TOYOTA ALABANG'S WORKSHOP INSPIRES YOUNG CAR ENTHUSIASTS

IN an effort to cultivate young minds and introduce them to the fascinating world of automotive technology, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP), in partnership with Toyota Alabang Inc., held a special edition of the Toyota Kids Tech Workshop last June 3 at the Toyota Alabang service center in Las Piñas.

The exclusive event was designed for the children of Philippine motoring journalists, offering a rare opportunity for them to step into the shoes of Toyota technicians and experience car care and vehicle safety firsthand — through engaging, interactive activities tailored to young learners.

Participating kids, aged 4 to 18, were provided with their own set of mechanic coveralls, non-slip gloves, name tags, and hard hats, adding authenticity to the experience while ensuring safety and uniformity. This thoughtful detail helped the children feel like real technicians and encouraged them to take each activity seriously while still having fun.

Representing Toyota Motor Philippines at the event were Vice President for Network Sales and Systems Cluster Elijah Sue Marcial and Marketing Services Department Assistant Vice President Andy Ty. Both executives expressed their support for initiatives like the workshop, seeing them as important avenues to foster awareness of automotive safety and sustainability among children.

Marcial noted how early exposure to vehicle knowledge could lead to a deeper interest in technology and mobility, possibly even influencing future careers in the automotive field. She highlighted how events like these help plant the seeds of curiosity in young minds.

Ty echoed this, emphasizing that mobility is not just about vehicles but also about people and communities. He added that the workshop aimed to give kids a better understanding of how vehicles work and why safe and responsible usage matters, while also making the experience fun and memorable.

The four-hour workshop was carefully structured to balance fun and learning. Participants rotated through a series of hands-on stations, each introducing them to essential aspects of vehicle operation and maintenance. Among the first lessons was the importance of safety belts, where children were taught how to properly wear them and why they are vital for every passenger's safety.

In another module, young attendees were guided on how to use car jacks safely to lift a vehicle — an essential skill during a flat tire scenario. This was followed by a wheel replacement demonstration, giving the kids a chance to see and try how to loosen lug nuts and swap out a flat with a spare under close supervision.

The learning continued with a walkaround of a Toyota vehicle, identifying and understanding the basic parts of a car, both inside and out. The kids also tried their hand at checking and replacing wiper blades, as well as other consumable parts like air filters — simple yet crucial elements of basic car maintenance.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the hybrid technology session, where participants were introduced to how a hybrid car operates. The segment explained, in child-friendly terms, the interaction between an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, giving them an early understanding of greener mobility solutions.

Another favorite moment was the live demonstration of Toyota's anti-collision system, which showcased how the vehicle automatically slows down or stops when detecting an obstacle ahead — an exciting and memorable way to explain how advanced driver-assist technologies work.

To keep things light and fun, kids also took turns driving remote-controlled (RC) cars, simulating how vehicles move, turn, and react, offering a playful but meaningful connection to the real-world driving principles they had just learned.

Throughout the day, guests were treated to sumptuous food and refreshments, creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that blended education with enjoyment. The event also provided time for parents — many of whom are automotive journalists themselves — to bond with their children in a space that reflected their own professional passion.

To cap off the experience, each participant was gifted with their very own mechanic's toolbox — a parting token that not only brought smiles to the kids' faces but also served as a lasting reminder of the day's fun-filled learning.

The Toyota Kids Tech Workshop has been one of Toyota Alabang's standout community initiatives, with regular sessions throughout the year. This particular edition — with the children of motoring journalists as special guests — highlighted the brand's ongoing commitment to education, road safety, and next-generation engagement.

TMP's support for youth-oriented programs like this ensures that the future drivers, engineers, and mobility advocates of the Philippines are already being shaped today — one fun, hands-on lesson at a time.

2025-06-09T18:54:54Z