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.

L-R: Inside the Ford Territory Titanium (Nov 2023), Inside the Ford Territory Titanium X (Feb 2024)

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.

Photos taken using the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

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.

Playing around with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

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