Automotive
The car that lasted longer than the road trip
We drove the BYD Seal 5 DM-i for 800KM on a three-day adventure in three provinces.
Never in my life did I think I’d find myself driving a total of 800KM in just three days. I was crammed into a hybrid sedan, speeding down coastal highways, winding across mountain roads, and occasionally being caught in excruciating traffic jams. Yet, here we are.
That’s exactly what went down when we took the BYD Seal 5 DM-i on a three-day adventure across Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan. We had a mix of sun, sand, long roads, and a hybrid system put to the test.
The great escape (or so we thought)
We kicked off the trip at Seda Manila Bay, hoping to make a quick getaway via the Skyway.
Newsflash: Manila traffic doesn’t care about your road trip ideas. We left during rush hour, inching forward at a turtle’s pace, which gave us ample time to truly appreciate the Seal 5 DM-i’s cabin.
Because what else do you do when you’re basically parked on an elevated highway?
I got first dibs on the front passenger seat — AKA DJ duties. I connected my iPhone to the BYD Seal 5 DM-i via Apple CarPlay.
It was mostly to show to my mates, Milo and Paulo, that BYD clearly prefers Android Auto which is a nod to its Chinese roots. (I kept getting disconnected when using Apple CarPlay.)
My Sunday’s Best playlist was on full blast as we explored the spacious, tech-packed interior that felt premium and futuristic.
Milo tinkered with the massive touchscreen and digital instrument cluster — switching between hybrid power and full electric mode — while I got lost admiring the minimalist but sleek interior.
The insulated cabin, wrapped in soft leather seats, blocked out the city’s honking symphony.
For a moment, it was just us, the open road, and James Ingram’s “Just Once” playing in the background.
Jesus takes the wheel
We took turns driving, making designated stops so everyone could get a feel for the hybrid sedan. When my turn came, I wasn’t fully confident.
Blame it on waking up at 5 AM, sleeping past midnight, and the tragic absence of Starbucks.
But here’s what I love about BYD’s vehicles: they drive you rather than the other way around.
The Seal 5 DM-i’s driver-assist features are intuitive and responsive, making it feel like I was piloting a top-tier luxury car.
On the freeway, lane-keeping assist kept me steady at 90-100kph, even as I struggled to match the lead car’s pace. As the second car in the convoy, I was setting the rhythm for the group, which was a daunting task but made effortless by the sedan’s smooth handling.
Adaptive Cruise Control stayed off (too much overtaking for that), but the hybrid sedan’s suspension held firm. No excessive body roll, no unexpected jerks. Just steady, confident driving, even on uneven provincial roads.
Passenger princess mode
After a lunch stop at Red Baron Restaurant — a must-visit Northern Loop gem featuring vintage motorcycles and mouthwatering food — I finally claimed my well-earned backseat nap.
By then, we’d clocked over 200KM, and Paulo took over the wheel.
Unfortunately for him, he got the nerve-wracking stretch — crossing the country road from Pangasinan to Zambales, overtaking on a two-lane highway filled with 10-wheelers, tricycles, and pedestrians meandering onto the road.
Meanwhile, I was fully embracing my passenger princess mode. The backseat was incredibly comfortable, and the cabin remained whisper-quiet.
Milo was tapping away on his phone, while Paulo stayed laser-focused on driving. As for me, I was curled up with my denim jacket, half-asleep from the gentle hum of the road.
A coastal retreat
Our first night was at Kalinto Resort in Botolan, Zambales. It’s a hidden sanctuary where modern comforts meet nature’s best.
Ocean in front, mountains behind, and a cozy stay in between.
There was no bonfire session for us (due to a sudden downpour), but after dinner, I knocked out. I got nine hours of uninterrupted sleep, waking just before sunrise.
That morning, Kalinto revealed its magic. I walked along the coastline, soaking in the sound of waves, the cool morning breeze, and the pinkish hue of the pre-sunrise sky.
Armed with a Spanish latte and a classic Filipino tapa breakfast, I was ready to take on another day of driving.
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i, parked on the driveway, looked even better in the daylight. It’s one of those cars that belong anywhere, whether parked outside a fancy resort or tearing down provincial highways.
The sporty, elegant sedan aesthetic isn’t usually my thing, but something about this car just spoke to me.
It felt like a reflection of my journey: Chasing dreams, navigating challenges, but always finding time to play and unwind.
Fuel efficiency face off
The next day, we turned the trip into an efficiency contest. Whoever’s car had the highest range and fuel by the end of Day 2 would win.
What I realized too late was that we forgot to switch to EV mode after topping up the battery with regenerative braking.
On the first day, Milo started the drive purely on EV mode, dropping our battery to 27%. When Paulo and I took over, we used HEV mode, running on fuel but completely forgetting to go back to electric.
With that in mind, we strategized better for the next leg. Switching between EV and HEV was seamless with a simple press of a button in the center console.
One minute, I was gliding on electric power. The next, the 1.5L engine kicked in with enough muscle, especially for overtaking.
A lunch stop in Subic
After two hours of driving, we arrived in Subic Bay, a place I haven’t been to in decades.
There was something refreshing about the tree-lined streets and wide roads, which is a complete contrast to Manila’s traffic chaos.
We pulled up at Subic International Golf Club, a hidden gem that felt like a different world altogether. There were just lush greens, perfectly manicured fairways, and a peaceful ambiance.
You don’t even have to be a golf enthusiast to appreciate this place.
Lunch was an absolute feast, and I started admiring the view — realizing that road trips are only as good as the stops you make.
A quick game followed on who could fit the most items in the BYD Seal 5 DM-i’s compartment.
We lost (I’m too meticulous about packing neatly), but it was fun.
With our stomachs still full and the afternoon heat kicking in, we were back on the road. Next stop: La Jolla Resort in Bagac, Bataan.
On the zigzags
Reaching La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort in Bagac, Bataan, meant tackling winding mountain roads with sharp curves and steep downhills.
When it was my turn, I gripped the steering wheel and felt the weight of each turn.
Though the BYD Seal 5 DM-i made it easy to maneuver through the curves, I was consumed by my fear and anxiety.
In my head, I kept thinking what if we topple over, crash, or fall out of a cliff?
After an intense drive that felt like a car chase with the lead car, I finally let Milo take over.
He, of course, had other plans — channeling his inner race car driver and pushed the hybrid sedan to its limits.
And just like that, we arrived at La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort just in time for sunset.
That night, we reveled in some much-needed cocktails, good food, and good vibes.
Oh, we also won the efficiency contest — making our car-slash-team the most efficient drivers for the group.
Battle with motion sickness
The next day, we struggled with another set of curved roads. This time, they’re steeper, and luckily, it was Milo who was assigned to drive that leg. (He’s an expert in drifting, I guess.)
For whatever reason, even when I was riding on the front passenger seat, I had to take out my Poy-Sian menthol inhaler to avoid feeling like throwing up.
Milo told me to focus on the road ahead, instead of looking elsewhere to feel better. That didn’t help though, so I just stuck my inhaler to my nose and closed my eyes.
Thankfully, it was only half an hour of driving in the curves, and we’re suddenly in the clear to have lunch again. At that time, we already had over 600km and by the time we arrive in Manila, we’ll reach a total of 800km drive.
I was excited to go home, even when I reveled at luxurious resorts and marvelous views. Though the BYD Seal 5 DM-i is comfortable enough for long-distance drives, whether you’re a driver or a passenger, I still believe that three days of being on the road can take a toll on both your mind and body.
We took our lunch at Daloy Bistro, before we rushed back to Manila — taking a three-hour drive down to two and a half hours.
At that moment, the fifth car in our convoy almost ran out of fuel so we had to stop and wait. They were the only car to almost get down to zero for its range, and we realized that the BYD Seal 5 DM-i’s efficiency will still depend on the driver’s behaviors and usage.
And luckily, a total of eight cars in the convoy proved different in terms of driving behaviors. And we’re still the most efficient one.
Is this your GadgetMatch?
After three days, 800KM, multiple drivers, and all kinds of terrain, the BYD Seal 5 DM-i proved itself as a road-trip certified machine.
It’s not just a fuel-efficient hybrid. It’s a comfortable long-distance cruiser with the ability to handle tight turns, steep climbs, and even heavy city traffic.
If I had any doubts about hybrid sedans before, they’re long gone. The BYD Seal 5 DM-i isn’t just a car for daily drives — it’s built for adventure, efficiency, and everything in between.
Swipe right if you’re a city driver who wants hybrid efficiency without sacrificing power, who’d occasionally go on road trips packed with comfort creatures and tech-filled cockpit that make long drives cozy, on a vehicle that’s sleek and sophisticated.
Swipe left if you’re looking for a more aggressive, high-performance drive, and if you aren’t ready to hop on the hybrid/electric hype.
Because for us, we’ll be confident to say this: The BYD Seal 5 DM-i isn’t just good. 800KM later, it’s road-trip certified and deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.
It’s a super swipe because it balances performance, efficiency, and style at a price that won’t make your bank accounts and wallets cry.
The BYD Seal 5 DM-i starts at PhP 948,000 with the Dynamic model, and PhP 1,198,000 for the Premium variant.
Automotive
Ford Philippines kicks off the year with Drive Now, Pay Later
Get offers up to three months of free amortization!
Ford Philippines opens the year with a strong push for drivers ready to start fresh. Introducing Drive Now, Pay Later, the program is designed to make stepping into a new Ford feel lighter and more timely.
At the center of the offer are two of Ford’s most in-demand nameplates. Customers can take home the Ford Everest Trend today with three months of free amortization.
Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger lineup brings even more flexibility. The Ranger Wildtrak 4×2 comes with four months of free amortization, and the Ranger Sport 4×4 is offered with three months free.
These offers allow buyers to drive their new vehicle now and begin bank financing only after several months. This eases the transition into ownership at the start of the year.
More ways to save this January
Beyond deferred payments, Ford Philippines is extending a wide range of January offers that focus on value and flexibility.
The Ford Everest comes with cash savings of up to PhP 95,000 this month, alongside an all-in option priced at PhP 69,000 on select variants for customers seeking simpler entry costs.
Across the Ranger lineup, buyers can enjoy cash discounts reaching up to PhP 155,000 or opt for a PhP 69,000 all-in down payment on select variants.
The Ranger XLS AT remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the lineup, with a starting price of PhP 1,379,000.
Performance-focused customers can also take advantage of extended January offers for the Ford Raptor. Options include cash discounts or bundled savings with the 5-Star Care Package, depending on the variant.
Electrified and premium options
For drivers ready to explore electrified mobility, the Territory Hybrid Trend starts at PhP 1,399,000. This January, customers may choose between a PhP 20,000 discount or a complimentary three-year Scheduled Service Plan.
Ford’s larger SUVs are also part of the month’s offerings. The Ford Explorer is available with a PhP 99,000 all-in option or 0 percent interest with 20% down payment for 60 months. The Ford Bronco carries the same flexible choices, too.
Availability
The Drive Now, Pay Later program runs across all Ford dealerships nationwide until January 31, 2026. Customers can visit Ford Philippines’ official website or social media channels to explore the full details.
Automotive
The price I paid for trusting my car too much
A minor crash forced me to confront how technology and misplaced trust can erode the responsibility every driver still carries.
I never imagined I would be the kind of person who crashes into someone else’s car.
I drive slowly and gently, and practice restraint when another car provokes me on the highway. I’ve made it a habit to pray right before I roll out of the garage. It’s my small ritual asking for protection and patience.
I’ve watched countless videos of drivers making terrible decisions, caught in road rage, accidents, and violations that somehow get tolerated by culture and circumstance. Years of driving and I never thought I would be one of them.
It was a Wednesday morning when I decided to drive south to meet colleagues for a project in Tagaytay. I was already carrying an aching heart, passing through my own version of Cornelia Street along the long stretch of the South Luzon Expressway.
Grief and memory sat beside me in the passenger seat. What was meant to be a coffee run, heavy with nostalgia, became something I wish I could undo.
While reversing out of my parking spot, my right leg twitched. In a flash, my rear bumper hit someone else’s car.
I know that sound. Anyone who drives knows it. I froze before my brain even caught up. My stomach dropped and my chest tightened. I sat there, eyes flicking between the screen, the side mirror, and the rearview mirror, trying to understand how this had happened.
What unsettled me most was the silence.
There were no warning beeps. No flashing icons and no alerts telling me to stop. The sensors that had trained me to trust them went quiet all at once. In that moment, there was no one else to blame. It was only me and a mistake I failed to prevent.
I was lucky. The people whose car I hit were around my parents’ age. They were kind and willing to settle things without turning the situation into something heavier than it already was.
Their brunch was interrupted by my carelessness, and that thought stayed with me longer than the dent itself.
The damage was minor. Their front bumper was dented and the radiator cover cracked. My car only carried scratches on the plastic stepper.
Still, my heart pounded harder than the situation seemed to warrant. The inconvenience stretched on for months through insurance and repairs, unfolding at the same time my life was already unraveling from heartbreak and forced transition into a new home.
It took me months to recover emotionally. I stopped driving the way I used to. Driving once gave me relief when my thoughts felt too loud. After that day, it only reminded me of how easily I failed to be present.
My mistake was allowing technology to take over a part of my responsibility.
I had grown comfortable believing that if something was behind me, my car would tell me. If danger was close, the system would sound the alarm.
Somewhere along the way, I let my awareness be filtered through cameras and sensors instead of relying fully on my own body and judgment. That comfort cost me time, money, and peace of mind.
We live in the most advanced era of driving the world has ever known. Cars can see farther than mirrors ever could. Brakes are designed to react faster than human reflexes. Our car’s systems warn us when we drift or speed up, and when something approaches from the side.
These features save lives, and I am deeply grateful for them. Still, assistance is not replacement.
Without realizing it, I behaved less like a driver and more like a supervisor watching a machine do the work. Even though I checked behind me, I failed to be more careful.
I relied on expecting a warning and trusted that the car would intervene before I had to.
When systems fail and sensors miss angles, there’s no safety net waiting for you.
There’s only the person behind the wheel.
I was lucky that day that I hit a car, and not a person. No one was walking behind me and no child crossed at the wrong moment.
The consequences were small enough for the world to forgive, though my conscience hasn’t fully done the same. I know how easily this could have been worse.
I should’ve done the simplest thing a driver can do. I should have turned my head and looked again. No matter how advanced a vehicle becomes, the most important safety system is still human attention.
Because when the warning never comes, you’re responsible for what happens next. And sometimes, it only takes one missed glance to remind you how fragile everything really is.
Automotive
Inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4
A closer look at the cabin that makes this truck feel smarter and more comfortable than expected.
They call it a truck, but the moment you step inside, you understand why that word no longer feels enough.
The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 carries a tough, ready-for-anything energy you’d expect from a pickup. It looks like it was built for mud or long highways that stretch beyond the city.
But inside, it tells a different story. One about comfort and knowing exactly how people live with their cars now.
Inside the Ranger is the kind of cabin that doesn’t ask you to brace yourself. Rather, it invites you to settle in.
Comfort with consideration
The first thing you notice is how easy it is to find your place behind the wheel.
The driver’s seat adjusts in eight ways, which means posture never feels like a compromise. The front passenger seat gets four-way adjustment, which still feels thoughtful rather than basic.
A combination of leather and synthetic leather seats add a softness that immediately changes your mood, the moment you sit down. It’s as if they were designed for long drives that accompany you in heartfelt conversations and unplanned detours.
Temperature never becomes a discussion inside the Wildtrak. With Dual-zone electronic automatic climate control, both sides of the cabin stay exactly how the people inside will want it.
Rear passengers get their own air vents, too, which reinforces the idea that this truck is meant to be shared. Everyone rides comfortably, no matter where they sit.
Even the small conveniences matter here. For instance, I love how the smart keyless entry and push-button start make it easy to start the car. The auto-dimming rearview mirror also takes care of harsh headlights, especially at night.
This cabin understands technology
Taking center stage is the 12-inch portrait touchscreen running SYNC 4A. The Wildtrak’s display feels intuitive and easy to trust, especially with how quickly it responds to inputs.
Voice commands work naturally, allowing your eyes to stay on the road where they belong. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect almost instantly, and once you experience that kind of seamless pairing, cables start to feel unnecessary.
In real-world use, I did notice that my Android devices occasionally disconnected, which eventually pushed me to plug them in for longer drives. Google Maps is non-negotiable for me, especially when I am navigating unfamiliar routes.
On the other hand, my iPhones connected more consistently and only tended to lose signal in congestion-heavy areas, like certain stretches of the South Luzon Expressway.
Still, the Wildtrak makes it easy to stay powered and connected. There is a wireless charging pad ready for your phone, along with multiple USB ports placed exactly where you expect them to be.
The six-speaker sound system is controlled directly from the steering wheel, which means music is always within reach. It also means I can comfortably get through Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” whenever traffic slows everything down.
Everything feels accessible without ever feeling crowded. That includes the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, which presents all the information you need in a clean and reassuring way, without overwhelming the driver.
Driving with confidence
Out on the road, the Wildtrak feels like it is constantly looking out for you. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go takes the edge off heavy traffic, especially during bumper-to-bumper moments when the drive feels longer than it should.
Once you hit the freeway, the Wildtrak feels composed and confident, like a Beast let loose. Features like Lane Centering and Evasive Steer Assist help keep everything steady and controlled, particularly on long southbound drives where fatigue can creep in.
In the city, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection becomes one of those features you hope you never need, yet deeply appreciate once you understand how quickly it reacts. It responds faster than instinct, which matters when every second counts.
Add Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, and the Electronic Locking Rear Differential, and the Wildtrak feels prepared for situations you cannot always predict. Even the rear parking sensors earn their keep, especially when backing into tight spaces where visibility is limited.
Despite its imposing size, parking never feels intimidating. The 360-degree camera quickly becomes a trusted companion, making tight spots manageable and reducing the stress that often comes with driving a large vehicle.
It’s especially reassuring for drivers who love big trucks but are still getting used to their presence on city streets.
More than a truck
The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 feels like it understands modern life.
It balances being tough with power and comfort. It feels ready for anything, whether it’s a weekday traffic or a weekend escape.
If you’re looking for a truck that feels like it already knows what you need, this one makes a strong case without ever raising its voice.
This is what it feels like inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4.
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