We recently got the Ranger Raptor for the second time to use at this year’s STV ARCC and represent Ford Philippines. And since we had a free day before the event itself happened, I decided to use it and take out my dad along with my brother for a road trip. Good thing Mom had an errand to do that day!
Dad wanted to visit a certain theme park restaurant north of Metro Manila so I agreed and went for it. We already brought the Raptor to a 4×4 route for some off-road action, so now we go for long, paved roads with hungry stomachs.
After four hours of driving from the south, past the traffic metro, and all the way up north, we reached our destination. The place is called Isdaan Floating Restaurant and it’s at the municipality of Talavera in Nueva Ecija in the Philippines. “Isdaan,” when translated, means “fishery” so it already paints you a picture of what to expect. The restaurant is hard to miss as it has a wide, inviting facade fronted with sculptures.
The staff greeted us with a warm welcome and led us to our private floating nipa hut with koi fish swimming around and under us. Looking at the menu, there were lots of choices from appetizers, meat, seafood obviously, and even specialties that you don’t usually see in city restaurants.
We got Bicol Express (spicy stew), Sinigang na Liempo (pork belly soup), and Binukadkad na Plapla (butterflied fish) from the menu. One of their signatures is a Boat Special. Basically, they offer select dishes in a long sizzling plate mounted on a wooden counter-top that resembles a boat. This was how Bicol Express was served which greatly added to the presentation value.
Food was really great especially the soup. While the service wasn’t too snappy and could definitely be improved, the food compensated for it. It has that home-cooked taste that hits the spot after a long drive.
After eating, we decided to walk around the area and check out the theme park side of the place. There were giant statues everywhere — from the Charging Bull similar to New York’s, Big Buddha of Phuket, and even prehistoric dinosaurs. It does make for great photo opportunities as you’ll see in the following photos.
Apart from the gigantic and humorous characters, another attraction to find here is a corner to vent out all your pent-up emotions. For a reasonable price, you can choose objects like those plates or coffee mugs that you can smash onto the wall. If you ask me, I feel it’s a bit out of place in this family-friendly restaurant but it still does make the place unique.

Those are all fun but what usually entices people to visit this place is the fact that you can dip your feet in this shallow pond and have large koi fish swimming in between your legs. It might sound weird and it’s probably not for everyone, but the novelty of being able to do it was actually fun.
After all the photos were taken and a few minor mishaps (one of us slipping trying to get in with the fish, not telling who), we were ready to go back home. It was another four hours inside the Raptor and we ended up exchanging stories and laughing our way through the expressways while the truck was mostly on cruise control. It was definitely a trip to remember.
BYD Group premium sub-brand DENZA is officially entering the Philippine market.
The move marks a strategic shift to capture the luxury “new energy vehicle” (NEV) segment, beyond the company’s existing mass-market offerings.
This expansion follows a period of rapid growth for BYD in the Philippines under its distributor, ACMobility.
By introducing DENZA, the group aims to offer a tiered ecosystem of electrified transport that ranges from budget-friendly options to high-output luxury ones.
The sub-brand’s initial lineup could possibly include the high-end MPV, DENZA D9.
It features a triple-motor system and high-capacity batteries that provide significant electric-only range before the gasoline generator engages.
Potentially, SUVs DENZA B5 and DENZA B8 will also be introduced locally, positioned as plug-in hybrid EVs.
Offerings under the DENZA sub-brand will be distributed locally by BYD Philippines Corp.
Advanced technology, comfort
DENZA’s entry focuses on “passenger-centric engineering” rather than traditional luxury excess.
The vehicles will feature two of BYD’s flagship technologies: the DiSus system and e3 platform.
The first is an intelligent body control system that manages vehicle motion to balance executive-level ride comfort with sharp handling.
Meanwhile, the e3 Platform is a high-performance architecture utilizing a three-motor drivetrain.
This setup lets drivers pull off advanced maneuvers such as “crab-walking” and “compass turns,” while enhancing stability during high-speed travel or emergency situations.
Strategic presence
DENZA will establish a dedicated retail network separate from standard BYD showrooms to support its positioning.
The sub-brand is planning four initial locations in Makati, Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu.
Once it officially rolls out, DENZA expects to compete against luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Lexus LM.
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.
At CES 2026, NAVEE signaled a clear shift in direction. Known for smart urban mobility, the global brand used the Las Vegas stage to show how its technology now stretches beyond city streets and into outdoor living, recreation, and adventure.
Rather than focusing on a single hero product, NAVEE presented a growing ecosystem built around intelligent engineering and lifestyle flexibility. The message was simple and confident. Mobility today is not limited to commuting. It is part of how people move through work, play, and downtime.
A smarter take on electric mobility
Leading NAVEE’s CES lineup was the UT5 MAX electric scooter. Built on the UT5 platform, it was designed with both urban reliability and outdoor capability in mind.
With a range of up to 100 kilometers and support for fast charging and external batteries, the UT5 MAX feels ready for longer rides, varied terrain, and real-world use that goes beyond short city hops.
The focus here is practicality. It’s a scooter that fits daily routines while also making room for spontaneous outdoor plans.
Technology finds its way onto the fairway
NAVEE also stepped into a more unexpected space with the Birdie 5X electric golf push cart. An evolution of the Birdie 3X, this new model introduces ultra-precise UWB-powered automatic follow.
The result is a smoother, more intuitive experience on the course, where the tech quietly supports the game rather than distracting from it.
It’s a clear example of how NAVEE is applying intelligent mobility thinking to lifestyle-specific environments.
From land to water, and everything in between
The outdoor expansion didn’t stop on the road or the green. NAVEE revealed the WaveFly Flyer Car, a playful take on water-based mobility designed to bring a sense of adventure to lakes and coastal settings.
Alongside it was a high-end electric camping wagon built for hauling gear, supplies, and everything that comes with outdoor weekends.
Together, these products paint a bigger picture. NAVEE is positioning itself as a brand that supports movement across different terrains and moods, from utility to leisure.
A broader vision for mobility
What stood out at CES 2026 was not just the hardware, but the intention behind it. NAVEE is building toward a future where intelligent mobility blends naturally into everyday life, whether that means navigating city streets, spending time outdoors, or finding new ways to enjoy familiar activities.
As the brand continues to grow its portfolio, the direction is clear. Mobility is no longer confined to getting from point A to point B. It’s becoming part of how people experience their lifestyle, wherever that may take them.
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