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Lifestyle

Honda Philippines unveils the New Click125 Street: A game-changer for everyday riders

September 22, 2026 12:06 PM
PST

Honda Philippines has officially welcomed a bold new addition to its celebrated Click125 series with the arrival of The Click125 Street. The model is positioned to deliver enhanced performance and a bold personality for riders navigating the urban and open-road environments. This launch underscores Honda’s ongoing commitment to convenience, mobility, and rider comfort, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in practical, reliable mobility solutions.

The Click125 Street presents a refreshed silhouette that maintains the sporty essence of the Click125 family while introducing a more contemporary and dynamic stance. It features new Naked Handlebars that contribute to a bolder look and provide a more direct and confident riding feel. The exterior design is complemented by color options that reinforce its performance-oriented character, with Matte Cyber Grape Metallic and Pearl Arctic White delivering a distinctive road presence. The overall styling aims to balance urban practicality with a touch of street-smart aggression, making the scooter stand out in daily commutes and weekend rides alike.

Inside the cockpit, The Click125 Street prioritizes clarity and convenience. A Full Digital Meter Panel consolidates essential riding information in an easy-to-read format, helping riders stay informed with minimal distraction. The All-LED Lighting System enhances visibility for both rider and surrounding traffic, improving safety during dawn, dusk, and nighttime journeys. These interior refinements are designed to keep the rider oriented and comfortable during navigation.

Performance and efficiency form the core of The Click125 Street. Powered by a 125cc liquid-cooled, PGM-FI, eSP engine, the scooter delivers reliable power for daily commuting and relaxed weekend trips while emphasizing fuel economy. WMTC-tested fuel consumption stands at 50.3 km per liter, enabling longer travels between refueling stops and reducing overall running costs. Safety and control are enhanced by a combination of Wide Tubeless Tires for solid grip across varied surfaces and conditions, a Wavy Disc Brake for responsive stopping power, and a Combined Braking System that coordinates front and rear braking forces for stable deceleration.

Designed for practical everyday use, The Click125 Street includes a Smart Key System for convenient starting and securing the vehicle. An 18-liter luggage box provides ample space for helmets and other essentials, supporting riders who run errands, commute to work, or carry personal belongings for short trips. The Idling Stop System further contributes to efficiency by turning the engine off when idling in traffic and resuming operation smoothly with throttle input, helping to conserve fuel in stop-and-go conditions. A built-in USB-C charger keeps mobile devices powered even on long rides.

The combination of new styling, upgraded cockpit features, and practical performance positions makes the Click125 Street a compelling option for riders seeking a modern, reliable scooter for urban mobility and beyond. The updated ergonomics and refined components work together to deliver a confident riding experience. With a suggested retail price of Php 90,000, the model aims to offer a balanced blend of accessibility, technology, and Honda reliability.

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Lifestyle

CFMoto 150 Aura: A Neo-Retro scooter that thinks like a big bike

September 21, 2026 9:41 AM
PST

If you have a soft spot for retro style but refuse to give up modern technology, CFMoto has something special for you. The CFMoto 150 Aura is a scooter that wears a classic, nostalgic body but hides a surprisingly modern heart. Priced at just Php 131,700, the 150 Aura promises to shake up the local scooter scene by delivering big bike features at a price that feels genuinely worth it. Let us walk through everything this machine has to offer, from its exterior styling down to its clever hidden details.

The first thing you will notice about the 150 Aura is the paint. The color choices are striking, and the overall silhouette has a very neo-retro look that is still unmistakably modern. It is the kind of design that turns heads in a parking lot. The bodywork is clean and well finished, with smooth panels that give it a premium feel straight out of the box. One of the standout details is the spoke wheels, which add a classic, almost vintage charm to the bike. It is a nice touch that reinforces the retro theme while keeping the build high quality, modern and solid.

Up front, the scooter is fitted with projector headlights instead of the old bulb type halogen units you usually find on classic scooters. The light output is remarkably bright, which is a big plus for night riding and visibility. At the back, there is a very nice chrome grab handle (though it comes in black on the other color options). The rear section itself looks clean and tidy, but it hides a clever secret that we will get to in a moment. Overall, the 150 Aura manages to balance vintage inspiration with contemporary refinement, and it does so beautifully.

Open up the seat and you will find one of the most practical storage spaces in its class. The compartment is wide enough to fit two helmets. YES, not one, but TWO, which is a rarity on scooters at this price point. Even better, CFMoto added a compartment light that turns on when you open the seat. A thoughtful feature that's very useful for It makes finding your belongings in the dark a breeze.

Beyond the main compartment, there is a sleek, hidden hook on the side where you can hang your helmet, your bags, or even your groceries. It tucks away neatly when not in use, keeping the scooter's lines clean. There is also a dedicated spot where you can open a small cubby and store your phone, complete with a USB-C charging port. That means you can keep your device topped up on the go without hunting for an adapter. It is an all in one setup that leaves you with little to complain about.

Under the skin, the 150 Aura is powered by a 149.5cc liquid-cooled, four valve single cylinder engine. This unit is designed to be powerful, fuel efficient, and responsive, with strong starting torque that makes city riding feel effortless. But the real story here is the feature list, which reads more like a premium big bike than a retro scooter.

The full LED instrument panel is bright and easy to read even under direct sunlight, and it packs in all the details you could want. You get tire pressure monitoring, temperature readouts, and multiple riding modes, all displayed on a crisp TFT screen. Below the digital display, you will find NFC support, which means the scooter is keyless. Keep your key in your pocket, sit on the bike, and it automatically starts, no fumbling for keys required. There is also a start-stop feature that kills the engine when you brake, saving fuel in stop and go traffic.

For safety, the 150 Aura comes with dual channel ABS on both the front and rear wheels, plus traction control. Imagine that, a scooter with traction control. These are features you usually find on high end big bikes, and their presence here is genuinely impressive. On top of all that, there are cameras mounted at the front and rear. You can use them for safety and recording your rides, or even for content creation if you are into vlogging. It is a very, very nice touch that adds real value.

Getting on the 150 Aura, the first thing you notice is the seat. It is firm, but surprisingly comfortable. It is also very wide, which means you can ride for very long hours without discomfort. The seat is so well made that you will not need to spend money on aftermarket replacements. The build quality is excellent, and the overall feel is premium.

The ride itself is smooth, with the liquid cooled engine delivering punchy acceleration around town. The projector headlights throw a bright, confident beam, and the dual channel ABS gives you a peace of mind when braking in less than ideal conditions. The rear passenger peg is another highlight. It is incredibly easy to access, one click andthere it is, no kicking needed. Folding it back is just as simple. It is a small detail, but it makes a big difference for riders who frequently carry a passenger.

The CFMoto 150 Aura is available in several colors, so you can pick the one that matches your personality. If you want one for yourself, you can place an order through the official CFMoto authorized dealers. At Php 131,700, you get a classic scooter look with modern TFT display, projector lights, keyless entry, dual channel ABS, traction control, built in cameras, and generous storage, all for a price that feels very reasonable.

This might just be the motorcycle for you, Ka-Manibela. Check out our full review here: https://youtu.be/Rsx9JdSoMKc?

Sci-tech

Jetour X70 Lightning IDM Owner's Review: A Practical Plug-In for the Everyday Filipino

September 21, 2026 9:40 AM
PST

Ka-Manibela, meet the Jetour X70 Lightning IDM through the eyes of owner Wisdom Eson, who shares his five-month, 9,000-kilometer experience with this plug-in hybrid. His story is one of practicality first.Let’s check it out.

Wisdom shared that he needed a spacious vehicle for work, something that could carry heavy equipment along with his crew, while also being kind to his wallet at the pump.

The X70 Lightning IDM presents itself with understated elegance. Wisdom chose the grey finish, describing it as elegant and not overly attention-grabbing, exactly what he wanted for the road. The overall form carries a premium look, and the grille isn't too aggressive in appearance, which he appreciates. He even jokes that the design has a certain charm, noting that people say it looks "pogi" (handsome). The stylish headlight design also caught his approval due to its uniqueness.

The exterior is loaded with tech touches. There are multiple sensors and cameras positioned around the vehicle, on the front, on the sides, and underneath which feed into the 540-degree camera system. He's added a small "EV" badge and a Transformer-inspired decal simply to make the vehicle's electric nature visible to others. The charging port sits on the right side, and there's a separate fast-charging port that he admits he hasn't used yet since buying the vehicle, noting some hesitation after hearing that frequent DC fast charging could accelerate battery deterioration.

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One practical note: the hood is quite long, which makes maneuvering in tight spaces a bit tricky, and will require careful estimation. But the 540-degree camera system helps ease that anxiety considerably as you can use it to view underneath the vehicle.

Inside, the X70 Lightning IDM impresses with thoughtful features. The sunroof is a standout. It opens fully, not just partially like some vehicles, which is great for quickly clearing food smells after enjoying delicious food with distinct scents in the car. As a driver, Wisdom appreciates the adjustable seat and steering wheel, which can be positioned closer or higher depending on preference. The dashboard size is also just right for him because he prefers a not so large TFT display to prevent obstructing the view.

The climate control includes an anti-stickiness feature and an air quality ionizer, which helps deliver cleaner air with less dust. There's a three-level cooling and heating setting, and he notes that older passengers often prefer the heat function, as it acts like a hot compress. The third and second row seating however, has a minor downside. The second row only has one air vent in the middle, meanwhile the third row has none at all. Wisdom jokes that he seats his most restless crew members back there. To solve the problem, he bought an aftermarket air vent online to help deliver cool air to his backseat passengers and it works fairly well.

The cabin offers plenty of storage, including a hydraulic liftgate that opens with the press of a button, no manual lifting required. He advises household members and passengers not to force it down manually, as that could damage the hydraulics. There's also a free tire sealant and air pump which is useful in case of a tire puncture. A downside however is that it didn't come with a spare tire.

The X70 Lightning IDM is a plug-in hybrid, and this is where it shines for Wisdom. In city driving, he runs almost entirely on pure EV mode, barely touching fuel. His gasoline now lasts nearly a month, compared to weekly fill-ups with his old sedan. The vehicle features what he calls "generative technology". When the battery runs low, the gas engine automatically kicks in to supply power, and it also charges the battery while driving, creating a seamless teamwork between the battery and gasoline.

The V2L (vehicle-to-load) function is also a major selling point for him. It lets the car act as a generator, which is perfect for his work in media and productions, as he often has to conduct shootings on locations without electricity. There is no longer a need to rent a separate generator. 

The charging time is 6 to 9 hours depending on usage. If the battery is nearly drained (around 90%), it can take 9 to 10 hours. Wisdom charges daily at home, and notes that having a home charger is essential to fully appreciate this type of vehicle.

On a full tank, he achieves about 4,000 kilometers, and he believes the claimed 1,200-kilometer combined range is achievable within a month or so. He's driven to Baguio, Bataan, and Calatagan in Batangas, using one full charge and one full tank for two-day shoots where no charging stations were available.

The driving experience is where the X70 Lightning IDM truly wins Wisdom over. He rates the driving comfort at 50% better than a normal gas vehicle. The acceleration is strong. No hesitation on inclines or during overtaking. His wife even noticed the torque, joking that her leg was being left behind during acceleration.

He's a proponent of what is called "featherlight foot" driving. A light touch on the pedal that lets the car accelerate smoothly and efficiently. He advises new owners to unlearn old driving habits and research proper EV driving techniques to maximize efficiency. Contrary to some claims that EVs are limited to 40 km/h, he confirms the vehicle can easily reach 100 km/h, though faster speeds consume more battery.

The auto-hold system is another bonus that changes the driving experience significantly. He keeps it on during trips, turning it off only when parking. With auto-hold, there's no need to shift gears constantly. Just press and release the brake. He notes it encourages more decisive driving rather than hesitant stop-and-go movements. The lane centering assistance is another feature that helps keep drivers disciplined. It sounds an alert if you change lanes without signaling, and gently guides the wheel back if you drift.

The ADAS safety system proved its worth when a motorcycle suddenly cut in front while he was driving, the computer automatically decided to brake without Wisdom needing to press the pedal. Even if you release the steering wheel, the system prompts you to hold it. TIn addition, the high ground clearance handles potholes with ease, and the vehicle includes a global window feature. Which is when you long-press the unlock button, it opens all windows, and long-pressing it again closes them all. 

Another cool feature is that the doors auto-lock when speed exceeds 20 km/h.

Wisdom purchased his Jetour X70 Lightning IDM for 1.5 million pesos, and he considers it well worth the investment. The warranty is solid: 8 years on the battery and 10 years on the engine. He's not concerned about resale value some skeptics raise about Chinese vehicles. For him, the comfort and savings matter more. Especially since the money saved on fuel can be reinvested in equipment or other needs.

He also notes that a new car parts factory recently opened locally, meaning parts should be readily available without long waits. And since the battery is modular rather than a single unit, a failure in its subparts wouldn't require replacing the entire battery, and with the 8-year warranty, replacements are free. 

If you add the fact that electric vehicles are exempted from number coding hours in thePhilippines, you can totally use your vehicle daily.

In summary, this is Wisdom's advice to Ka-Manibela considering to buy the Jetour X70 Lightning IDM: unlearn old driving habits, research the maintenance and driving techniques, and assess whether you can accept the minor downsides. But for him, after comparing all options through research and test drives, this was the most practical choice. 

To learn more about the Jetour X70 Lightning IDM, watch its incredible performance and full review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JSBd45Lcz8

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Sports
Lifestyle

Suzuki Ertiga GLX AT Hybrid Sport: A Family Vehicle with a Sportier Edge

September 21, 2026 9:43 AM
PST

Suzuki Philippines has officially launched the Ertiga GLX AT - Hybrid Sport, a refreshed version of its popular family vehicle that brings a more athletic appearance to the familiar seven seater. The launch introduces a model designed for families, young professionals, and active individuals who are always on the move, combining everyday versatility with a dynamic exterior that matches the lifestyle of drivers who want their vehicle to look as ready for adventure as they are.

The refreshed exterior is enhanced by a coordinated set of sporty accessories, including a front under spoiler, side under spoiler, rear under spoiler, rear upper spoiler, and a Suzuki Sport Emblem. Together, these elements give the vehicle a bolder, more athletic presence while preserving its practical appeal. The vehicle’s tyres are 185/65 R15, chosen for balanced road comfort and efficiency. 

It is available in Magma Gray Metallic for a bold, sophisticated look and Snow White Pearl for a clean, timeless appeal. Beyond aesthetics, the exterior refinements convey readiness for everyday life and weekend adventures alike, signaling that the vehicle is prepared for the next journey.

Inside the unit, the Ertiga GLX AT - Hybrid Sport continues Suzuki’s approach of blending practicality with a touch of personality. It possesses flexible seating and cargo arrangements that adapt to various activities. The cabin is configured to accommodate daily commutes, school runs, and impromptu getaways with equal ease, ensuring occupants travel in comfort and style. A standout feature is the 10-inch touchscreen audio unit that serves as the central hub for entertainment and information, enhancing the driving experience without compromising usability.

Designed to serve a range of life moments, the Ertiga GLX AT - Hybrid Sport emphasizes versatility without compromising on practicality. It is positioned to handle everyday errands, family outings, and longer road trips with equal reliability. Its hybrid powertrain has an electric motor output of 1.77 kW, contributing to efficiency without sacrificing performance. It houses a 1462 cc displacement, with a maximum torque standing at 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm, while the maximum output is 77 kW at 6,000 rpm. The transmission is a 4-speed automatic, complementing smooth acceleration and easy driving in a variety of conditions.

Suzuki Philippines frames the Ertiga GLX AT Hybrid Sport as a dependable companion for everyday life and spontaneous adventures alike, reflecting the brand’s philosophy of being “By Your Side” through all chapters. The model is priced at PHP 1,199,000.00, a figure that aligns with its blend of practicality, space, and sportier styling. For those interested in exploring more of its features, visit any authorized Suzuki Auto dealerships nationwide or the official Suzuki website at http://suzuki.com.ph/auto/ for detailed information and current configurations.

Sci-tech

The VinFast VF3: almost a year of ownership with JeffAnnVentures

September 21, 2026 9:34 AM
PST

Ka-Manibela, let me take you through one owner's near year-long journey with the VinFast VF3, a compact electric mini-SUV that has quietly become a favorite among city drivers looking to escape rising fuel costs.

Jeff of JeffAnnVentures acquired his VinFast VF3 in August of 2025, and it has served double duty as both a personal vehicle and a workhorse for his small business. 

The decision to go electric was driven by a simple, practical goal: saving money on fuel. While the family primarily stays within the city, they occasionally venture out, and so far, the VF3 has proven to be an incredibly worthwhile investment.

The first thing you notice about the VF3 is its size. When Jeff and his family first saw it, they actually thought it was too small. But appearances can be deceiving, and the compact footprint is one of the vehicle's greatest strengths. It is incredibly easy to maneuver no matter where you go, and parking is a breeze. When comparing it to rivals like the BYD Seagull, the VF3 stood out because while it is small, it sits noticeably higher off the ground, a feature that greatly appealed to the family.

The design itself is quite boxy, giving it a retro character that Jeff and his family genuinely appreciates. The rugged look is enhanced by black bumpers, black fenders, and black side skirts running around the entire vehicle. Some might not love the black trim, but Jeff finds it gives the car a tough and capable appearance. For those interested in customization, a roof rack can be added, though owners should be careful not to exceed 50 kilograms of load.

The VF3 is rear-wheel drive, with the electric motor mounted directly to the differential at the rear wheels. The vehicle also comes equipped with projector headlights, which was one of the considerations that helped seal the deal. As for the color, Jeff simply chose red because nearly all of his previous cars have been red, and its catchy color exudes a distinctive presence on the road.

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Despite its diminutive exterior, the VF3 surprises with how spacious it feels inside. This was one of the most unexpected discoveries for Jeff and his family. The seats can be lowered to maximize space, and because the car is used for business, it regularly carries 30 to 40 kilograms of stock for their store. The interior manages to feel far more generous than the exterior dimensions would suggest.

When it comes to power, Jeff and his fellow users have never complained. The VF3 is genuinely powerful, even on uphill climbs. The family has taken the car on long trips without any issues of the motor feeling strained. The top speed is limited to 104 kilometers per hour, which Jeff considers more than enough for both city driving and highway use. They also frequently use the Skyway, and the VF3 handles it without complications.

The vehicle features ABS, or Anti-Lock Braking System, which is remarkable at this price point. It also has seatbelts for all passengers, audible warnings when reversing or parking, a reverse parking camera, and a driver's airbag. Another particularly thoughtful feature is the auto-lock function: after about five minutes of inactivity, the car locks itself, a feature that arrived with the latest firmware update.

The VF3 offers two driving modes, Eco and Normal, which can be switched easily through the infotainment system, even while driving. The stock speaker audio quality is adequate for most owners, and for those who want to upgrade, there are plug-and-play options that don't require splicing wires, which would otherwise void the warranty.

In terms of riding comfort, the VF3's firm suspension is the one area where it noticeably falls short compared to other vehicles. The ride is somewhat stiff, a trait that persisted from purchase through regular use. Fortunately, there are many aftermarket options to upgrade the suspension, and Jeff recently did just that, noting the improvement. For those who find it still too firm, pricier options are available.

The braking power is more than sufficient, thanks to the torque characteristics of the electric motor. Jeff has never felt the brakes were lacking. On the highway, the VF3 is remarkably stable. One might expect a small car to wobble when a bus passes at speed, but the VF3 holds its line. This stability was further enhanced when Jeff swapped the stock tires, which were 175/75 on 16-inch rims, for wider Wanli Alpinism 205/60-16 all-terrain tires. The extra width contributed significantly to the car's planted feel, making long drives genuinely enjoyable and appreciably less bumpier.

Jeff’s longest journey so far with the VF3 was from Santa Rosa, Laguna to Angeles, Pampanga and back, requiring only two charging stops. The entire trip cost less than 600 pesos, an astonishing figure for a south-to-north-and-back journey. Having experienced a long trip, the family's big plan is a trip to Baguio, an endurance test question for any new car in the Philippines. Since the VF3's range is 210 kilometers on a full charge, they are carefully mapping out mandatory stopovers at charging stations and will document the journey in a future vlog. Speaking of vlogs, a previous trip to Tagaytay and back on a single charge became one of their most popular videos.

When they were considering the VF3, their biggest hesitation was the state of charging infrastructure in the Philippines. After thorough research, they found that charging stations are becoming increasingly common. Even better, VinFast offers free charging for its owners until March of 2029. At the time of his purchase, the processing was quick and easy, though Jeff notes that lines have since become longer at dealerships.

On after-sales service and parts availability, Jeff has no complaints so far. He hasn't yet reached his first scheduled maintenance, which is at 10,000 kilometers or one year, whichever comes first, but on other matters, the dealership has been very accommodating.

Charging The Vinfast VF3 is straightforward. It uses a CCS2 plug and supports DC fast charging only. VinFast stations offer 60-kilowatt chargers and a charge from 20 to 100 percent takes about an hour. Most stations have two guns, so two vehicles split the 60 kilowatts, roughly 30 each. The VF3 itself has an input of 20 kilowatts. But back at their home, the included portable 3.3-kilowatt charger takes about five hours for the same charge. Owners can adjust their charging target, dropping it to 90 percent if they're concerned about battery health, and can set a low-battery reminder, which Jeff has configured at 30 percent. It's perfectly fine to leave the car on while charging; doing so allows the low-voltage battery to charge simultaneously.

At the charging stations, there's a courteous system with the Green GSM taxis, which were launched by VinFast Auto Philippines. Private owners are given priority, and the taxi drivers will often wave you in when a spot opens up. Jeff emphasizes that courtesy should always be extended to the taxi drivers, who are simply earning a living.

For those switching to an EV, Jeff offers one important warning: avoid floods. The battery and motor sit beneath the flooring on most EVs, so it's essential to evacuate flooded areas before water reaches the battery.

So, who is the VF3 for? If you're looking to escape the cost of gasoline, this is the answer. After nearly a year of ownership, Jeff wholeheartedly recommends it, with one caveat: know your purpose for buying. The VF3 is small, so large families shopping for a spacious vehicle should look elsewhere. But for those who understand what they're getting, the VF3 is an incredibly worthwhile, cost-saving companion.

Watch the full review here: https://youtu.be/KT4y1uW8nJM?