This week, most locals have left or are leaving Metro Manila to escape the anticipated hassles of road closures, heavy traffic and heightened security brought about by Philippines’ hosting the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
As I jealously watched my friends leave for abroad or out of town, I found myself duty-bound to face APEC week head on. But I soon learned that having the right partner is the perfect “escape plan” to feel grateful, rather than resentfully stuck, in Metro Manila. I needed something that would take me from place to place safely, comfortably, and stylishly—regardless of whatever road closure, check point, traffic or unanticipated hurdle the APEC events might bring. Having found a car that had me tick off these requisites in my checklist, I found myself even enjoying my stay within Metro Manila aboard the new Ford Escape 1.6L SE.
With a sleek look and elegant curves, the Ford Escape was a fitting companion for my daytime travel to work or APEC meetings, or my evening formal engagements. As a compact SUV with a low ground clearance, the Ford Escape was even my car of choice for the Metrowear Luxe Fashion Show on Saturday evening as I wore a long gown.
I was not bothered by the traffic as I sat inside the Escape’s comfortably upholstered seats. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension made the Escape’s ride smooth, allowing me to read and type on my laptop while in transit without getting carsick. I also stayed connected with news updates through the Escape’s multimedia system, which my driver could control using the steering wheel-mounted 5-way controls.
With a few more days of APEC events left, I am still hopeful that I can eventually get a real escape from Metro Manila. With a 1.6-liter inline-4 EcoBoost engine, four-wheel drive, and 6-speed Select-Shift automatic transmission, the Ford Escape will be my go-to travel buddy if I get the opportunity to drive out of the city this week.
In the meantime, as I go through the daily grind of work plus the unusual excitement from APEC, I get to escape into my own world of respite and comfort each time I ride the new Ford Escape.
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Karen Jimeno is a junior partner at Jimeno Cope & David Law Firm and a law professor. She hosts LegalHD on CNN Philippines Tuesdays at 9:30PM. She graduated from UP Law School and Harvard Law School, and is licensed to practice law in the Philippines and in New York.