve got my hands on playing around with the latest in the consumer technology industry. But of course, a few stood out and were etched into my mind and heart.

Everything I list down here is my GadgetMatch for 2023. And no, I don’t have “one” GadgetMatch. My life is too vast to be confined to a single match.

Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2)

Becoming a full-fledged athlete means stepping away from stuff I used to do and like. That includes being overly concerned with my style to look presentable.

Ditching my Apple Watch was probably the best thing I did this year. Not only did I stop caring about how I looked, but I focused more on improving my performance as an athlete.

Instead of being the athlete on the race course who is always being praised for his unique outfits, I rose to the top of my age group’s leaderboard.

From Rank 28, I jumped to Rank 13 at the end of Spartan Race Philippines’ National Series for Age Group 25-29. That age bracket is dubbed as the most difficult since the athletes are at their peak condition.

I also made new Personal Records (PR) for my 21KM and 10KM races, thanks to the improvements I made while studying my data brought by the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2). Who knew that changing my smartwatch would transform me from a sports enthusiast to a hybrid athlete who gives his heart and soul to the sport he chooses?

READ: I ditched my Apple Watch for the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2)

GoPro Hero12 BLACK

My life isn’t always just running, lifting, and racing. I still permit myself to have an activity that doesn’t involve preparing for my next Spartan race.

During my off-season, I toured the countryside of Bohol, went island hopping, and jumped plenty of times during my canyoneering adventure in Cebu.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MJ (@hemjaye)

Having the GoPro HERO12 BLACK allowed me to document my travel without being overly attached to my smartphone. It helped me stay present in making and capturing memories.

And when I was about to run out of storage, I transferred the photos and video clips to my iPhone through the app.

READ: GoPro HERO12 Black: Making heroic shots with the new HERO

OPPO Find N3 Flip

Having a smartphone that can keep up with your lifestyle is a must nowadays. It’s not a matter of having a smartphone to stay connected.

The OPPO Find N3 Flip fits perfectly in my life, thanks to its versatile form factor. Sometimes, it’s a fitness companion. It helps me record my workout routines so I can check my form later, or I can send it to my coach whenever I’m in a different gym.

But most of the time, it’s a pocketable camera that captures my daily life and outdoor adventures. From running errands to running on mountainous trails, the OPPO Find N3 Flip kept up with my activities. It’s certainly the smartphone that I can call my GadgetMatch.

READ: OPPO Find N3 Flip review: Fits my life perfectly

Canon EOS R8

Life took another 180 when I got accepted as a race photographer for the sport I love. I took the Canon EOS R8 along with the RF 15-30mm and RF 70-200mm lenses during my photography gig for Spartan Race Philippines.

The experience helped me remember what it was like to shoot and capture important moments. It also gave me a better appreciation of the photographers I stumble upon on the race course, seeing how they spend the early morning up until the sun sets.

I experienced bearing the heat and exhaustion to capture every racer a photo they will treasure as part of the race they signed up for.

To be part of their journey is what elated me as a race photographer, and I managed to do my role when I had the Canon EOS R8. Simply put, I had the time of my life with it.

READ: On the other side of the race course

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium

Most of what I listed here became my daily drivers for some time. This is why the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium deserves a spot in my list of favorites this year. Having had the privilege to road test various cars, the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium stood out the most for me.

I drove it from Manila to Clark and back for a weekend getaway with a detour to one of Spartan Race’s toughest challenges with people close to my heart. It has a spacious compartment that fits our luggage and comfortable passenger seats that make the SUV feel like our home while on the road.

The tech features made driving a humongous vehicle so much easier, keeping us safe and sound and doing the extra legwork so we could all have a cozy ride. There’s nothing quite like it — finding a home wherever you are.

READ: Home away from home: Next-Gen Ford Everest makes long trips cozier