Automotive

When love is in cruise control

The Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X gives us the space to love, go the distance, and take the extra mile.

Published

February 7, 2025

MJ Jucutan

Love, like driving, isn’t just about speed or adrenaline-fueled detours.

Sometimes, it’s about quiet moments, effortless miles, and steady pacing. It’s in the knowing that, no matter the distance, you’ll always arrive where you’re meant to be.

Once upon a time, I was a passenger prince, perfectly content with adjusting the air-con, queuing up a road trip playlist, and admiring my reflection in the side mirror.

That was when it hit me: quality time and acts of service aren’t just how I express love. They’re how I feel it, too. And if I love you, I’ll drive for you.

And for the past year, that was what I had been doing. I had plenty of quality time on the road with my beau, turning simple trips into something more. But this time, our plans for a weekend getaway took a different turn when work got in the way.

Love, however, isn’t just about the moments you plan. Sometimes, it’s about the unexpected ones; the quiet in-betweens, the miles shared, and the comfortable silence that speaks louder than words.

That’s what I learned as I took the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X for a weekend drive — running errands, sharing playlists, and simply enjoying the ride with my favorite person in the passenger seat.

Love that moves at its own pace

My beau lives almost 30 miles away, a drive that usually takes over an hour.

Newsflash: I made it in less than an hour, cruising my way to my long-term, long-distance, low-commitment Ken. (Yes, Barbie fans, IYKYK!)

I didn’t have to push too hard. Just like in love, the right support makes things effortless. With 248 Nm of torque, the Territory Titanium X felt smooth, steady, and easy to drive along the freeway.

I pulled up outside his office, and with the power liftgate, he tossed his bags into the compartment with ease. He slid into the leather-upholstered seat, and with a simple push-start button, our adventure began.

Together, we’ll be the greatest team there’s ever been

We had a late lunch planned at Forresta Café, tucked away in the vast grasslands of Dasmariñas, Cavite.

I let the Adaptive Cruise Control take over, slowing down to a relaxed 70 km/h. Less about the rush, and more about enjoying the drive.

With the 12-inch touchscreen lighting up like our personal concert stage and the 8-speaker sound system surrounding us, we queued up our favorite playlist on Spotify.

“Defying Gravity” started playing, and just like that, the car transformed into our very own Broadway stage. Me as Glinda, him as my Elphaba. We harmonized, belted, and completely ignored the fact that we were slightly off-key.

And yes, we were singing in the car, but we’re not getting lost upstate. (I’ll be a Swiftie, through and through!)

Though the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, I found syncing my iPhone to be more seamless.

The wireless Android Auto sometimes disconnected mid-drive — unless I plugged it in with a USB-C cable — and that’s not the kind of reliability I expect when I’m cruising with someone I love.

By the time we arrived at Forresta, parking was a breeze, thanks to the front and rear parking sensors guiding me into a tight space under the trees. No tinted windows meant no risking hot leather seats when we got back.

Over plates of spicy Fettuccine a la Amatriciana and Fish & Chips, we caught up. Not just on what was new, but on the kind of conversations that make you feel closer, even without saying much.

I did one thing right

We left Forresta without locking the doors. Fortunately, I had already activated the Speed Sensing Door Locks, which locked the doors as soon as the vehicle detected movement.

I have a propensity of forgetting stuff when I am with him. Sometimes it’s my own thoughts, and other times it’s the next highway exit. But the Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X kept me on track — literally.

It took less than 20 minutes to arrive at Vivere Hotel, where we checked in for the night. The basement parking was tight, but the parking sensors made maneuvering seamless. I could’ve used Active Park Assist, but let’s be honest, I wanted to impress my beau.

After freshening up, we took a slow stroll through Westgate, letting the pink skies paint the evening in soft hues.

As athletes, we love moving together — running, walking, even just pacing our steps to match the other. It’s in these quiet moments that I realize: love doesn’t always have to feel like an adrenaline rush. Sometimes, love is just being there. Steady, constant, reliable.

Later that night, we dined at The Nest, Vivere’s rooftop restaurant. Comfort Filipino food, a Strawberry Cinnamon Sangria, under the stars, and skyline sparkling below us.

It wasn’t a grand romantic gesture, but it was ours. And maybe that’s what made it perfect.

No miles between us

We put on our running shoes for the 7-Eleven Run 2025 the next morning, which was a buddy run that required us to start and finish together. I was skeptical after suffering an injury during my most recent ultra-trail marathon.

Turns out, I didn’t just keep up. I stayed ahead in the front pack. My legs still knew the rhythm, my stride still had power. And my beau? He was right there with me.

Maybe I wasn’t as fast as I used to be, but love doesn’t measure in PRs. It’s about running the race together, side by side.

We refueled over breakfast at the Vivere Hotel after crossing the finish line, laughing in between bites and making plans for the following journey.

During our drive to Los Baños, the Blind-Spot Detection System and Auto Brake System provided us with quiet protection. One instance was when a motorcyclist swerved in front of me in a traffic jam, the Territory Titanium X responded before I could react.

Somehow, this trip felt different, and every safety feature reminded me of it. Because when you’re driving with someone you love, you drive differently — more cautiously, more thoughtfully, as if their life is your life.

We returned to his house, collected a few items, and then drove to Shore Residences, where I assisted him in checking in for work. Everything was softly glowing in the golden light as I drove him to his head office in Quezon City at dusk.

It wasn’t the extravagant weekend retreat I had imagined. Love, however, isn’t always a wild ride. It’s in the peaceful drives, the steady pace, and the way you go the extra mile just because you want to.

Maybe love isn’t about butterflies or perfectly planned road trips. Maybe it’s about peace. The knowing.

It’s in the stops for takeout, the detours for sunsets, and the safe arrivals after a long drive.

And maybe, just maybe, the perfect car for love isn’t the one that takes you on thrilling adventures. Maybe, it’s the one that makes every errand, every turn, every unplanned moment feel like home.

The Next-Gen Ford Territory Titanium X transformed every drive into a romantic tale. And in some way, I became even more in love with my person.

Automotive

Porsche Cayenne Electric launches in the Philippines

Porsche’s electric SUV arrives locally.

Published

October 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Porsche has introduced the all-electric Cayenne in the Philippines, expanding its flagship SUV lineup with a fully electric powertrain. The new model joins the existing gasoline and plug-in hybrid variants, giving buyers more options as the brand expands its electric vehicle lineup.

The launch also coincides with Porsche’s 30th anniversary in the Philippines, marking another milestone for the German automaker in the local market.

Porsche Cayenne Electric delivers up to 642km of range

The Philippine-spec Cayenne Electric features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain paired with a 113kWh battery. It produces up to 325kW (442PS) and 835Nm of torque with Launch Control activated.

Porsche claims the electric SUV can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. It also offers a driving range of up to 642 kilometers based on the WLTP testing cycle.

The Cayenne Electric supports DC fast charging at up to 400kW. This allows for faster charging at compatible high-powered charging stations. For home charging, the SUV comes with an 11kW onboard AC charger.

Digital cockpit and adjustable rear seating

The Cayenne Electric features a 3,023mm wheelbase, providing additional room for passengers. Its rear seats offer 150mm of fore-and-aft adjustment and up to 18 degrees of backrest tilt, allowing occupants to prioritize legroom or cargo space.

Inside, the SUV introduces Porsche’s Flow Display, a curved OLED interface that serves as the centerpiece of its digital cockpit. An optional 14.9-inch passenger display is also available for entertainment and navigation-related functions.

The cabin combines these digital features with a configurable seating layout designed to balance passenger comfort and practicality.

Porsche Cayenne Electric features adaptive air suspension

The Cayenne Electric comes with adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. Buyers can also opt for rear-axle steering and an active-hydraulic chassis leveling system.

Its driver-assistance and parking features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, ParkAssist with a 2D surround-view system, automated parking functions, and driver attention monitoring.

By offering the electric Cayenne alongside its combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid counterparts, Porsche continues to give customers a choice of powertrains while expanding its electric vehicle portfolio in the Philippines.

Porsche in the Philippines

Porsche Center Philippines has served as the official importer and distributor of Porsche sports cars in the country since 1996. Its offerings include the latest Porsche models, Porsche Lifestyle products, genuine parts, and after-sales services.

Automotive

Psst! You can test drive BYD and DENZA EVs for free this week, but not for long

Four days of EV displays, test drives, and a first look at the DENZA Z9 GT.

Published

October 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

BYD Cars Philippines and DENZA Philippines are opening Super Experience Week to the public starting October 8, 2026.

The event runs until October 11 and gives visitors a hands-on look at the brands’ latest EVs and plug-in hybrids, along with test drives and a few previews. Admission is free.

BYD brings its plug-in hybrids and safety program

BYD’s showcase at the BGC Amphitheater will feature the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Tang DM-i. The brand’s full lineup will be on display at the BGC Garden, where visitors can also take the cars out for test drives.

BYD is also running its “Drive Electric, EV Safety Program” at the event. It’s aimed at helping new and prospective owners learn more about EV use as the community in the Philippines continues to grow. BYD says visitors can also get exclusive offers on all of its models, but only during Super Experience Week.

DENZA shows its premium lineup and a first look at the Z9 GT

DENZA is the centerpiece of the event. The brand is displaying its D9, B5, and B8, positioned as premium smart mobility with an emphasis on design, in-car tech, electrified performance, and comfort.

The main draw is an exclusive preview of the DENZA Z9 GT. The Philippine launch is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, and reservations are already open for customers who want to register their interest before it arrives.

The weekend moves to 5th Avenue

On October 10 and 11, the event expands to 5th Avenue, which will host a dedicated performance and advanced mobility showcase. A special exhibition will feature YANGWANG models, BYD’s ultra-luxury new energy vehicles.

The DENZA B5, DENZA B8, and BYD Shark 6 DMO will also be on show in a street exhibition throughout the weekend.

Test drives across both the BYD and DENZA lineups will be available for the duration of the event, so visitors can check out the tech, performance, and comfort of each model firsthand.

Automotive

Electric luxury reimagined: XPENG launches next-gen EV lineup

XPENG’s PH lineup spans the X9 MPV and the L03, with prices starting at PhP 1,548,000

Published

September 28, 2026

MJ Jucutan

XPENG has officially entered the Philippine EV market. Over 3,000 guests attended the brand’s grand local debut. During the launch event, the automaker introduced a six-variant lineup.

The lineup features the flagship X9 MPV and the sleek L03 SUV Coupé. Prices start at an accessible PhP 1,548,000.

Brand ambassador Anne Curtis joined the celebration on stage, while XPENG showcased its X2 Flying Car and IRON Humanoid Robot. These futuristic displays highlighted the company’s “Physical AI” vision.

XPENG X9: First-class travel for seven

The XPENG X9 serves as the brand’s flagship seven-seater MPV.

It turns luxury mobility into a private lounge experience. Buyers can choose between two Long Range variants. The base X9 Long Range costs PhP 3,858,000. It features zero-gravity second-row seats with a central aisle. This layout ensures quick access to the third row. The Premium Seat Package costs PhP 4,058,000.

It upgrades the middle row to individual captain’s chairs. These chairs feature four-way powered headrests and 16-point massage.

Both variants share identical mechanical hardware. A front-wheel-drive motor produces 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque. A massive 110 kWh battery provides up to 615 km of range.

A compatible DC fast charger boosts power from 10 to 80 percent in 12 minutes. Active rear-wheel steering delivers a tight 5.4-meter turning radius. Dual-chamber air suspension ensures maximum ride comfort.

A powered third row folds completely flat beneath the floor. Color options include Midnight Black, Arctic White, Matte Gray, and Silver Frost. Inside, buyers can select Meteorite Black or Coffee.

XPENG L03: Sleek versatility meets electric freedom

The L03 SUV Coupé blends striking aesthetics with daily utility. XPENG offers four distinct variants. Three models use pure battery-electric powertrains. One model features a range-extended electric setup (REEV).

The L03 EV Standard Range costs PhP 1,548,000. Its 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 445 km of range. The L03 EV Long Range costs PhP 1,698,000 and offers up to 520 km.

The top-tier Long Range Ultra costs PhP 2,058,000 with 480 km of range. This Ultra trim adds front-seat massage, upgraded audio, and intelligent driving tech.

The L03 REEV costs PhP 1,598,000. It uses an onboard gas engine as an electric generator. Its 37.2 kWh battery delivers 215 km of pure electric driving. Total WLTP combined range reaches up to 1,017 km.

All L03 models feature rear-wheel drive. Fast charging takes roughly 20 minutes to reach 80 percent. Every model includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 539 liters of cargo space.

Available colors include Arctic White, Midnight Black, Rock Gray, Silver Frost, and Phantom Purple.

Ownership packages, reservation details

XPENG pairs each model with generous ownership perks. X9 buyers receive five years of free preventive maintenance. The package includes five years of roadside assistance.

XPENG adds a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. An eight-year warranty covers the battery and motor. X9 buyers also receive a complimentary 7kW wall charger.

L03 buyers receive two years of free preventive maintenance. The L03 includes identical roadside, bumper-to-bumper, and battery warranties. L03 EV buyers get a 7kW wall charger. The REEV variant comes with a 3.5 kW portable charger.

Reservations cost PhP 25,000 for the X9 and PhP 10,000 for the L03. Buyers can reserve through @xpengphilippines on social media.

XPENG showrooms in Greenhills, Makati, North EDSA, and Cebu are accepting reservations now. Local customer deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.