Up the hills of Antipolo, from a complete standstill, Foton Thunder 4X2 AT Sport managed steep climbs and elbow turns — oftentimes one after another — like it's nothing.

As the name suggests, it is not quiet. It rumbles. With power.

That alone provides boosts of confidence for the driver.

It's like having a massive beast locked up under your control, grunting in a low, bass tone. And waiting to be unleashed at the time of your choosing.

It's tall, in keeping with other brands these days, which gives the driver a vantage point of the road, plus a sense of security when traversing flood-prone areas.

In tight city streets, it's a lumbering giant, rocking with every bump on the road. Typical of pick-up trucks, of course.

Yet on flat roads, like what I saw on the Skyway, it zooms effortlessly using its various driving modes.

It has no frills. Everything is simple especially in the interior.

But the usual features are still there like keyless entry with hold window down control, power window control, central locking system, power side mirrors, steering wheel controls for radio and call functions, meter gauge, power driver seat height adjustment.

For safety it has the usual anti-lock braking system, hydraulic braking assist, high-mount third brake light, hill-descent control, hill-hold control, dual air bags, three-point seatbelt, safety belt reminder, child lock function and anti-pinch sensor system.