Automotive

On the road with women who keep defying limits

The Next-Gen Ford Territory Sport is a ride fit for queens

Published

March 24, 2025

MJ Jucutan

There comes a time when you just wanted to quit a race, but you didn’t.

As endurance athletes, we were built to propel forward even when the pain and fatigue set in, wearing us down in the middle of a race course.

And on this particular drive home, that same unstoppable energy filled the cabin of the Next-Gen Ford Territory Sport.

The women sitting beside and behind me weren’t just passengers — they were friends and athletes I have raced with, who had spent the weekend pushing their bodies beyond exhaustion.

Now, as the driver, I had the honor of escorting them back to Manila — not just as their chauffeur, but as their interviewer, their fellow athlete, and their storyteller.

They don’t defy gravity, but they defy limits

It’s not everyday you get to chauffeur three female athletes — Kirby, Ren, and Faith — who were dead-set in breaking barriers.

I had the opportunity to drive them home inside the Next-Gen Ford Territory Sport after we took a back-to-back Spartan Race in Orani, Bataan.

These women weren’t new to the unforgiving world of endurance sports.

Kirby dabbled into the sport because of balance. For her, fitness isn’t just about looking good but also feeling good inside and out.

“I love challenging myself to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle,” she shared.

Ren, on the other hand, is a competitive Spartan athlete with several podium finishes on her belt. She started racing in 2019, but it was in 2022 that she took things more seriously, competing internationally across Asia and Europe.

Faith, the youngest of the three at 24, has always been an athlete at heart. Chess, volleyball, badminton — she’s done them all. But in 2024, she found her newest love: Obstacle Course Racing.

“I only started taking training seriously around October,” she admitted, “but I’m all in now.”

Their stories may be different, but their fire is the same. Each of them embodies what it means to be a woman in endurance sports: determined, disciplined, and unshakable.

What fuels their fire

Being in endurance sports means having more mental strength that transcends your body’s abilities. It needs you to have an insane level of pain tolerance.

You know, the one that keeps you moving? Even when your heart, body, and soul are begging you to stop.

These women, of course, don’t just have the physical and mental strength to tackle on long-distance trails and compete. They have a fire inside that keeps them going.

For Kirby, it was the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. “Every time I push my limits, I learn something new about myself. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges keeps me moving forward.”

Ren, ever the competitor, thrived on the discipline and thrill of racing. “It’s about proving to myself that I’m capable of more. And inspiring others — especially women — to step out of their comfort zones.”

Faith found her motivation in the people around her. “I see my co-racers as inspiration. If they can do it, so can I. Every race, I see my own growth, and that reminds me — I’m capable of more than I once thought.”

It was this fire, this refusal to settle, that made them not just great athletes, but remarkable women.

The sanctuary they needed

As we cruised along the freeway, the ride was steady, unwavering, and — most importantly — comfortable. After pushing their bodies to the limit, these athletes needed a space where they could finally exhale.

Faith let out a satisfied sigh. “I loved it. The seats were spacious and comfortable — it really helped me relax after the race.”

Ren, who had spent most of the drive recovering in the backseat, nodded. “The legroom was great. I didn’t hold back on getting some much-needed rest.”

Kirby added, “The seats are ergonomically designed. They help relieve muscle tension, which is exactly what you need after a race.”

As a fellow athlete, I understood the importance of recovery. And in this moment, the Ford Territory Sport became a recovery lounge and a sanctuary.

Believe me, I tried my best to keep quiet throughout the ride to let them rest.

Designed for the unpredictable

The Next-Gen Ford Territory felt like a parallel that matches our energy. Perhaps endurance sports and driving have something in common.

It’s not about hitting the accelerator hard to move fast, but about reading your environment, doing precise movements, and knowing the right time to push forward or slow down.

Kirby, ever the mindful one, leaned back against her seat, watching the road ahead. “As a passenger, it’s nice knowing there are features like Blind Spot Monitoring. It gives us peace of mind.”

Much like how we gauge the competition in a race — watching, adjusting, anticipating — the car did the same on the road. Sensors kept an eye on what we couldn’t see, making sure we weren’t caught off guard.

Ren, always chasing that next level, nodded. “After an intense race, I just want to sit back and relax, and knowing the driver has extra assistance makes a huge difference.”

Though they didn’t drive, Faith said, “I didn’t use the features myself, but just knowing they were there was reassuring.”

It was ironic, though. When we race, we prefer the unpredictability of the course.

But inside the car, we loved the control and stability. We felt at peace, knowing that on the ride home, we don’t have to put up a fight and allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

A celebration of women’s strength

For these women, endurance isn’t just about finishing races. It’s about breaking barriers, proving that strength has no gender.

“Women’s Month is about resilience,” Ren says. “It’s about showing that we belong in spaces that demand grit.”

Faith echoes the sentiment. “There’s nothing we can’t do that men can. We push ourselves just as hard, and we don’t settle.”

Kirby takes the moment to reflect. “Women’s Month is a chance to acknowledge the hard work and commitment we put into everything — not just in racing, but in life.”

As I parked the Ford Territory Sport and bid my passengers farewell, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration.

These women weren’t just athletes. They were a force. And for a moment, I wasn’t just their driver but their witness, storyteller, and biggest fan.

Because when women set the pace — whether in sports, in life, or in a ride that fuels their journey — you know they’re going the distance.

To the women who lace up, who show up, who fight through every challenge with unshakable determination, keep going.

Automotive

VinFast VF MPV 7 positioned as practical choice for families

Strong performance, lower maintenance costs, comfortable driving experience

Published

May 7, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

VinFast is pushing its all-electric seven-seater SUV, the VF MPV 7, as family-centric choice for modern practicality.

The EV manufacturer has just launched the EV in the Philippines, one of its key markets, as it continues to push for more accessible electric mobility.

Locally, the VinFast VF MPV 7 is priced starting at PhP 1,239,000 (~ US$ 20,096) if you avail of the flexible battery subscription program.

Alternatively, customers can get it for PhP 1,518,000 (US$ 24,621.27) if they opt for the battery-included model.

The launch comes at the heels of VinFast being the top battery EV brand in the market as of early 2026. The Vietnam-based manufacturer also projects that EV penetration will double by the second quarter of the year.

Among the VF MPV 7’s features are:

19-inch alloy wheels
VinFast signature V-shaped LED daytime running lights
R-cut wrapped steering wheel
10.1-inch display
USB-A and USB-C ports
Automatic climate control
PM2.5 air filter
Rear air vents
Up to 1,240 liters cargo capacity
150 kW power, 280 Nm torque

Owners are promised up to 450 kilometers of range on a full charge. The VF MPV 7 has a 60.13kWh battery which can charge from 10% to 70% in just 30 minutes via 80kW fast charging.

VinFast is also throwing in either a 7-year/160,000-km or 10-year/200,000-km battery warranty for those who avail of the EV. Owners can also charge for free at V-Green stations nationwide through March 2029.

Automotive

The VinFast VF6 is perfect for urban travelers

It can handle a Caloocan-Laguna trip easily.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The photo above shows a VinFast VF6 in Mint Green. Today, if you hear about the VinFast brand, you might be more familiar with a different shade of green: the striking turquoise of Green GSM, a local electric taxi-hailing app that primarily uses vehicles from VinFast. But did you know that VinFast offers more than just taxi cars?

The VinFast VF6 is a midsize crossover electric SUV perfect for urban travelers. One look at the car is enough to tell you that it means business. The car’s front profile looks simple enough but still exudes that premium feeling. The rear is just as sharp as the front with strong horizontal lines that give that feeling of width on the road.

A short drive to Laguna

It’s not just pure looks, either. To test out the VF6, we took the crossover for a spin from VinFast Caloocan to Lakehall in Laguna. The 60km trip felt like a breeze with the 210hp electric engine. Add to that, the trip lasted from morning to late afternoon, giving the best of smooth highways and adverse traffic conditions.

The power felt just enough to soldier through the long drive, regardless of the condition. Handling was smooth. It has just enough give for maximum control when turning through tough Metro Manila traffic. But the acceleration unleashed the beast inside for those long and smooth straights.

Range anxiety is also a thing of the past. Despite being a long drive, the engine consumed only 15 percent of the battery each way. In total, the battery can supposedly last 480 kilometers on a full charge, and the results prove it.

Even if you get caught out with a low battery, the VinFast VF6 can juice up to 70 percent (from 10 percent) in only 25 minutes. With gas prices still wreaking havoc on every fuel powered car owner’s budgets, having a vehicle that can charge up at a cheaper price per kilowatt and at a quicker rate is an absolute must.

Driving in comfort

Inside, the VinFast VF6 offers a spacious cabin for driver and passenger alike. Both trips going to and from were luxurious.

First of all, the air-conditioning system hid an insane amount of power behind the car’s vents. Being under the sun, the car was naturally hot before use. However, after only being on for a few minutes, the air-conditioning cooled this inferno to much more comfortable levels. By the end, my companion and I were freezing.

Both the front and backseats had enough legroom to help drivers and passengers stretch out their legs. I didn’t feel the crippling claustrophobia of staying inside a car for hours.

The car also had a sizable 12.9-inch infotainment system angled towards the driver. Though the angle seemed too obtrusive if you’re a passenger princess, the system itself connected seamlessly to our phones for that entertainment so crucial to long drives.

Keeping safe in dangerous streets

Comfort should go hand in hand with safety. True enough, the VinFast VF6 comes with a vast suite of ADAS conveniences for safer trips. Of course, you’re getting the standard fixings present every car today, including airbags, but the beauty also lies in those tech-infused features.

First up: cruise control. Normally, I don’t use cruise control because I prefer having maximum control over a drive. However, the VF6’s system is easy to use even when on the go.

For lengthy highways drives, it also has lane departure warnings, which can jerk you back to the right lane if you drift too much onto the next lane. Forward collision warnings and automatic emergency braking keeps your car safe from accidentally rear-ending cars in front.

Finally, the VF6 can automatically detect if you’re too drowsy or tired to drive. The system detects both your behavior inside the cabin and how you drive. For example, if you’re starting to drive erratically, the car will sound an alarm to hopefully prod you for a driver change or a short nap. Thankfully, we didn’t need this feature during our trip, but it’s nice to have.

Price, availability

The VinFast VF6 does not cost too much. The Plus version, which comes with 150kW of max power, sells for only PhP 1,699,000. Meanwhile, a competitively priced Eco version, which has 130kW of max power, sells for PhP 1,499,00.

Both models will come in Jet Black, Infinity Blanc, and Crimson Red.

Automotive

DENZA expands the electrified market with the all-new B5 and B8

Redefining the SUV experience through refined comfort.

Published

April 28, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Following a successful preview at the Manila International Auto Show 2026, DENZA Philippines has officially launched the all-new DENZA B5 and B8.

These electrified SUVs represent a significant step in the brand’s expansion, offering modern drivers a blend of efficiency and real-world capability designed for the complexities of modern life.

DENZA B5

The DENZA B5 is a midsize plug-in hybrid that addresses the common anxieties of transitioning to electrified driving.

It utilizes DMO Super Hybrid technology, pairing a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a dual-motor system. This setup delivers 425 kW and 760 Nm of torque, providing plenty of power for both city streets and open highways.

Range is often a concern but the B5 offers a combined NEDC range of up to 975 kilometers. This capacity allows for a full week of commuting without the constant need to recharge or refuel.

Inside, the cabin serves as a sanctuary, featuring massage and ventilated seats. It also has a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera system that makes navigating tight spaces feel intuitive and safe.

DENZA B8

For those who require more presence and capability, the DENZA B8 arrives as a full-size SUV available in Dynamic and Premium variants.

It’s built for extended journeys, offering a combined NEDC range of up to 1,040 kilometers. This allows drivers to focus on the road ahead rather than the nearest charging station.

The standout feature of the B8 is the DiSus-P Intelligent Damping Suspension. This system continuously monitors the road and adjusts the stiffness of the ride in real time.

The technology works in the background to ensure the ride remains composed and stable.

Inside, the B8 leans into luxury with dual wireless chargers and a built-in refrigerator.

Confidence across any terrain

Both the B5 and B8 are engineered for real-world off-road capability.

They feature four-wheel drive and front and rear electronically controlled locking differentials. Specialized modes for mud, sand, rock, and water wading give drivers the confidence to handle unpredictable conditions.

The inclusion of “Leopard Turn” technology allows for sharper maneuvering in narrow trails or tight U-turns.

The experience is completed by the DENZA App. This tool allows owners to monitor fuel levels, charging status, and location from their smartphones, ensuring that the vehicle is always ready for the next adventure.