Manny Pacquiao Leads Team Kia Sorento as Head Coach

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Attendees of the 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) got a taste of what Kia Motors will bring to the worlds of motoring and sports.

The PIMS is one of the grandest auto exhibitions in the country and wanting to make a unique mark in this year’s staging, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) brings a knockout surprise for the media and the public to enjoy!

Following its historic bid to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines sets a unique primer for both its vehicle lineup and team roster.

On September 18 and 20, CAC and Kia  featured its impressive array of cars alongside the newly formed lineup of Team Kia Sorento.

Vehicle nameplates include the stylish compact, Kia Picanto; the cutting-edge All-New Kia Soul; the modern family car, Kia Carens; the performance SUV, Kia Sportage; the reveal of the K2700 Urban Passenger Vehicle (UPV); and the team namesake, Kia Sorento. The players, on the other hand, are a mix of college hoops standouts turned PBA pros like 2001 UAAP MVP Rich Alvarez, notable rookies like Kenneth Ighalo, and probably the most iconic draft pick of all, player-coach Manny Pacquiao.

CAC President, Ginia R. Domingo, is beaming with pride as she shares the brand’s latest offerings. “The past few months for Kia have been newsworthy starting with our PBA inclusion, having Cong. Manny on board, and now, a complete team to boot. We, at CAC, want to live up to Kia being the brand with the Power to Surprise and so all these activities are motivated by that.”

Domingo adds, “In the motoring world, Kia continues to impress with quality innovations and reliable services. Kia and CAC want these to transcend to Team Kia Sorento by fielding a team led by one of the sporting world’s most admired, disciplined, and dedicated icons. In turn, we are hoping to make a positive mark not only on the road, but now also on the hard court.”

Decked out in basketball regalia, the Kia booth is a sight of energy and excitement as the Team Kia Pep Squad pumps up the crowd for Team Kia Sorento. The People’s Champ, Manny Pacquiao, also graced the event to lead his team’s introduction to the world.

Ready to make his coaching and playing debut for Team Kia Sorento, Cong. Pacquiao, speaks highly of his team and coaching staff. “Every day, we work hard to win as many games as we can. We are the underdogs because we are new. This is Team Kia Sorento’s motivation to train harder and to just do our best.”

Pacquiao is also hopeful that his supporters will never wane in his new endeavor and is optimistic that more fans will cheer for Kia. “This is all for the fans. We want them to enjoy basketball even more and Team Kia Sorento will give them more reasons to love the sport.”


Making an impression, on the road and on the hard court

Kia Sorento, the team and the car, are not far apart in spirit and in performance.

Kia Sorento is known for its refined power and style. With a 2.2L R-Diesel engine CRDi, the Sorento easily cruises on city roads and powers through highways effortlessly.

Once aboard a Kia Sorento, get ready to go places in comfort. Rugged elegance, smooth surfacing, and stylish functionality– Sorento’s three key design elements that one can appreciate and enjoy.

Much like a Kia Sorento’s performance on the road, expect Kia’s team to zoom past defenders, steadily guide the ball cross court, and drive towards the hoop with confidence and vigor.

Completing Team Kia Sorento’s embodiment of the Kia brand, players will also be donning jerseys inspired by Kia and its vehicles.

Fiery red is the chosen team color, a color closely associated with Kia. The vibrant shade also signifies Team Kia Sorento’s passionate will to succeed. Other elements of the jersey are inspired by Kia’s signature tiger nose grille and stylized headlights and tail lights along the sides of the jersey and on the playing shorts.

Inspired by its namesake and by the brand with the Power to Surprise, Team Kia Sorento is raring to get to the court and make a bold impression.

Kia’s PIMS presentation is capped off by a first-hand experience of Kia vehicles’ signature sleek exteriors paired with functionality and power inside. Test-drive units are also available for the public to enjoy, as well as freebies and basketball arcade games.

Car lovers and sports fans, watch out! Team Kia Sorento is ready to write history come October as the PBA opens its 40th season! And with CAC at the helm, more unique and memorable surprises await the public as motoring and basketball collide.