Automotive

How I discovered my love language through Honda Sensing

Would I drive for you? Maybe.

Published

October 9, 2023

MJ Jucutan

This is not a joke.

As someone in his late twenties, I’m uncovering my love languages while burrowing through deep-seated traumas. I used to think my love language was “quality time,” knowing that I’d love to give someone my undivided attention.

Phones down, ears up, and I’m only looking at you.

But the truth is I’ve been a goldfish the past few years. The people in my life know I’m listening while my face was buried in my phone. That, or I’m busy working on my laptop.

I never gave much thought to the love language that I speak. Not until I got the Honda HR-V 1.5 S CVT Honda Sensing for half a month.

I spent countless times sitting inside the car, parked, and pondering about myself and the life I’m living. Which, in any sense, is filed under things you can’t do when you’re commuting because you can only think on the fly and when the vehicle is moving.

I’ve never been the one to make an effort to drive and pick up/drop somebody off somewhere. I’ve been driving a manual, so combine that with being an athlete, my knees literally scream in pain.

Although there was always a tiny voice in my head, persuading me to make an effort for the people I love.

Still, my stubbornness prevailed. I’m not going to brave the Metro Manila traffic just to make someone else’s life convenient. (Share the struggle with me!!!)

Hello, character development

I live in the far east of the Capital, on an uphill slope where driving and commuting are both a hassle. On a payday Friday, I left early (around 10-ish) for a 2 o’clock meeting in the Fort. Yes, we have to be that early to avoid the traffic and secure parking. Can you imagine the effort to take someone for a ride?

Halfway through, I received a message from my friend Tacia (not Sasha) updating us where she was. The notification popped on the 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

My iPhone was charging at that time, which automatically connected to the screen. I asked my friend to call which I received clearly through the vehicle’s six-speaker sound setup.

After a quick conversation, I realized she was along the way if I took a short detour, which would push my estimated arrival off by 5 minutes.

I decided to pick her up in Alphaland Southgate and instead of just making her tag along for the ride, I decided to drop her off at our friend’s home in Kapitolyo.

There was something magical when driving the HR-V. Call it a je ne sais quoi, but it made me discover something about myself. It was comfortable to drive and it made my passengers (and even yours truly) feel safe and secure while inside the vehicle.

I never would’ve opted to give someone else a ride, but here we are, having a character development.

Long-lasting patience, pls, and thnx

I never went home after my Friday meetings at the Fort, deciding to sleep over at a friend’s place in the scary depths of Pasig City.

If you live in Manila, you’d know how horrible motorists are. Especially in Pasig City where motorcycles, tricycles, and pedestrians decide to cut off a passing vehicle.

No amount of honking can prevent these people or even make them apologize for their abrupt actions. Patience is required, so yes, we pray to have unlimited patience on the days we drive.

In situations like these, Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) through Honda Sensing helps alert the driver to avoid a collision. It comes with visual and audible warnings when there’s a possible impact and it automatically applies the brakes when necessary.

I’ve experienced it multiple times when motorists abruptly cut me off and I can only curse inside the vehicle. I have no time to honk since my focus is directed towards applying the brake to prevent crashing from a rider who’d only scratch his head when there’s an accident.

Since I was driving at night, the HR-V automatically turned on the high beams with its Auto High-Beam feature when there were no other vehicles ahead. It’s incredibly useful since some parts of the city remain dark due to towering trees, even with plenty of street lights. (Thank you, Mayor Vico!)

Highways of the East

The majority of my friends live in the east and the south, some even far outside the Metro. I already thought of having a long-distance relationship with my friends since a lot of us would opt to stay in our neighborhood instead of braving hellish traffic.

Trust us, it’d take you two to three hours to get to our destination most of the time.

The HR-V’s compartment is spacious enough to put all our bags

On one occasion, my friend Kalvin joined his first marathon ever. To show our support, I decided to wake up my co-elite athletes Chay and Betty on an early Sunday morning, telling them I was going to pick them up.

I first went to Marikina to pick up Chay and have her order my coffee ahead of time. Next, we went through Marcos Highway and C-5 to pick up Betty, which is quite scary when cars speed up since it’s early in the morning. Both highways are notorious for having multiple car accidents because most drivers won’t slow down.

Honda Sensing went into play again with its Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). I stayed through the third lane to make sure I wouldn’t miss the exit and whenever I sped up and almost went out of my lane, the steering wheel vibrated to keep me in position.

This works hand-in-hand with the Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) which helped me steer the car back to the center of the lane.

I never got to experience the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) though, since it only works when the driver departs a lane without using the turn signal lights. Of course, this driver likes to announce his turn a hundred meters before actually departing my lane.

From South and back

The marathon was happening at the Bay City, where SM Mall of Asia is located. We waited and cheered for our friend when we saw him near the finish line.

After the marathon, we went to have brunch at Panco Cafe along Don Carlos Palanca Street in Makati, and then we capped our day off at One Bonifacio High Street.

L-R: Hanging out in High Street, Visiting friends in Parañaque, Elevator selfie in Pasig before driving to Mt. Ayaas in Rizal

A full day spent with the people you cherish makes you appreciate the life you’re living. And to be their designated driver, I’m honored and privileged to have them trust me with their safety.

Honda Sensing came with premium safety features that anyone would love to have in their vehicles. It gives an assurance that the vehicle has your back when things get out of your control.

Having this system is what made me realize that I love being a driver more than being a passenger prince. Perhaps I always knew about it, but I never got the opportunity to do so. The experience is worthwhile since it was my first time to actually drive from different locations in one day.

Sometimes, what we really need are opportunities to discover the love languages we speak. Having the HR-V with Honda Sensing for half a month, I realized that my love language wasn’t “quality time” anymore. It’s “acts of service” and I would drive for the people I love because I’d love to.

Related Topics:Honda Honda HR-V Honda SENSING

Computex 2026

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

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

Published

June 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.

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.

Published

May 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

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.

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.

Published

May 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

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.