On January 15, 2015, the Philippines was blessed with a moment that would forever be etched in its history—a visit from His Holiness Pope Francis. It was a journey of faith, hope, and love that brought millions of Filipino Catholics together.
At the heart of this historic event was the Filipino-made Isuzu Popemobile, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and faith, brought to life by Isuzu Gencars in partnership with Almazora Motors. More than just a vehicle, it became a moving symbol of Pope Francis’ humility and his love for the Filipino people. As it moved through the crowds, it carried not just the Holy Father but the prayers, hopes, and dreams of an entire nation.
Now, as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of this momentous occasion, we reflect on the legacy of the Popemobile—a creation born of faith and dedication that touched millions of lives.
How It Started
“An Honor Beyond Measure”
- The journey of the Isuzu Popemobile began in mid-2014, when Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, chair of the Steering Committee for the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines, reached out to Isuzu Gencars.
- Archbishop Villegas personally requested Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, founder of Isuzu Gencars, and D. Edgard A. Cabangon, then President and CEO, now Chairman of Isuzu Gencars, to create the Popemobile for Pope Francis.
- D. Edgard humbly responded, “Thank you, Excellency. We will be honored and consider ourselves blessed to do it.”
- Isuzu Gencars collaborated with Almazora Motors, a trusted partner in vehicle customization, to design and fabricate the Popemobile.
The Story of Isuzu Popemobile
Crafted for the People
In October 2014, Isuzu Gencars and Almazora Motors began customizing an Isuzu D-MAX to meet Vatican Security’s stringent requirements for the Popemobile.
Key modifications included:
- The Isuzu D-MAX was transformed from a two-door cab to a single cab to accommodate the Pope’s chair, made of Italian leather, and two additional seats.
- A plexiglass shield was added for protection, while the vehicle remained open at the Pope’s request.
- Sturdy railings were installed for stability, and a red carpet from Italy was laid inside, featuring Filipino artistry with woven banig patterns on the leather seats.
- Recessed lighting was installed to ensure visibility for evening events.
After passing the Vatican inspection, the Popemobile was blessed by then Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle at the Arzobispado in Manila.
Journey Highlights
Moments That Made History
- Arrival at Villamor Airbase (January 15, 2015):
Pope Francis first boarded the Isuzu Popemobile upon his arrival at Villamor Airbase. He traveled in it during the motorcade to the Apostolic Nunciature, where he would stay during his visit.
- Visit to Manila Cathedral (January 16, 2015):
The following day, His Holiness rode the Popemobile to the Manila Cathedral, where he celebrated Mass for the clergy.
- Encounter with the Youth at the University of Santo Tomas (January 18, 2015):
Pope Francis used the Popemobile on his way to the University of Santo Tomas for the Encounter with the Youth event, connecting with thousands of young Filipinos.
- Meeting with the Isuzu Gencars Executives at UST (January 18, 2015):
During his visit to UST, Pope Francis met Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, founder of Isuzu Gencars, and his family to personally thank them for providing the Popemobile. D. Edgard A. Cabangon had the honor of kissing the Pope’s ring—a traditional gesture of respect— and presenting him with a letter, while his son, Antonio Carlos Cabangon, shared a heartfelt hug with His Holiness.
- Pope’s Appreciation for the Popemobile (January 18, 2015):
Referring to the Popemobile, Pope Francis commented, “This is a beautiful car,” expressing his gratitude for the vehicle that had been his primary mode of transport during his travels in Manila.
A Second Gift of Gratitude
A Continued Symbol of Humility and Faith
- Request for a Second Popemobile:
The success of the Popemobile extended far beyond Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines. Later that year, at the personal request of the Pope, Isuzu Gencars produced a second Isuzu D-MAX Popemobile. This gesture was a heartfelt gift from Isuzu Gencars and the Filipino people, a symbol of gratitude and reverence for His Holiness.
- Production of the Second Popemobile:
In response to the Pope’s request, Isuzu Gencars quickly began work on crafting a second Popemobile, maintaining the same design principles of humility and accessibility that had made the original vehicle so meaningful.
- Delivery to the Vatican:
On October 14, 2015, D. Edgard A. Cabangon, son of Isuzu Gencars founder Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, personally delivered the second Popemobile to the Vatican, fulfilling the Pope’s special request.
Legacy and Reflection
A Decade of Faith and Connection
Today, as we commemorate the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines last January 2015, the memories and inspiration it brought remain as vivid as ever.
A decade later, the Isuzu Popemobile stands as a timeless icon of humility, love, and faith, embodying Pope Francis’ message of hope. Far more than a vehicle, it became a vessel of faith—carrying the prayers, dreams, and devotion of millions of Filipinos united in an extraordinary moment of grace.
Its legacy endures, a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Filipino journey in faith. More than a historical artifact, the Popemobile symbolizes an unbreakable bond between Isuzu Gencars, the Vatican, and the Filipino people—a bond that continues to inspire, uplift, and unite us all, even ten years later.
Visit the Isuzu Makati Showroom to see the iconic Isuzu Gencars Popemobile, which was used by His Holiness Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines a decade ago in January 2015.
The vehicle is on display until January 31, 2025, at the Isuzu Makati Showroom located at 2113 Chino Roces Ave. Cor. Dela Rosa St., Makati City. Don’t miss the chance to experience this historic piece up close!
Founded in 1978, Gencars, Inc. is one of the leading dealers of Isuzu vehicles in the Philippines. It operates a network of seven branches located in Batangas City, Legazpi City, Makati City, Naga City, San Pablo City, Sta. Rosa City, and Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.
