One Family, Three Gacs: How Everyday Driving Earned Repeat Trust

For Marikina-based lawyer Jian Manjares, three vehicle purchases reflect different household needs and the ownership experience between them.

When Atty. Jian Manjares and his family bought a GAC Emkoo Hybrid in August 2026, it became their third vehicle from the brand. The decision followed several years of using a GS8 SUV and an Empow sports sedan for family trips, professional travel, and daily driving.

For the Marikina-based business lawyer and badminton athlete, the purchases were shaped by how each vehicle fitted a particular role in the household.

The latest addition replaced an aging diesel SUV and became his mother’s daily vehicle for travel between Manila and Pasay.

Manjares said the family compared alternatives and took test drives, considering fuel efficiency, cabin space, ride comfort, and practical details such as a spare tire.

“My mother needed a smooth, fuel-efficient daily driver that didn’t compromise on comfort or safety,” he said.

His interest in GAC began in 2018, when he first noticed the original GS8 on Philippine roads. The family’s ownership journey started later, taking delivery of the all-new GS8 in June 2023.

The seven-seater became their vehicle for airport runs, out-of-town travel, and weekend errands. Manjares said its space and highway comfort helped build the family’s confidence in the brand.

In January 2024, he added the Empow as his own daily driver. Its responsibilities ranged from work and badminton training to tournaments and trips to Subic and Tagaytay.

“What I really wanted was an ‘everyday sports car,’ agile and dynamic, yet practical for daily driving,” he said.

The ownership experience also extended to servicing. Manjares, who handles some minor maintenance himself, said he values being able to discuss technical concerns with service personnel.

He cited assistance from GAC Pasig and GAC Quezon Avenue, including a courtesy vehicle during an Empow inspection and maintenance visit. He also recalled receiving help from a service advisor following a locking mishap during heavy rain.

These are one owner’s experiences, rather than guarantees of identical service arrangements for every customer. Still, they help explain why the family considered the brand again.

For Manjares’ household, the three purchases tell a practical story: different vehicles met different needs, while the experience of living with them influenced the next decision.

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