Head turner in Forte
While in Dumaguete, we enjoyed its beautiful tourists spots like Sumilon Bluewater Island that was just an hour away by boat ride from the port. The private resort offered plenty of amenities like kayaking in a natural made lagoon, wall climbing, - ing or just relaxing on the sand bar. Just when we were settling down enjoying the afternoon, we headed back, this time having merienda of suman with chocolate syrup, mangoes, watermelon and the famous sansrival on the boat. No wonder, I’m overweight! We still got the chance to drive around the city in late afternoon with the eye catching red Forte hatchback. Seemed to be in a class in its own with its sporty looks, 2.0-liter four-cylinder 164PS (161-hp) engine mated to a six-speed AT with paddle shifters, we got stares and heads were turning as we toured around the historic Silliman University that was established by the American Protestants in 1901. And you can’t miss out the “I Love Dumaguete” sign by the boulevard.
Time has never been on your side when having fun but we needed to head back So traversing the 250-kilometer route via Kabangkalan on Kia’s fourth-generation GT-line Sportage proved it was the ideal ride with its 2.0-liter engine that cranked out 144 PS (141 hp) at 4,000 rpm with a whopping 400 Newton-meters of torque at 1,750-2,750 rpm. It is mated to a six-speed
Switching to the Picanto
Roads were not as bad in San Carlos, the scheduled stop for the exchange of drivers and cars. And the Picanto was a surprise drive the Picanto with its 1.2-liter engine and its small dimensions. But once you step inside the Picanto, it actually felt spacious. Suspension feel was solid and it was composed on the dips and jumps. Steering provided good feedback when taking the twisties, and the 87-PS (86-hp) engine comes to life at 4,000 rpm that provided good acceleration and speed for passing maneuvers.
Back again in the crowded roads of Bacolod City, all cars arrived safe and sound ahead of schedule, and the Picanto felt right at home with its short wheelbase and four-speed AT. Our journey ended with a delicious Illongo meal at Ading’s Pla Pla restaurant, serving fresh oysters, grilled marlin, kilawin na tanigge, sweet chili shrimps plus their famous crispy pata and chicken inasal. Was I stuffed! Kia Philippines president Genia Domingo and marketing head Nenuka Guba did a remarkable job on planning this adventure. What a way to have More Fun in the Philippines - the Kia way! Looking forward to the next journey!