Driving Mr. Gorby, eating in Poblacion and having fun

Weekends are for family — at least that’s what I hear from my friends.

So, this past weekend I took Mr. Gorby, my three-year-old Maltipoo, for a ride in the Ford EcoSport.

I must let you know that it was not my first time to take the Ford EcoSport for a spin, but (just like the first time I drove it a few years back) I had much fun behind the wheel. The EcoSport is created for city driving — and then some.

For starters, it’s cool to sit behind the wheel of the EcoSport because it is sooo easy to drive. The Ford EcoSport serves up style, space and versatility in an agile, fuel-efficient package.

I had planned on driving Mr. Gorby to BGC and letting him run around and perhaps play with the dogs we would catch there on this Saturday. I gave him a tour of the cockpit before I put him in his carrier, which I had placed in the back compartment.

The Ford EcoSport offers a high driving position, superior water-wading capability and an array of smart features such as the Ford Sync connectivity system, making it the perfect vehicle for city driving and out-of-town exploring.

I also loved that way the Ford EcoSport is powered by the advanced 1.5L engine (with the price of gas rising every other week it seems) with twin independent variable camshaft timing technology (Ti-VCT) which increases fuel economy.

Let the drive begin

BGC is about a 10-minute drive from my home in Pasig when the traffic is light. I opted to go to BGC at 10 a.m. so that we would arrive at BGC early and begin our day with the healthy walk and a good brunch after that.

I started the Ford EcoSport and was ready for a happy drive. The EcoSport combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of a sport utility vehicle (SUV).

I have been told that the EcoSport is an aspirational alternative to the compact car — as it is spacious enough for five adults and their gear. The EcoSport’s blend of versatility and smart connectivity is something that independent and lovers of exploring will enjoy.

We arrived in BGC and Mr. Gorby was antsy and ready to face the green grass that he could glean from where he was sitting.

At the back, the large rear window wraps around to the sides along with oblique tail lamps. To keep the rear profile sleek, the tailgate handle was built into the tail lamp.

 The cabin of the EcoSport is extremely quiet at high speeds, thanks to meticulous efforts to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Add to this a very effective climate control system, and the occupants will be very comfortable on any journey.

As I opened the back door of the EcoSport to let Gorby out, I noticed the innovative features the Ford EcoSport added to make life easier for customers. With Smart Keyless Entry, customers no longer need their key to unlock the SUV or to start the engine. With the key in their pocket or bag, they can unlock the doors automatically by pulling the door handle; push the Ford Power Start Button and go.

I put Gorby on his leash and he darted straight to the grass to do his thing.

Mr. Gorby takes the wheel: Gorby the Maltipoo checks out my seat.

Power drive

We started a brisk walk, as I was alone with my thoughts, which still were on the Ford EcoSport. It is powered by Ford’s global 1.5-liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder engine.

The Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) technology allows extremely precise, variable control of “valve overlap” – the window of time in which both the intake and exhaust vales in an engine are open at the same time. For the driver, this means improved low-speed torque and increased fuel economy.

The Ford EcoSport is designed to provide high levels of protection and driver support through a range of advanced safety features. About half of the urban SUV’s body structure is made up of high-strength boron steel, making the Ford EcoSport’s frame especially strong yet lightweight.

The SUV’s standard airbag configuration provides additional peace of mind, including Dual Front Airbags for the driver and front passenger.

To take the stress out of driving, the Ford EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist systems. Hill Launch Assist (HLA) helps drivers make a perfect hill start whether it’s uphill or downhill, by holding the SUV for up to three seconds. This prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards or forwards while moving off from a slope, helping to increase driver confidence. Rear parking sensors also help to keep drivers from backing into obstacles they might not see.

The Ford EcoSport’s agile, maneuverable chassis also features Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) with Pull-Drift Compensation, helping drivers tackle the challenges of city driving, be it parking in small spaces, maneuvering in heavy traffic, or making tight U-turns.

The Ford EcoSport’s system includes the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up and helps the vehicle to stop quickly on slippery road surfaces.

As we walked on, I got a call from my nephew who wanted to know if I was free that evening, and whether I would like to try the new places in Poblacion, Makati.

I hesitated because I am old and don’t really appreciate late nights out.

My nephew was insistent so I advised him that I would take Gorby home and pick them up at about 8 p.m. for the crawl. Yes, was his reply, for “you we will (actually) crawl.”

We had a good lunch — kibble for Gorby and pasta for me. We ate outside one of my fave restos in BGC so that I could keep Gorby company.

BGC had started to fill up with people and their pets, a sign for me and Gorby to drive home and take a nap before the night crawl.

I loaded Gorby into his carrier where he took a nap.

I was happy — so was Gorby.

A good drive, indeed.

A Poblacion crawl

My nephew and niece drove to Señor Pollo, Ebi 10 and Bucky's in the Ford Ecosport.

We agreed to park and leave the Ford EcoSport at Rockwell and walk to Poblacion, which they told me is the place to visit if I wanted to eat a good meal and see all sorts of people.

Off we went.

I complained because it was hot. But I always complain when I have to stay up past by my 9 p.m. bedtime. To cheer me up my nephew suggested that we stopped at Bucky’s where we could have a yummy brownie and soft serve ice cream. Bucky’s homemade soft-serve ice cream topped with my choice of polvoron, Corn Flakes and chopped almonds. Plus, I was told it is healthier than other soft serves on the market.

Sounded delightful.

I learned (from the menu) that Bucky’s serves a mean fried chicken, which is  boneless, meaty, dipped in batter and fried until crispy and golden. It’s perfectly paired with very smooth mashed potato, and a buttery country gravy. 

My nephew said he swears by their Swedish meatballs, which are made with minced Angus beef. Stuff delish beef dreams are made of, he added. 

“There is the Badi bowl,” my niece said, as she finally made her presence felt. “It’s a medley of yogurt and fruit puree capping shaved coconut, chia seeds, rice crisps, pistachios, and dragonfruit. It’s a healthy ender to all the rich offerings in the menu.”

I was not too concerned about my health that night. I went for my fave: a good brownie and soft-serve ice cream.

Señor Pollo here we come

The kids said that they wanted some chicken. Being a vegetarian, I agreed to go with them and see what they had to offer. It was almost 9:30 p.m. and Poblacion was crawling with all sorts of people (hungry or not).

I took the Jalapeno and cheese quesadillas: cheese and chili pepper. The jalapeño and cheese quesadillas are good. The cheese is soft and tasty which balances the peppiness of the jalapeño. I didn’t realize I had stuffed myself silly.

The kids had the Señor Pollo wrap. They graded it yummy as it is made with juicy chunks of chicken wrapped tightly in a flour tortilla and stuffed with veggies, homemade pickles and a secret sauce.

They also asked for the lechon asado. It was a  plate of roasted pork belly served with rice and dipping sauce. My nephews loved the crunchy skin.

I was falling asleep as it was already 10 p.m.

But there was one more stop. Ebi 10.

“Okay,” I said. “Let’s go.”

Turning Japanese

As we walked to our last stop for the evening, Ebi 10, I learned that it is Japanese Tempura Bar located in Tambai Alley, on Felipe St. at Poblacion Makati. Ebi 10 operates and gives the impression of transporting customers back to Osaka with its quaint alleyways and one-stop specialty shops, which are where it’s owners, took inspiration from. What makes Ebi 10 unique is really their rich selection of tempura items, ranging from jumbo shrimps to stuffed mushrooms, all ordered per piece allowing everyone to hand-pick their own Tempura Basket. But of course, they also still serve other Japanese staples such as gyoza, sushi and sashimi, and pork tonkatsu to name a few.

We arrived at a jam-packed Ebi 10 and my nephew looked for a place where his weary tita could sit. I heard him rattle  off orders like spicy tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, bacon yakisoba and Ebi 10 Chachan. I surmised that — because the kids smiled as they ate — they were savoring really yummy treats.

My nephew took notice of my eyes starting to close and told me that we should walk back to our parking and make our way home.

I nodded.

At the parking area in Rockwell, the Ford EcoSport sat happily parked where I had Ieft it.

I started the engine as the kids loaded into the SUV.

I — happy awake and happy again in the cockpit of the Ford EcoSport — drove home.

Happy day, happy tummy and happy wheels.