Ford PH announces winners of 19th Henry Ford Awards; Gadgets wins Best Automotive Print Feature

Ford Philippines announced the winners of the annual Henry Ford Awards (HFA) at ceremonies held last February 20 at One Canvas Event Place, Makati.

Gadgets Magazine’s editor-at-large Ren Alcantara was awarded the Best Automotive Print Feature with his article Ride and AI, while mobility consultant Arnel Doria’s article on “Innovations in the Automotive Industry” was chosen as one of the Top 3 finalists in the same category. Another article published in Gadgets Magazine, “Bataan: Where Culture, History, and Natural Attractions Meet,” written by Mia Barrientos for the April 2019 Road Trip issue was also a finalist in the Automotive Print Lifestyle category.

Now on its 19^th year, the HFA has served as a platform in recognizing the important role of journalists in taking the country’s automotive industry forward. The HFA has become an institution in the industry with its continuing efforts to help uplift the state of motoring journalism in the country and give outstanding media practitioners the recognition they deserve.

This year, the HFA welcomed two innovations in the advent of the digital revolution. Firstly, it introduced an all-digital submission for all entries, harnessing the speed and precision in using a fully-digital platform to submit, accommodate, and even evaluate entries without the need for paper submissions. 

Secondly, the HFA launched the new Best Automotive Website category which recognizes the power of digital platforms in informing, educating, and influencing the Filipino motorist. Below are the winners in the 16 categories:

Regular Categories

Best Automotive Column
10 Guidelines: Proper Parking Etiquette for Riders
Aristeo Ilagan of Top Gear Philippines

Best Automotive Green Feature
Are Filipinos Ready for The Electric Vehicle Lifestyle?
Isaac Atienza of Go Flat Out

Best Automotive Industry Feature
Philippines: The Next Battleground for China’s Gargantuan Auto Industry?
Vince Pornelos of AutoIndustriya

Best Automotive Online Feature 
First Drive: The Toyota Hiace Grandia Tourer Takes on Manila’s Tight Streets
Andrei Laurel of Top Gear Philippines

Best Automotive Online Lifestyle Featur­e
Pay Check: Can I Really Afford a Car? Things to Consider Before Making an Auto Purchase
Eric Tipan of AutoIndustriya

Best Automotive Photograph
Wolf Pack
Jenna Genio of AutoIndustriya

Best Automotive Print Feature
Ride and AI 
Ruben Alcantara Jr. of Gadgets Magazine

Best Automotive Print Lifestyle Feature
Finding Your New, Pre-Loved Ride
Kristoffer Lim of Speed Magazine

Best Automotive Road Safety Feature
6 Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road      
Kristoffer Lim of AutoCar Philippines

Best Automotive Technology Feature
Waze Map Editors are Unsung Heroes of PH’s Fight Against Traffic
Andrei Laurel of Top Gear Philippines

Best Automotive Video Feature
Driving Schools in Japan
Mark Francis Jesalva of Top Gear Philippines

Special Categories

Best Ford Automotive Feature
Raptors in the Desert: Pushing the Ford Ranger Raptor to the Limit
Carl Christian Van Hoven of C! Magazine

Best Ford Automotive Video Feature
Adventures Await: What Makes the Ford Everest a Perfect Road Trip Vehicle
Vince Pornelos of AutoIndustriya

Best Ford Automotive Photograph
Up
Kelvin Christian Go of AutoIndustriya

Best Broadsheet Motoring Section
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Best Automotive Website
Top Gear Philippines