SM Mall of Asia opens ‘The Only Begotten Son’ at MOA Sky this Lenten season

Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by SM Supermalls and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.

In a season marked by silence, sacrifice, and hope, SM Mall of Asia invites the faithful to step into a sacred encounter through the MOA Sanctuary exhibit, “The Only Begotten Son,” running from March 2 to April 12 at MOA Sky.

COMMEMORATING LENT. SM Prime executive committee chairman Hans Sy, former Historical Commission of the Philippines chair Dr. Rene Escalante, Paete, Laguna mayor Ronald Cosico, Nani De Leon Reyes, Fr. Genaro Diwa, and SM Supermalls senior assistant vice president Perkin So pose for a photo inside the exhibit

Set against the skyline of the bay, MOA Sky transforms into a place of reflection this Lent. The exhibit gathers paintings and sculptures from 25 Filipino artists, each offering a deeply personal interpretation of Christ’s life, suffering, and redeeming love. The artworks are available for purchase, allowing collectors to carry home not just art, but testimony. Admission is free and open to the public.

SOLEMN EXPERIENCE. Through vivid interpretations of the Stations of the Cross, the collection reflects on Christ’s path to Calvary, honoring the pain He endured and the grace that followed

Many of the featured works draw inspiration from the Stations of the Cross, or Via Crucis, the 14 sacred moments that trace Jesus’ journey to Calvary. For centuries, the faithful have prayed these stations in churches, moving from image to image in meditation. Here, that same devotion finds new expression through brushstrokes, carved wood, and sculpted form. Visitors are invited to pause before each piece, reflect, and enter into prayer.

A MOTHER’S LOVE. One of the paintings portrays the infant Jesus cradled in the arms of the Virgin Mary

Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It calls for more than ritual. It calls for conversion of heart. Through Sacred Scripture, acts of charity, fasting, and traditions such as Visita Iglesia, the faithful are reminded to accompany Christ in His suffering and prepare for the promise of Resurrection.

GATHERING COMMUNITIES. Fr. Rolando Limjoco Jr., CM, director of the Miraculous Medal Apostolate Philippines, opened the ceremony

Fr. Rolando Limjoco Jr., CM, director of the Miraculous Medal Apostolate Philippines and spokesperson for the exhibit, reflected on its purpose. “Lent is not only about remembering what Christ endured. It is about allowing His sacrifice to move us. When we look at these works, we are invited to see our own struggles, our own need for mercy, and the depth of God’s love poured out through His Only Begotten Son.”

“The Only Begotten Son” features works by Nani Reyes, Cecille Artillaga, Apple Naniong, Mark Joseph Bello, Danny Pitario, Alexander Medina, Jun Quinton, Marko Bello, Cris Manalo, Dino Blanco, Norman Francis J. Blanco, Sheldon Villanueva, Rene Tolentino, Krishnamurti, Mark Villanueva, Simo, Juert Asejo, Jao Mapa, Bong Anore, Richard Buxani, Patrick H C Naval, JK Jikko Villanueva, Maestro Willy Layug, Augusto Ortega Santiago Jr., and Wilfredo Baldemor.

A DETAILED JOURNEY. Each artwork traces the final journey of Christ, revealing His agony, endurance, and ultimate act of redemption

Mounted in partnership with the Miraculous Medal Apostolate Philippines, the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, and the Jesuit Music Ministry, the exhibit affirms SM Mall of Asia as more than a retail destination. It becomes a space where faith is expressed, where silence is honored, and where communities gather not only to shop, but to seek meaning.

DEEP REFLECTION. The paintings powerfully portray Christ’s Passion, capturing the suffering, sacrifice, and depth of His love

As your most loved mall, SM Mall of Asia continues to create spaces intentionally curated for you. This Lenten Season, MOA Sanctuary stands as a reminder that even in the busiest places, there is room for prayer, reflection, and grace. – Rappler.com