JANUARY 2015 marks the year in which His Holiness Pope Francis makes his apostolic trip to the Philippines with the goal of encountering Filipino families from all over the region. In support of the pope’s advocacy, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., together with the entire SM Group, will have The Arena at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex as the venue for the papal visit on January 16.

With its capacity to house over 15,000 guests, The Arena is’ a fitting venue for the pope’s monumental visit. Its existing CCTV cameras provided by Mobotix is at par with the same equipment used at the Vatican Apostolic Library in the Vatican. Aside from this enhanced surveillance system, management is placing additional measures to assure the safety of not only His Holiness the Pope, but of all the guests who will be in attendance.

It is also assured that the venue will be equipped with adequate security presence who are well-trained in handling huge crowded events in accordance with the security protocols required by the organizers, the Presidential Security Group and the Papal Guards. The Arena is working closely with the government and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to assure a peaceful and manageable event.

Seen as a very rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of His Holiness Pope Francis, who will be delivering his message of “mercy and compassion” to all Filipino families, the SM Group foresees the millions of eager patrons to visit the MOA Complex.

Preparations are under way in cooperation with the MOA Complex locators, Central Business Park, MOA Mall Management and SM Land to make room for the anticipated guests. SM will convert the South Transport Terminal and SMX/MOA Arena Parking lot into holding areas for visiting patrons that may not be accommodated inside The Arena.

“MOA Arena and the entire SM Group is deeply gratified to be in support of the Catholic Church and His Holiness Pope Francis’s advocacy of reaching out, inspiring and strengthening the devotion Filipino families through this event,” says Arnel Gonzales, business unit head of the MOA Arena.