Melo Villareal
Tagaytay Road Trip and Food trip with the Widest Line-up of SUVs from Ford Philippines
Transportation is a daily necessity for every human being, especially vehicles for land transport. It is instinctive for anyone to seek the best car that would suit them, especially to accommodate the difference of terrain that one drives over from one occasion to another. Today’s market presents us with an abundant range of choices to suit our lifestyle needs, especially when it comes to choosing the right vehicle for our way of life.
Roadtrip Orientation at Ford Makati
Before Leaving Ford Makati
Whether for driving through the urban jungle or going off-road for a thrill-seeking adventure, Ford’s line-up of sports utility vehicles (SUV) offers class-leading features and capabilities designed to complement various lifestyles. From the trendy compact SUV EcoSport and the highly-capable all-new Everest, to the sophisticated and premium Escape, Explorer, and the luxurious Expedition Platinum, each of Ford’s SUVs is strategically designed with every type of customer in mind and comes with best in class features that top its segment.
Group Photo at Makati Ford
A few weeks ago, I joined Ford team along with other Media participants in exploring the Metro using the widest line-up of SUV’s from Ford Philippines. After gathering at Ford Makati Showroom, the organizers revealed our itinerary and our next stop.
Breakfast Stop at The Curator and Early Lunch at “Your Local”
From Makati Ford Dealership, we had breakfast at The Curator and in less than an hour, we proceeded to “Your Local” Restaurant also located in Makati for an early lunch.
Assorted Breads
Breakfast at The Curator
During our Makati Food Trip, we experienced driving with their EcoSport – an excellent choice for city-driving since it has a compact and easy to maneuver figure in the Metro’s relatively smaller roads. But do not underestimate its size, as this front-engined, front-wheel-drive compact crossover is as impressive as its bigger counterparts in the Ford SUV line-up.
Time for early lunch at Your Local
Your Local Makati
Open Kitchen at Your Local
Chorizo Burger at Your Local
Chorizo Burger for Lunch
Instagram time
About The Trendy EcoSport: Compact Urban SUV
Distinctly emerging as a game-changer, the trendy Ford EcoSport has created an entirely new path in the Philippine automotive industry. The EcoSport is a highly efficient alternative for today’s driver, combining the agility, affordability and fuel-efficiency of a compact car (i.e. sedan) with the flexibility, spaciousness and rugged durability of an SUV. Having been designed as the first-ever B-segment SUV in the country, it is made to be exactly the right vehicle for driving through the cramped streets of Manila or discovering the next hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the Metro.
Ford EcoSport
With a 200mm ground clearance and 500mm water wading capability, the EcoSport can cross rugged terrain effortlessly — not even potholes, burst water pipes, or high gutters have a chance to stop you from finding your next urban adventure. Its Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) with Pull-Drift Compensation also allows you to overcome the challenges of city driving such as parking in small spaces, maneuvering in heavy traffic, or making tight and tricky U-turns.
Getting Ready for Tagaytay Roadtrip
It distinctly measures the driver’s steering input, adapts to changing road conditions and helps compensate for slight directional shifts caused by crowned road surfaces or steady crosswinds. You need not fear troubles in hilly roads or mountainous areas as this car works with Hill Launch Assist, only on Automatic Transmission. For a more comfortable driving experience, it also features the quietest interior and higher seating design strategically with 60:40 split rear seats that fold float to give passengers 705 liters of boot space. All necessary baggage for all types of trips can be accommodated in the EcoSport’s 20 storage compartments.
Tagaytay Bound
From Makati, we used Ford Everest and this time, we headed to Tagaytay via SLEX. We used a quite unfamiliar route going there (or maybe it’s just me being new to that path). We had a short stop at the old rest house of the Marcos Family in Cabuyao, Laguna before heading to Palace in the Sky in Tagaytay City.
Stopover at Old Marcos Mansion
It was a challenging trail from the Old Marcos Rest House to the Palace in the Sky but thanks to the Ford Everest’s off-trail capabilities, we managed to experience off-road driving in the most comfortable way. We truly enjoyed the ride; in fact we didn’t even notice the time at all… After all, you just don’t notice the time whenever you are enjoying it, right?
About The Capable Everest: A Whole New SUV
A breakthrough in every sense of the word, the all-new Everest promises a refined driving experience unlike any other, bridging the worlds of rugged capability and comfort. Arguably one of Ford’s widely-popular SUVs, the all-new Everest seamlessly blends rugged off-road capability with exceptional ride quality and dynamic handling, delivering a versatile vehicle that surpasses what consumers have come to expect from an SUV.
Tagaytay Roadtrip
Unshakably resilient to damage, the Everest gives a whole new meaning to the word tough with its true body-on-frame design perfect for challenging terrains. Equipped strategically with an intelligent four-wheel drive system, 30° Approach Angle, 25° Departure Angle, 21° Ramp-over Angle, first-class ground clearance of 225 mm, water-wading capability of 800 mm, and 20-inch alloy wheels, the all-new Everest helps drivers navigate difficult terrain with ease.
Enroute to Tagaytay
Designed with clever comfort, it is equipped with seven leather-upholstered seats – outfitted with the electric PowerFold 3rd row seats that fold flat to give you a stable surface – as well as an active noise cancellation mechanism. It also comes with Auto High Beam Control and LED Lighting, using a camera mounted on the rear view to detect oncoming traffic and designed to turn your high beams on and off as needed. This car presents a continuous glow and added visibility, courtesy of the signature LED lighting that are wrapped sleekly around the headlamps. Also enjoy Everest’s unique panoramic moon roof space, at the touch of a button.
Every passenger in the Everest can be assured by the built-in network of protection consisting of airbags located strategically at the front seat, passenger seats and side-curtain to protect everyone in the car in the front and in the back, and at all sides – especially the driver seat where there is even an airbag placed to protect the driver’s knee and legs.
Stopover at Palace in the Sky
Ford Everest’s advanced 3.2L TDCi Turbo Diesel engine delivers 200PS of power and 470Nm of peak torque, all without comprising fuel efficiency. It is designed with the best in class aerodynamics, reducing drag and efficiently saving fuel.
Switching Cars in Tagaytay
The road is made more manageable with the Everest’s Electronic Stability Control that helps ensure grip and control, especially around the corners and when overtaking. It also comes with Roll Stability Control, using a gyroscopic sensor to detect the potential for the vehicle to roll and intervenes to restore stability.
Time to Relax:
After few minutes, we finally reached Tagaytay’s highest point – The Palace in the Sky. From the parking area, we switched to another car and this time – the beautiful Ford Escape. Although we had fun driving this car, we just used it for merely 30 minutes since our next destination was quite near.
Arrival at Qiwellness Spa
Qiwellness Living Tagaytay Spa Restaurant and Tea Room
Our last stop in Tagaytay was at Qiwellness Living, Tagaytay Spa Restaurant and Tea Room. We had an hour of relaxing massage in an oriental designed space with a striking bird’s eye-view of Taal Volcano. After the spa treatment, we learned basic Calligraphy from Anina Rubio – a Manila-based Calligraphy coach.
Calligraphy Lesson at Qiwellness
Afternoon Snacks at Qiwellness Spa
The short calligraphy class was followed by snacks then we proceeded to Ford Alabang for another quick stop. This time, all the participants got to experience a relaxing drive with Ford Explorer (with our own driver) and that was a total relief. Driving these luxurious SUV’s was a great experience and truly rewarding. But to be honest, it’s hard to drive especially if it’s not your own car ?
About The Sophisticated Escape: Stylish and Refined SUV
Another highly popular option among today’s drivers is the sophisticated Ford Escape that has been designed to provide optimum convenience in a stylish package. To start with, the all-new Escape boasts a sleeker exterior design that reduces drag caused by wind resistance, while presenting a more refined finish. Complementary to its design is its stylish cabin interiors that are presented in a modern and sophisticated look that is distinctly Ford.
Tagaytay Roadtrip with Ford
The all-new Ford Escape has more than just a sophisticated appearance. It has several smart and safety features that make this SUV easy and comfortable to handle. Among them is the Intelligent Access with Push Button Start that allows drivers to lock or unlock their doors without taking the key out of their bag or pocket.
The Escape also features SYNC with MyFord Touch that gives drivers multiple ways to manage and control the vehicle’s connectivity and entertainment system through voice commands and menu controls on the steering wheel. This provides a safer and more connected experience while allowing the driver to keep his hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Manila Bound with Ford Explorer
After a quick stop at Ford Alabang, this time we are driving the Premium Ford Explorer (with our own driver). Among the SUV’s we tried the entire day, I think Explorer is my top choice. Not only because it provides comfortable space inside, it also offers elegant and sleek looks complemented with modern comfort design. I think this is the best SUV for a frequent traveler for me. With its unimaginable fuel efficiency and cutting edge technology – I can’t think of any SUV that will fit my lifestyle and requirement.
Experiencing The Premium Explorer: Delivering Everyday Power
For those who prefer more power and performance, there is the premium Ford Explorer Sport. It packs an impressive 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers power and performance, fuel efficiency, and an array of smart technologies that carry convenience and safety; adding yet another compelling option to its class-defining sport utility vehicle (SUV) line-up.
Roadtrip with Ford
The Explorer Sport provides best-in-class power for responsive performance that can easily take you from the rush of a city meeting to the thrill of an out-of-town road trip at a moment’s choice. Never lacking in safety features, it also offers an impressive set of features such as the Adaptive Cruise Control, Terrain Management System, Collision Warning with Brake Support, Speed Controls, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and an industry’s first Rear Inflatable Seatbelts.
Sitting high on 20-inch aluminum wheels and suited with premium leather-trimmed seating, the Ford Explorer looks great inside and out. It is a flagship nameplate of Ford and is the perfect SUV that can take on the action and adventure of everyday life.
Dinner at Waterside Restobar in Solaire Resort & Casino
Although it was raining hard when we left Ford Alabang, it surprised us that there was no traffic jam in the Metro and we reached Solaire Resort & Casino swiftly. The Solaire entrance became more luxurious upon our arrival. Imagine more than a dozen of Ford SUV’s parked at the main entrance – yes, that’s really awesome to look at.
Melo with Kay Hart – Ford Philippines Managing Director
Wine Pairing at Waterside
Spanish Ham
We had a fantastic wine pairing at Waterside Restobar. It amazingly felt like I was transported back to Spain as the Wine Connoisseur regaled us with a short brief about the wine and the food being paired with it.
More about The Luxurious Expedition: Premium SUV
By far its best version yet, the new Ford Expedition Platinum is the most powerful yet fuel-efficient model to date since first being introduced in 1996. Taking the premium experience that the Expedition is known for to new heights, the Platinum series model stands boldly on 22-inch wheels clothed in fresh leather-trimmed interiors. At the heart of the vehicle is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine that gives drivers not just better fuel economy but more power and torque on demand at very low engine speeds. The Expedition Platinum is simply the ultimate expression of class and refinement.
Banana Caramel Dessert
Cheers
All our Ford SUVs come with standard smart and innovative features that create an easy driving experience, such as Smart Keyless Entry, where drivers no longer need their key to unlock the car or to start the engine; and the innovative Ford SYNC, a voice-activated in-car connectivity system where drivers can choose their music not by touching the screen, but by voice commands.
Ford Roadtrip Participants at Waterside
I won two Spiral GCs for best Instagram Series
Participants at Waterside Restobar
“We’re truly proud of our extensive SUV line-up, and how each one is unique with its own class-leading features that match the various lifestyle needs of our customers,” said Joseph Ayllon, assistant vice president for Communications, Ford Philippines.
All Ford SUVs are available for test drive in all Ford Philippines dealerships.
Overall, it was an evening with delightful appetizers, wine, steak and dessert. It’s a day filled with comfortable rides, relaxation, good food and luxury. Thanks Ford Philippines for this awesome experience. Till next time!
