Now that I am in my 60s, driving is sometimes no longer a joy.

I remember the times when I couldn’t wait to get in the hottest car in the market and put my rubber to the metal.

But, life happens, people die and a pandemic kept me homebound during which time a lot changed in my attitude towards driving.

The joy is when I can test drive a car…and it doesn’t have to be the latest model — just a vehicle that has proven credibility, is easy to handle and allows me to travel by my lonesome with Lexie, my Mini Schnuazer.

Test on the way

I remember in 2022 when the Veloz was first introduced to the market as a separate model from the Avanza, the unit was described as a member of the MPV segment as a pseudo-SUVs. 

At the time, the Toyota Veloz was a stroke of genius of sorts as it was an upgrade of the Avanza — more tech features was what  it had going for it. 

I got Lexie ready for the ride by telling her that we had to sleep a bit early because we would leave at the break of dawn to visit our little house in Cavite. She seemed to understand. 

A drive in silence

As we left our home at 4 a.m. I made sure that Lexie was strapped into the seatbelt and that she was comfortable in the seat behind me. 

The Veloz started on a dime and the drive towards SLEX smooth and easy.

As I drove I told Lexie about an article that lifestyle editor Dinah Ventura had sent me about a groundbreaking program in France, which aims to reduce future animal mistreatment by teaching respect and empathy from age five. 

France has become a pioneer in animal welfare education by incorporating pet care and respect for animals into its national school curriculum — a program that began in September 2024 and hopes to serve as a model for other nations.

The innovative approach, mandated by the Law of 30 November 2021 on Combating Animal Abuse, requires all primary, middle and high school students to receive education on respecting pets as sentient beings capable of feelings and deserving of compassion.

SLEX and furkid thoughts

The Veloz was fun and relaxing to drive, the ride smooth. I looked into the rearview mirror and saw Lexie starting to doze off.

There was no speeding needed, just the feeling of being wrapped in the arms of a sturdy and comfy Veloz was what Lexie and I needed.

In the silence of the drive, my thoughts took over. I was reminded of a conversation I had with Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) executive director recently. 

“PAWS’ thrust in order to prevent animal cruelty is education,” Anna said. “The organization has a volunteer Humane Education team giving talks to schools, mostly pre-school kids on pet care, being a responsible pet owner and having empathy towards animals.”

I recall Anna said that one thing that PAWS’ noticed is that the student who is the most engaged during their kindness-to-animals talks and those who show compassion towards the rescues they showcase during their school talks or when they are doing tours for them at the shelter are also the ones who do well in school. 

The common feedback from the teachers about these students is that they have superior EQ (emotional quotient) and are usually tapped by them to lead group projects because they relate well with their classmates.

“They are the elected presidents or lead officers in their extracurricular clubs,” Anna added. “It is interesting to note the connection between having empathy and excelling in academics and extra curriculars.”

There is one child that Anna cannot forget — Anton Cabalza, who was among the youngest recipients of PAWS Outstanding Volunteer award at age nine. Anton cared for the rescued shelter cats and could be depended on to tour shelter visitors and tell the animals’ stories. Anton graduated summa cum laude from UP with a degree in BS anthropology and is pursuing higher studies abroad.

Destination reached

My thoughts returned to the drive as we were about five minutes away from our little home in Tagaytay.  A sense of adventure crossed over me. As for handling, I didn’t really expect cars in this class to feel sporty, but the Veloz was no exception. 

The Veloz drives safe, like a family car should — that is what is important to the older driver in me. It takes corners well with a controlled amount of body roll. Drive it sensibly, and you’re rewarded with an MPV that’s refined, stable and fuel-efficient. 

As Lexie and I stepped off the Veloz, I gave it one more once-over. its sleek design is fronted by a modern-looking front grille accented by split-type LED headlamps with sequential turn signals. Complementing this is an equally commanding rear with LED line guide back door garnish. The stylish ride also comes with outside rear view mirrors with auto fold and welcome lamp features, and 17-inch alloy wheels. 

‘Nuff said. Until the next detour.