Automotive
Quality time goes miles with the Ford Territory Titanium X
Brunch, indoor climbing, comfortable rides, and more
Car dates are always an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and another person.
Imagine: Spending that proximity in an enclosed space for a certain amount of time, sharing conversations, and creating new memories. Those moments build-up, adding up to a history you’ll have with someone.
Most of the time, sedans are the perfect car dates especially when going around in the city. The smaller space makes you feel closer together, making it easier to grab your beau’s hands when standing still in traffic.
For a change, I used the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X to take someone out on a date.
Leveling up the date rides
Back in November, I drove the Ford Territory Titanium for a date night with my friend, Miguel, hitting the cafes and spots we wanted to visit before.
Even with just the two of us, the vehicle didn’t feel big enough as we love a spacious cabin and compartment.
So, when the Ford Territory Titanium X arrived, I knew I had to drive it down south for a sequel of our date night. This time around, I had to level up our quality time to match the leveled-up car.
Early in the morning, I picked up my mate in Los Baños, Laguna where he resides, which is roughly 80km away from where I live.
All my relationships are long-distance, which is why I place utmost importance on spending quality time with the people I love.
I didn’t mind waking up at four in the morning if it meant seeing a scenic sunrise across the freeway and having a lot of time to spend with my friend.
The LED headlights (that feel blinding) accompanied me while driving in the dark. The auto-high beam helped illuminate the forested roads in Calamba that are pitch black.
At seven in the morning, I got to fetch my friend for a long day of adventure.
When your love language is Quality Time
After getting in, my friend pointed out what I also noticed when I first rode the vehicle. The cabin’s roomier, giving off an airy vibe, thanks to its panoramic moonroof that helped soak in more sunlight inside.
Even the space in the backseat provided a lot of legroom, but we used it to stash our bags and pillows instead. While other people love being in close proximity, I prefer having a lot of room and space so I don’t feel suffocated. Somehow, the Ford Territory Titanium X is an ideal match.
Upon entering the freeway, we had a quick breakfast at the nearest McDonald’s. I insisted on having a quick breakfast fix before our day began since I hadn’t eaten anything nor drank any coffee before going on a drive.
It was a miracle that I was able to keep a sane, calm mind when driving without caffeine. I guess it was the excitement of seeing my friend again after three months that fueled me for full-speed driving and making it in time for our desired schedule.
For around thirty minutes, we were inside the car jamming to my playlist while he unwrapped the gifts my friends and I gave him for Christmas. Yes, it took this long because he lives far away.
The 8-speaker system sounded better than the 6-speaker system from the Ford Territory Titanium. We had a little concert inside, screaming to OPM tunes that gave too much feels.
He also enjoyed playing around with the 12-inch colored touchscreen and the built-in SYNC that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Even when it was getting hotter outside, the ventilated driver and passenger seats kept us comfortable. It made spending time together inside more fun and cozy.
“How do you like your coffee?” “With you”
After our quick breakfast fix, we drove to Rada Street in Makati to have brunch. On the way back to the Metro, we were bothered with how the smog envelopes the city.
Thankfully, the Ford Territory Titanium X came with an Air Anion Generator with PM2.5 monitoring. It kept checking the quality of the air inside, making sure the air we breathe is safe.
Most people keep their windows (and moonroof, if there’s one) open as they drive through the freeway and skyway, but upon entering the city, we decided to keep ourselves safe from the pollution.
Nevertheless, we made it to Wildflour Café + Bakery. We opted for a heavy brunch set knowing there’s a physically intensive activity waiting for us. I always believe in having food that gives energy throughout the day, without the risk of having a food coma.
I ordered the Wildflour Breakfast, which consisted of eggs, crispy potatoes, and homemade breakfast sausage.
My friend had the Breakfast BLT, my first option, which was served in a croissant loaded with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato.
It was topped with mustard, American cheese, and a sunny side-up egg. Yes, it sounds mouthwatering (and it really is).
We also ordered a hot Vanilla Almond Latte for me and a Chantilly iced coffee for him. Brunch isn’t always fresh juices and mimosas, especially for coffee-holics like us.
Learning to be on the same page
The mecca of the day was indoor climbing. I opted to have our activity at Climb Central Manila, where I used to do bouldering before I got addicted to Spartan Race.
For beginners, the staff requires the participants to listen to the safety briefing to ensure we get to enjoy the facility injury-free.
Inside Climb Central, beginners can attempt to do a top-rope climb where they climb while they have a partner (belayer) to handle the rope to ensure their safety as they climb and descend.
There’s also an auto-belay for those who feel confident enough to climb up and down on their own. For those who prefer a more challenging activity, bouldering can be found in the facility’s second floor.
The whole affair somehow strengthened the bond when we attempted to do the top-rope lanes. I felt unsure when I was halfway to the top whether my friend would hold the rope firmly and securely if I slipped and accidentally fell.
At times, he felt I was rushing in to get him down whenever he’s done with his climb. The activity fostered trust and communication, to ensure we’re on the same page.
Building trust and matching energies
In a way, indoor climbing is pretty much the same as driving. Your passenger bets their lives on you to keep them safe and secure, and it’s a privilege to hold their life in your hands (which should be at the steering wheel at all times).
While we found it challenging to align in what works for us when climbing up and down, we still managed to find the sweet spot in belaying the ropes to ensure we have a good time.
When we felt we had enough helping each other in top-rope climbs, we proceeded to do auto-belay.
The facility was crowded so we weren’t able to do a competition on who can climb faster. It’s always bets and games for us, and that’s pretty much the reason why out of all the people I’d choose to do indoor climbing, it’s with him.
What we did instead was record ourselves attempting to do auto-belay, which also brought lessons to us on learning when to let go and jump, or when to keep pushing to finish to the top.
After exhausting our muscles, we paused at the second floor to attend another safety briefing for Bouldering.
It’s a free form of climbing without ropes and harnesses, engaging your full body and activating your problem-solving skills to finish a certain lane.
I’d like to think we both enjoyed bouldering the most. It sharpened our competitive spirit, attempting the boulders over and over again until we finished it.
Though we wanted to climb more, our energy was depleted. We decided it was enough to call it a day. We already had a good time, and that was a new experience to remember.
Comfortable silence
After cleaning ourselves up, we headed to Ayala Solenad for our post-climb meal. It’s situated at the heart of Nuvali, a vast, green estate in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
My friend tried his best to accompany me so I wouldn’t feel sleepy as I drove on the freeway. However, the physical activity was really exhausting that I told him he can sleep instead and I’ll be fine.
Though I’d appreciate having someone to talk to and help with navigation as I drive, I also enjoy just listening to music or reveling in comfortable silence. Plus, I know I can trust the vehicle I was driving.
That’s the beauty of driving the Ford Territory Titanium X — or any Ford vehicles for that matter. Even though I’m extremely exhausted from all my activities, I still manage to drive comfortably and safely.
I’ve said this time and time again, but driving a Next-Gen Ford vehicle felt like doing some of the legwork for you. I love how the extensive collision warning system kept me on my toes.
There are gentle beeping sounds and on-screen alerts when a vehicle drives close to you, or you don’t have enough safe distance on the car in front of you. It kept me alert and awake, even when I just want to doze off.
It works perfectly when you don’t want to use Adaptive Cruise Control, but for safety, it’s best to trust on the Ford Territory Titanium X’s driver-assist technology.
Its system is enough to keep you and your passenger safe. And remember, they trust you enough that they get to sleep peacefully while you drive. Don’t lose that privilege.
Capping off the night
To cap off the night, we had dinner at Nono’s to enjoy a big plate of homestyle fried chicken. It’s a crispy boneless chicken fillet that’s dipped in gravy and honey. We had it served with brioche buns, corn on the cob, and rice to fuel up.
We sat at the al fresco area, frolicking with our phones, decompressing, and enjoying some conversations while people-watching.
Afterward, we dropped by Starbucks to pick up our coffee before going on a walk and exploring the area. When the rush hour ended, I drove Miguel back to his home in Los Baños, Laguna.
Our previous date night got a marvelous sequel — spending a full day with laughters, good conversation, quality time, and new memories to cherish.
The Ford Territory Titanium X may be an unusual choice for a date car, but it works for some. It brought my friend and I closer together, while improving trust and communication.
And more importantly, it kept us safe and secure even when we’re worn down from a day full of adventure. It might take a while for us to hang out together again, but it will surely be another quality time to remember.
For more information about the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X, visit the Ford Territory page. Reserve the Next-Gen Ford Territory through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.
SEE ALSO: Creating core memories with the Next-Gen Ford Territory | Celebrating spesh occasions with the Ford Territory | My first long drive with the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 | Home away from home: Next-Gen Ford Everest makes long trips cozier
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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