At the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2026, the Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition once again proved why it is the premier stage for Filipino builders and enthusiasts. This year’s entries brought not only horsepower and engineering, but also stories of dedication, artistry, and tradition. Among them, one build stood out for its sheer craftsmanship — the Subaru Forester XT, presented by Lloyd Kristian, owner and CEO of JL Design Custom Body Paint & Detailing and owner Luigi Lizares.
The Forester XT didn’t just compete; it conquered, earning the prestigious Best in Paint Award and the coveted Best Millennium recognition. More than trophies, these honors were a testament to the painstaking artistry that went into every layer, every polish, and every detail.
Exterior: A Canvas of Precision
The Forester XT’s exterior is a masterclass in transformation. The DAMD aero kit — front chin, side extensions, rear wing, and diffuser — reshaped the SUV into a sharper, more aerodynamic silhouette. The Garage Vary rear mid wing and STI rear diffuser added motorsport aggression, while the roof rail delete and STI emblems gave it a clean, purposeful stance.
But the true star was the paint. JL Design’s finish was so deep and flawless it seemed to ripple under the MIAS lights. Every coat was applied with patience, cured with precision, and polished to perfection. Judges and spectators alike noted how the paint elevated the build beyond customization — it became artistry.
Interior: Crafted for Control and Elegance
Inside, the Forester XT continued its theme of craftsmanship. Recaro Sportster Racing Seats anchored the driver and passenger, wrapped in gunmetal leather upholstery that blended luxury with performance. The carbon steering wheel, STI pedals, and red seatbelts injected racing DNA, while Defi gauges and Innovate Motorsports displays ensured the driver remained connected to every mechanical pulse.
The custom fiber dash trim and STI TS black interior reflected JL Design’s obsession with detail. Every stitch, every surface, every tactile element was deliberate — a cabin built not just for driving, but for commanding.
The in-car entertainment system was nothing short of a masterpiece. At its core is the Sony XAV‑9500ES head unit, delivering precision control and seamless connectivity. The soundscape is powered by Morel Supremo midbass, midrange, and tweeters, ensuring crystal clarity across every frequency. Driving this audio excellence is a bank of Genesis Dual Mono amplifiers, each dedicated to preserving pure fidelity and dynamic range.
The installation goes beyond hardware — with custom enclosures, extensive sound deadening across doors, floor, and roof, and handcrafted woodworks that elevate both acoustics and aesthetics. The result is a cabin that transforms every drive into a private concert hall, proving that JL Design’s craftsmanship extends not only to performance and paint, but also to the immersive experience of sound.
Winning Best in Paint and Best Millennium was no accident. It was the result of JL Design’s philosophy: that paint is not just a finish, but a reflection of dedication.
Owner Luigi Lizares shared:
“This Forester XT was more than a project — it was a journey. We wanted to prove that craftsmanship still matters, that paint can tell a story. Every layer we applied was done with patience, and every polish was done with pride. When people see the car, I want them to see not just a Subaru, but the hours, the effort, and the passion behind it.”
JL Design Owner, Lloyd Khristian added:
“We treated this Forester like a piece of art. It wasn’t about rushing to meet a deadline; it was about making sure every reflection was perfect, every contour highlighted. Paint is often overlooked, but it’s the first thing people see. Winning Best in Paint at MIAS proves that artistry is alive in Philippine car culture.”
A Modern Classic
In a competition filled with heritage icons and radical customs, the Subaru Forester XT stood as a bridge between eras — a modern machine built with old-school devotion. Its dual victories at MIAS 2026 weren’t just about color or shine; they were about proving that Filipino craftsmanship can transform even a contemporary SUV into a showpiece worthy of legacy.
At the Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition, JL Design didn’t just paint a car. They painted a story — one of patience, pride, and passion. And in doing so, they reminded everyone that the soul of motoring lies not only in speed, but in the artistry that makes every build unforgettable.