Automotive

The luxury of being nowhere else to be

A road trip with the Ford Everest Titanium+ and a long weekend that finally stood still

Published

June 30, 2026

MJ Jucutan

After crossing the finish line at the Galaxy Manila Marathon, my friends and I pointed the Ford Everest Titanium+ north toward La Union.

The 12-inch touchscreen glowed softly in the dark, and our playlist connected wirelessly before we even reached the expressway gates.

Adaptive Cruise Control took over the repetitive parts of the drive not long after. We were cruising toward the coast, and for the first time in recent memory, I had nowhere else to be.

That lack of urgency might sound unremarkable. To me, it felt foreign. My life runs on calendars. There’s always a race to train for, a campaign to launch, a production to wrap, or a deadline waiting somewhere down the road.

Even weekends tend to arrive with a checklist. A long weekend with no race, no deliverable, and no training block doesn’t happen naturally. It has to be chosen.

When Ford Philippines handed me the keys to the Everest Titanium+ and suggested a road trip, I said yes almost immediately.

I spent the following week wondering why saying yes had felt so effortless, but I packed my bags regardless. I brought along three companions who have witnessed nearly every version of me over the past decade, sharing in my victories, heartbreaks, career milestones, and constant reinventions.

With 30 approaching next month, I wanted this trip to hold all of that. A celebration of who I’ve been, and a look at who I’m becoming.

What followed was the most complete weekend I’ve had in years. The Everest was exactly the right car for it.

Taking the open road

The route from Manila to San Juan covers hundreds of kilometers of expressways, provincial roads, and coastal highways. On a clear Saturday, the Everest handled it with enough ease that long drives stopped feeling like something to get through.

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite earns its keep on stretches like this. Adaptive Cruise Control maintained speed and distance naturally, while Lane Centering offered gentle corrections along the long runs of TPLEX.

For someone who spends most days managing too many things at once, it’s genuinely comforting when a car removes some of that mental load.

I’d planned to use the drive to process everything from the weeks before. Instead, I watched the landscape change. Concrete gave way to open fields. Fields gave way to mountains. Mountains eventually led us to the sea. For once, that was enough.

My friend, Echo, shared driving duties while Kelly and Noela drifted between conversations and naps. Up front, Echo and I turned the cabin into a private concert.

The B&O sound system filled the space without overwhelming it, and the insulation kept road noise distant enough that the outside world felt like a silent movie playing through the glass.

Our phones stayed charged the whole drive; the wireless pad handled that quietly, the way good technology should. With everything running through SYNC 4A, navigation and music just worked. The less we had to manage, the more we could enjoy the drive.

Luxury of staying put

Arriving at Casitas in San Juan, La Union, we settled in Villa Nikholai which felt less like a resort and more like a friend’s rest house in the province.

We didn’t rush out to explore and instead, settled around the dining table and talked about nothing in particular. The good nothing; the sort that fills a whole afternoon without you noticing.

The older I get, the less I want to maximize every trip. We used to try to squeeze every attraction into a single weekend.

These days, we trust that places will still be there when we come back. We spent the afternoon unpacking far more than just our luggage. Marathon stories, life updates, a decade’s worth of reflection over comfort food from Tagpuan.

Later, we watched Good Girls on Netflix until sleep won. No arguments. No suggestions of something else to do. Nobody felt guilty for resting.

The falls as the destination

Sunday morning took nearly two hours to start. Nobody seemed concerned. That collective patience felt like a small marker of growth.

We drove from San Juan toward San Gabriel, where Tangadan Falls was waiting. The road narrowed as we climbed, the scenery shifting into layers of green and winding mountain paths.

What the maps don’t tell you is that the last stretch — about 27 minutes from the municipal hall to the jump-off point — is steep, narrow, and in some sections, right beside a cliff with no guardrails.

We were careful the entire way up. And the entire way down. But we always knew where the car was, and that made the difference between a stressful drive and a manageable one.

At the jump-off, it’s a stairway down to the falls now; the original route through the boulders and river is closed. The climb down doesn’t prepare you for what’s waiting.

The falls are cold, loud, and completely indifferent to how long it took you to get there. We swam and didn’t say much.

A few years ago, I’d have been looking for the next thing the moment we arrived. This time, getting there was enough.

Uninterrupted sunset

Back in San Juan, we returned to our easy yet different rhythm. Noela had another beach outfit ready. Kelly rotted on bed watching Good Girls.

Echo alternated between napping and watching the same episodes. He’s a man fully committed to the art of doing nothing, which, I realized, was the whole point of the weekend.

So I uploaded photos, cleared a few work emails, then gave up on productivity and went outside.

As the afternoon light softened, we drove to a spot near the shoreline and settled in. We didn’t have any agenda or urgency. Nowhere to be after this.

At some point I realized I hadn’t checked my phone in hours — not because I was being disciplined about it or because I’d set some boundary for myself. I’d simply forgotten.

The sun was changing the color of the water. People moved in and out of the shoreline. Waves kept their conversation with the sand going, indifferent to all of us.

I sat with that longer than I expected. A genuinely restorative weekend doesn’t really announce itself. It arrives quietly, while you’re watching the tide, or while you’re noticing light on the water. It arrives while your phone is at the bottom of your bag and the world isn’t asking anything of you.

The rain came in before evening. We rushed back to the villa, which by then felt entirely ours. I jumped into the pool while it poured and sang Taylor Swift at a volume that required my friends to develop selective hearing. Nobody tried to stop me. That’s fourteen years of friendship.

I’m choosing to take that as love.

On the drive home…

Monday arrived slowly. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, lingered by the shoreline, and appreciated a peaceful version of La Union that felt deeply nostalgic. Devoid of the typical weekend crowds, Urbiztondo reminded me of the serene province I used to visit years ago.

While we seriously considered extending our stay for another day, reality eventually won because we had obligations waiting in Manila and an absolute lack of fresh clothes. That evening we loaded the Everest and drove home.

Echo and I split the night driving again. Along the dark stretches of TPLEX, my mind drifted. The last time I was in La Union, I was standing at the edge of something much harder: a reconciliation with someone who’d broken my heart.

The province had offered space for that. The waves listened while we said things neither of us knew how to say anywhere else.

That was three years ago. My life looks almost unrecognizable now.

This trip wasn’t about any of that, though. It was about gratitude. For friendships that have survived every version of who I’ve been. For growth that tends to happen quietly, without announcing itself. And for reaching a point where rest doesn’t feel like something to be earned.

As the Everest carried us home, I realized the weekend had given me exactly what I needed. Not an adventure or a revelation. Just a reminder that sometimes the greatest luxury isn’t arriving somewhere extraordinary.

It’s having nowhere else to be.

Related Topics:Ford Ford Everest Titanium+specials

Automotive

Porsche Cayenne Electric launches in the Philippines

Porsche’s electric SUV arrives locally.

Published

October 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Porsche has introduced the all-electric Cayenne in the Philippines, expanding its flagship SUV lineup with a fully electric powertrain. The new model joins the existing gasoline and plug-in hybrid variants, giving buyers more options as the brand expands its electric vehicle lineup.

The launch also coincides with Porsche’s 30th anniversary in the Philippines, marking another milestone for the German automaker in the local market.

Porsche Cayenne Electric delivers up to 642km of range

The Philippine-spec Cayenne Electric features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain paired with a 113kWh battery. It produces up to 325kW (442PS) and 835Nm of torque with Launch Control activated.

Porsche claims the electric SUV can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. It also offers a driving range of up to 642 kilometers based on the WLTP testing cycle.

The Cayenne Electric supports DC fast charging at up to 400kW. This allows for faster charging at compatible high-powered charging stations. For home charging, the SUV comes with an 11kW onboard AC charger.

Digital cockpit and adjustable rear seating

The Cayenne Electric features a 3,023mm wheelbase, providing additional room for passengers. Its rear seats offer 150mm of fore-and-aft adjustment and up to 18 degrees of backrest tilt, allowing occupants to prioritize legroom or cargo space.

Inside, the SUV introduces Porsche’s Flow Display, a curved OLED interface that serves as the centerpiece of its digital cockpit. An optional 14.9-inch passenger display is also available for entertainment and navigation-related functions.

The cabin combines these digital features with a configurable seating layout designed to balance passenger comfort and practicality.

Porsche Cayenne Electric features adaptive air suspension

The Cayenne Electric comes with adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. Buyers can also opt for rear-axle steering and an active-hydraulic chassis leveling system.

Its driver-assistance and parking features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, ParkAssist with a 2D surround-view system, automated parking functions, and driver attention monitoring.

By offering the electric Cayenne alongside its combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid counterparts, Porsche continues to give customers a choice of powertrains while expanding its electric vehicle portfolio in the Philippines.

Porsche in the Philippines

Porsche Center Philippines has served as the official importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars in the country since 1996. Its offerings include the latest Porsche models, Porsche Lifestyle products, genuine parts, and after-sales services.

Automotive

Psst! You can test drive BYD and DENZA EVs for free this week, but not for long

Four days of EV displays, test drives, and a first look at the DENZA Z9 GT.

Published

October 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

BYD Cars Philippines and DENZA Philippines are opening Super Experience Week to the public starting October 8, 2026.

The event runs until October 11 and gives visitors a hands-on look at the brands’ latest EVs and plug-in hybrids, along with test drives and a few previews. Admission is free.

BYD brings its plug-in hybrids and safety program

BYD’s showcase at the BGC Amphitheater will feature the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Tang DM-i. The brand’s full lineup will be on display at the BGC Garden, where visitors can also take the cars out for test drives.

BYD is also running its “Drive Electric, EV Safety Program” at the event. It’s aimed at helping new and prospective owners learn more about EV use as the community in the Philippines continues to grow. BYD says visitors can also get exclusive offers on all of its models, but only during Super Experience Week.

DENZA shows its premium lineup and a first look at the Z9 GT

DENZA is the centerpiece of the event. The brand is displaying its D9, B5, and B8, positioned as premium smart mobility with an emphasis on design, in-car tech, electrified performance, and comfort.

The main draw is an exclusive preview of the DENZA Z9 GT. The Philippine launch is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, and reservations are already open for customers who want to register their interest before it arrives.

The weekend moves to 5th Avenue

On October 10 and 11, the event expands to 5th Avenue, which will host a dedicated performance and advanced mobility showcase. A special exhibition will feature YANGWANG models, BYD’s ultra-luxury new energy vehicles.

The DENZA B5, DENZA B8, and BYD Shark 6 DMO will also be on show in a street exhibition throughout the weekend.

Test drives across both the BYD and DENZA lineups will be available for the duration of the event, so visitors can check out the tech, performance, and comfort of each model firsthand.

Automotive

Electric luxury reimagined: XPENG launches next-gen EV lineup

XPENG’s PH lineup spans the X9 MPV and the L03, with prices starting at PhP 1,548,000

Published

September 28, 2026

MJ Jucutan

XPENG has officially entered the Philippine EV market. Over 3,000 guests attended the brand’s grand local debut. During the launch event, the automaker introduced a six-variant lineup.

The lineup features the flagship X9 MPV and the sleek L03 SUV Coupé. Prices start at an accessible PhP 1,548,000.

Brand ambassador Anne Curtis joined the celebration on stage, while XPENG showcased its X2 Flying Car and IRON Humanoid Robot. These futuristic displays highlighted the company’s “Physical AI” vision.

XPENG X9: First-class travel for seven

The XPENG X9 serves as the brand’s flagship seven-seater MPV.

It turns luxury mobility into a private lounge experience. Buyers can choose between two Long Range variants. The base X9 Long Range costs PhP 3,858,000. It features zero-gravity second-row seats with a central aisle. This layout ensures quick access to the third row. The Premium Seat Package costs PhP 4,058,000.

It upgrades the middle row to individual captain’s chairs. These chairs feature four-way powered headrests and 16-point massage.

Both variants share identical mechanical hardware. A front-wheel-drive motor produces 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque. A massive 110 kWh battery provides up to 615 km of range.

A compatible DC fast charger boosts power from 10 to 80 percent in 12 minutes. Active rear-wheel steering delivers a tight 5.4-meter turning radius. Dual-chamber air suspension ensures maximum ride comfort.

A powered third row folds completely flat beneath the floor. Color options include Midnight Black, Arctic White, Matte Gray, and Silver Frost. Inside, buyers can select Meteorite Black or Coffee.

XPENG L03: Sleek versatility meets electric freedom

The L03 SUV Coupé blends striking aesthetics with daily utility. XPENG offers four distinct variants. Three models use pure battery-electric powertrains. One model features a range-extended electric setup (REEV).

The L03 EV Standard Range costs PhP 1,548,000. Its 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 445 km of range. The L03 EV Long Range costs PhP 1,698,000 and offers up to 520 km.

The top-tier Long Range Ultra costs PhP 2,058,000 with 480 km of range. This Ultra trim adds front-seat massage, upgraded audio, and intelligent driving tech.

The L03 REEV costs PhP 1,598,000. It uses an onboard gas engine as an electric generator. Its 37.2 kWh battery delivers 215 km of pure electric driving. Total WLTP combined range reaches up to 1,017 km.

All L03 models feature rear-wheel drive. Fast charging takes roughly 20 minutes to reach 80 percent. Every model includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 539 liters of cargo space.

Available colors include Arctic White, Midnight Black, Rock Gray, Silver Frost, and Phantom Purple.

Ownership packages, reservation details

XPENG pairs each model with generous ownership perks. X9 buyers receive five years of free preventive maintenance. The package includes five years of roadside assistance.

XPENG adds a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. An eight-year warranty covers the battery and motor. X9 buyers also receive a complimentary 7kW wall charger.

L03 buyers receive two years of free preventive maintenance. The L03 includes identical roadside, bumper-to-bumper, and battery warranties. L03 EV buyers get a 7kW wall charger. The REEV variant comes with a 3.5 kW portable charger.

Reservations cost PhP 25,000 for the X9 and PhP 10,000 for the L03. Buyers can reserve through @xpengphilippines on social media.

XPENG showrooms in Greenhills, Makati, North EDSA, and Cebu are accepting reservations now. Local customer deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.