Experiencing Ford: Destination Zambales

 

DatelineDavao on the wheel of the NextGen Ford Everest with PR Works' Mafe Barcelo and Brigada's Jhen Solis

Tough. Rugged. 

These words come to mind when you think about what makes a Ford, a Ford. It’s no surprise that the brand has become synonymous with machismo, that insatiable male pride. Imagine how surprised we were, an all-female crew for the Next Gen Ford Ranger and Everest Media Drive, the first time we touched base with these vehicles at the basement of the Swissotel Clark at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

(L-R) Lovely Carillo (DatelineDavao/eNews.PH), Doris Mongaya and Christ Gesultura (PR Works) and Julien Guanzon (iNewsPH) during the Ford Media Drive briefing at Swissotel

it turned out that this was no ordinary event because the moment we arrived and settled at the hotel, Ford AVP and Head of Communications EJ Francisco, and PR Works’ Doris Isubal-Mongaya with Chris Gesultura, rushed us to the basement for the first activity dubbed as the “Exercise”. It was no zumba though, because they had a different kind of exercise in mind, the one which left our mouths gaping as we chorused with the oohhs and ahhhs as we experienced first-hand some of the assist features of the Next Gen Ford Everest. 

The NextGen Ford Everest's Reverse Brake Assist is a practical feature as it detects rear hazard and automatically breaks for you

This vehicle is loaded with sensors that can detect hazards behind you. Even if you are an expert in reverse parking, you have to admit that it helps to have an extra eye at the back to take care of those blind spots. With Ford Everest Reverse Brake Assist, your car detects if there is an object, person, or even another vehicle at the rear. And if you don’t react in time, it will automatically brake for you. It also comes with the Active Park Assist feature which comes in handy if parking spaces are tight but you want to squeeze in. While it’s easy to be in awe of the park assist feature, you will find the reverse brake assist more practical.

Ford Philippines Managing Director Michael Breen 

It turned out that the basement rendezvous was just a preview of more exciting things to come for the morrow. We were expecting to do a typical test drive. You know, the one where you maneuver the car out on the street, with a guide in tow, for a few minutes and then head back? But Ford had another thing in mind.

Destination Zambales

The road less traveled. George Ramirez explains the Ford Media Drive route  from Swissotel in Clark, Pampanga to Mapanuepe Lake in Bgy. Aglao, San Marcelino, Zambales 

The final briefing by Team Ramirez gave us the goosebumps. They gave us a glimpse of what awaits us at the end of our journey for the Ford Media Drive—a chance to visit a secluded camping area known as the New Zealand of the Philippines. But to get to paradise, we have to drive for hours and pass through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), onto a long bumpy, narrow, and lahar-laden route. Before the “Ride and Drive” experience we were told to just sit through the ride as passengers if the drive and track were outside our comfort zone.

Team VisMin before the final briefing on D-Day

Team VisMin at the lobby of Swissotel. Ready for the Ford Media Drive

For someone who defines her driving comfort zone as a hatchback, small compact car, there are only two words to describe driving an SUV (Ford NextGen Everest) and a pickup truck (Ford Ranger)—WILDEST DREAMS! I was ready to enjoy the ride as a passenger until circumstances forced me to take the wheel of the sleek, black NextGen Ford Everest. We were car No. 15 which means we were the last one of the 16-car convoy, the last one being the sweep. Steering the SUV out of the basement parking of Swissotel and onto the highway was a breeze, with Jhen Solis of Brigada at the passenger seat trying to operate the radio and listen to the lead’s instructions, and Mafe Barcelo of PR Works at the backseat who kept telling me to put the pedal to the metal. 

Would have loved to explore Subic but we were just passing through as we were  following a tight schedule for the Ford Media Drive. No joy riding here as our lead driver kept telling us to move fast.

Achievement UNLOCKED!
Driving the NextGen Ford Everest from Clark, Pampanga to Subic 

Driving along the SCTEx at a minimum speed of 70 (as instructed by George over the radio), and most often reaching the maximum allowable speed of 100 got our adrenaline going. Was egged on to speed up else we would be left behind by the convoy, since we were already at the expressway and had to deal with big trucks and other vehicles cutting into the convoy. But there’s just no way this Davao-trained driver would break the speed limit. They found it hard to believe that we in Davao, were in fact, following the speed limit. Well, Durianburg has its own share of stupid and reckless drivers who soon enough found out that they were no match for the traffic enforcers’ speed guns.

Lady Ford drivers (l-r) Mafe Barcelo of PR Works, Jhen Solis of Brigada, Lulu Fajardo of Panay News and Juliene Guanzon of iNews

This time with Jhen at the wheel

The road to Subic was uneventful, except for the need to speed up to catch up with the convoy. A toilet break and driver change along the way gave us an opportunity to enjoy the view and the fresh air. First time to see an airconditioned toilet in the middle of nowhere, though. Got on the driver’ seat again from Castillejos to San Marcelino, Zambales. This was the bumpy and edge of cliff ride part, but now more relaxed thanks to Jhen’s playlist. It was easy to sync her phone with the vehicle’s user-friendly 12-inch touchscreen thanks to the Ford Everest’s wireless smartphone integration system. It was at this point when Mafe sounded off at the back since her phone was losing its juice. No problem because it also comes with a wireless charging pad in front and a USB charging port at the second row.

Maneuvering the Everest amid a narrow bumpy road with lots of incoming lahar-hauling trucks was smooth. It was a bit challenging, but bearable thanks to the music playing in the background and a scenic view of a long stretch of lahar land before us. 

The rough road going to Bgy. Aglao in San Marcelino, Zambales was no match for the Next Gen Ford Everest. Unbelievable how this SUV took us for a smooth ride even through the lahar river

We survived the Ford Media Ride and Experience drive from Clark, Pampanga, and arrived safely in Aglao, San Marcelino, Zambales. 

UP NEXT, the road to Rodriguez Ranch, the New Zealand of the Philippines and the eerie Mapanuepe Lake.

10ID personnel donate part of their pay for Typhoon Paeng victims

Personnel of the 10th Infantry "Agila" Division donated a total of P697,000.00 from their Subsistence Allowance for those affected by Typhoon Paeng during the relief operations in Maguindanao del Norte from November 13 to 14 this year.

The donation was used to buy 1,000 hygiene kits that includes the following:

• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• slippers
• mosquito nets
• bath soaps
• detergent bars
• packs of coffee
• pails

"Our service to our fellow countrymen does not only limit to security. It is also our honor and pride as soldiers, to help in any way we could anytime, anywhere," 10ID Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin said.

He lauded the combined efforts of the 10ID and 6ID personnel, even as he stressed the importance of helping each other during trying times such as disasters and calamities. 

The 10th Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Magdalena Custodio, together with the 6th CMO Battalion of the 6th Infantry Division, and the Local Government Unit of Datu Blah Sinsuat, distributed the relief packs to the residents of Barangay Pura and Barangay Matuber both in Datu Blah Sinsuat on November 14. 

A similar activity was conducted on November 13 by the 10ID and the Kiwanis International Philippines South District Division 6A, 6B, 7, and 8 led by Mr. Jimmy Go. Up to 720 families from Barangays Delican and Kusiong in Datu Odin Sinsuat benefited from the said relief operations.

The relief packs include:

• five (5) kgs of rice
• canned goods
• noodles,
• pre-loved clothing

"Nagpapasalamat po ako na kahit galing pa po sa malayo ang mga sundalo ay binigyan pa rin po nila kami ng tulong dito sa barangay namin (I thank the soldiers who went to our barangay to extend their assistance even if they come from a very far area)," said Normia Vilo, a beneficiary from Brgy Pura.

The LGUs of both barangays also conveyed their appreciation of the army's effort and said they look forward to the day when they could return to their normal lives.

Ford Philippines posts double digit growth

Ford Philippines sustained its strong sales after posting double-digit growth in its year-to-date and quarterly retail performance.

Year-to-date sales grew by 10 percent to 16,244 vehicles compared to a year ago with the Ford Ranger and Ford Territory leading the sales for the first nine months. Sales for the Ford Ranger increased by 12 percent to 7,484 units, while the Ford Territory continued its retail momentum with sales growing by 29 percent to 6,430 units. The Ford Territory retained its leadership in the small SUV segment with 52 percent market share.

On a quarterly performance, vehicle sales rose by 50 percent in the third quarter of the year from a year ago to 7,288 vehicles. Comparing it with the previous quarter this year, vehicle sales also posted a growth of 69 percent.

Ford Philippines also posted its highest monthly retail performance for the year in September, with sales rising by 62 percent to 2,896 units sold, driven by strong sales for the next-generation Ford Ranger at 1,311 units, Ford Territory at 812 units, and next-generation Ford Everest at 723 units.

“We thank our customers for their continued patronage of the Ford brand, as well as our dealers for their solid partnership in bringing our vehicles closer to more customers nationwide,” shares Mike Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines. “Launching our next-gen vehicles in the last quarter definitely gave our retail performance a big boost, and we are definitely encouraged to sustain the momentum as we near the end of the year with more exciting offers and services for our customers.”

Stronger product portfolio

It was during the third quarter when Ford Philippines officially welcomed the arrival of the next-generation Ford Ranger and Ford Everest to beef up its product portfolio and keep up with the growing demand for pick-up trucks and SUVs in the market. The development of both next-gen vehicles started with customers in mind, with Ford teams spending time with consumers around the world to identify exactly what they were looking for in a pick-up truck and in an SUV.

The next-gen Ranger is bold and confident on the outside with a defined new grille, rear box side step, wider track and wheelbase, embossed tailgate and LED taillamps, and C-clamp LED headlamps that give it that unmistakable ‘Built Ford Tough’ look. Its cabin is completely redesigned with the Ranger-first digital instrument cluster, 10” or best-in-class 12” portrait touchscreen, 360-degree camera, and SYNC4^® with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability. An upgraded chassis and suspension ensure excellent ride and handling, whether riding with passengers, fully loaded with cargo or towing.

Meanwhile, the next-gen Everest is a standout on the road with its C-Clamp headlights, LED taillights, as well as the hands-free liftgate and panoramic moonroof. Sophisticated, spacious and beautifully-crafted with new soft touch finishes, its interior is designed and engineered to be a sanctuary with 360-degree camera, SYNC® 4A with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability and wireless charging pad. Stronger and wider, the next-gen Everest boasts of updated chassis and refined suspension, offering enhanced ride comfort and handling to customers.

Both vehicles come with a 5-year warranty to enhance the ownership experience. The longer warranty offering will cover the next-gen Ranger and Everest for up to 5 years or total mileage of up to 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

Reaching more customers – online and offline

Ford kicked off the launch of the next-generation Ford Ranger and Everest with an online reservation platform that took in customer reservations for both vehicles ahead of the public reveal. 

Available on the Ford Philippines website, the online portal is a safe and secure virtual platform where customers can reserve for their preferred next-gen Ranger or Everest variant anytime and anywhere – without having to physically visit a Ford dealership.

Close to 500 vehicle reservations and over 2,000 vehicle quote requests have been generated from the online portal since its launch.

Alongside the launch of the next-gen Ranger and Everest marked the return of Ford Philippines’ nationwide test drive event, the Ford Island Conquest (FIC), providing customers an opportunity to see and test drive Ford vehicles outside a Ford showroom. 

Now on its fifth year, the FIC features a mock-up showroom display, providing good opportunity for attendees to learn more about the vehicles and various ownership packages from Ford sales consultants. It is also home to the much-anticipated outdoor test drive course, which is designed to highlight key vehicle features, which include ride and handling, technology, capability, and safety. It also allows customers to enjoy cash discounts and other prizes if they reserve a Ford vehicle during the 3-day FIC event.

Over 800 reservations for various Ford vehicles were received over the last four (4) FIC legs, including almost 2,000 test drives conducted and over 3,000 prospects served. Customers can look forward to the next Ford Island Conquest test drive events at the SM Seaside Cebu on October 28-30 and at the Bonifacio Global City Amphitheater and Autofocus Test Drive Festival at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on November 18-20 with bigger cash discounts and promotions up for grabs. 

Actress Gillian Vicencio joins This isKwela Study With Me

FB live stream on October 26

Catch up-and-coming actress Gillian Vicencio as she shares practical tips and solutions to strike a healthy school-life balance at Globe This isKwela’s third "Study With Me” livestream event.

The much-anticipated study session will be aired on the online education community’s Facebook Page on October 26 at 7 pm.  

This isKwela is part of Globe’s commitment to equipping Filipinos with different ways to enable them to study better and smarter. It seeks to help the young and old discover learning opportunities, acquire affordable, accessible, and safe learning solutions, and connect to industry experts and celebrities.

"Globe aims to add value to its customers by helping them improve their time management skills for a healthy work-life or school-life balance. Introducing them to the necessary tools would help them achieve their personal and professional goals," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

The young actress will be joined by This isKwela's resident expert Teacher Imman. Together they will give tips on effective time management and striking a healthy balance between professional or academic goals and being with loved ones, or even by oneself. 

As an actress and student, Gillian knows a thing or two about handling her career and school life without sacrificing any or both. She is part of the first batch of Rise Artist Studio talent agency under ABS-CBN and played the role of the beloved character Tox in the hit series “2 Good 2 Be True.” She is also known for her role as Erika Sayco in the 2018 horror movie "Eerie.”

 

The first two parts of This isKwela “Study With Me” featured GMA talent Arianne Bautista, who helped teach about “Product Pricing for Entrepreneurs,” and ABS-CBN Star Magic talent JC Alcantara, who spoke on the theme “Turning your Passion into a Career."

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph. 

Gen. Sinas “party” uncalled for-DILG

The birthday celebration of Metro Manila police chief Major General Debold Sinas is “uncalled for” specially during the quarantine period in view of COVID-19.

This statement was made by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año in an interview aired lived via Teleradyo today. 

Año, however, said the event was not really a birthday party but a “Mañanita” which is a tradition in the military and police service. The birthday surprise was conducted in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, Metro Manila which is under Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ.

The government has prohibited mass gatherings during these times,

Las Mañanitas is a traditional birthday song originally sung in Mexico and other Latin countries, to serenade the birthday celebrator usually early in the morning.

“But during this time it is uncalled for, i said there is a delicadeza so dapat stop muna yan,” Año said.

Año has directed all bureaus and offices under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to refrain from such gatherings. 

“I leave it to PNP to conduct investigation if there are violations of the quarantine guideiines,” he added.

Early today,, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said he does not see any violation since there was no party but only a mañanita.

SM Group sets P100M to help fund efforts vs COVID-19

The SM Group has allocated up to P100 million to help the Philippine government’s efforts to fight the health scare caused by the corona virus (COVID-19) outbreak.

SM indicated that the funds will be used specifically for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) which is a health research facility based in Muntinlupa and other government hospitals.

SM, a Philippine company with diverse business interests in retail, banking and property, with blue-chip listed assets such as SM Prime Holdings, China Banking Corporation and BDO Unibank.

“To ensure the safety of medical frontliners, SM is bringing in personal protective equipment (PPE) - face masks, gowns, visors, hoods, gloves, and shoe covers, as well as urgent medical supplies to help government hospitals who badly need them,” SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy said.

Sy said assistance has also been extended to PGH and the RITM for their urgent needs and for improving their laboratory testing capacity. SM has also allocated PPEs and medical supplies to the UP Medical Foundation Inc. to reach a wider network of hospitals.

“To improve availability of tests, SM has reached out to Manila Healthtek Inc. to distribute 20,000 tests for free to government hospitals, once approved for use,” the statement read.

While the city has been placed under a “community quarantine” which means Dabawenyos are strongly urged to stay inside their homes except when they need to work, buy food or medicine, go to the hospital or take out garbage, SM stores in the city have remained open.

However,  both SM Ecoland and SM Lanang Premier have adjusted mall hours to 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. from the previous 10 a.m. to 9 p.m..

“SM Cinema, bingo, and playrooms have temporarily stopped their operations following the directive of the City Government of Davao,” the mall advisory read.

On the other hand, the Ayala Malls Abreeza also issued an advisory which adjusted its operating hours effective March 16, in line with the management’s thrust of prioritizing the health and safety of  everyone.

Abreeza Mall has also adjusted its hours effective March 18: Monday to Sunday 11AM to 7PM.

Buy one, Get one beverage at Starbucks today

Planning to have  coffee with a friend?  Today is the best time to bond over a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Whether you want iced coffee or frap or any of their handcrafted beverages, you get another one for free. Here's how:

1. Promo period is October 14 (MONDAY)
2. Pay using the Starbucks PH phone app
3. Order a Grande handcrafted beverage
4. The buy one get one promo is available from 11am-6pm
5. Maximum of two purchased beverages per customer