About Mahal Jeepney

The Mahal Jeepney is a 1948 model Willy that was donated to SOMA Pilipinas by Toro y Moi. The Mahal jeepney was a feature and namesake of his last album project Mahal.

Mahal means love and expensive.

Jeepneys originated as U.S military jeeps brought and left in the Philippines after World War II and have been reclaimed through the decades as a primary form of public transportation and a popular iconic symbol of Filipino resourcefulness and expression.

Community Tours

Mahal is street legal and will be used to offer community members and visitors a tour of SOMA Pilipinas’ historic landmarks, public art, and cultural institutions and to learn more about the history and legacy of organizing and advocacy of the Filipino community in SOMA.

Cultural Visibility

SOMA Pilipinas will feature Mahal as a vehicle to make creative presence visible at cultural events and celebrations throughout the cultural district.

Mahal is currently not for hire and is reserved for community events and activities in the cultural district.