just to share now that our search is over
thanks to EJ of StaRosa/Dasma for allowing us a peep into the 12 seater TCI starex. key points:
1. individual reclining seats on the 2nd and 3rd row with folding jump seats attached to the left seat
2. 3 pairs of ceiling A/C vents
3. sliding, tip-up fourth row bench
I was lucky to be driving with a TCI along SLEX and I can see its responsiveness. Pinasiklaban ako ng hatak nya
My only nitpick would be the manual side mirror. It'll be some inconvenience to adjust it as needed -- esp when driving.