Ford Philippines put a unique gastronomical twist to an experiential media drive with a culinary journey to the sprawling Asador Alfonso featuring the Ford Territory, one of the best-selling vehicles in its portfolio.
Tucked away in the serene town of Alfonso, Cavite, Asador Alfonso is a Spanish fine dining destination created by renowned Spanish chef Chele Gonzalez and visionary architect Carlo Calma. Set within a 9.4-hectare estate, the restaurant is a striking example of contemporary architecture by Carlo Calma Consultancy. Originally conceived as a tribute to Calma’s father during the pandemic, the project evolved into a lifestyle space where design and gastronomy meet. Drawing from his Spanish roots, Chef Chele infuses the menu with traditional roasting techniques—an homage reflected in the restaurant’s name, Asador, which means “roaster” in Spanish.
A Full Day’s Feast for the Senses
Following breakfast at Seda Manila Bay, media participants enjoyed the two-hour roadtrip to Asador Alfonso aboard the Ford Territory. On the road, the Ford Territory was put to the test, including features such as the various driving modes, comfortable and spacious cabin, a host of smart technologies, and the efficient performance of the EcoBoost 1.5L engine mated with 7-speed automatic transmission.
Upon arrival at Asador Alfonso, participants battled head-to-head in a culinary showdown where groups had 45 minutes to whip up their best version of Ceviche based on Spanish-Colombian Chef Rodrigo Osorio’s briefing on the three versions of Classic Ceviche (Peruvian), Kinilaw (Filipino), and Tiradito (Peruvian-Japanese).
Another highlight of the day is a 12-course dining experience prepared by Chef Rodrigo and his team of chefs designed to awaken even the most discriminating palates.
RÍOS / COLD
The experience began with a refreshing Octopus Salad in sherry vinegar, a creamy Prawn and Potato Mousseline, Boquerón Toast with parsley and EVOO, and crisp Jamón Ibérico Croquettes.
CALIENTE / HOT
A comforting Chicken Truffle Lasagna followed, baked in rich béchamel.
ASADOS / ROASTING
Next came the heart of the menu: a rustic Mushroom Rice Stew, Grilled Whole Grouper with garlic potatoes and collagen emulsion, and a Roasted Vegetable Platter.
ELIGE TU PRINCIPAL
For the main, guests enjoyed a wood-fired Roast Beef, marinated with fresh herbs and mustard seeds.
POSTRE / DESSERT
Desserts included a classic Vanilla Flan, a rich Chocolate Mousse with crumble and marmalade, and Fresh Mango with Chantilly Cream.
After the delectable sensory overload, participants were herded to the next activity: a full-fledged farm experience through Asador Alfonso’s new vegetable garden. With a traditional bayong in hand, participants picked vegetables such as aubergine, pepper, lettuce and tomatoes to enjoy at home as they learned about the finer points of the garden’s produce from Chef Rodrigo.
After the action-packed day at Asador Alfonso, the Ford Territory took our well-fed, well-versed, and well-laden participants for a relaxed, safe, and comfortable ride back to Manila.
The Ford Territory: Spacious and Smart SUV Built for Food Trips and More
Like an already-great dish that gets better with subtle additions and tweaks, the Ford Territory introduces enhancements designed to boost the driving experience. All variants now feature a sleeker, more modern exterior that exudes a more refined presence on the road.
Inside, a larger 12-inch colored touchscreen serves as the centerpiece of the updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility complemented by a wireless charging pad. The addition of a new rotary e-shifter, panoramic moonroof and dual-zone automatic climate control with physical buttons enhances convenience and comfort, while the cabin remains as spacious and passenger-friendly as ever.
Under the hood, the Territory continues to run on the dependable 1.5L EcoBoost engine, delivering a maximum of 160 PS of power and 248 Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission with dual-clutch system, it offers smooth and responsive performance for everyday driving. Whether you’re headed for your next dining adventure or just going about your daily tasks, the Ford Territory helps you enjoy both the trip and the destination.
With a ground clearance of 190mm, the Territory maneuvered easily through pothole-filled roads. Its four selectable drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain allowed participants to customize their driving experience across various road conditions – whether driving in stop and go traffic, across the open highway, or on hilly terrain.
Designed to maximize its loading capacity, the Ford Territory is also equipped with spacious storage compartments, and a big trunk that can hold up to 448 liters–which can be used to carry with ease two big-size luggage or a variety of sporting equipment.
The Territory is also equipped with driver-assist technologies that bring a suite of support function and offer maximum safety. These include Active Park Assist, 360-Degree Camera, Blind Sport Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, to name a few.
“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,” shares 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.”