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.

Accessories

70mai launches the A900 series with 4K front, rear recording

Two new 4K dual-channel dash cams, both with 4G

Published

September 22, 2026

MJ Jucutan

70mai has launched the A900 Series, led by the flagship 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra, with the 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 joining it in the lineup.

Both models record in 4K from the front and rear cameras, and both support 4G, so your footage stays reachable from your phone even when you’re away from the car.

4K recording from both cameras

The A900 Ultra uses dual Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensors to capture clear 4K footage from both directions. As a result, details like license plates and road signs remain sharp.

Smart HDR balances bright and dark areas under shifting light. Users can also adjust color tones and contrast. To keep feeds synced, the rear camera uses LVDS digital transmission. This tech sends a lossless 4K feed with just 20ms of latency.

Handling changing light

Driving into a tunnel or under the shadow of a tall building changes the lighting quickly, and 70mai built three imaging technologies into the A900 Ultra to deal with it.

MaiColor Vivid+ Solution 2.0 is meant to give more natural colors and finer detail, along with smarter scene adaptation. Night Owl Vision 2.0 reduces noise and glare to help with nighttime clarity.

Lumi Vision is made for parking surveillance in near-total darkness, where it automatically adjusts exposure and gain and applies noise reduction. 70mai says this produces clear, full-color footage in extremely low light.

Parking mode and remote access

Smart Parking Guardian Mode 2.0 protects your vehicle while parked. It combines AI motion detection, dual-channel collision detection with pre-recording, and time-lapse options.

The system draws just 5mA on standby to prevent battery drain. For extended coverage, the optional 70mai Battery Pack Mini powers surveillance for up to 30 days.

In photo: A900

Pairing the camera with the 4G Hardwire Kit unlocks 70mai 4G Cloud+ 2.0 features on the app. Enhanced Buffered Emergency Recording saves up to 190 seconds before an incident and 30 seconds after.

It automatically uploads this footage to the cloud for immediate remote viewing.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900

In photo: A900

The A900 sits alongside the Ultra as the more accessible option. It records True 4K HDR at 30FPS from both the front and rear cameras, and Smart HDR can be scheduled to turn on at set times.

Its f/1.55 aperture is meant to help in low light, and 4G Cloud+ 2.0 keeps the dash cam connected to the 70mai App. It’s the model for drivers who want dual-channel recording and 4G connectivity at a lower price.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra retails for US$ 300, available for pre-order at US$ 240. Meanwhile, the A900 is priced at US$ 200, currently 20% off at US$ 170.

Automotive

The Kia EV3 brings gallery-worthy design in a compact electric form

The 2025 World Car of the Year turns daily driving into functional art.

Published

September 22, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The all-new Kia EV3 officially debuted against the architectural backdrop of the Ayala Museum.

Named the 2025 World Car of the Year, the compact electric SUV redefines daily driving as functional art. It also holds prestigious Red Dot “Best of the Best” and iF Design awards.

Sculpted like a modern piece of design

The EV3 shares the forward-thinking design philosophy of the acclaimed EV5 and EV9.

Its exterior features an evolved Digital Tiger Face paired with signature LED lighting. Sculpted geometric surfaces and flush door handles maintain a smooth silhouette.

A tailored rear spoiler, roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels complete the profile. The result looks composed and elegant, especially when parked outside a contemporary gallery.

Beneath its sculpted skin lies instant, whisper-quiet electric power. A front-mounted motor generates 204 PS and 283 Nm of torque.

A 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 511 kilometers of range on a single charge (NEDC). Replenishing energy fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle.

Standard 11 kW AC charging goes from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 5 hours and 20 minutes. Meanwhile, 350 kW DC Fast Charging restores the same charge in just 29 minutes.

A digital sanctuary, literally

Inside, the cabin opens into a clean, modern sanctuary.

A striking 30-inch Triple Panoramic Display centers the dashboard. It unifies the instrument cluster, climate settings, and infotainment beneath one sweeping glass surface.

Leather upholstery and an eight-way power driver’s seat prioritize comfort, and the power lumbar support ensures relaxed driving on longer journeys.

There’s also a sliding central console tray that creates an adaptable workspace on the go. On another note, connectivity remains effortless throughout the interior space. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, dual wireless charging pads, five USB-C ports, and six speakers keep devices powered and entertained. For weekend getaways, 60:40 split-folding rear seats easily expand cargo capacity.

Intuitive safety

Intelligent peace of mind comes standard through the Kia DriveWise suite.

Active features include Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Forward Collision Avoidance with Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blindspot Safety Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Safety assist at every turn.

Seven airbags protect the front, side, and curtain areas. Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, parking sensors, and a rear-view camera complete the protective core.

Price, availability

The Kia EV3 starts at PhP 1,898,000, inclusive of a home wall charger. An introductory offer reduces the price to PhP 1,868,000, saving early buyers PhP 30,000. Reservations also include five years of free Preventive Maintenance Service.

Kia provides a five-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty. The high-voltage battery carries an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty.

The EV3 comes in seven curated exterior colors. Options include Aventurine Green, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Terra Cotta, Frost Blue, Shale Grey, and Ivory Silver.

Automotive

Ford revs up Truck Month with extended 5-star care offers

Explore exclusive cash discounts, flexible downpayment plans, and showroom activations in the Philippines.

Published

September 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

Ford Philippines brings back its annual Truck Month this September, pairing special financing and cash savings with extended service coverage across the updated Ranger and Everest lineups.

The month-long program shifts the focus toward long-term ownership peace of mind. This ensures drivers feel supported well beyond the showroom floor.

Comprehensive coverage for every journey

For drivers who view their truck or SUV as an essential partner for travel and daily routines, maintenance clarity brings genuine confidence.

Select variants in the lineup now include Ford’s 5-Star Care Package, bundling a five-year warranty, five-year scheduled service plan, and five-year roadside assistance.

Flagship performance models built for challenging roads, including the Ranger Raptor 3.0L V6, Ranger Wildtrak X 3.0L V6, and Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6, pair this complete service coverage with PhP 20,000 in cash savings. On another note, the Raptor 3.0L V6 also offers a PhP 150,000 all-in downpayment option.

Versatile family vehicles receive identical long-term backing, with the Everest Platinum 3.0L V6, Everest Wildtrak 2.0L, Everest Sport+ 2.0L, and Everest Active 2.0L all bundling the five-year care plan. Meanwhile, the Everest Wildtrak 2.0L Turbo includes an additional PhP 20,000 cash discount.

Financing designed around daily routines

Flexibility plays a central role in fitting a vehicle into personal budgets and busy lifestyles.

For the first time, the practical Ranger XLS 4×2 introduces access to the 5-Star Care Package, allowing buyers to select between long-term maintenance coverage, a PhP 50,000 cash discount, or a PhP 49,000 all-in downpayment.

Drivers drawn to the Ranger Sport 4×2 can opt for a PhP 59,000 all-in downpayment or zero percent interest financing. By providing multiple ownership paths, Ford aligns purchase incentive options directly with driver priorities, prioritizing lasting value throughout the lifetime of the vehicle.

Bringing the experience to dealerships and malls

The Truck Month celebration extends further with the Super September event, taking place from September 16 to 20 across nationwide dealerships and key shopping centers.

Customers who reserve any Ford vehicle during this five-day showcase receive an extra PhP 20,000 in cash savings on top of ongoing Truck Month offers.

Display venues including Virra Mall Greenhills, SM Southmall, SM Seaside Cebu, Robinsons Dumaguete, and SM City Sta. Rosa feature interactive showroom activities and refreshments, offering drivers an accessible way to explore their next vehicle companion.