Auto execs reveal their ‘best drives ever’
THE AUTOMOBILE is surely one of man’s greatest marvels. I believe that it is in our nature to roam, conquer new horizons, and move freely — whether on foot, by horseback, on rickshaws, horseless carriages, bicycles, and, ultimately, autos. We are road warriors first.
So, a car without a journey is nothing more than a technical creation. Surely, the design, engineering, and production of automobiles is, I think, as compelling as that “one giant leap for mankind.” But the soul of any car ever built is in every trip that it has allowed us to take, every destination it has helped us get to, every path it has let us travel, and every race it has made us win.
I am sure that each one of us has that special or everyday story to tell about where we have traveled with our car. I do. I thought though that it would be interesting to hear the stories of some of the people who are actually involved in marketing, distributing, and selling the cars here — vehicles that we have made a part of our life. I asked a few auto industry folk about what their best drive ever was, why, and the circumstances that made it so. I was amazed at the level of emotional connection they had. Here they are, in alphabetical order.
We never know where our life’s journeys may take us, but it is always good to know we have a steady steed in our garage that will get us there with a song in our heart and a smile on our face. Me? My best drive is always the one that takes me home.
YNNA BRODIT-VALEROS
NISSAN PHILIPPINES
My best drive ever was when my family and I bravely took our Nissan Terra, which I call it Gray, to a North Luzon loop last Christmas. I must say that that road trip was really special because it was our first long drive as a family, and our kid was old enough to stay still in his own seat. The drive was a mix of all weather conditions — from sunny Manila to rainy Baler and Cagayan, then back to sunny Ilocos. But it was all good because we were listening to old-school ’90s OPM (original Pinoy music).
Before the drive, we made sure all the safety checks were done — gas, water, tires, etc. Of course, I prayed for a safe drive. We drove starting from our home in Cavite to Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Baler, Isabela, Tuguegarao, Aparri, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, then back to Cavite.
My dream drive is the Philippine Loop although it needs a lot of planning and a long leave from work!
MIKKO DAVID
ACMOBILITY
My best drive was my first “balikan” Baguio run in my BYD Atto 3. Instant torque, smooth overtaking, and electric silence brought back memories of my circuit racing days in Subic almost 30 years ago — only now with air-conditioning, Spotify, and genuine comfort. The Atto 3 delivers the raw speed and acceleration that I have always wanted in my everyday car. With the BYD Atto 3, I experienced the instant gush of power without gutting the interiors and keeping all the creature comforts like air-con and sounds intact.
With Blackpink, Bini, M2M and a bit of Britney in the background, and my freshly washed car gleaming, it felt like a stress-busting escape. These days, I do it often — QC to Baguio, dinner, then back — with a quick charge in between. It’s race-car joy, minus the gas and compromises. I have always thought about doing the Philippine Loop. Perhaps, one day, when the charging infrastructure is ripe.
I always start my drives with a clean, often newly washed car. I know it is going to get dirty as the drive wears on, but the idea that a car is clean inside and out makes me feel good about myself. It also shows I take care of my car, ensuring that it is in tip-top shape, which it always is anyway.
MIKO HERNANDEZ
MITSUBISHI MOTORS PHILIPPINES
“Dan” is my ever-reliable Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and is more than just a daily ride. From weekday commutes to work to spontaneous weekend road trips, Dan is our family’s go-to adventure buddy. Our favorite drives? Heading north on the sun-soaked highways of NLEX and SCTEX, indie-electro tracks playing followed by lullabies to help our kids drift off to sleep in the backseat.
Dan’s reliability isn’t just about smooth drives. It came through when my wife nearly gave birth inside the car during a frantic rush to the hospital — proof of its dependability in moments that matter.
Before every journey, I tap the steering wheel and thank him for keeping us safe. Rain or shine, Dan gives me peace of mind. With every journey, I know we’re in good hands.
IRA JORNADA
MAZDA PHILIPPINES
A sunrise drive to Batangas in my Soul Red Crystal MX-5 Club Edition — with its top down, a cool breeze, “Love Over and Over Again” by Switch playing, and golf clubs beside me — was a moment of pure joy. I named her Hiroshima, a quiet nod to Mazda’s roots. She’s spirited, soulful, and always there when I need clarity. Most mornings, we take the quiet streets of Rockwell Drive to my office in Makati CBD. It’s short, calm, and comforting — just like her.
But a rare Batangas morning reminded me why I love driving. It’s not about distance; it’s about the peace it brings. As always, I whispered a quiet “thank you” to her for getting me there safe and comfortably — my little ritual at every stop. Next dream route? Pebble Beach. Just me, Hiroshima, my golf set, and my thoughts.
JEFF LOPEZ
SUZUKI PHILIPPINES
One of my best drives was not to any particular place; it was a day when I felt like escaping. I headed out with no set destination, and just ended up somewhere remote, like the hills of Tanay or near a quiet lake like Mapanuepe. It was a cool and cloudy day, peaceful, with no traffic. It was just the Jimny, the road, and the right kind of silence: The kind where the air feels fresh and the road invites you to take your time. And the playlist? Full-on “dad rock” — Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” The Eagles, America, Boston, maybe some Toto or CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival). It’s music that hits just right when the windows are down and the world is quiet.
The Jimny 5-Door just gets it. It is built for that kind of unstructured freedom. You do not have to plan much — you just go, and it goes with you. It is that balance of utility and personality that makes even a simple drive feel like a mini adventure. Before any trip, I always check on the basics: tires, fuel, fluids. But more than that, I need my moment: strong coffee, a bit of silence, and making sure the playlist is lined up. It’s like prepping for a personal ritual; no distractions, just drive mode.
My next dream drive? A drive through the rolling hills of Batanes, coastal roads, stone houses, and wide-open landscapes that feel untouched.
ELVIN LUCIANO
TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES
The best drive ever using my everyday car? It was most definitely that first time I drove my parents from Makati to our hometown in Isabela. With my father riding shotgun, we took a route we never tried before, and it was nice sharing that experience with them. It was a very sunny day — perfect for a long drive on mountain roads.
I prioritize safety and comfort above all, especially when I drive with loved ones. The act of “sundo/hatid” is my love language and I am happy that my Corolla Cross GR-S enables me to do that. I also like making playlists that blend with my passenger’s preferences so in the case of my family, it was a mashup of mostly ’90s pop, ’70s folk, and ’60s soul. There is also one thing I must do before any long trip: Decide on the perfect breakfast spot.
On my bucket list of drives to take is one that will help me discover the beaches of the northern regions of the Philippines; hopefully, sooner than later.
KARL MAGSUCI
MG PHILIPPINES
I have several great drive experiences with my daily driver, but one of the best drives is to my home golf course in Laguna on weekends. Since weekday drives are usually short and traffic-laden, it is during this time that I can really enjoy the instantaneous power delivery and agile driving dynamics of my MG Marvel R full-electric SUV.
The long stretch of highways, curving roads, steep climbs, and descents bring out the best traits of the Marvel R — quick acceleration, high torque, dynamic handling and excellent stability.
Whether in dry or wet conditions, it delivers a confident drive that brings out the joy of driving. I tune in to some soft house and lounge music driving to the golf course to get just the right boost of energy to start the day. Driving home, I listen to my pop jazz and R&B playlist for a more relaxing drive.
Whether it be my congested daily drive to work, or that exciting weekend drive to the golf course (and the drive on the fairway, pun intended), I always see to it that I start with a prayer… thanking the Lord for the gift of life and another opportunity to do what I love doing — driving — and asking for protection and a safe journey ahead. Next up on my drive list: the Philippine Loop.
MARK PARULAN
HYUNDAI MOTOR PHILIPPINES
One of my most memorable drives was when I brought home our first brand-new car. My wife and I have always practiced delayed gratification, and to finally afford such a purchase was very fulfilling. All throughout the ride, I reminisced about all the times I would daydream about walking out the showroom with a brand-new car. When commuting, I would look at the cars on the road and imagine that one day I would be able to drive my own.
The car represents all the hard work and sacrifice that my wife and I have put in. That day was a typical hot and sunny one. Traffic was light. I remember playing the song “A Million Dreams” that I always play to celebrate significant life moments.
For long trips or drives that include my family, I always make sure to say the first prayer that was taught to me — “Prayer to the Guardian Angel” — to ask for protection and guidance. I am looking forward to more family vacation road trips. Driving for me is my way of caring for my family, making sure they reach their destination safe and well.
ATTY. LOUIE SORIANO
HONDA CARS PHILIPPINES
My best drive ever is when I would drive my Honda Accord 2020 1.5 Turbo to my hometown — Roxas, Isabela. Just imagine how arduous it is to drive a 450-kilometer, winding, downhill-uphill road for 10 long hours. But my Honda Accord is very comfortable and fun to drive so I don’t really experience that feeling of exhaustion, despite the scorching heat on a summer’s day. It also helps me lighten up when I listen to my favorite country music artist — Sarah Evans. Before the drive and before starting the engine, I normally pray to our Heavenly Father to seek His protection from any harm and danger during the drive. If I were given a chance, I would like to drive my car from Luzon to Cebu, passing through the Bicol region and using a roll-on, roll-off ferry service to cross the seas.
