“He who does not look back from where he came will never reach his destination.”

That’s a Filipino proverb I kept hearing while I was growing up. Nearly three decades later, I started learning what that proverb really meant.

We have to look back in order to move forward. At least, that was one of my takeaways when Ford Philippines invited us to drive the Next-Gen Ford Territory and reimagine the way we tour our cities.

Along with media folks and members of the Ford Territory Club Philippines, we hopped between places that honor the roots of our heritage and culture.

The cars that Filipino presidents used

I was never fond of visiting museums. But there was something alluring in seeing pieces of history and knowing how it all contributed to the present we live in.

Our first stop was the Presidential Car Museum housing the old cars used by the former Philippine Presidents. It is located within the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Inside, you can stumble upon the 1941 Packard 180 that both former President Jose P. Laurel and Sergio Osmena used. Former Presidents Roxas, Magsaysay, and Macapagal trusted a Cadillac, while Quirino used a Chrysler Crown Imperial.

 

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Former President Ferdinand Marcos’ Lincoln Continental Mark VI grabbed our attention, along with his First Lady’s car — an opulent Rolls Royce Phantom — which is a testament to the opulence and excessive grandeur they exhibited during their reign.

Meanwhile, Aquino up until Arroyo, the former presidents after Marcos Sr.’s regime have used a humbling yet trustworthy Mercedes-Benz instead.

Touring in the museum lit a fire inside that I didn’t know still existed. I thought I was already apolitical, but hearing the stories and reasonings behind the choice of presidential car sparked the angst I’ve long buried.

And if you’re that curious, it’s best to pay a visit to the museum. Maybe you can have a different perspective.

The Presidential Car Museum is open for public viewing between 9AM to 4PM on Tuesdays to Sundays.

Crafts, textiles, and the old script

After our active parking session at the Quezon Memorial Circle and relying on Adaptive Cruise Control while driving through the Skyway, I took the wheels as we approached the City of Manila and its never-ending stoplights.

I may hate Manila’s busy streets and traffic jams, but I know I’m well-equipped to navigate its roads (and find a way to overtake between humongous trucks) as we find our way to the National Museum of Anthropology.

Nestled beside the walled city of Intramuros, the museum found itself on a sweet, easy spot for city-dwellers, park visitors, and foreigners touring the historical city. It was easy to locate, which makes it inviting to a lot of visitors.

Inside, I was mesmerized by artifacts showcasing the chronicles of living in the Philippines — even from pre-historic times. I had a marvelous time staring at battle axes and bolos. I was incredibly drawn! Maybe, just maybe, I was a warrior in my past life.

We also took some time exploring the “Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery” which exhibits the traditional textiles created and worn across the Philippines.

On the next room beside the textile gallery, you’ll find the Baybayin Gallery, which was completed in 2014. The gallery houses the old writing systems used by ancient Filipinos, as well as the continued tradition of writing syllabic scripts.

The National Museum of Anthropology is located in the Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park adjacent to the National Museum of Fine Arts building. It’s open from 9AM to 6PM on Tuesdays to Sundays.

Living like an Ilustrado

Our last stop for the day was Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City. It’s a more accessible space housing replicas of famed Spanish-Filipino houses.

Originally, you can find it in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar where almost 40 Spanish-Filipino Colonial structures were collected and restored to showcase the heritage of the Philippines.

Upon entering, you’ll be transported back in time — as if you’re back in the 18th century. It wasn’t my first visit, though, as I’ve already tried to play like an Ilustrado a few years back.

The place isn’t just offering a heritage tour, but also an Italian restaurant, a cafe, garden, and banquet hall.

It’s a fine way to experience dining in a Spanish stone house at the 2-storey replica of Casa Monroy, while looking at the beauty of St. Joseph Chapel brimming with intricate brick and woodworks.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City is located at 134 Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City, Philippines 1105. It’s open from 11AM to 9PM.

One step forward, three steps back

As the day ends, we drove back to Quezon Memorial Circle where we started. It was bewildering to bridge everything that happened — from looking back to learning how to appreciate the present, and becoming excited to what the future holds.

These were just my thoughts as we navigate the dimly lit roads with the help of the Next-Gen Ford Territory. We progressed so much that we’re enjoying a vehicle that can keep us comfortable in long rides. Imagine if we still have to travel by foot or by riding a calesa!

The museum-hopping tour around Manila made me appreciate riding a smart, safe, and feature-packed vehicle. It gives me the peace of mind needed to explore a vibrant, busy city.

For your peace of mind

Customers who purchase the Next-Gen Ford Territory will receive a complimentary Peace of Mind service package. This includes free inspection that can be availed within 2 months of 2,000 kms (whichever comes first). You also get two (2) free labor on periodic maintenance schedule (PMS) services.

This is on top of the 5-year warranty — ensuring a worry-free ownership experiences.

Customers can visit any Ford dealership to get more information on the available 5-year scheduled service plan (SSP) and a 5-year emergency roadside assistance with a Territory purchase.