In late 2024, Toyota Motor Philippines launched the new Tamaraw with huge fanfare. Also announced at the event was the Japanese brand’s support for the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP), which aims to protect its namesake animal for future generations.

To highlight the program’s cause and promote the landscapes of Mindoro, TMP and TCP arranged “Lakbay Tamaraw,” a media journey across the home of the tamaraw with the assistance of Overland Kings. I was aware that Toyota knew a thing or two about organizing fun out-of-town experiences.

Our journey began at the Batangas Port, where TMP and Overland Kings chief Joel Pedro’s team boarded 10 Tamaraw units and four reconnaissance vehicles onto a FastCat ferry. The ride to Calapan Port was practically smooth to the point that I was well-rested till we arrived.

The dropside truck I was assigned to was equipped with a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine and a five-speed manual transmission. As someone who had driven a manual diesel Innova for years, it felt like familiar territory, yet something new.

Since my partner was driving first, I took the time to check the amenities. The manual GL Dropside is fitted with a traditional head unit with a responsive set of capacitive touch buttons. Instead of Android Auto, you get a simple Bluetooth and USB integration for seamless charging and connectivity.

After a pit stop at the local Toyota dealership, it was finally my turn to drive. Admittedly, the learning curve to operate its stick shift took some time to get used to, but it felt way better than the first-gen Innova ever was.

Despite being on the same IMV platform, I could tell that the pedal feel and the gear changes had vastly improved in snappiness. I’d imagine driving this every day would be a breeze, especially on the mountain roads of Mindoro.

Aside from that, the Tamaraw’s handling prowess shone brightly in the twisties, proving that it was no other dropside light commercial vehicle. It was no GR86 or GR Yaris, but it took on tight hairpins and gravel bumps like a champ.

Of course, while cruising in these trucks, we were also mesmerized by the sights and environment that surrounded Puerto Galera. Geographically, the highlight of the trip was the river that ran deep into Infinity Farms, allowing us to reconnect with nature in the most refreshing way possible.

Our final stop that day was at Infinity Resort, our accommodations about 50km from the deep-forest backdrop. Laid out on the front lawn was a cozy al fresco dining setup courtesy of Sarsa Kitchen + Bar with outdoor chairs and pitched tents.

One moment I remember from that night was when the resort’s power went out completely, leaving the site in pitch darkness. Thankfully, two Tamaraws parked on the grass served as our backup illumination, especially the silver unit fitted with PIAA LPX570 lights.

However, let’s not forget about the philanthropic goal of the trip: raising awareness of the tamaraw while supporting the local educational institution.

For decades, the Bantay Tamaraw Rangers have been protecting the lands where these mammals can roam freely and be free from poachers and hunters. Last April, TMP donated a Tamaraw utility van and P500,000 worth of mountaineer gear and supplies to the volunteer indigenous group to reach those far-flung areas.

The Tamaraw Conservation Program reports that the population of this endangered species is at most 610, a stagnant figure since the 1980s when the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared it extinct.

The following morning, TMP and Overland Kings were setting up their next move to Pagturian Mangyan School down the road. Loaded at the back of the Tamaraws were classroom chairs and tables, school supplies, and hygienic kits for the youth of Puerto Galera.

This gesture was not merely a brief stop in a tamaraw-centered media drive. It also represented a meaningful way to give back to the people of Oriental Mindoro. Without them and their ongoing efforts to conserve the local wildlife, the tamaraws’ lineage would have ended differently—possibly decades prior.

The new Tamaraw sets out to be a future classic, much like its 20th-century ancestors. The potent diesel engine matched with the snappy transmission and planted driving dynamics that—like the tamaraws for the Mangyans—will live a plentiful life in the hearts of Filipinos.

TMP plans to expand the “Lakbay Tamaraw” tour across various regions of the Philippines in the coming months, showcasing more of the country’s geographic beauty and supporting more local communities. True to its “abante, posible” tagline, where will our next journey lead us?