Journalists Across The Region Experience The All-New Hyundai SANTA FE

Twenty all-new Hyundai Santa Fes get ready for their test across smooth and rugged terrain in the Sea To Summit Conquest.

SUBIC, Philippines – Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the Philippines’ official distributor of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles, in cooperation with the Hyundai Motor Company Regional Headquarters (HMCRHQ), spearheaded the all-new Hyundai SANTA FE Regional Test Drive: Sea to Summit Conquest for local and foreign media alike from September 3 to 5, 2018.

Journalists from local publications, as well as those who flew in from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Cambodia and Singapore, participated in the activity that gave them the opportunity to test the refined strength of the all-new Hyundai SANTA FE on the terrains of Subic and Bataan for a total of 146km.

From Sea

On the afternoon of September 3, the delegates were shuttled from Manila to Segara Villas, which prides itself as the only boutique hotel that can offer the comfort and luxury of a 6 star hotel in Subic Bay. Segara Villas served as the abode of the delegates for the next three days, which is also where they were formally welcomed by Mr. Yong Suk Lee, director of Hyundai Motor Company Regional Headquarters. He also regaled them with the journey of the Hyundai SANTA FE through the years. “As you know, the first generation of SANTA FE was launched in 2000. It is the cornerstone of Hyundai’s longstanding SUV heritage and the fourth-generation SANTA FE will continue to impress customers with its premium design, spacious interior, and advanced technology,” he said.

Afterwards, Renato G. Pizarro, Senior Vice President for Strategy & Innovation of HARI expressed his gratitude for HARI being chosen as the host country for the regional test drive event. “We are humbled by the trust given to us by the Hyundai Motor Company Regional Headquarters, and honored by the commitment given to us by our media friends from all over the region,” he said.

The test drive proper started on the morning of September 4, with twenty (20) units of the all-new Hyundai SANTA FE allotted to the local and foreign delegates. Powered by their rides, the delegates temporarily left the comforts of Segara Villas and the urban ambiance of Subic Bay to experience the scenic route to Bataan, via the North Luzon Expressway and Bataan Provincial Highway. The flag-off also served as the start of the Power of Distance Fitbit Challenge—the delegate who recorded the most number of steps during the entire test drive proper took home a brand-new Samsung Galaxy Note9, while the runner-up took home a brand-new Fossil smartwatch.

To Summit

No conquest in the Philippines is complete without exploring one of the most distinguished provinces that had an important role during the WWII: Bataan.

Their first stopover was found on top of Mt. Samat, the historic mountain that’s nestled in the rural town of Pilar. Found on top of Mt. Samat is a national shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan) commemorating the valor of the fallen Filipino and American soldiers of the WII.

Reaching the summit of Mt. Samat was no easy feat, because the delegates had to navigate the steep, winding roads, sharp curves, and even the on-going road constructions that peppered the path to the top, thus allowing them to experience the calm technology built in the all-new Hyundai SANTA FE. Upon reaching the summit, the delegates were given time to take a breather, enjoy the view, and learn more about its historical significance.

With Timeless Elegance

 After battling it out in Mt. Samat, the delegates then made their way to another famous Bataan landmark situated in the town of Bagac where they can sit down, share a meal with each other, and recharge: the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.

Established in 2003, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a 14-hectare land that is famous for being an open-air museum that possesses a collection of fully-restored vintage houses. Aside from allowing the local delegates to go back in time thanks to the cobblestone roads and ancestral houses of the Old Manila era, Las Casas served as an educational, visual treat for the foreign delegates who were introduced to the Spanish heritage of the Philippines. This is where the delegates savored a hearty, Filipino feast for lunch before participating in the Faith In History Photography Challenge—a game where delegates had to collaborate with their partners in capturing their best photos of the all-new Hyundai SANTA FE across the several scenic locations inside Las Casas. The winning duo with the best SANTA FE photo received a brand-new Fujifilm X-T100 camera each, while the second-placers received a Transcend Dashcam each.

The delegates’ conquest in Bataan led them to the last stopover: Napot Point, home of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.  Constructed in 1976, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is the Philippines’ only attempt at building a nuclear power plant. It was originally considered as a solution to the 1973 oil crisis, but never went into operation due to safety concerns in the wake of the 1986 Chernobyl situation. Now, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant’s 3.57 kilometer reservation remains complete yet inactive, with its well-maintained roads and lush greenery serving as a perfect driving spot.

With Refined Strength

The test drive ended on a high note with the delegates driving back to Subic Bay, where they were then shuttled to one of the most sought-after establishments in the area: the Lighthouse Marina. Its idyllic beachfront and luxurious ambiance made the Lighthouse Marina the perfect place for the delegates to finally unwind and celebrate after a day’s worth of adventures. It also became the venue for the awarding, where judges from HARI and HMCRHQ revealed who among the delegates exhibited the strength in staying active during the Power of Distance Challenge, and the strength in creativity during the Faith in History Challenge.

“Today will serve as the testament of the dedication, camaraderie, and refined strength exhibited not just by the People of Hyundai coming from the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, but by each and every one who took the time to be here,” says Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, President and CEO of HARI.

Now, the all-new Hyundai SANTA FE Regional Test Drive: Sea to Summit Conquest may have been a memorable event for the local and foreign journalists who participated, but conquering the roads with the all-new SANTA FE is just getting started for everyone. With a suggested retail price of Php2,338,000, you can have your very own, all-new Hyundai SANTA FE driving experience since it is now available in authorized Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Visit www.hyundai.ph, Hyundai Philippines’ official Facebook page @HyundaiPH, or your nearest Hyundai dealership to learn more about the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe and its future test drive activities.

About HARI

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, is the third top ranking automotive firm in the country. Hailed four times as Hyundai’s Asia-Pacific Distributor of the Year (2005, 2006, 2008, and 2013), and twice as Hyundai’s Global Distributor of the Year (2010 & 2016), HARI boasts of a 42-strong dealer network, superior after-sales, dealer and customer relations support, and an enviable roster of best-selling vehicles.