Manila, Philippines – Rogin Tallada, a former student of Don Bosco Technical College in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, has created a powerful visual representation of Christ’s sacrifice. Inspired by the biblical verse “And the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13), Tallada’s artwork was a finalist in an art exhibition in Singapore organized for the Pope Francis Visit.
In an interview, Tallada expressed his gratitude for the values he learned at Don Bosco, which have shaped his life and family. He remains an active Bosconian, seeking to witness the love and gratitude he received through his artistic talents. Rogin Tallada said “Don Bosco really impacted my life because of the values I learned and adapted. The love for Mary and for being humble as always as I apply it in my family life right now.”
Tallada’s painting, titled “Agape,” is a reflection of his personal spiritual journey and his belief in the enduring power of love. The close-up of Christ’s face, rendered with jagged brushstrokes and muted colors, conveys the brokenness and imperfections of human life. The blurriness up close represents the confusion and uncertainty often encountered in life’s struggles.
Tallada hopes that viewers will realize that true, unconditional love is the foundation of everything. Even amidst life’s flaws and confusion, stepping back and seeing the bigger picture reveals how God’s love brings wholeness. He wants the audience to be reminded that faith, hope, and love are always present, and love, above all, gives life its meaning and purpose.
Explaining his painting entitled Agape, he said: “I hope that when viewers look at this piece, they come to realise that love—true, unconditional love—is what ties everything together. Even when life seems full of flaws and confusion, stepping back and seeing the bigger picture reveals how God’s love makes everything whole. I want the audience to be reminded that amidst our struggles, faith, hope, and love are always there, and love, above all, is what gives life its meaning and purpose.”