When the love of my life turned into the loss of my life, driving felt like a chore I couldn’t bring myself to do. Driving wasn’t simply a way to get from Point A to Point B.

Every press on the accelerator once meant I was on my way to see someone I thought I’d build forever with. I could still picture us in traffic jams, singing songs off-key. Those memories made every drive feel alive.

But life doesn’t move according to your route. After that last drive with the Ford Territory Titanium X eight months ago, no other car or trip felt the same.

Everything since felt like errands. Just me, going somewhere, sometimes with people, but never with someone. For months, I stayed busy rebuilding, but healing sometimes feels like a road trip without a destination.

You start over, take turns you didn’t expect, and in the process, you realize others are evolving too. Case in point: the Ford Territory Titanium X, now reborn as a Hybrid.

I first saw it at its launch in Bonifacio Global City, and I didn’t feel any butterflies. But when I finally stepped inside for a drive to Baguio City, it felt… familiar.

It’s like meeting someone you used to know, only this time, they’ve grown softer and wiser. Maybe, I thought, this was my mirror moment. Maybe, I was meeting the better version of myself, too.

Upgraded, inside and out

At first glance, the Territory Hybrid Titanium X looks much like the one I used to know until you look closely.

Aside from the subtle Hybrid badge, it’s longer and wider, and maybe, even grander in presence. There’s a new grille, hood, and fenders, and a coast-to-coast LED light bar that glows (but only for the Titanium X trim).

It reminded me of the small shifts that happen when you heal. You buy new clothes, cut your hair, and even put up boundaries by saying “no” and then one day, someone will say “you look different.”

Inside, it felt like coming home. The cabin welcomed me with its familiar blend of leather. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12-inch infotainment display reminded me of the screen we used to play, but now I’ve used it to stream new songs that I enjoy.

It’s got the same creature comforts I’ve always loved, like the hands-free power tailgate that makes it convenient when you’re carrying loads of bags. Except maybe this time, I learned how to pack light and leave the weight I didn’t need to carry.

The difference now lies within. The hybrid powertrain, combined with the electric motor, kept it quiet that I almost consumed my own thoughts. It was calm that you wouldn’t notice the changes unless you listen closely.

But maybe that’s what growth is: changes that aren’t most visible, but what’s quietly working beneath the surface.

New company on the open road

I shared this drive with Kyle and Gab, fellow creators and journalists I met for the first time. We ditched the driver rotation plan, so we could take on the parts of the route we were best suited for.

Kyle handled the never-ending curves of Kennon and Asin roads. With slippery roads, we relied on the Territory’s electronic stability and traction control, especially during sharp turns. Kyle wasn’t too happy with it, but at least we had his steady hands to bring us back safely.

Gab and I swapped seats for the more monotonous stretches: the long, endless freeways. When Gab took over, the Automatic Emergency Braking kicked in twice. It startled us, especially me, as I sat in the backseat without a seatbelt on.

It was an unexpected jolt, but a much-needed one. Even though it annoyed us, it was comforting to know the car was still looking out for us even when we thought we didn’t need it.

Refilling my own tank

When it was my turn, I found myself recharging the hybrid’s battery along a long stretch of road. It was oddly satisfying, especially since I’d done it before.

As Kyle and Gab fell asleep — which I was proud of, or maybe they were just really tired — I thought of all the times I’d felt drained and how I’d learned to fill my own tank again.

Maybe that’s why I love hybrid cars. They remind me of how great I am at pouring love, keeping myself or others moving forward.

In this case, it was when Kyle took the wheel again, using the energy I restored to catch up with the convoy and speed up.

I’m glad we got our hands on the Titanium X trim. Beyond the shared safety suite such as stability control, traction control, hill assist, and 360-degree cameras, this top variant adds layers of luxury that matter.

For someone like me, who trains and races, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering features are a blessing when exhaustion hits.

Meanwhile, the Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert feel like having an extra pair of eyes.

When your body’s too tired to think, all you need is a reminder that even when you can’t see what’s behind or beside you, the car’s got your back.

Where the road ends (and begins again)

It rained the moment we left Baguio City. The convoy blurred into mist ahead, and all I could see were red taillights. The wipers worked tirelessly while I tightened my grip on the wheel.

Thankfully, the Territory Hybrid Titanium X responded.

I trusted it the way you trust yourself after heartbreak. Not because I’m fearless, but because I’ve been through enough to know I’ll make it out.

At 100 km/h on TPLEX, I kept pace with the storm. Taylor Swift may have said “keep it 100” in her latest single “The Fate of Ophelia,” but I meant it differently.

The drive home didn’t feel like the end of this journey. It felt like closure.

The Ford Territory Hybrid Titanium X wasn’t the same car I fell in love with, and I wasn’t the same person who drove it then.

Both of us transformed, not because we wanted to be, but because life demanded it.

And maybe that’s what love, in all its forms, is supposed to be. Maybe you don’t need to hold on to what was, but you learn to drive forward in the company of new people and what remains.

By the time I parked, I wasn’t thinking about what I’d lost anymore. I was thinking about where I’d go next.

The Ford Territory Hybrid Titanium X starts at PhP 1,599,000 while the Trend variant starts at PhP 1,399,000. Both variants come in Oasis Green, Crystal Pearl White, Star White, Blue Panther, and Panther Black. Get it at dealerships nationwide.

Earlier this year, we named the Kia EV9 as one of the most luxurious vehicles we’ve tried so far. Besides the raw power inside, the car’s interior was a spectacle for the tech-savvy. Today, Kia Philippines is expanding its now-iconic lineup with a smaller version of its behemoth. Presenting: the Kia EV5.

At the 13^th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, Kia Philippines unleashed the EV5. Compared to the gigantic capabilities of the EV9, the EV5 is a five-seater SUV that leverages all the technological capabilities of its all-electric motor.

Under the hood, the car can put out a capable 217 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. Impressively, the 88.1kWh battery can reportedly last up to 550 kilometers on a single charge.

As expected, the Kia EV5 will feature the brand’s impressive array of tech-filled capabilities. This includes Kia’s ADAS features called DriveWise. It also has, we can assume, a lot of convenience features that straddle the edge of luxury.

Now, we say “assume” because the car hasn’t technically launched yet. Kia Philippines has confirmed that a more formal launch will happen in the first quarter of 2026. This launch will reveal the final price and available features coming to the Philippines.

In the meantime, interested buyers can get a first look at the Kia EV5 during the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit happening until October 25.

SEE ALSO: Starting the newly engaged life with the Kia EV9

The BYD eMAX 9 DM-i is a mid-size MPV built to move modern families toward an electrified future.

Unveiled at the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, the new flagship MPV from BYD seats seven and runs on the brand’s Super DM-i hybrid system.

The BYD eMax 9 DM-i brings together power and efficiency in one refined form.

Luxury that travels with you

From the outside, the eMAX 9 DM-i stands tall and confident.

It wears BYD’s Dragon Face design with bold lines, signature LED lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels that give every drive a commanding presence.

Inside, the cabin feels like a private retreat. Hands-free side doors and a powered tailgate make entry effortless, while a built-in refrigerator keeps drinks cool for long drives.

Both the Premium and Advanced variants feature a Tri-Zone Cooling System that allows each passenger to set their preferred temperature.

The Premium model adds massage and ventilation to the captain’s chairs. Plus, plush leather seats and a 15.6-inch infotainment display complete the experience.

Power and efficiency

At its core, the eMAX 9 DM-i runs on BYD’s Super DM-i technology, which combines a high-power electric motor with a 1.5-liter turbocharged generator.

Together, they produce 271 PS and 315 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds.

The Premium variant comes with a 36.6 kWh battery that delivers up to 170 kilometers of pure-electric driving. Meanwhile, the Advanced model provides 95 kilometers.

With both electric and fuel power combined, the eMAX 9 can travel up to 1,000 kilometers on a single charge and a full tank.

Charging is simple and flexible. AC charging takes around 3 to 5 hours depending on the variant. Meanwhile, DC fast charging brings the battery from 30% to 80% in under 20 minutes.

The eMAX 9 can also share its power through Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows users to plug in small appliances or camping equipment directly into the vehicle.

Safety that gives confidence

The eMAX 9 DM-i is designed to protect every passenger.

The Premium variant features BYD’s DiSus-C suspension system, which automatically adjusts to different road conditions for a smoother and more stable ride.

Its DiPilot driver assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.

Eight airbags, a 360-degree camera, and rear cross-traffic alerts provide added peace of mind for every trip.

Price, availability

With prices starting at PhP 2,678,000 for the Advanced variant and PhP 2,998,000 for the Premium, the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i is a refined statement of sustainable luxury. It is available in Cosmos Black, Deep Sea Blue, and Aurora White.

Every purchase is backed by BYD’s comprehensive warranty: eight years or 160,000 kilometers for the Blade Battery and drive unit, and six years or 150,000 kilometers for the vehicle itself.