Moving at the speed of life

Chris Tiu has been living life on the fast lane. Dynamic at 27, he has achieved what other men more than half his age still dream about. With his Volvo as his able companion, he has every intention of going full throttle.

Christopher John Alandy Dy Tiu dribbles his activities much like he dribbles the ball on the hard court. He knows when to react, handles the ball efficiently and makes the shot based on smart and quick thinking. If his life is like a game of basketball, then Chris surely gives it his 100%.

STYLE MOVES IN STYLE

Cruising in his pristine white Volvo XC60, Chris exudes a refined style that is apparent in everything he does. Much like his choice of car color, Chris’ aura of positivity seeps into every aspect of his life, including his sense of style.

He normally walks into a room looking fresh and clean no matter what time of day. Cloaked with a healthy dose of confidence and an unpretentious air, you’ll warm up to him in no time. With his boyish good looks and charming smile, it’s easy to see why leading local and international brands choose him to advertise their products. From carefree casuals to elegant tuxedos, Chris’ style is impeccable and spells out effortless class.

It naturally follows that his choice of transport would be as stylish as he is. Sculpted around the driver, the Volvo XC60 that Chris drives is made to deliver more than bold, buffed reflections. Designed to perform inside and out, from the seductively plush interiors to the practical three-split rear seats and power tailgate, it’s a versatile beauty that performs beautifully. “I can’t be more satisfied. It’s the perfect car for me and suits my lifestyle perfectly! It provides convenience, safety and style all in one car. It is premium but nothing over-the-top that calls out too much attention yet still exudes elegance. Sometimes I just take my Volvo out for a drive on Sundays when there is no traffic as it relaxes and thrills me at the same time.” Clearly, the clean, sleek lines of the XC60 as well as its sophisticated styling and ingenious engineering, answers Chris’ need for a car with style and substance.

INTELLIGENCE WITH A PURPOSE

Form and function goes hand in hand. Chris’ first-rate fashion sense is made even more attractive when people find out that he has a good head on his shoulders. His degrees in Management Engineering and Applied Mathematics, Major in Mathematical Finance and Minor in Chinese Studies, has equipped him to successfully manage his businesses including the popular tea brand Happy Lemon.

Chris also learns from his close interaction with the people around him. He shows genuine concern and interest and that spurs him to take action when needed. He has been a committed public servant, serving as a Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman and currently a barangay councilor of Barangay Urdaneta, Makati City. He also makes use of his current celebrity status to promote social awareness on issues like the environment and poverty alleviation through groups like Pilipinas ECOWarriors, Habitat for Humanity, World Vision and other socio-civic groups. “It might be surprising to some, but I like spending time with the underprivileged and doing charity work as well because I like bringing joy to other people and it gives me a sense of purpose.”

He has clearly made the intelligent choice with a car that takes into consideration not just the safety of its occupants but other road-users as well. The Volvo XC60 that he drives is the world’s first car that can stop itself. It has laser and radar sensors that allows the car to automatically brake in an event of an impending collision. “It’s really cool knowing that your car can “think” and help you out when the need arises. It has so many smart systems but it’s all user-friendly. Even the dashboard is angled towards the driver, you can personalize the settings of the infotainment system, plus the sound system is superb. I enjoy listening to music because it relaxes me so I just sync my music player and it’s instant live concert. Everything is with push-button ease," Chris shares.

STRENGTH IN EVERY SENSE

Chris is usually seen as the all-around good guy. His parents has raised him well, with his inherent good manners and gentlemanly ways setting him apart from the sea of young men whose values seem to have been drowned in apathy. Although Chris is quick to point out that he is far from perfect as what most of his Tiu-natics (Chris’ gaggle of fans) would think him to be. Describing himself in three words, he cites himself to be “conservative yet cool” and adds “driven” to the list. “Some people would be surprised that I can be makulit and adventurous!”

His choice of cars proves that he’s got more verve to his commonly perceived timid character. He first zipped around in a Volvo C30 Sports Coupe. “The C30 is very compact. It’s very cute and convenient because it’s easy to maneuver around traffic and tight parking areas. It’s perfect for couples.” This was when he was still in college and he was Volvo’s ambassador for Voice of Leadership, the company’s advocacy that helps bring out true leadership qualities in the youth. Chris was perfect for the role as he also exhibited the values of integrity, excellence, God-centeredness and accountability that the program advocates.

This strength in character influences his decisions and actions, often leading him to the path of success. Not only does he possess a sound mind but a heart that is in a proper place leading his hands to do what is right and just. Since then, Chris has continued to challenge and enrich himself while inspiring people to pursue a higher level of fulfillment. Because of this, Chris is the ideal model for Volvo Life, Volvo Philippines’ program for enriching people’s life experiences.

His ever-expanding list of activities requires him to have an equally versatile and reliable travel companion. His Volvo XC60 answers this -- a compact SUV that melds style, substance and elegance wrapped in world-renowned Volvo safety. Just like playing the piano or listening to music, it relaxes and thrills me at the same time.” Sharing similar traits as Chris, the XC60 is powerful, tough and stylish with equal measures of intelligence and innovativeness. As his constant companion on the road, Chris enthuses that the XC60 is more adventurous. “I can take it to more bumpy and mountainous terrain. It’s perfect for me since it has a huge trunk space where I can place all my belongings for basketball, taping, golf, etc. I feel very safe and secure when driving it. You will feel it upon entering the car because the doors are really solid with a heavy, reassuring thump as it closes. It’s also easy to maneuver and very powerful!”

DESIGNED TO WIN

On and off the court, Chris displays a passion for life that is evident in everything he does. Recently joining the Philippine Basketball Association after his stints as the Ateneo Blue Eagles star player and team captain of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team, Chris forges through as a professional cager. “I plunged into the arena of professional basketball. I never thought I would play in the pro league. Despite resistance from family and friends, I pursued it because of a higher purpose and mission.” Chris shares this has been his most adventurous feat so far as he plays basketball not only to quench his athletic thirst but also to show others the values and character that the sport can bring out in a person. For him, it not only brings out his competitive side but also hones discipline and a healthy outlook on how to rise above adversity.

Enjoying his steady rise in all his endeavors, Chris cruises through life with dynamism, strength and versatility. He goes full speed ahead because for him, going full throttle means, “no holding back”. “Like in basketball, you don’t go out in the court and compete half-heartedly. You treat every game like it’s a championship game. It’s the same thing in life, we don’t settle for mediocrity. We go all out!” Chris adds, “I think what drives me is my passion for excellence. It’s has become a lifestyle ever since I was a kid. Ultimately, it’s my faith in God and my understanding of my purpose in life that moves me to do what I do with great love.” As he keeps on exploring new opportunities and unleashing his potential armed with his all-around excellent performance, it will be no wonder when Chris continues to reap life’s sweet victories.