Automotive

STV breathes life to old motorsport with ARCC

Keeping the spirit of rallying alive

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I was at Clark, Pampanga in a former United States Air Force base in the Philippines for the STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge (ARCC).

For the unfamiliar, it’s also called Sampaguita Rally in the Philippines, but it was actually inspired by the Dutch’s Tulpenrallye (Tulip Rally) for the way the directions in the handbook look like. It gained popularity in Europe at the beginning of 1950s and was also the number one motorsport in the Philippines back in the 80s. The sport eventually died down but Sunshine Television has been faithful to breathe life into the sport until today.

STV Chairman and CEO Ray Butch Gamboa kicks off the event.

Now, the “rally” in its name might paint a different picture for some. Usually, speed is associated when you hear the term “rallying,” and that’s because of the modified rally races that are popular today. STV’s ARCC doesn’t follow this trend and stays true to its roots wherein drivers are not required to go fast to win.

Taking an oath to play fair and square.

Car manufacturers, importers, and distributors were the event’s participants and I was invited to be one of Ford Philippines’ representatives. There were a total of nine media reps split into three groups and Ford gave the groups a vehicle each to use in the event.

Our group was in a 3.2-liter Ford Everest Titanium with me at the helm, while one was assigned as timekeeper and the other as navigator.

You, as a participant, get in the vehicle with your teammates and are put on a public road along with other motorists. You’re expected to follow driving rules just like you normally would while following the tulip-shaped directions written on the handbook.

This is what the handbook looks like with tulip-shaped arrows for directions. The smaller sheet is filled with our time for all the checkpoints.

More than speed, the key factor to winning is precision. A series of checkpoints were set up throughout the course, and our team, along with hundreds of participants from other brands, had to arrive at the perfect time at each checkpoint. Get there one second late/early and you get a demerit. In the end, the group with the least number of demerits wins. Having said these, the goal is simple: Be on time, all the time.

With more than 150km of driving, the goal of the event was to promote driver discipline and road safety. This means if you violate traffic rules, authorities can and will flag you and issue a ticket (plus the organizers can disqualify you from the event depending on your offense).

There’s our ride, Vehicle 24.

The dynamics inside the vehicle (at least for us) worked like this: The navigator obviously had the handbook and told the driver where to turn. Meanwhile, the timekeeper calculated the time needed from one point to the next to made sure we get to the checkpoints at the perfect time — all while inside a moving car. Then there’s an average speed indicated per direction so I, the driver, had to maintain constant speeds depending on the instruction. Mix in traffic lights and buildup of cars and the feeling of frustration crept in knowing we needed to catch up.

Still, it was a great practice for coordination and communication among us inside the vehicle. Since Rally Director Georges Ramirez chose a route with tricky turns and hidden checkpoints, it made things more exciting and required us to almost be at the edge of our seats looking out where that next turn would be.

Team Ford (although not complete)

The 2018 ARCC was indeed a challenging experience, but it’s for that same reason that all of us enjoyed the event. Our group didn’t make it to the top list but hey, it was an adventure that you don’t do every day. It also taught us a thing or two about teamwork and precision driving, and I even ended up making new friends. So it’s not all that bad.

Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

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Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

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Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

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BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.

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Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

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GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.

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