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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Mall Of Asia) |
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 titled “The Only Begotten Son”, now running until April 12, 2026 at MOA Sky. 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.
Many of the featured works draw inspiration from the Stations of the Cross, or Via Crucis, the fourteen 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. 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. Fr. Rolando Limjoco Jr., CM, Director of Miraculous Medal Apostolate Philippines and spokesperson for the exhibit, reflected on its purpose, stating, “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. 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. 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.
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SMDC Redefines How Real Estate Brands Engage Through Good Life Sessions
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| (Image Source: SM Development Corporation) |
In real estate, engagement has traditionally meant brochures, model units, and formal briefings. SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is choosing a different approach. Through Good Life Sessions, SMDC has introduced a recurring live event platform that merges headline performances with strategic brand alignment, elevating what would normally be a routine sales assembly into a cultural gathering.
The year opened with OPM icon Martin Nievera on January 29, drawing strong attendance across its network. On February 28, the “King of Pinoy Teleserye Theme Songs” Erik Santos followed with a performance that turned the venue into a full sing-along moment. Additional artists are already being lined up for succeeding editions. But the music is only part of the strategy. Good Life Sessions was designed as a high-impact platform where inspiration and information coexist. Between performances, SMDC shares project updates, market direction, and campaign priorities, ensuring its nationwide sales force is not only informed, but aligned and energized. In a property market where differentiation is increasingly difficult, SMDC is making a deliberate statement: brand engagement is no longer a support function. It is central to performance. “Real estate is built on confidence. Before a buyer commits, there must be belief — in the product, in the brand, and in the person representing it. Good Life Sessions strengthens that belief. It reminds our sellers that they are part of something larger than a transaction,” said SMDC Services Corporation President Ana Carpio.
The format reflects a broader shift in how lifestyle and property intersect. As urban Filipinos increasingly define the “good life” through access, proximity, and shared experience, SMDC is reinforcing those values internally, ensuring that the people representing the brand embody the same energy it promises its buyers. More Good Life Sessions are scheduled throughout the year with new artists and announcements expected in upcoming editions. For updates and event announcements, visit and follow SMDC's official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialSMDC.
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Filipino Design Takes Center Stage: Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) And Interior Design Manila (IDM) Unite To Showcase World-Class Craftsmanship
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Next One Now) |
The Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) and Interior Design Manila (IDM) come together once again to celebrate the strength and creativity of Filipino design, presenting a dynamic showcase that highlights both heritage craftsmanship and modern innovation. This year’s exhibition brings together established exporters and emerging local designers, reinforcing the Philippines’ growing reputation as the “Milan of Asia”. Known for its creative use of natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, and abaca, Filipino design continues to evolve beyond traditional “native” aesthetics into sophisticated, globally competitive pieces admired by international markets.
Sustainability also takes center stage in the exhibition. Many participating designers and manufacturers are introducing furniture and décor crafted from upcycled materials and ethically sourced local fibers, reflecting the industry’s commitment to environmentally responsible design. Beyond the visual appeal, the event also functions as a vital business platform. By bringing together international buyers, hospitality leaders, and real estate developers, the show creates meaningful opportunities for Filipino manufacturers to expand their presence in the global market.
Through curated galleries, design talks, and networking sessions, the collaboration between PIFS and IDM aims to inspire industry professionals while strengthening the global appreciation for Filipino craftsmanship.
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SM MOA Arena Welcomes Josh Groban For His Comeback Concert In Manila
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Mall Of Asia Arena) |
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Josh Groban returned to Manila last February 18, 2026 for his 2026 Gems World Tour, filling the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena with thousands of fans who waited seven years for his comeback. Known for global hits such as “You Raise Me Up”, “You Are Loved”, “Evermore”, and “February Song”, Groban delivered a performance marked by vocal precision and emotional depth. The 44-year-old artist last performed at the same venue in 2019. His return underscored the enduring connection between Groban and the Filipino audience.
Throughout the night, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception, calling Manila one of his most memorable tour stops. The evening also spotlighted Original Pilipino Music through special appearances by Julie Anne San Jose, Martin Nievera, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Their performances elevated the concert into a cross-generational showcase of international and local excellence.
The show reinforced SM Supermalls, as your most loved mall with SM Mall of Asia, as a premier lifestyle and entertainment destination. It further highlighted the SM Mall of Asia Arena as a preferred venue for both global touring acts and top Filipino artists. From world-class production to a full-house crowd, the night demonstrated the arena’s all for you capacity to host large-scale performances that resonate across diverse audiences.
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PLAION And CI Games Announce Global Physical Distribution Partnership For Lords Of The Fallen II
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| (Image Source: AllKeyShop.com/CI Games) |
Following their successful collaboration on Lords of The Fallen, PLAION and CI Games announced they are joining forces once again with PLAION appointed as the global physical distributor for the highly-anticipated sequel Lords Of The Fallen II. This agreement leverages PLAION’s extensive international infrastructure and retail expertise to bring the next chapter of the acclaimed soulslike IP to players worldwide. Under the terms of this agreement, PLAION will oversee the full worldwide physical distribution and retail sales operations for Lords Of The Fallen II. This includes managing all aspects of logistics and trade marketing across international markets, ensuring the title benefits from PLAION’s strong retail presence and market knowledge.
Releasing this year on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Lords Of The Fallen II promises to deliver a defining dark fantasy action-RPG where brutal souls-like combat meets an expansive world splitting at its core. Promising to be bolder, braver and bloodier than its predecessor, the 2023 entry has sold over 2 million copies to date with a total player base of over 6 million lampbearers worldwide. Players can again look forward to embarking on an epic adventure across a shattered kingdom, mastering a fast, fluid, and aggressive combat system combined with the ability to cross between two realms: the living and the dead. “We have history with this franchise, and more importantly, we have trust. The work our teams did together on Lords of the Fallen in 2023 demonstrated what a strong distribution partnership looks like in practice, and we are proud that CI Games has chosen to build on that trust for this next chapter. Securing the global physical distribution of Lords Of The Fallen II reinforces our position as a trusted leader in the gaming space, and we are committed to delivering exceptional execution through our robust distribution network to ensure this ambitious sequel reaches the fans it deserves,” said PLAION Partners CEO Craig McNicol.
PLAION Co-Founder and CEO Marek Tyminski commented, “PLAION has consistently proven to be a premier publishing partner with deep regional expertise. By partnering with them for the global physical release of Lords Of The Fallen II, we are ensuring that our ambitious sequel receives the reach and visibility it merits across all major territories. We are confident in PLAION’s ability to drive strong physical sales performance and visibility for this highly anticipated title.” This partnership further strengthens PLAION’s global footprint in the physical games market and underscores its role in bringing world-class entertainment experiences to players.
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PYCL 2026 Pickle Yard Conference League Holds Official Event At Vista Mall SOMO
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Pickle Yard Conference League) |
The Pickle Yard Conference League (PYCL) 2026, the Philippines’ premier professional pickleball league, successfully held a major league event at Vista Mall SOMO Daang Hari, Molino IV, Bacoor, Cavite. The event took place at The Pickle Yard SOMO inside Vista Mall SOMO, bringing together league officials, franchise teams, athletes, partners, and members of the growing pickleball community.
The gathering marks a significant milestone in the league’s inaugural season, reinforcing PYCL’s commitment to elevating the sport through structured, long-season professional competition. PYCL 2026 features corporate-backed franchise teams, a formal draft system, and a multi-month competitive calendar designed to professionalize pickleball in the Philippines. The league aims to provide athletes with expanded opportunities, consistent match play, media exposure, and community engagement.
Holding the event at Vista Mall SOMO highlights the league’s partnership with key venues that support the rapid growth of pickleball nationwide. The facility has become one of Cavite’s active hubs for competitive and recreational pickleball. As PYCL 2026 continues its inaugural season, more matches, team announcements, and league activities are expected in the coming months.
