A friend of mine spotted me photographing a Ferrari 12Cilindri inside Anvaya Cove. He gave me a call to tell me he was staying in the exclusive resort with his family.

Apparently, his son (a huge Ferrari fan) was hoping he could see the car up-close and have a photo with it. I told him I’d get back to him as I needed to get permission from the brand to accommodate his son’s request. If it were my car, I’d give him an instant go at it.

Why? Allow me to explain.

Regardless of whether or not you like the late Enzo Ferrari, he established the Prancing Horse as one of the most iconic and aspirational brands in automotive history. To view a Ferrari from just a monetary perspective is losing whole the point.

Every time I stand face to face with a Ferrari with camera in hand, I find myself always having a moment to soak in the emotion from such a car in my presence. You see, I’m not new to capturing images of such cars, but as someone who understands what Signore Enzo was trying to create, I can’t help but feel fortunate and privileged with what I do.

The 12Cilindri is Ferrari’s latest and greatest V12 build. A culmination of engineering evolution and design. A thoughtful homage to well-loved models of the brand’s illustrious past with a touch of cutting-edge modernity.

For enthusiasts, one can’t help but notice the resemblance to the classic 365 GTB4 Daytona from the front (or the side). The lateral profile of the 12Cilindri continues the familiar berlinetta form of its predecessors with modern touches, more notably the 21-inch wheels.

From the rear, it feels more of a futuristic affair with squinting taillights (matching the front daytime running lights) with a thin brake lightbar that bridges the whole aesthetic red glow perfectly placed under the blacked-out ducktail. The active aero bits are neatly tucked away in the glossy black rear design elements, and the imposing carbon-fiber rear diffuser housing the quad rectangular tailpipes (as opposed to the round tailpipes of old V12 models) gives it a somewhat Star Wars vibe.

Behind the wheel of the 12Cilindri is a visceral experience to be savored with modern tech to make the drive more pleasant. Despite my exhausted state, there’s always something truly invigorating about driving a grand tourer of this caliber.

It may be that symphonic blend of the 819hp naturally aspirated V12 revving to a satisfying 9,500rpm and the in-house tuned exhaust system. Though dialed down by a few decibels (to adhere to current Euro regulations), it is still an audible treat.

No matter the angle you view the vehicle from, you slowly realize where the impression goes. A blend of retro-futuristic cues that all come together to establish the 12Cilindri’s own identity. For me, it’s definitely a future classic.

This specific spec comes with a hefty P58.5-million price tag. For the ultra-rich, it isn’t much. As the saying goes, if you ask the price, you can’t afford it.

Going back to my point, this supercar isn’t simply about monetary value. It goes much deeper. A symbol of dreams and success. An object of passion and aspiration transcending generations.

I clearly remember a Ferrarista who suggested that the local Ferrari club members who went on a long celebratory drive to Baguio City in 2017, let children experience their cars more intimately when they parked along a public road. Despite Ferrari’s exclusivity, the essence of its whole image was for all to appreciate—especially the young.

Yes, Ferrari is very selective with its approach to sales. And for good reason. Being the flagship model, the 12Cilindri is definitely only for a few, but the lasting experience it gives is something for everyone to relish and to spark inspiration.

As for my friend’s son, I found out they had left the resort by the time I got back to his dad. With my future Ferrari shoots, I hope I can still fulfill his son’s request to have a photo with a prancing car. For a child, that’s a priceless experience he will never forget.