Church Unveils and Launches the Light The World Giving Machines in Alabang

The Light The World giving machines are back and ready to take donations after a long menace of the pandemic.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveiled the first Light The World giving machine at Festival Mall Alabang, Muntinlupa City, on November 17.

This year, three beneficiary partners were selected: HERO Foundation, UNICEF Philippines, and Caritas Manila.

The Church invites everyone this Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus and follow what He taught about sharing our light with others. The Light The World giving machines offer people a unique and entertaining way to donate and assist one another. In most cases, when someone inserts money into a vending machine, they are given something physical. A giving machine, however, provides the purchaser with much more. People may think of others and promptly offer generously of themselves thanks to giving machines.

Vivid ethnic music conducted by the Kontra Gapi, strumming harmony of the Muntinlupa National High School Rondalla group, and choir number presented by the Muntinlupa Chorale filled the halls. A unique musical presentation by Xia Vigor to welcome guests and friends before unveiling and launching the Light The World giving machines and rekindling the Christmas spirit.

Furthermore, celebrity couple Eric and Rona Tai hosted the pre-program of the said launching event.
Succeeding the pre-program, President Raymond Vicente of the Las Piñas Philippines Stake (diocese) conducted the launching and unveiling of the giving machines.

Marie Maida Salcedo, Major Donor Fundraising Officer of UNICEF Philippines, explained how the partnership of the Church's initiatives is very noteworthy in galvanizing efforts on how they individually "light the world" in their efforts. She furthered, "When you think of your life's purpose, we think that we are created in a spark of light… All of you can light the world in your ways."

Ms. Shamcey Supsup-Lee, National Director of Miss Universe Philippines, also shared how it is better "to give than to receive". She also expressed her gratitude for the Church's program. She explained that all proceeds from the giving machines could significantly contribute to positive changes in every person who is in need, especially in the season of Christmas.

After the messages, Ms. Shamcey Supsup-Lee and her husband held the red satin fabric aloft as Elder Steven R. Bangerter, Philippines Area President, and Sister Susann H. Bangerter, joined by a special guest, unveiled the #LightTheWorld Giving Machine. Subsequently, Elder and Sister Bangerter demonstrated the donation through the giving machine.

The partners convened a press conference shortly after the unveiling event to hear more about the Church's Light the World Christmas effort. Together with Elder Bangerter presided over the panel. Caritas Manila's Rev. Fr. Moises Ciego, Marie Maida Salcedo, and MGen. Eric and Rona Tai, social media personalities; Xia Vigor, a social media influencer and actress; Viktor Agbayani, executive director of HERO Foundation; Mr. Jairus Berroya, marketing manager of Festival Mall Alabang; and Ms. Shamcey Supsup.

When asked about the reason behind and concept of establishing a giving machine during the Light The World initiative of the Church, Elder Bangerter highlighted that giving machines have a remarkable way of touching and blessing people's lives. He also mentioned that the Church has a fundamental element and mission to the world to bless people in need, just as the Savior did during His ministry here on Earth. Giving an instant act of service is one of the ways how we could celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

A hundred percent of the proceedings come from the items that it will use to support children for education, travel allowance and meal plans, families' sheltering and housing kits, health and wellness, security and refugee aid for orphans, medical expenditures as selected by the beneficiaries, and children's safety and protection. 

Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr. of the Philippines Area presidency, Sister Marites Revillo, Brother Edgardo Fernando, Country Director for Temporal Affairs, and Sister Rose Fernando graced the affair.

The Light The World program initiated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aims to inspire people to help those in need during this season of giving and sharing love.

As a part of the efforts, the Light the World Giving Machines are geared toward giving and inviting people to make donations to people who are in need. The giving machine will be operational through January 2, 2023, and is currently located on the ground floor of Festival Mall Alabang in Muntinlupa City.

There are 28 locations where the Light The World giving machines are accessible worldwide. In addition, these charitable and giving-focused machines are available in the country in two locations this year: Alabang and Cebu.