Last Friday, August 21, GWM Philippines owners gathered at Sarsa Field Kitchen in Parañaque for a meet that was more than just cars. It was about people, families, and the lives these vehicles have become part of. With Overland Kings setting the tone and Sarsa serving comfort food, the day was filled with laughter, RC Rock Crawling for kids and kids‑at‑heart, and conversations that revealed how deeply these SUVs fit into their owners’ journeys.
GWM Sta. Rosa was also present at the meet, taking time to chat with owners and reassure them about aftersales and service support. Their message was clear: don’t worry about parts or maintenance — Sta. Rosa is ready and available to back up every journey. 
That presence gave owners added confidence, knowing that the brand’s commitment extends beyond the showroom and into real, everyday support.
That night saw at least forty GWM vehicles gathered, an impressive mix of Cannon, Haval Jolion, H7, and H9 units, with close to seventy people in attendance. A turnout that showed just how strong the community has become. While the venue was filled with proud owners and their families, the real highlight was the stories behind those vehicles, stories that revealed how these machines have become woven into daily lives, passions, and identities.
Family Journeys
Among the owners I spoke with, Sheaffer and Katt stood out as parents whose H9 has become more than just a vehicle. It is now part of their parenting journey. Every weekday morning, it takes them through school runs, errands, and the daily grind. The one‑click car seat installation is more than a feature; it is peace of mind for parents balancing safety with speed. On weekends, the H9 transforms into a family escape vehicle. 
Whether it is a quick drive to Tagaytay or a longer trip up north, the SUV’s spacious cabin and rugged build make it the perfect companion. Their kids now associate the H9 with adventure, the smell of packed snacks, the playlist that starts as soon as the engine hums, and the quiet comfort of knowing they are safe.
Ritche Amansec owns one of only two Emerald Green Haval H9 units in the Philippines, and it stands out not just for its rarity but for how it has become a true extension of his lifestyle. As a cyclist and Ironman athlete, Ritche needs a vehicle that can carry bikes, gear, and everything his endurance training demands, while still being comfortable enough for everyday commutes. 
The H9 has been with him through spontaneous trips, from a sudden drive to Rizal for a hike, to hauling equipment for triathlon training, or even late‑night food runs to Pampanga after a long day. Its rugged build and spacious cabin make it the reliable partner he counts on, whether weaving through traffic or tackling rough terrain. Friends now call his Emerald Green H9 “the reliable buddy” because it always gets them home no matter the road, and for Ritche that reliability is priceless, allowing him to focus on the ride, the race, and the adventure ahead.
Workhorses and Passion Projects
Ruel and Benz Manalo H7 HEV has 6,000 km already logged, it has proven itself as a workhorse. “Pang‑araro, pang‑harabas,” they call it, a daily grind partner that never complains. But beyond utility, it is also a blank canvas. 
For Ruel and Benz, the SUV is a project car, something they can shape with mods and customizations. Weekends are spent tinkering, adding touches that make the H7 uniquely theirs. Every scratch tells a story, every upgrade feels like progress, and every drive is a reminder of what they have built together.
In just three days, Brian Olores clocked 700 km, pushing the H7 PHEV to its limits and proving that it could keep pace with his demanding lifestyle. For him, the advanced features are not about novelty but about trust, each kilometer reinforcing that his SUV can handle both city traffic and long provincial drives with ease.
He recounted a journey from Manila to Bicol that highlighted the vehicle’s efficiency and comfort, showing how it could deliver endurance without sacrificing convenience. Beyond that trip, Brian sees the H7 PHEV as a dependable partner for everyday use and extended adventures alike, a car that gives him confidence to go the distance without second‑guessing its capability.
There was also an owner with 3,100 kms on his Haval, Allain Kaw’s H7 HEV, which has already proven itself on long drives to La Union and Baguio, showing both comfort and capability. For his industrial supply business, hauling 500 kg is “sisiw,” but the SUV’s role goes far beyond that. Allain regularly does supply runs for different ports across the Philippines, and the H7 HEV has become a dependable partner in those demanding journeys. 
It fits seamlessly into his work rhythm, from early morning deliveries to late‑night returns, and it gives him the confidence to take on long provincial routes where reliability matters most. At the same time, it allows him the freedom to enjoy detours along scenic coastal roads when time permits. More than just a tool for business, the H7 HEV blends into his personal life as well, offering quiet strength and the assurance that whatever the day demands, his SUV is ready to carry him through it.
Adventure and Lifestyle
Gj Amoroso’s Haval H9 has become the backbone of his car‑camping lifestyle. From Baguio to Zambales, it has carried three adults, one baby, and a mountain of gear without complaint. For him, the SUV represents freedom — the ability to wake up after a casa service and immediately head out on a fully loaded adventure. 
He describes the H9 as their “moving home,” with every trip turning into a story: the baby’s first nap in the backseat, laughter over campfire meals, and quiet drives under starlit skies. Its spacious cabin, flexible seating, and 4WD capability make it the perfect partner for adventures, while features like the panoramic sunroof and advanced safety systems give his family confidence to embrace the outdoors without hesitation.
One of the few women drivers in attendance was Liezl Rirao‑Delos Santos, who stood out for how naturally she has taken to the H7 PHEV. Though the SUV was mainly intended for her husband, she quickly found it easy and comfortable to drive herself. The transition from 14 years in a sedan to her first SUV felt seamless, showing how the H7’s balance of size, efficiency, and intuitive handling makes it accessible even for those new to larger vehicles. The reason was simple: her dogs. With a mini poodle and a pom taking up most of the luggage space, she needed a bigger vehicle. The H7 PHEV was not just the right fit; it was the perfect lifestyle upgrade.
Its roomy cabin and flat‑folding rear seats give her the flexibility to travel with pets and gear, while the hybrid system delivers efficiency in the city and power on provincial trips. She enjoys everything about the H7, as it makes her drives to Antipolo or Batangas feel more open, and the advanced safety features that give peace of mind when traveling with family. For her, the SUV is about family — both human and furry — and the freedom to travel without compromise.
Gj Amoroso and his sister‑in‑law Liezl Rirao‑Delos Santos perfectly illustrate how GWM Philippines’ Haval line is earning the trust of Filipino families. Gj’s H9 has become their “moving home,” powering car‑camping adventures from Baguio to Zambales with its spacious cabin, 4WD capability, and comfort features like a panoramic sunroof and advanced safety systems. Meanwhile, Liezl’s H7 PHEV transformed her weekends after years in a sedan, giving her the space and flexibility to travel with her dogs thanks to flat‑folding seats, a roomy cabin, and efficient hybrid technology. 
Together, their experiences show that whether it’s rugged outdoor journeys or pet‑friendly road trips, the Haval SUVs are more than machines — they are reliable companions that seamlessly adapt to different lifestyles. Families are now trusting GWM Philippines to carry them through journeys big and small, confident that these vehicles deliver both capability and comfort on every road ahead.
Identity and Homecoming
As both an executive and an enthusiast, Vincent Marquez embodies how GWM Philippines’ vehicles connect professional roles with personal identity. He has spent more than a year with the Tank 300 and sees it as far more than just an assigned unit for commuting. Its toughness has been proven on the road, but what makes it special is how it has become his signature ride, instantly recognized by friends and colleagues. For Vincent, the Tank 300 is a statement of grit and style, a vehicle that reflects his personality and carries him through both professional responsibilities and personal journeys. It is not simply about getting from point A to point B, but about driving with confidence and identity.
“This gathering shows what GWM is truly about; not just selling cars but building trust. When owners feel confident that their needs will be met, they drive with freedom. When families, friends, and even pets are part of the journey, that’s when we know we’re doing things right.”
Among the many owners who gathered, one stood out for how his SUV has become inseparable from both his profession and his lifestyle. Doc Neo Catambay, a dermatologist from Batangas City, first encountered the H7 at MIAS, and it was love at first “sit.” His unit is one of the few white H7s in attendance, sleek and undeniably “pang‑doctor,” immediately striking him as the perfect fit. 
Over time, it has become part of his daily rhythm, carrying him through long drives from Batangas to Manila for consultations and back again. The H7’s 4WD capability gives him confidence on provincial roads, while its quiet cabin offers comfort after a full day of patients. For Doc Neo, the H7 is more than transport. It is a trusted partner that reflects his identity, stylish enough to match his career yet dependable enough to handle the demands of travel, seamlessly blending into both his work and personal life.
There was also a seafarer from Cavite, JM Lucero shared that he waited a month for his H7 PHEV, and when it finally arrived, it quickly became more than just a car. With 500 km already logged, he is already dreaming of a full Luzon Loop, a journey that would let him see the country’s landscapes in comfort and style. 
Tagaytay Sunday drives in full EV mode have shown him how seamlessly the SUV fits into his life, efficient in the city yet ready for the long haul. For JM, the H7 PHEV is not only a practical choice but a symbol of homecoming, bridging his time at sea with his life on land. Each drive reminds him of the freedom to explore, the joy of returning home, and the promise of new adventures waiting just beyond the horizon.
There were other units present at the meet, but these were the individuals I got to interact with. With good food, good company, and great cars, the Sarsa Kitchen meet was a reminder that GWM Philippines is not just a brand — it is a community. Owners left not only with full stomachs and happy kids but with the assurance that their vehicles are backed by a team that genuinely cares.
This was a gathering that transcended business. It was about confidence, lifestyle, and the joy of driving a GWM — whether through EDSA traffic, Benguet trails, or a family road trip to Ilocos. What made the evening even more memorable was the presence of the aftersales and parts team, alongside executives who took time to chat with owners directly. For many, it was their first experience meeting the people who make GWM what it is.
Add to that the Ora 5 and H7 with Overland Kings camping upgrades, and the night became more than just a showcase — it was proof that GWM Philippines is building trust, connection, and excitement among its growing family of owners.