Story & Photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
A “DADBOD” is a newly coined term now trending in media. It was introduced to the world by Clemson University sophomore Mackenzie Pearson when she referred to any man—father or bachelor—with a physique that’s a “nice balance between a beer gut and working out.”
“It’s more human, natural and attractive,” she added.
For this writer, though, the term refers to more than just the father-like physique. At this certain stage of manhood, true machismo can be measured by embracing fatherhood—wholeheartedly.
According to Indian entrepreneur Naveen Jain, “Being a father has been, without a doubt, my greatest source of achievement, pride and inspiration.”
“Fatherhood has taught me about unconditional love, reinforced the importance of giving back and taught me how to be a better person,” the successful InfoSpace founder further reiterated.
Recently, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) further solidified the true meaning of manliness by traveling for half a day to the northern village of Batad in Ifugao province to give back to the less fortunate.
Onboard the all-new Mitsubishi Strada, the motoring media, together with Mitsubishi executives, embarked on a tiring yet meaningful journey.
Froilan Dytianquin, MMPC vice president for marketing, said, “Our industry success would prove futile without the grace from society and nature. We owe it to them,” he affirmed.
From their dealership in Balintawak, the eight Mitsubishi Strada pickups with four motoring journalists onboard, together with MMPC executives and staff in other vehicles, set out on the long road adventure.
My father, sister and this scribe were confident of being in front of the convoy as we were behind the wheel of the top-of-the-line GLS Sport V. At its heart is a 2.5-liter four-in-line 16-valve DOHC turbocharged (VGT) and inter-cooled common rail direct injection diesel 4D56 engine, which creates maximum power of 178 ps at 4,000 rpm and improved torque of 400 N m at 2,000 rpm. Cruising along the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway was just like a stroll in the park.
With its car-like feel, the vehicle never failed us when we overtook trucks and buses on the Maharlika Highway. The tight bends and tricky corners of the Cordilleras were like a children’s playground with the Strada’s superb handling and stable power. Its electronic dial of the Super Select 4WD-II also came in handy. With these, the 12-hour drive seemingly suggested as if we were just in a joyride toward Tagaytay and back.
Our group first arrived at the Banaue Hotel in Ifugao province. With a heavy dinner and a full belly, we slumbered through the night. The next morning, we awoke to the sunlight and the gentle cool breeze. Soon after breakfast, we sat behind the steering wheel and drove for about 30 minutes on newly paved roads before reaching the saddle where we had to go down and trek on foot to Batad Village.
At the village, the Japanese carmaker gifted students with some school supplies and appliances, while some of the motoring media were generous enough to perform a skit for the kids’ entertainment.
“We are thankful for giving us your heart,” Batad Elementary School’s Teresita Halupe said. “And you have a very big heart,” she enthused.
Aside from the 12-hour drive the day before, the 45-minute trek on foot toward their village was no joke. To further test our manliness, we also hiked further downhill to ground zero to see for ourselves the actual terrace site that needed rehabilitation. It was to be noted that one of the reasons for the erosion was the spread of earthworms in the area. These pests drill holes under the ground that cause water to spill out and eventually lead to massive damage in the terraces. The taxing two-hour trek toward the bottom was laid on a bed of roses as a refreshing dip at the Tappiya Falls washed off the fatigue from our legs. This surely served as a refresher before we climbed back to headquarters.
Notably, we traversed the 1-foot wide wall edge of the Banaue Rice Terraces. There, marching 8 kilometers through treacherous paths before reaching the mystic falls was definitely not for the faint-hearted.
We realized that we may not be physically fit as we once were, but this writer believes that with his own version of a Dadbod, we were more than muscled enough to hitch on a world-class pickup, drive about 400 km up north and give a helping hand to the less fortunate people of Batad.
Now, that is being a man.
Image credits: Ronald Rey de los Reyes