Kobe Paras has joined BAIC Philippines as its latest brand ambassador, but the partnership appears to be about more than putting a familiar name behind the wheel.
For the Filipino basketball star, one of the biggest attractions is the opportunity to work alongside his father, basketball legend Benjie Paras, and brother, Andre Paras, as part of the BAIC family.
“The fact that our BAIC family wanted to get not just me, but my brother and dad, to be a part of it. Being able to work with them is always a dream of mine,” Kobe said.
The partnership also reflects a change in Kobe’s own attitude toward electrified vehicles. He admitted that he was initially hesitant about hybrids and electric vehicles simply because he was not familiar enough with the technology.
That changed after he became a BAIC hybrid owner.
“I used to be very hesitant about hybrid and electric vehicles because I wasn’t educated enough on it,” Kobe said. “But now that I am a proud hybrid owner, I can wholeheartedly say that it was the best decision for me and my family.”
Among the things that surprised him was the driving experience. Kobe said his first experience behind the wheel of a hybrid made him realize what he had been missing.
The Sport mode of his BAIC also made an impression. Rather than viewing hybrids and EVs as lacking excitement, Kobe said the feature, combined with the vehicle’s stylish interior, gave him the feeling of driving a sports car.
For someone living in Manila, however, the everyday benefits of hybrid ownership are just as important. Kobe pointed to the comfort of driving through the city’s inevitable traffic while spending less on fuel.
His experience has also given him confidence in BAIC’s wider lineup. During a trip to an electric vehicle auto show in China with Andre, Kobe said he was impressed by the futuristic and advanced models the brand is developing, and expressed hope that some of them eventually reach the Philippines.
BAIC’s Philippine lineup currently includes electrified models such as the B30e Dune Hybrid Off-Roader, B40e Trailmaster rEV, B60 Beaumont diesel hybrid and B60e Beaumont rEV, alongside its conventional SUVs and crossover models.
For Kobe, BAIC’s “Drive Big” philosophy is ultimately about thinking big, staying curious, living fully and appreciating the people and experiences around him. He also believes BAIC offers a combination that buyers do not always expect from one vehicle: comfort and style.
With the Paras family now associated with the brand, BAIC Philippines is using that personal connection to present its vehicles as companions for both everyday city life and bigger adventures.
Autocar’s Take
Kobe Paras’ BAIC story is interesting because it goes beyond the usual celebrity endorsement. His admission that he was once skeptical about hybrid and electric vehicles makes his experience feel more relatable, especially for Filipino buyers still unsure about electrified cars. The practical benefits he mentions, from fuel savings to comfort in Manila traffic, are exactly the things that matter in everyday ownership.
At the same time, his enthusiasm for BAIC’s future models shows that the brand is trying to position itself as more than an SUV maker. The family connection with Benjie and Andre Paras also gives the partnership a genuinely personal angle.
