It’s not every day that a media drive culminates in a twelve-course meal at a sprawling fine-dining estate in Cavite. However, that was precisely the experience Ford Philippines envisioned when it invited members of the motoring press to Asador Alfonso, using the Territory as both transportation and the story's centerpiece.

The day began early at Seda Manila Bay, where we gathered before heading south in a convoy of Ford Territory units. The two-hour drive to Alfonso provided ample time to assess the Territory's strengths: ride comfort, tech integration, and fuel efficiency. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine performed smoothly throughout the journey, delivering 160-PS and 248-Nm through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We tested driving modes like Eco and Sport across varied terrain, from congested city streets to hilly segments past Silang. The ride comfort, enhanced by a 190-mm ground clearance and soft suspension tuning, was particularly impressive.

Our destination, Asador Alfonso, is a fine-dining Spanish restaurant set within a 9.4-hectare estate. Co-developed by renowned chef, Chele Gonzalez, and architect, Carlo Calma, the space combines minimalist architecture with a focus on tradition, especially Spanish roasting techniques.

Upon arrival, we were surprised with a culinary competition. Teams were tasked with preparing ceviche in 45 minutes, inspired by Chef Rodrigo Osorio’s briefing on Peruvian, Filipino, and Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese) styles.

Jacob Oliva, our team captain and chef, selected tuna as our base fish and marinated it in a blend of coconut milk and leche de tigre. We added onions for sweetness and zing, arranged the fish in a row, and garnished it with habanero slices and oxalis petals. While our dish looked impressive, we did not win. Nevertheless, it was a fun exercise in teamwork and flavor balancing.

Lunch was a spectacle. The twelve-course meal curated by Chef Rodrigo began with a series of cold starters: Octopus Salad, Prawn and Potato Mousseline, Boquerón Toast, and Jamón Ibérico Croquettes. Hot dishes followed, including Chicken Truffle Lasagna and Mushroom Rice Stew. The roasted mains—Grilled Grouper and wood-fired Roast Beef—emphasized Asador’s culinary philosophy. The roast beef, paired with a roasted vegetable platter, stood out to me: perfectly seasoned, tender, and deeply satisfying. Dessert included rich chocolate mousse, flan, and mango with Chantilly cream.

After the feast, we were led through the estate’s vegetable garden, where we picked fresh produce with bayongs in hand—an unexpected but appreciated break from screens and exhaust pipes. It was a fitting contrast: high-tech SUVs on the road and hands-on simplicity in the field.

The drive back to Manila offered one last opportunity to experience the Territory’s features. Standouts included the rotary e-shifter, panoramic moonroof, and the 12-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. After a heavy meal, the spacious and relaxing interior allowed me to comfortably nap away the food coma. The cabin remained cool with dual-zone climate control, while the cargo space easily accommodated the day’s haul of fresh vegetables and event kits. For safety, Ford equipped the Territory with Active Park Assist, 360-degree cameras, blind spot monitoring, and Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection.

“The Ford Territory is a level-up SUV that complements the passions and interests of our customers with its modern design, spacious interiors, and smart and safe features that will let them make their personal and professional pursuits possible,” said EJ Francisco, Communications Director, Ford Philippines. “Heading to your next culinary destination like Asador Alfonso requires getting there without hassle. The Ford Territory ensures that no matter the distance, passengers will experience a safe, comfortable, and relaxing drive with its segment-leading features and capabilities.”

After a full day of fine cuisine, light competition, and scenic driving, the Territory proved itself not only capable but also enjoyable to drive: spacious, quiet, and reassuring in all the ways that matter when you're escaping the city, chasing new tastes, or simply soaking in the ride.