Wagdos, Miranda show Davaoeño class in 39th National MILO Marathon Davao race

Davaoeños Sonny Wagdos and Judelyn Miranda grabbed the top spots of the 21K centrepiece event at the National MILO Marathon qualifying leg in Davao City on Sunday. The city known as the Crown Jewel of Mindanao saw about 8,500 runners grace the running routes in the biggest and grandest running event in the country. Reigning MILO Marathon King Rafael Poliquit, who is already automatically qualified for the finals having won the 2014 MILO Marathon tilt, also gave his legs a stretch out in the Davao race.

Wagdos and Miranda each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy; and earned their slots to the National MILO Marathon Finals. The finals will be held in Angeles on December 6, where they will meet the nation’s elite runners in a heated grand finale to claim the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles. To provide another level of prestige to the competition and incentive for the runners, this year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Despite the challenging new race route, Wagdos excelled in his category as he posted a time of 01:15:25, beating his rivals Michale Achalico (01:15:56) and Manny Marfil (01:19:34) who finished in second and third place, respectively. In the distaff side, Miranda clinched first place with a time of 01:32:57, relegating Madelyn Carter (01:48:19) to second place and Hazelvic Villanueva (01:52:07) in third place.

This race is Wagdos’ second championship crown in Davao. The 21-year-old 4th year student of Univeristy of Mindanao has been running since he was in elementary. “I got into running because I really wanted to study and finish a degree. I was able to get scholarships because of my passion,” he shared. “I always have to focus on academics so I’m not always 100% in training. This year’s race route is also quite difficult because of the uphill parts. Fortunately, I still won the race. I’m so happy.

milo

(From left) Sonny Wagdos ; Judelyn Miranda 

Miranda, on the other hand, has won a total of six regional leg champion crowns – three in Butuan, and three in Davao. Like Wagdos, she has been running since she was a child, and joined her schools’ track and long distance running varsity teams. She has been joining the MILO Marathon with her elder sister for 20 years now. “For this race, I trained in the mountains, so I was prepared to face the uphill route,” she shared. “It was quite hard to balance my training time with my work shifts, so I am very proud of this victory. I would also like to dedicate this win to my uncle who just passed away.”

The National MILO Marathon is not only a breeding ground for local talents but also a program that empowers underserved children nationwide. With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 10,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes this year. MILO is working with DepEd in the selection of deserving public school student beneficiaries.

The race will resume in in Butuan (November 15) and Cagayan De Oro (November 22). The National Finals will be held on December 6 in Angeles, Pampanga.

The 39th National MILO Marathon is made possible by Timex, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, ASICS, Smart and Maynilad, along with endorsements from the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

PNB Wins Prestigious Award in the Asian Banker Philippine Country Awards

Photo shows (from left): Mr. Mobasher Zein Kazmi, The Asian Banker Head of Research; AVP Leia Michelle Regala-Teodoro, PNB Corporate Communications Head; SVP Norman Martin Reyes, PNB Chief Marketing Officer; FVP Jenelyn Lacerna, PNB Global Marketing Division Head; FSVP Benjamin Oliva, PNB Global Filipino Banking Group Head; Mr. Gerry Valenciano, PNB Capital President; Mr. Foo Boon Ping, The Asian Banker Managing Editor; Mr. Andreas Klimsa, The Asian Banker Associate Director

 

The Philippine National Bank (PNB) was recognized as the Best Remittance Business in the Philippines by the international publication, Asian Banker, in the Asian Banker Philippine Country Awards 2015.

 Having the widest overseas network among Philippine banks, PNB has built a very strong franchise in the remittance business to cater to the diverse needs of Global Filipinos. Last 2014, the Bank partnered with Wells Fargo Bank, one of the largest financial services providers in the USA with extensive global reach. Focusing on financial service enhancement, PNB expanded its Overseas Bills Payment System (OBPS) by partnering with various merchants coming from the government, real estate, académe, financial institutions, food, medical services, online shopping, charitable organizations, and utilities. PNB’s Own a Philippine Home Loan (OPHL) provided a convenient way for Filipinos and non-Filipinos residing abroad to purchase residential real estate in the Philippines. The Healthy Ka Pinoy Emergency Medical insurance program was likewise offered to Global Filipinos, providing them the financial assistance during emergency medical needs of families and relatives. PNB offered ATMSafe, a program that protects OFW’s hard-earned money from theft when they send it to their loved one’s PNB account. On top of these, various travel and promotional activities were also undertaken in partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL).

The prestigious award recognizes PNB’s continued efforts in providing service excellence to Filipinos around the world. To date, PNB has 75 overseas branches, representative offices, remittance centers, and subsidiaries in key cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Ford Philippines Launches New Focus with EcoBoost Engine

Seen from L-R: Ms.Isa Suarez ,Communications Manager; Mr.Joseph AC Ayllon, AVP for Communicatios

  • Refreshed, modern exterior and more refined interior bring new levels of sophistication to the new Focus
  • Advanced Driver Assist Technologies, including new Perpendicular Park Assist, Park Out Assist and enhanced Active City Stop mean that driving the new Focus is easier and more convenient than ever before
  • Smart technology, such as Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system, SYNC 2 and Ford MyKey make the new Focus one of the most connected and smartest cars in its class
  • New 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine offers powerful and advanced engine technologies in smart, efficient package
  • Builds on Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA and widely praised driving dynamics for an even more rewarding driving experience

The new Ford Focus comes to the market, introducing a new level of refinement with a bolder, more sophisticated and dynamic package with advanced technologies, marking an evolution of the Focus nameplate.

Its sleeker, modern design hints at the updates that make one of the world’s most popular compact cars even better – including new and improved driver assistance technologies that take the hassle out of parallel and perpendicular parking.

The new Focus is also more economical than ever – all while maintaining the fun-to-drive Ford DNA experience that has helped to make it so popular around the world.

“The new Ford Focus has been created with our customers and their needs in mind,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines. “The sophisticated, energized and progressive new Focus is loaded with the smartest and safest technologies in its segment, making it absolutely more efficient and cleverly designed, all within a more refined package.”

ford car

The stylish new exterior design displays a new level of sophistication. A lower, wider stance that emphasizes width, and a new hood that sweeps elegantly toward the signature trapezoidal grille, give the car a bolder and more muscular presence on the road.

Slim, chiseled front headlamps link the aggressive front end to the clean, flowing lines of its sides, which kick up at the rear window. More rectangular, elongated fog-lamps add to the bolder front end. The rear of the car has a sleek new fascia and tailgate arrangement, as well as thinner tail lamps, and a sculpted rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics.

The refined and athletic exterior is complemented by a modern new interior. Ford designers paid particular attention to customer feedback on the current generation Focus, which called for a simpler, more intuitive interior with fewer controls and switches. The revised instrument panel and reorganization of switches results in a clean and mature interior design that allows drivers to effortlessly control the vehicle’s features.

The simplified interior offers more space with a variety of new convenient storage options for a more comfortable driving experience. An adjustable console fits a variety of bottles and cups, and can simultaneously hold a 1-litre water bottle and a 400 ml cup.

The new Focus also offers impressive levels of cabin quietness, with sound deadening materials – including sound-insulating windshield glass, thicker side-window glass, thicker carpets, increased insulation in the door trims, and improved engine insulation – for increased refinement.

Advanced connectivity and driver assist technology
The new Focus also features a host of cutting-edge technology to help drivers stay connected and in control.

“The new Focus is one of our smartest cars ever. We wanted to ensure that our customers experience ease, comfort and advantages in usability that these technologies bring,” said Hart.

Reflecting the need for modern drivers to stay connected at all times, the new Focus is equipped with Ford’s advanced connectivity system, SYNC 2, which offers a smarter and safer way to stay connected. Drivers can operate the car’s climate controls, entertainment system and a linked smartphone with natural voice commands. A centrally placed, high resolution, 8-inch touchscreen puts even more control at the driver’s fingertips, with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation.

The new Focus is available with Enhanced Active Park Assist, which builds upon Ford’s popular Parallel Park Assist with the addition of Perpendicular Park Assist. Once activated, the system scans for available parking spaces alongside other cars. When it finds one, the system takes control of the car’s steering to guide the vehicle into the space while the driver controls the shifting, braking and acceleration.

Perpendicular Park Assist uses two new ultrasonic sensors on the rear of the car, which also enables Park-Out Assist. Park-Out Assist takes the stress out of exiting a parallel parking space by taking control of the steering while the driver operates the brake and accelerator.

In urban driving up to 50 km/h, an improved Active City Stop system can help to mitigate low-speed collisions. Using a windshield-mounted sensor to detect braking, slower-moving or stationary vehicles in front, the system pre-charges the brakes if the car is approaching a vehicle in front too quickly. If the driver fails to take action, the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of a collision.

The new Focus even allows owners to encourage safe driving when they are not behind the wheel with Ford MyKey. Owners can program a spare key to reduce the maximum speed of the vehicle, give an earlier low-fuel warning, limit the volume of the in-car entertainment or even disable it completely if the seatbelt is not fastened. The technology can provide reassurance to owners when lending their car to less experienced drivers.

“These driver assist technologies used to be found only in more premium vehicles. With the new Focus, we are making these segment-first features more accessible to our customers for that ultimate driving experience”, said Hart.

Efficient, powerful and fun-to-drive
The new Focus is powered by a powerful and efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which offers 180 PS of power and 240 Nm of torque. More powerful than a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine.

The engine uses the core EcoBoost technologies of turbocharging, high-pressure direct fuel-injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to ensure optimum performance. A new aluminum engine block helps to reduce weight, which improves performance and efficiency.

It also features technologies introduced in Ford’s multiple-award-winning 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. A new cylinder head design with improved cooling and an integrated exhaust manifold improves efficiency by delivering a more efficient feed of air into the engine and helping it to operate at optimal temperatures. By minimizing the distance exhaust gases travel from the cylinders to the turbocharger, the integrated manifold also reduces turbo lag for rapid torque delivery. A reprogrammed engine control system helps to ensure high levels of engine refinement, quietness and performance.

The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is paired to a new modern, lightweight and efficient six-speed automatic transmission, delivering refinement together with excellent performance and fuel economy. Paddle shift controls enable drivers to change gears without taking their hands from the steering wheel for an enhanced feeling of performance.

On the go, the new Focus takes the nameplate’s class-leading driving dynamics and fun-to-drive DNA to a new level with enhanced handling. Ford engineers have carefully tuned the suspension and shock absorbers for a more solid and responsive vehicle that feels firmly connected to the road.

A more refined Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system further improves the driving experience with more precise steering and lower effort, while reducing unwanted damping and providing excellent feedback to the driver.

“The new Focus reflects the strengths of its predecessor while evolving nearly in every aspect, from design and technology to driving dynamics, driver comfort and overall performance. We are very excited to be launching a smarter, safer, efficient and more sophisticated Focus which guarantees to give that fun-to-drive experience that our Filipino customers are looking for,” said Hart.

The new Focus will be available for delivery in November and shall be offered in four variants at the following price points:

1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Sport+ AT – P1,278,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Titanium+ AT – P1,278,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Sport AT – P1,088,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Titanium AT – P1,088,000

The new Focus comes in eight captivating colors; Frozen White, Panther Black, Ingot Silver, Winning Blue, Magnetic Metallic, Lunar Sky, Candy Red and Mustard Olive.

 

Ford Philippines Launches New Focus with EcoBoost Engine

Seen from L-R: Ms.Isa Suarez ,Communications Manager; Mr.Joseph AC Ayllon, AVP for Communicatios

  • Refreshed, modern exterior and more refined interior bring new levels of sophistication to the new Focus
  • Advanced Driver Assist Technologies, including new Perpendicular Park Assist, Park Out Assist and enhanced Active City Stop mean that driving the new Focus is easier and more convenient than ever before
  • Smart technology, such as Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system, SYNC 2 and Ford MyKey make the new Focus one of the most connected and smartest cars in its class
  • New 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine offers powerful and advanced engine technologies in smart, efficient package
  • Builds on Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA and widely praised driving dynamics for an even more rewarding driving experience

The new Ford Focus comes to the market, introducing a new level of refinement with a bolder, more sophisticated and dynamic package with advanced technologies, marking an evolution of the Focus nameplate.

Its sleeker, modern design hints at the updates that make one of the world’s most popular compact cars even better – including new and improved driver assistance technologies that take the hassle out of parallel and perpendicular parking.

The new Focus is also more economical than ever – all while maintaining the fun-to-drive Ford DNA experience that has helped to make it so popular around the world.

“The new Ford Focus has been created with our customers and their needs in mind,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines. “The sophisticated, energized and progressive new Focus is loaded with the smartest and safest technologies in its segment, making it absolutely more efficient and cleverly designed, all within a more refined package.”

ford car

The stylish new exterior design displays a new level of sophistication. A lower, wider stance that emphasizes width, and a new hood that sweeps elegantly toward the signature trapezoidal grille, give the car a bolder and more muscular presence on the road.

Slim, chiseled front headlamps link the aggressive front end to the clean, flowing lines of its sides, which kick up at the rear window. More rectangular, elongated fog-lamps add to the bolder front end. The rear of the car has a sleek new fascia and tailgate arrangement, as well as thinner tail lamps, and a sculpted rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics.

The refined and athletic exterior is complemented by a modern new interior. Ford designers paid particular attention to customer feedback on the current generation Focus, which called for a simpler, more intuitive interior with fewer controls and switches. The revised instrument panel and reorganization of switches results in a clean and mature interior design that allows drivers to effortlessly control the vehicle’s features.

The simplified interior offers more space with a variety of new convenient storage options for a more comfortable driving experience. An adjustable console fits a variety of bottles and cups, and can simultaneously hold a 1-litre water bottle and a 400 ml cup.

The new Focus also offers impressive levels of cabin quietness, with sound deadening materials – including sound-insulating windshield glass, thicker side-window glass, thicker carpets, increased insulation in the door trims, and improved engine insulation – for increased refinement.

Advanced connectivity and driver assist technology
The new Focus also features a host of cutting-edge technology to help drivers stay connected and in control.

“The new Focus is one of our smartest cars ever. We wanted to ensure that our customers experience ease, comfort and advantages in usability that these technologies bring,” said Hart.

Reflecting the need for modern drivers to stay connected at all times, the new Focus is equipped with Ford’s advanced connectivity system, SYNC 2, which offers a smarter and safer way to stay connected. Drivers can operate the car’s climate controls, entertainment system and a linked smartphone with natural voice commands. A centrally placed, high resolution, 8-inch touchscreen puts even more control at the driver’s fingertips, with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation.

The new Focus is available with Enhanced Active Park Assist, which builds upon Ford’s popular Parallel Park Assist with the addition of Perpendicular Park Assist. Once activated, the system scans for available parking spaces alongside other cars. When it finds one, the system takes control of the car’s steering to guide the vehicle into the space while the driver controls the shifting, braking and acceleration.

Perpendicular Park Assist uses two new ultrasonic sensors on the rear of the car, which also enables Park-Out Assist. Park-Out Assist takes the stress out of exiting a parallel parking space by taking control of the steering while the driver operates the brake and accelerator.

In urban driving up to 50 km/h, an improved Active City Stop system can help to mitigate low-speed collisions. Using a windshield-mounted sensor to detect braking, slower-moving or stationary vehicles in front, the system pre-charges the brakes if the car is approaching a vehicle in front too quickly. If the driver fails to take action, the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of a collision.

The new Focus even allows owners to encourage safe driving when they are not behind the wheel with Ford MyKey. Owners can program a spare key to reduce the maximum speed of the vehicle, give an earlier low-fuel warning, limit the volume of the in-car entertainment or even disable it completely if the seatbelt is not fastened. The technology can provide reassurance to owners when lending their car to less experienced drivers.

“These driver assist technologies used to be found only in more premium vehicles. With the new Focus, we are making these segment-first features more accessible to our customers for that ultimate driving experience”, said Hart.

Efficient, powerful and fun-to-drive
The new Focus is powered by a powerful and efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which offers 180 PS of power and 240 Nm of torque. More powerful than a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine.

The engine uses the core EcoBoost technologies of turbocharging, high-pressure direct fuel-injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to ensure optimum performance. A new aluminum engine block helps to reduce weight, which improves performance and efficiency.

It also features technologies introduced in Ford’s multiple-award-winning 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. A new cylinder head design with improved cooling and an integrated exhaust manifold improves efficiency by delivering a more efficient feed of air into the engine and helping it to operate at optimal temperatures. By minimizing the distance exhaust gases travel from the cylinders to the turbocharger, the integrated manifold also reduces turbo lag for rapid torque delivery. A reprogrammed engine control system helps to ensure high levels of engine refinement, quietness and performance.

The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is paired to a new modern, lightweight and efficient six-speed automatic transmission, delivering refinement together with excellent performance and fuel economy. Paddle shift controls enable drivers to change gears without taking their hands from the steering wheel for an enhanced feeling of performance.

On the go, the new Focus takes the nameplate’s class-leading driving dynamics and fun-to-drive DNA to a new level with enhanced handling. Ford engineers have carefully tuned the suspension and shock absorbers for a more solid and responsive vehicle that feels firmly connected to the road.

A more refined Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system further improves the driving experience with more precise steering and lower effort, while reducing unwanted damping and providing excellent feedback to the driver.

“The new Focus reflects the strengths of its predecessor while evolving nearly in every aspect, from design and technology to driving dynamics, driver comfort and overall performance. We are very excited to be launching a smarter, safer, efficient and more sophisticated Focus which guarantees to give that fun-to-drive experience that our Filipino customers are looking for,” said Hart.

The new Focus will be available for delivery in November and shall be offered in four variants at the following price points:

1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Sport+ AT – P1,278,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Titanium+ AT – P1,278,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Sport AT – P1,088,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Titanium AT – P1,088,000

The new Focus comes in eight captivating colors; Frozen White, Panther Black, Ingot Silver, Winning Blue, Magnetic Metallic, Lunar Sky, Candy Red and Mustard Olive.

 

Ford Philippines Launches New Focus with EcoBoost Engine

Seen from L-R: Ms.Isa Suarez ,Communications Manager; Mr.Joseph AC Ayllon, AVP for Communicatios

  • Refreshed, modern exterior and more refined interior bring new levels of sophistication to the new Focus
  • Advanced Driver Assist Technologies, including new Perpendicular Park Assist, Park Out Assist and enhanced Active City Stop mean that driving the new Focus is easier and more convenient than ever before
  • Smart technology, such as Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system, SYNC 2 and Ford MyKey make the new Focus one of the most connected and smartest cars in its class
  • New 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine offers powerful and advanced engine technologies in smart, efficient package
  • Builds on Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA and widely praised driving dynamics for an even more rewarding driving experience

The new Ford Focus comes to the market, introducing a new level of refinement with a bolder, more sophisticated and dynamic package with advanced technologies, marking an evolution of the Focus nameplate.

Its sleeker, modern design hints at the updates that make one of the world’s most popular compact cars even better – including new and improved driver assistance technologies that take the hassle out of parallel and perpendicular parking.

The new Focus is also more economical than ever – all while maintaining the fun-to-drive Ford DNA experience that has helped to make it so popular around the world.

“The new Ford Focus has been created with our customers and their needs in mind,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines. “The sophisticated, energized and progressive new Focus is loaded with the smartest and safest technologies in its segment, making it absolutely more efficient and cleverly designed, all within a more refined package.”

ford car

The stylish new exterior design displays a new level of sophistication. A lower, wider stance that emphasizes width, and a new hood that sweeps elegantly toward the signature trapezoidal grille, give the car a bolder and more muscular presence on the road.

Slim, chiseled front headlamps link the aggressive front end to the clean, flowing lines of its sides, which kick up at the rear window. More rectangular, elongated fog-lamps add to the bolder front end. The rear of the car has a sleek new fascia and tailgate arrangement, as well as thinner tail lamps, and a sculpted rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics.

The refined and athletic exterior is complemented by a modern new interior. Ford designers paid particular attention to customer feedback on the current generation Focus, which called for a simpler, more intuitive interior with fewer controls and switches. The revised instrument panel and reorganization of switches results in a clean and mature interior design that allows drivers to effortlessly control the vehicle’s features.

The simplified interior offers more space with a variety of new convenient storage options for a more comfortable driving experience. An adjustable console fits a variety of bottles and cups, and can simultaneously hold a 1-litre water bottle and a 400 ml cup.

The new Focus also offers impressive levels of cabin quietness, with sound deadening materials – including sound-insulating windshield glass, thicker side-window glass, thicker carpets, increased insulation in the door trims, and improved engine insulation – for increased refinement.

Advanced connectivity and driver assist technology
The new Focus also features a host of cutting-edge technology to help drivers stay connected and in control.

“The new Focus is one of our smartest cars ever. We wanted to ensure that our customers experience ease, comfort and advantages in usability that these technologies bring,” said Hart.

Reflecting the need for modern drivers to stay connected at all times, the new Focus is equipped with Ford’s advanced connectivity system, SYNC 2, which offers a smarter and safer way to stay connected. Drivers can operate the car’s climate controls, entertainment system and a linked smartphone with natural voice commands. A centrally placed, high resolution, 8-inch touchscreen puts even more control at the driver’s fingertips, with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation.

The new Focus is available with Enhanced Active Park Assist, which builds upon Ford’s popular Parallel Park Assist with the addition of Perpendicular Park Assist. Once activated, the system scans for available parking spaces alongside other cars. When it finds one, the system takes control of the car’s steering to guide the vehicle into the space while the driver controls the shifting, braking and acceleration.

Perpendicular Park Assist uses two new ultrasonic sensors on the rear of the car, which also enables Park-Out Assist. Park-Out Assist takes the stress out of exiting a parallel parking space by taking control of the steering while the driver operates the brake and accelerator.

In urban driving up to 50 km/h, an improved Active City Stop system can help to mitigate low-speed collisions. Using a windshield-mounted sensor to detect braking, slower-moving or stationary vehicles in front, the system pre-charges the brakes if the car is approaching a vehicle in front too quickly. If the driver fails to take action, the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of a collision.

The new Focus even allows owners to encourage safe driving when they are not behind the wheel with Ford MyKey. Owners can program a spare key to reduce the maximum speed of the vehicle, give an earlier low-fuel warning, limit the volume of the in-car entertainment or even disable it completely if the seatbelt is not fastened. The technology can provide reassurance to owners when lending their car to less experienced drivers.

“These driver assist technologies used to be found only in more premium vehicles. With the new Focus, we are making these segment-first features more accessible to our customers for that ultimate driving experience”, said Hart.

Efficient, powerful and fun-to-drive
The new Focus is powered by a powerful and efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which offers 180 PS of power and 240 Nm of torque. More powerful than a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine.

The engine uses the core EcoBoost technologies of turbocharging, high-pressure direct fuel-injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to ensure optimum performance. A new aluminum engine block helps to reduce weight, which improves performance and efficiency.

It also features technologies introduced in Ford’s multiple-award-winning 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. A new cylinder head design with improved cooling and an integrated exhaust manifold improves efficiency by delivering a more efficient feed of air into the engine and helping it to operate at optimal temperatures. By minimizing the distance exhaust gases travel from the cylinders to the turbocharger, the integrated manifold also reduces turbo lag for rapid torque delivery. A reprogrammed engine control system helps to ensure high levels of engine refinement, quietness and performance.

The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is paired to a new modern, lightweight and efficient six-speed automatic transmission, delivering refinement together with excellent performance and fuel economy. Paddle shift controls enable drivers to change gears without taking their hands from the steering wheel for an enhanced feeling of performance.

On the go, the new Focus takes the nameplate’s class-leading driving dynamics and fun-to-drive DNA to a new level with enhanced handling. Ford engineers have carefully tuned the suspension and shock absorbers for a more solid and responsive vehicle that feels firmly connected to the road.

A more refined Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system further improves the driving experience with more precise steering and lower effort, while reducing unwanted damping and providing excellent feedback to the driver.

“The new Focus reflects the strengths of its predecessor while evolving nearly in every aspect, from design and technology to driving dynamics, driver comfort and overall performance. We are very excited to be launching a smarter, safer, efficient and more sophisticated Focus which guarantees to give that fun-to-drive experience that our Filipino customers are looking for,” said Hart.

The new Focus will be available for delivery in November and shall be offered in four variants at the following price points:

1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Sport+ AT – P1,278,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Titanium+ AT – P1,278,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Sport AT – P1,088,000
1.5L Focus GTDI EcoBoost Titanium AT – P1,088,000

The new Focus comes in eight captivating colors; Frozen White, Panther Black, Ingot Silver, Winning Blue, Magnetic Metallic, Lunar Sky, Candy Red and Mustard Olive.