Fully Customized Running Shoes - Somnio

Just this year, I tried out running and it was a good physical activity for a change. The only physical activity I do before was move my fingers, typing in the keyboard. Since I started running, my knee hurts after every run. I then realized that maybe because I was running using my badminton shoes. A few weeks later, I decided to use my trekking shoes for running (*face palm#2*).

Of course, neither solved my knee problem. After being encouraged to buy a real running shoe, I went to Adidas that weekend to get one and I wrote something about choosing the right running shoes for you. Problem is, only the problem for one knee was solved. The other knee was still hurting even after wearing the Adidas running shoe. (Using the Adidas shoe, the arch area of my feet is also reddish and sore after running)

Earlier, I went to SM Megamall and I checked out the G3 store selling running shoes (G3 is located at the 2nd level of SM Megamall Building B, near the parking exit). It was a very unique experience, very different from the 'commercialized' testing procedure that Adidas does to you when purchasing a running shoe. You can even have alignment tests here even if you're not purchasing -- just to know the difference, try it yourself.

Laser Alignment System - Used to measure various aspects of your foot

What they'll do is, they will let you step on that contraption (You put the line you see there in between your big toe and the finger next to your big toe). After that, they will point a laser to your knee and let you slowly bend your knees several times to check the alignment.

The laser that checks your alignment

Then, using that small, yellow thing, they will insert it below the middle portion of your foot to check your arch type.

The mountain-like wooden thing measures your foot's arch

Other stuff this system measures - size, type of Ind-X (Read more about this later)

The green thing is called the Ind-X

Ind-X is inserted at the bottom rear part of your shoe. This is interchangeable, depending on your weight. The Orange color supports weights up to 119lbs. The green color supports weights up to 180lbs and the blue color supports weight up to 200+++ lbs.

Below are some of the designs you can see in the store. (4 different designs to choose from)

Lightweight Running Shoe from Somnio

Lightweight Running Shoes for men from Somnio

Lightweight Running Shoes for men from Somnio

Stability running shoes for men from Somnio

Lightweight running shoes for women from Somnio

I also asked why they have a limited number of designs. According to them, their goal is to provide comfort and function. "You won't look at your shoe or others won't look at your shoe when you're running." They have a point there. Hey, their designs don't look bad, right? I mean, they have even better designs compared to other running shoes out there!

Somnio display inside the G3 store (SM Megamall 2nd level, Building B)

Buy these for your own running shoes! Varus Wedges, customized just for you!

This is one of the coolest thing with Somnio. Their goal is to help runners find the perfect running shoe (comfort and function) for them. It's very unselfish of them to provide these soles and inserts they call varus wedges, so you can put them in your own running shoes! These varus wedges can also work with other brands of running shoes! Not only that, they will also do the laser assessment thing, for free!

Actually, those inserts can also be used in leather shoes, sneakers and other shoes that you may have! Just have your feet assessed, purchase the right varus wedge and insert them into the pair of shoe that you're using!

Below is a photo of my shoe! :) What's cool about Somnio is, you get to choose the design! In Adidas, I have to settle with the design where they tell me to choose after the test. In Somnio, you choose the design first (or choose if you want stability or a lightweight pair) then they assess your feet.

My Somnio Mission Control Running Shoes

Somnio Mission Control Running Shoes

If you notice, the packaging for the shoe is made from recycled materials. Very eco-friendly! Kudos to Somnio!

Somnio - Built for the long run

Can't wait to try it out! Might go around a few rounds this weekend just to try it out! I'll post an update if my knee and arch area will still ache. Excited! :)

Cheftonio

Koala Conservation Center - Phillip Island, VIC Australia

What's Australia without those clenching Koalas? If people were to describe Australia into 2 different animals, It would surely be Koalas and Kangaroos!

The Koala Conservation Center in Phillip Island was originally established in 1991, the Centre is dedicated to koala research and conservation and has played a vital role in ensuring there is a protected koala population on Phillip Island.The Koala Conservation Centre is also home to a host of Australian wildlife – swamp wallabies, nocturnal brushtail and ringtail possums, echidnas and over 80 species of birds.

Wild Pelican Feeding - San Remo, VIC Australia (Nr Phillip Island)

One of my favorite foods is a must try in this place! Fish and Chips! Before eating, we went to a nearby gathering where a lady feeds some wild pelicans everyday. The pelicans fly in come 12noon to fill their tummies and fly out again after.

Patiently waiting for the food, here, it's not the early bird who gets the worm but the bigger bird gets the fish!

Cheftonio's Blog is now 4 years old!

To the gazillions of visitors who visits my blog continuously, I'd like to thank you! To followers, readers and commenters, thank you thank you! I'd like to thank you all for the constant support!

In return, I'd like to host a contest next week! I will be giving away prizes that will surely be worth the time you will spend in joining! :) If you'd like to sponsor, let me know. If you want to win, wait for my announcement! :)

The Pinoy Pride Fair 2011 @ Suntec Singapore on June 4, 2011

I visited Singapore a few weeks back and I already miss it! It's not my home country yet, I miss it. Now, I can understand how Filipinos working there in Singapore miss their home!

On June 4, 2011, a meet up of Pinoy Professionals will happen at Suntec city! This event is dubbed as the Pinoy Pride Fair 2011. It's a Concert, Comedy & Trade Show  Celebrating Filipino Excellence in Singapore. Before, there were 80,000 Filipinos working in Singapore and majority of them are domestic helpers (DH), which by the way, is contributing a lot to the Philippine economy, a big thanks to them! It's really hard to be away from their families but they are doing everything to improve their lifestyle. Kudos to them! (TAG Event Concepts Website)

Now, there are around 200,000 Filipinos working in Singapore and majority of them are Filipino Professionals! Talk about Filipino power overseas and we are only talking about Singapore. Wait until you hear the other stories!

Cape Woolamai + Dr Food Cafe - Phillip Island, VIC Australia

Cape Woolamai is a small town and headland at the south eastern tip of Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia. It is home to Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve, and the Phillip Island Airfield. Cape Woolamai contains a subdivision also called Cape Woolamai (formerly known as Woolamai Waters and Woolamai Waters West).

The above photo is the one I took. It was windy and cloudy that day. The photo below is taken from a tourism website of Australia promoting Cape Woolamai.

Best Portable Mouse Ever

I'm not talking about rodents here. I'm talking about the mouse that you are probably using right now or if not, you might be using your track pad and like me, you're probably having a hard time too! You know how I hate using my laptop track pad? I have a spare mouse in my office, in my laptop bag and at home other than the mouse that I always use.

Well, this mouse will change the way you use your laptop... FOREVER!

Mobile Broadband Test: Globe and Sun VS PLDT MyDSL Business Line

Just got my new mobile broadband subscription yesterday. It was a hard decision to make -- Several weeks of decision making before making my final decision to get the Globe Superstick. I've blog about the Globe Superstick before but at that time, I still wasn't ready to get another mobile broadband subscription.

I finally decided to subscribe when I tried out their Bridge Data Roaming Unlimited service when I went out of the country weeks ago. (Read about Unlimited Data Roaming from Globe here) I've yet to post a review about that service very soon.

Last Saturday, I submitted my Globe Superstick application and requirements to a Globe business center. Unfortunately, they didn't have the Globe Superstick plan 1299 on stock and told me to wait for their call. Impatient me, that night, I went to a 'lesser populated' mall to check out if they have a unit available. Unfortunately, it wasn't also available.

Silverwater Resort, San Remo - Phillip Island, VIC Australia

This was our first lodging for the trip. A couple of minutes drive away from the world renowned Penguin Parade in Phillip Island, Silverwater Resort in San Remo, Phillip Island is one of the best stays I had in my entire life. The place was just awesome! Too bad we spent less than 8 hours here because of our jampacked schedule.

 We arrived late at night already. Around 10pm I think.That's me in the car and some are checking-in as seen in the photo.

Otterbox Impact for iPhone 4 Review

I'm a fan of Otterbox cases! Aside from their tough looks, they also function as expected. All my phones now sport an Otterbox! This iPhone 4 Otterbox impact case I'm reviewing is not mine BUT I also own an Otterbox Impact case for my Nokia N8.

Included in the package is a screen shield and a small microfiber cloth. Below is my personal review of the case.

Pharmaton MVP Unleashed Challenge - Inching closer to the Finish Line!

All 5 of them are feeling the strain and pressure! 3 weeks has passed and the tension is constantly increasing as the Pharmaton MVP Unleashed Challenge inches closer to the finish line. They can still cope with the tasks depsite the exhaustion. Talk about endurance! I bet the Pharmaton has something to do with this.

“Participating in a month-long endurance challenge is no joke”
“It really is very tiring but we also get to enjoy ourselves because of the different places we visit.”
-Popo Remigio

Penguin Parade Ultimate Tour - Phillip Island, VIC Australia

 

Just 1.6kms away from the Nobbies Center, Phillip Island Nature Park is where we will watch the world renowned Penguin Parade.

The Penguin Parade is Australia’s most popular wildlife attraction and home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world.
Every sunset, the hundreds to over a thousand wild Little Penguins emerge from the sea and march across the beach to their sand dune burrows.
The Little Penguin is the world’s smallest (and cutest) penguin and the Penguin Parade is the best place to experience this completely natural phenomenon.

The Best Breakfast Dog: World Bangers Sunshine

If you've noticed, I've been raving about World Bangers for a couple of weeks/months now. I don't know why I'm so addicted with their hotdogs. It must be the quality and taste plus the mix of ingredients. This is the latest Banger I tried... The Sunshine!

As usual, I captured the creation of their masterpiece

 

Preparing my order: World Banger's Sunshine Dog!

Believe me. At this point, I was controlling not to drool over the counter

Served hot, yummy and flavorful!

Got water to go with it

I didn't get the meal this time. Meal comes with fries or potato salad. I just got the Solo sandwich only. As usual, the banger was a bit crunchy and the mix of flavors from the sunny side up egg, bacon and onions was just awesome! Wrap it up with their tasty bread -- ohhh! Best.Breakfast.Hotdog.Ever!


The image below is from the World Bangers Facebook Fan Page. Add 'em up because they are holding contests from time to time! Click > World Bangers Facebook Fan Page

Cheftonio

The Nobbies Center - Phillip Island, VIC Australia

After Churchill Island Heritage Farm, we were still early for our Penguin Parade activity. We decided to go to The Nobbies Center. Based on the official website,

The Nobbies Centre, managed by the Phillip Island Nature Park, is the area's newest marine attraction. Discover the secrets of the southern marine environment, view seals, sharks and dolphins via interactive displays & state-of-the-art cameras.The Nobbies Centre is located in an area of spectacular coastal beauty. Also onsite are educational displays about marine life, a café and upstairs function centre.

 From Churchill Island Farm, it took around 20 minutes to get to The Nobbies Center

Churchill Island Heritage Farm - Phillip Island, VIC Australia

This was our first destination. Well, it became our first destination because we were late for our first activity, which was supposed to be the Seal Rock Cruise. Good thing that the Seal Rock Cruise staff allowed us to move the booking to the next day. This is why I mentioned in 1 of the 15 trip planning tips that you should avoid making schedules close to your arrival flight.

 

From Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne Airport, Victoria to Churchill Island, Victoria

Because it was my first time driving here, it took us 30 minutes longer. We left Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne around 12noon and reached Churchill around 2:30pm. Drove a total of 150++ kilometers.

87kms left! Wohoo!

First Time Experience: Driving in Melbourne

I've been driving for around a decade now but this will be the very first time I will drive a right hand drive vehicle on the left side of the road. No practice, no tests. Just the actual driving conditions upon arriving in Melbourne.

Prior to this, I researched their rules and regulations as ignorance of the law is and would never be a good excuse.


Here are the 2 videos I watched:
Driving with Trams


Driving with Buses

We went to pick up our car at the airport terminal and the first challenge was, driving without a GPS. We reserved a car and a GPS navigator unit but unfortunately, Avis was not able to save us a unit. Instead, they provided us with this huge map book which costs around $4 AUD to rent.

Kuala Lumpur Amazing Race-Type City Tour

This will be my first time to fly out using Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). It was easier than I thought. We left QC early and arrived quite early at DMIA for us not to be late for our flight. It took us less than 2 hours to reach DMIA.

15 Travel Planning Tips Based on our Recent Trip

 Our trip was one year in the making. You can just imagine the anticipation and excitement we all felt when the actual day arrived. All the planning and researching will be finally put to a test.

All of us had assignments of our own. Some booked for the flights, hotels and car rentals. Others planned for the daily activities and places to visit. While some researched for the recommended places to eat.

Pharmaton MVP Unleashed Challenge Week 2 [Iloilo, Mindoro, Batangas]

Pharmaton MVP Unleashed Challenge is now on their 2nd week! The 5 challengers are in for more grueling challenges starting off in Guimaras, Iloilo.

The pressure is building up but the players remained focused to their game plans. They did Kayaking, biking and swimming and more running. You should have a lot of mental and physical preparation to do all those! Crossing Antique, they were in it for another bike and kayak challenge. Upon reaching Mindoro, they did swim and run again. WOW.