OREANDA-NEWS. Ford Philippines officially unveiled the much-anticipated new Ford Ranger in a product reveal and drive event. It was held in the Bicol province with members of the Philippine motoring and lifestyle media. The two-day event began with a chartered sea plane ride for the media, bringing them to the Caramoan Islands, site of the US reality show Survivor.

Different variants of the Ranger Wildtrak and XL line-up were presented to media by Joseph Ayllon, communications manager, Ford Philippines. This scenic location would serve as a great starting point for the day drive, which included a convoy of 16 new Rangers.  They conquered a distance of 160 km of twisty roads, slopes, inclines and rough terrain. A quick lunch stop was made at the famous Balay Cena Una Restaurant, famed for its authentic Bicolano cuisine.

The convoy then proceeded to an off-road trail located at the base of the majestic Mayon Volcano, one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural landmarks, renowned for its perfect conical shape. The off-road trail really tested the “Built Ford Tough” capabilities of the New Ranger, going through unchartered territory that no other car manufacturer has gone before.

The convoy then proceeded to its final destination, Misibis Bay Resort, where media had a chance to relax and unwind after an action-packed day. The night was capped off by a casual media reveal by the beach with a short presentation of the Ranger variants and their pricing.

After a heart-thumping, adrenaline-filled event, our media guests finally relaxed at the scenic and luxurious resort before taking a seaplane out the next day back to Manila.

“The local pickup truck segment feels like something straight out of the reality show, Survivor. With the level of cutthroat competitiveness going around, only the strongest will outwit, outlast and outplay everyone else and emerge as king of the hill,” said Ulysses Ang, Car Guide Philippines. “Ford has certainly been playing that game right so far, and it shows. The Ranger continues to be the country's bestselling pickup truck. That streak is bound to continue with the heavily refreshed 2016 Ranger.”

“Staying faithful to its tagline to always ‘Go Further’, Ford Group Philippines literally brought our motoring media group to uncharted territory by taking us in 16 of its new 4x4 Ford Rangers off-roading near the base of Mt. Mayon Volcano in Bicol, on a trail that, until recently, only capable ATVs have tread on. But that was the exciting culmination of an immersive drive experience of well over 300 kilometers, with Manila as its jumping off point,” said Ardie Lopez, Philippine Daily Inquirer. “There's no doubt that sheer power is the new Ranger's hallmark characteristic, but it's fascinating how tech smarts, premium creature  comforts and sophisticated aesthetics were all comfortably shoehorned into one tight and cohesive package.”