Ford PH officially launches next-gen Ranger Raptor, priced

Ford Philippines has solidified its dominance in the pickup segment with the official launch of the Next-Generation Ford Ranger Raptor in the country. This highly-anticipated release is set to redefine off-road performance, catering to the needs of true pickup truck enthusiasts.

Engineered and designed by Ford Performance, the Next-Gen Raptor is an optimized high-performance off-road pickup truck that seamlessly blends power, efficiency, and intelligent technologies. It aims to elevate the standard of off-road driving, providing a driving experience like never before. With its imposing exterior and impressive interior comfort, the Next-Gen Raptor represents the epitome of rugged luxury.

“Rooted in our Ford Performance DNA, the Next-Gen Raptor is more capable and tougher than ever. It is designed to conquer any terrain with a bold new look and powerful performance, featuring major upgrades and enhancements to the beloved features that Filipino customers have come to cherish,” says Mike Breen, managing director of Ford Philippines. ”

Unparalleled Performance The Next-Gen Raptor empowers drivers with the confidence to push the vehicle to its limits. It boasts a Full-Time 4-wheel Drive System, allowing for an easy switch to rear-wheel drive, along with a rear locking differential, underbody protection, and aggressive approach and departure angles.

These features combine to provide exceptional off-road capabilities, while the 2.5-inch FOX shocks with position-sensitive damping technology offer superior stability, comfort, and bump absorption on all terrains.

Equipped with a Trail Control System, the Next-Gen Raptor offers an off-road version of cruise control, enabling drivers to set a specific speed and allowing the truck to control throttle and braking functions. This feature allows drivers to focus solely on steering through challenging terrains such as rocky trails, muddy tracks, and steep inclines.

Highly Capable and Efficient At the core of the Next-Gen Raptor lies the highly capable and reliable 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with an e-Shifter. This powerful combination produces a maximum power of 210PS and a maximum torque of 500Nm, delivering a seamless and efficient performance.

With seven driving modes available (Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Baja), the Next-Gen Raptor is effective in various driving conditions. Each mode affects different aspects of the vehicle, including traction control, engine and transmission calibration, and more, ensuring optimal performance in any situation.

Bold and Purposeful Design The Next-Gen Raptor exudes a commanding presence with its bold and aggressive exterior design, cementing its position as a member of the renowned Raptor family. The front fascia showcases the unmistakable Ford look with Matrix headlights featuring C-clamp daytime running lights and prominent F-O-R-D lettering, complemented by a separated bumper and grille.

Its muscular stance is accentuated by the flared wheel arches and 17-inch alloy wheels with BF Goodrich K02 high-performance all-terrain tires, designed to provide exceptional traction for both on and off-road adventures.

The boldness and purpose of the exterior continue, seamlessly transitioning into a luxurious and functional interior. Its cabin exudes a sporty yet refined atmosphere, featuring a sports steering wheel with an on-center Raptor logo, durable materials throughout, and Code Orange stitching on the instrument panel, trim, and seats. It is further enhanced by Raptor’s ambient lighting, providing a captivating experience, especially at night.

This next-gen truck offers seamless connectivity and enhanced functionality with its new center console, which seamlessly integrates into the instrument panel. The design provides easy access to controls, storage compartments, and wireless charging capabilities, ensuring a clutter-free and convenient driving experience.

Its large 12-inch digital instrument cluster, with a fully-configurable layout and gauges, provides valuable information to the driver, including a start-up and farewell animation, digital speedometer and tachometer, and animated drive mode selection. Additionally, the Raptor features a 12-inch portrait touchscreen center display connected to Ford’s cutting-edge SYNC4A communication and entertainment system, which includes Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Advanced Safety Technology The Next-Gen Ranger Raptor prioritizes safety and offers a range of advanced driver-assist technologies. Smart features provide drivers with the confidence to embark on their next off-road adventure. The 360-Degree Camera with a Split-View Display assists drivers when parking in tight spaces and maneuvering off-road, providing a top-down view of the vehicle and a zoom button for a closer look at obstacles in the vicinity.

The vehicle is equipped with a dedicated off-road screen display, presenting vital vehicle information and a front cam view of the terrain ahead, complete with predictive overlay guidelines to help drivers navigate obstacles.

Furthermore, the Next-Gen Raptor incorporates advanced safety technologies, including Active Park Assist 2.0, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering, Pre-Collision Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, Post Impact Braking, and Blind Spot Information System.

FordPass, an app that enables owners to enjoy remote features such as door lock and unlock, vehicle start and stop, vehicle locator, and vehicle status, is also included.

Experience the Next-Gen Raptor at Ford Island Conquest Customers and enthusiasts eager to experience the Next-Gen Raptor firsthand can test drive the vehicle on a specially-designed off-road track at the Ford Island Conquest Year 6 event.

Taking place from May 19 to May 21, 2023, at the ARCA South Interactive Park in Taguig City, the event allows attendees to explore the segment-leading features and capabilities of the Next-Gen Raptor, along with the Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 and Everest Titanium+ 4×4 models, through various driving courses and challenges.

Additionally, customers can test drive the 4×2 variants of the Next-Gen Ranger and Everest, including the recently-launched Next-Gen Territory. Those purchasing a Next-Gen Territory, Everest, or Ranger will have the opportunity to win over PhP 2 million worth of cash discounts and prizes, with a cash discount of up to PhP 100,000.

Reserve Your Next-Gen Ranger Raptor The Next-Gen Raptor is now available at Ford dealerships nationwide, starting at a price of PhP 2,339,000. To provide a worry-free ownership experience, Ford offers a 5-year warranty with the purchase of the Next-Gen Raptor. Customers can choose from five striking colors, including Arctic White, Absolute Black, Blue Lightning, Conquer Grey, and Code Orange (additional PhP 15,000).

With its unparalleled off-road capabilities, cutting-edge features, and distinctive design, the Next-Gen Raptor sets the bar high for off-road performance pickup trucks, reaffirming Ford’s commitment to delivering vehicles that cater to the needs of adventurous Filipino drivers.

As the sun sets on the Ford Island Conquest Year 6 event, it marks the dawn of a new era for off-road enthusiasts in the Philippines. The Next-Gen Raptor promises an unmatched driving experience, pushing boundaries and conquering terrain like never before. Get ready to unleash your inner adventurer and elevate your off-road journey with the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor.

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On the Job: The Missing 8 review: A never-ending crusade for truth and justice

09/13/2021

For as long as I’ve known about films, the Philippine Cinema scene rarely had me thinking of its place in the global landscape. It was difficult for me to pinpoint if there was a Filipino film that could champion us once again.

Even now, we still tend to separate our films in two ways; the big-budget studio masa and the festival award winners.

There are filmmakers trying to blend the two but there are some films that don’t quite fit either category at all. When On the Job was first released, it was a film that brought about the idea of making something “grand yet thought-provoking”.

After 8 years from the first film’s release comes On the Job: The Missing 8 and its release as a series on HBO GO. With the sequel, the idea remains that there can be a Filipino film that can look and feel as grand as a Hollywood piece but still deliver thought-provoking allusions to the modern-day Philippines.

On the Job, in my humble opinion, will go down as one of the Philippine greats.

Creating Fiction from Non-fiction

On the Job featured on HBO is actually the first film and the sequel combined. Episodes 1 and 2 make up the first OTJ, while 3 to 6 showcase On the Job: The Missing 8.

Written and directed by Erik Matti and co-written with Michiko Yamamoto, the film can be considered a triumph of pushing the boundaries of modern Philippine cinema normally dominated by romances and comedies.

HBO Asia

The series is a crime thriller epic that weaves in different perspectives of crime, corruption, politics, journalism, and family; some would say these are the core components of life in the Philippines. Where it hits home to local audiences, however, may be the fact that although fictional, there are many elements of the story that are more than just “inspired by true events”.

The premise of On the Job, at its core, is how jailed criminals are secretly brought out to kill and murder for powerful people who can pull strings from the unlawful to the lawful.

In The Missing 8 arc, episodes 3 to 6 of the HBO GO series, the story delves into the disappearance of 7 journalists and 1 child in consequence of political agendas. There is a disconnect of human morality that is evident with the characters episode to episode and begs the question, how can you define the good guys from the bad ones?

Nonetheless, there are well-crafted human characters in On the Job that showcases the many different Filipino archetypes — both good ones and bad ones.

Always on the job

The first 2 episodes are in fact the first OTJ, and although it’s been 8 years since its release, the effective remastering and new color grading do well to not show the age of the material.

There are a few scenes that give off telerserye vibes due to several cast performances since actors Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson are from that world. But with the likes of Joel Torre and Joey Marquez bringing in the veteran acting chops, OTJ still holds up to this day.

HBO Asia

Starting from the opening scene of episode 3 which wraps up the events of the first OTJ, there was a shift from being just a local masterpiece to an international showcase of artistry.

With new key characters driving The Missing 8 forward, I felt highly invested in the events that unfolded. Within the end of episode 3, the all too familiar feeling of wanting to unravel the mysteries propelled me to watch in shock and awe the entirety of The Missing 8.

A craft of its own

There is a misconception that a great film is only as good as the casting in it. I like to disagree (most of the time).

The film and its cast should be as good as the director leading it, and vice versa. With that being said, John Arcilla’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, and in my view, was taken to extraordinary depths by Erik Matti’s direction.

HBO Asia

As the leading protagonist of The Missing 8, John Arcilla’s characterization of Sisoy, a journalist investigating the deaths of his colleagues, is electrifying. One would even ask if he is the anti-hero or the anti-villain in the fight against the corrupt and powerful. Still, John Arcilla is one of many great talents showcased in The Missing 8.

Dennis Trillo plays Roman, the inmate hired to kill. He is plagued by the ruthlessness of his compadres and only wishes to go home. A silent observer at times, Roman still helps the plot move forward in unexpected ways.

Many other great casting choices, such as Christopher De Leon as Arnel, the head and owner of the LPN news agency, and Lotlot De Leon as Weng, one of the main journalists at the LPN. Both actors were able to create life-like characters that at times are highly relatable.

In terms of the technicals of The Missing 8, the series does not shy away from creating outstanding and prolific set pieces and the clever use of graphical overlays in regards to social media and news.

Previous critics had said that OTJ was a love letter to Martin Scorcese. Although I believe Erik Matti holds his own name as a director, The Missing 8 to me has the same visual splendor as a Fincher movie, down to its details and gritty beauty.

HBO Asia

There are lucrative one-shot camera movements that bring the audience into the lavish parties and claustrophobic jails. What stands out to me the most is the music. Music is often considered a universal language and the choices of tracks such as Tom Jones’s Delilah and We’ve Gotta Get Out of this Place by The Animals, The Missing 8 has that semblance of world-embracing cultures, in between the dialogue and the visual storytelling.

Make no mistake that there is heart, soul, and intensity with each crafted shot and each playback of musical score and soundtrack.

The endless pursuit

Where On the Job: The Missing 8 I believe holds the most weight is its subject matter. On its very foundation, it is a crime story that mirrors itself on the social and political agendas of the Philippines. Yet amidst all that there is an honest narrative on the conflict of corruption, law, and the pursuit of the truth.

HBO Asia

The uncanny resemblance to the unsolved and unjust murders in the real world is reminded to audiences all throughout The Missing 8. And when a filmmaker tells a story with a deep resonance, there is a feeling of personal stake and projection on the film they have made.

Some avid fans of Erik Matti’s work might be let down with On the Job: The Missing 8 for not being the action sequel that was expected from him. What is true, however, is how distinctly a cinematic crime thriller The Missing 8 is.

As a whole, On the Job is a series that tells the story of how the Philippines operates both on the surface and in the depths. The story sometimes is as unmistakable as a biopic, history and current affairs blended into the characters and livelihood of the plot.

Perhaps I might be stretching my own personal preference on films, but there is no other film that comes close to the feeling of despair, remorse, courage, hope, and resilience. All these feelings are crafted both beautifully and sorrowfully in On the Job: The Missing 8.

Erik Matti’s On the Job is available to stream on HBO GO with episodes 1 -3 already available. The remaining episodes, which feature the second installment of the film, will be available starting September 19.

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