Fave Cars for Fave Destinations III

Bangui Wind Mills, Bangui Ilocos Norte Best Car to Bring: Ford Ranger Wildtrak

MANILA, Philippines - A haven for adventure seekers, Ilocos Norte is quite a distance from Manila. Located at almost the northern tip of Luzon, the eight to 10-hour drive is grueling so it’s best to have a companion to share the driving duties with. The roads going up are largely paved, though there are some parts which are still under rehabilitation and this can task vehicles with weaker suspensions. Of course, since you’ll need space not only for luggage but also for scuba gear, surf boards or perhaps an ATV, the best vehicle to bring up is the Ford Ranger Wildtrak. Not only does it have a very capable underchassis, the Ranger Wildtrak also offers the security of a four-wheel drive along with a choice of powerful yet fuel-efficient diesel engines with up to 200 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque. While the Ranger has best-in-class fuel efficiency, its standard 80-liter fuel tank means that there’s no worry about losing fuel along the way.

Calatagan, Batangas Best Car to Bring: Mercedes-Benz GLK

For beach bums who don’t have the luxury of traveling far to get their surf and sand fix is Calatagan in Batangas. Located at just a three-hour drive south of Manila, Calatagan is the perfect place for a weekend respite after a long week’s work. The peninsula is famous for its near white sand beaches and was once known as the “Forbes Park of the South.”  There are several high-end beach resorts dotting the area, so it’s best to come prepared to mingle with the rich and famous. The Mercedes-Benz GLK is the perfect driving companion not only because of the gravitas carried by the three-star logo upfront, but also for its capable on- and off-road ability (some areas in Calatagan still have bad roads). It’s highly versatile as well as with a large and flexible luggage area and the availability of a frugal yet powerful CRDi engine with a 700-kilometer driving range! An added bonus is that Calatagan is accessible through Tagaytay City, so one can grab a quick bite (there are tons of great eateries there) while taking in the beautiful scenery of Taal Lake.

Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Benguet Province Best Car to Bring: Toyota 86

Baguio City has become standard fare when it comes to road trips, especially during the hot summer months between March and May. Nonetheless, the allure of freshly picked strawberries and the scent of pine trees never lose their charm. So how do you put a twist on a tried and tested formula? By employing the services of a highly capable, yet highly comfortable sports car in the form of the Toyota 86. It’s tremendously fun enough to drive in the city, but on twisty roads of Kennon Road going up Baguio, the 86 is sure to shine. With the billiard smooth road surface of the NLEX and SCTEX as well as the extensive restoration done on McArthur Highway, the 86 can easily tackle the roads going up. But don’t let the low-slung looks and two-door layout fool you: the 86 has remarkably good ground clearance and has the proper luggage space to fit a weekend’s worth including perhaps a set of golf clubs. It even has cruise control if you just feel like, well, cruising.

Clark Freeport, Clark, Pampanga Best Car to Bring: Subaru WRX STI

One of the best day trip destinations north of Manila, the Clark Freeport is now very accessible thanks to a direct access via the NLEX/SCTEX route. The former US military base was once renowned for its duty-free shops but is now gaining recognition for the available wealth of leisure activities including the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in February. Of course, for car enthusiasts, it’s a must go to destination thanks to the Clark International Speedway. The three-kilometer track is a favorite among local track days, and it’s actually open to the public as long as you’re willing to shell out for the entrance fee and you’ve got a helmet with you. With that in mind, it’s best to go to Clark with a track-tuned car, and no other ride fits the bill better than the Subaru WRX STI. This 2.5-liter Boxer engine has been massaged to 300 horsepower and. together with its Brembo brakes and stiffened suspension. you’ve got a recipe for some track fun. And if you’ve already grown tired of doing laps, the STI’s got a proper trunk for some shopping .

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bagac, Bataan Best Car to Bring: Hyundai Santa Fe

Experience the beauty and ingenuity of Filipino colonial architecture at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. Located some 150 kilometers north of Manila, Las Casas is a living museum where guests can stay in actual 18th to early 20th century houses transplanted “brick by brick” and “plank by plank” from all over the Philippines. The beautiful houses are complemented by the cobblestone streets as well as the stunning vista provided by the Luzon Sea and Umagol River. There’s no better car to take in the rich history of great architectural design than the Hyundai Santa Fe – the midsized crossover that’s characterized by its stunning design and elegant execution. The Santa Fe’s plush ride as well as unbeatable list of amenities (especially for the 4WD model) means getting to and from Las Casas would be a very comfortable experience. Plus, the Santa Fe actually seats seven, so there’s no reason not to bring the barkada or the family.