Automotive

When love is in cruise control

The Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X gives us the space to love, go the distance, and take the extra mile.

Published

February 7, 2025

MJ Jucutan

Love, like driving, isn’t just about speed or adrenaline-fueled detours.

Sometimes, it’s about quiet moments, effortless miles, and steady pacing. It’s in the knowing that, no matter the distance, you’ll always arrive where you’re meant to be.

Once upon a time, I was a passenger prince, perfectly content with adjusting the air-con, queuing up a road trip playlist, and admiring my reflection in the side mirror.

That was when it hit me: quality time and acts of service aren’t just how I express love. They’re how I feel it, too. And if I love you, I’ll drive for you.

And for the past year, that was what I had been doing. I had plenty of quality time on the road with my beau, turning simple trips into something more. But this time, our plans for a weekend getaway took a different turn when work got in the way.

Love, however, isn’t just about the moments you plan. Sometimes, it’s about the unexpected ones; the quiet in-betweens, the miles shared, and the comfortable silence that speaks louder than words.

That’s what I learned as I took the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X for a weekend drive — running errands, sharing playlists, and simply enjoying the ride with my favorite person in the passenger seat.

Love that moves at its own pace

My beau lives almost 30 miles away, a drive that usually takes over an hour.

Newsflash: I made it in less than an hour, cruising my way to my long-term, long-distance, low-commitment Ken. (Yes, Barbie fans, IYKYK!)

I didn’t have to push too hard. Just like in love, the right support makes things effortless. With 248 Nm of torque, the Territory Titanium X felt smooth, steady, and easy to drive along the freeway.

I pulled up outside his office, and with the power liftgate, he tossed his bags into the compartment with ease. He slid into the leather-upholstered seat, and with a simple push-start button, our adventure began.

Together, we’ll be the greatest team there’s ever been

We had a late lunch planned at Forresta Café, tucked away in the vast grasslands of Dasmariñas, Cavite.

I let the Adaptive Cruise Control take over, slowing down to a relaxed 70 km/h. Less about the rush, and more about enjoying the drive.

With the 12-inch touchscreen lighting up like our personal concert stage and the 8-speaker sound system surrounding us, we queued up our favorite playlist on Spotify.

“Defying Gravity” started playing, and just like that, the car transformed into our very own Broadway stage. Me as Glinda, him as my Elphaba. We harmonized, belted, and completely ignored the fact that we were slightly off-key.

And yes, we were singing in the car, but we’re not getting lost upstate. (I’ll be a Swiftie, through and through!)

Though the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, I found syncing my iPhone to be more seamless.

The wireless Android Auto sometimes disconnected mid-drive — unless I plugged it in with a USB-C cable — and that’s not the kind of reliability I expect when I’m cruising with someone I love.

By the time we arrived at Forresta, parking was a breeze, thanks to the front and rear parking sensors guiding me into a tight space under the trees. No tinted windows meant no risking hot leather seats when we got back.

Over plates of spicy Fettuccine a la Amatriciana and Fish & Chips, we caught up. Not just on what was new, but on the kind of conversations that make you feel closer, even without saying much.

I did one thing right

We left Forresta without locking the doors. Fortunately, I had already activated the Speed Sensing Door Locks, which locked the doors as soon as the vehicle detected movement.

I have a propensity of forgetting stuff when I am with him. Sometimes it’s my own thoughts, and other times it’s the next highway exit. But the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X kept me on track — literally.

It took less than 20 minutes to arrive at Vivere Hotel, where we checked in for the night. The basement parking was tight, but the parking sensors made maneuvering seamless. I could’ve used Active Park Assist, but let’s be honest, I wanted to impress my beau.

After freshening up, we took a slow stroll through Westgate, letting the pink skies paint the evening in soft hues.

As athletes, we love moving together — running, walking, even just pacing our steps to match the other. It’s in these quiet moments that I realize: love doesn’t always have to feel like an adrenaline rush. Sometimes, love is just being there. Steady, constant, reliable.

Later that night, we dined at The Nest, Vivere’s rooftop restaurant. Comfort Filipino food, a Strawberry Cinnamon Sangria, under the stars, and skyline sparkling below us.

It wasn’t a grand romantic gesture, but it was ours. And maybe that’s what made it perfect.

No miles between us

We put on our running shoes for the 7-Eleven Run 2025 the next morning, which was a buddy run that required us to start and finish together. I was skeptical after suffering an injury during my most recent ultra-trail marathon.

Turns out, I didn’t just keep up. I stayed ahead in the front pack. My legs still knew the rhythm, my stride still had power. And my beau? He was right there with me.

Maybe I wasn’t as fast as I used to be, but love doesn’t measure in PRs. It’s about running the race together, side by side.

We refueled over breakfast at the Vivere Hotel after crossing the finish line, laughing in between bites and making plans for the following journey.

During our drive to Los Baños, the Blind-Spot Detection System and Auto Brake System provided us with quiet protection. One instance was when a motorcyclist swerved in front of me in a traffic jam, the Territory Titanium X responded before I could react.

Somehow, this trip felt different, and every safety feature reminded me of it. Because when you’re driving with someone you love, you drive differently — more cautiously, more thoughtfully, as if their life is your life.

We returned to his house, collected a few items, and then drove to Shore Residences, where I assisted him in checking in for work. Everything was softly glowing in the golden light as I drove him to his head office in Quezon City at dusk.

It wasn’t the extravagant weekend retreat I had imagined. Love, however, isn’t always a wild ride. It’s in the peaceful drives, the steady pace, and the way you go the extra mile just because you want to.

Maybe love isn’t about butterflies or perfectly planned road trips. Maybe it’s about peace. The knowing.

It’s in the stops for takeout, the detours for sunsets, and the safe arrivals after a long drive.

And maybe, just maybe, the perfect car for love isn’t the one that takes you on thrilling adventures. Maybe, it’s the one that makes every errand, every turn, every unplanned moment feel like home.

The Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X transformed every drive into a romantic tale. And in some way, I became even more in love with my person.

Accessories

70mai launches the A900 series with 4K front, rear recording

Two new 4K dual-channel dash cams, both with 4G

Published

September 22, 2026

MJ Jucutan

70mai has launched the A900 Series, led by the flagship 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra, with the 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 joining it in the lineup.

Both models record in 4K from the front and rear cameras, and both support 4G, so your footage stays reachable from your phone even when you’re away from the car.

4K recording from both cameras

The A900 Ultra uses dual Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensors to capture clear 4K footage from both directions. As a result, details like license plates and road signs remain sharp.

Smart HDR balances bright and dark areas under shifting light. Users can also adjust color tones and contrast. To keep feeds synced, the rear camera uses LVDS digital transmission. This tech sends a lossless 4K feed with just 20ms of latency.

Handling changing light

Driving into a tunnel or under the shadow of a tall building changes the lighting quickly, and 70mai built three imaging technologies into the A900 Ultra to deal with it.

MaiColor Vivid+ Solution 2.0 is meant to give more natural colors and finer detail, along with smarter scene adaptation. Night Owl Vision 2.0 reduces noise and glare to help with nighttime clarity.

Lumi Vision is made for parking surveillance in near-total darkness, where it automatically adjusts exposure and gain and applies noise reduction. 70mai says this produces clear, full-color footage in extremely low light.

Parking mode and remote access

Smart Parking Guardian Mode 2.0 protects your vehicle while parked. It combines AI motion detection, dual-channel collision detection with pre-recording, and time-lapse options.

The system draws just 5mA on standby to prevent battery drain. For extended coverage, the optional 70mai Battery Pack Mini powers surveillance for up to 30 days.

In photo: A900

Pairing the camera with the 4G Hardwire Kit unlocks 70mai 4G Cloud+ 2.0 features on the app. Enhanced Buffered Emergency Recording saves up to 190 seconds before an incident and 30 seconds after.

It automatically uploads this footage to the cloud for immediate remote viewing.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900

In photo: A900

The A900 sits alongside the Ultra as the more accessible option. It records True 4K HDR at 30FPS from both the front and rear cameras, and Smart HDR can be scheduled to turn on at set times.

Its f/1.55 aperture is meant to help in low light, and 4G Cloud+ 2.0 keeps the dash cam connected to the 70mai App. It’s the model for drivers who want dual-channel recording and 4G connectivity at a lower price.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra retails for US$ 300, available for pre-order at US$ 240. Meanwhile, the A900 is priced at US$ 200, currently 20% off at US$ 170.

Automotive

The Kia EV3 brings gallery-worthy design in a compact electric form

The 2025 World Car of the Year turns daily driving into functional art.

Published

September 22, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The all-new Kia EV3 officially debuted against the architectural backdrop of the Ayala Museum.

Named the 2025 World Car of the Year, the compact electric SUV redefines daily driving as functional art. It also holds prestigious Red Dot “Best of the Best” and iF Design awards.

Sculpted like a modern piece of design

The EV3 shares the forward-thinking design philosophy of the acclaimed EV5 and EV9.

Its exterior features an evolved Digital Tiger Face paired with signature LED lighting. Sculpted geometric surfaces and flush door handles maintain a smooth silhouette.

A tailored rear spoiler, roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the profile. The result looks composed and elegant, especially when parked outside a contemporary gallery.

Beneath its sculpted skin lies instant, whisper-quiet electric power. A front-mounted motor generates 204 PS and 283 Nm of torque.

A 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 511 kilometers of range on a single charge (NEDC). Replenishing energy fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle.

Standard 11 kW AC charging goes from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 5 hours and 20 minutes. Meanwhile, 350 kW DC Fast Charging restores the same charge in just 29 minutes.

A digital sanctuary, literally

Inside, the cabin opens into a clean, modern sanctuary.

A striking 30-inch Triple Panoramic Display centers the dashboard. It unifies the instrument cluster, climate settings, and infotainment beneath one sweeping glass surface.

Leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat prioritize comfort, and the power lumbar support ensures relaxed driving on longer journeys.

There’s also a sliding central console tray that creates an adaptable workspace on the go. On another note, connectivity remains effortless throughout the interior space. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, dual wireless charging pads, five USB-C ports, and six speakers keep devices powered and entertained. For weekend getaways, 60:40 split-folding rear seats easily expand cargo capacity.

Intuitive safety

Intelligent peace of mind comes standard through the Kia DriveWise suite.

Active features include Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Forward Collision Avoidance with Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blindspot Safety Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Safety assist at every turn.

Seven airbags protect the front, side, and curtain areas. Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, parking sensors, and a rear-view camera complete the protective core.

Price, availability

The Kia EV3 starts at PhP 1,898,000, inclusive of a home wall charger. An introductory offer reduces the price to PhP 1,868,000, saving early buyers PhP 30,000. Reservations also include five years of free Preventive Maintenance Service.

Kia provides a five-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty. The high-voltage battery carries an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty.

The EV3 comes in seven curated exterior colors. Options include Aventurine Green, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Terra Cotta, Frost Blue, Shale Grey, and Ivory Silver.

Automotive

Ford revs up Truck Month with extended 5-star care offers

Explore exclusive cash discounts, flexible downpayment plans, and showroom activations in the Philippines.

Published

September 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

Ford Philippines brings back its annual Truck Month this September, pairing special financing and cash savings with extended service coverage across the updated Ranger and Everest lineups.

The month-long program shifts the focus toward long-term ownership peace of mind. This ensures drivers feel supported well beyond the showroom floor.

Comprehensive coverage for every journey

For drivers who view their truck or SUV as an essential partner for travel and daily routines, maintenance clarity brings genuine confidence.

Select variants in the lineup now include Ford’s 5-Star Care Package, bundling a five-year warranty, five-year scheduled service plan, and five-year roadside assistance.

Flagship performance models built for challenging roads, including the Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6, Ranger Wildtrak X 3.0L V6, and Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6, pair this complete service coverage with PhP 20,000 in cash savings. On another note, the Raptor 3.0L V6 also offers a PhP 150,000 all-in downpayment option.

Versatile family vehicles receive identical long-term backing, with the Everest Platinum 3.0L V6, Everest Wildtrak 2.0L, Everest Sport+ 2.0L, and Everest Active 2.0L all bundling the five-year care plan. Meanwhile, the Everest Wildtrak 2.0L Turbo includes an additional PhP 20,000 cash discount.

Financing designed around daily routines

Flexibility plays a central role in fitting a vehicle into personal budgets and busy lifestyles.

For the first time, the practical Ranger XLS 4×2 introduces access to the 5-Star Care Package, allowing buyers to select between long-term maintenance coverage, a PhP 50,000 cash discount, or a PhP 49,000 all-in downpayment.

Drivers drawn to the Ranger Sport 4×2 can opt for a PhP 59,000 all-in downpayment or zero percent interest financing. By providing multiple ownership paths, Ford aligns purchase incentive options directly with driver priorities, prioritizing lasting value throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.

Bringing the experience to dealerships and malls

The Truck Month celebration extends further with the Super September event, taking place from September 16 to 20 across nationwide dealerships and key shopping centers.

Customers who reserve any Ford vehicle during this five-day showcase receive an extra PhP 20,000 in cash savings on top of ongoing Truck Month offers.

Display venues including Virra Mall Greenhills, SM Southmall, SM Seaside Cebu, Robinsons Dumaguete, and SM City Sta. Rosa feature interactive showroom activities and refreshments, offering drivers an accessible way to explore their next vehicle companion.