The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints marked the beginning of the Christmas season with its annual lighting ceremony at the Manila Philippines Temple on November 13, 2025. The event gathered Church leaders, interfaith representatives, government and business leaders, and community members for an evening centered on the light, hope, and reverence of Jesus Christ.
Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., Philippines Area President, presided at the event. He was joined by his wife, Sister Marie Revillo, and by his counselors, Elder Chi Hong Sam Wong and Elder William K. Jackson, who were also accompanied by their wives, Sisters Carol Wong and Ann Jackson. Guests from various sectors attended the ceremony, which has become a cherished Christmas tradition in Metro Manila for over three decades.
The program was hosted by K-POP star Chanty Videla and featured musical performances by Nevin Garceniego, the 2024 The Voice Kids Champion, the MTC Teachers of the MTC Courtyard Choir, and seminarians from the Holy Apostles Senior Seminary. Guests also viewed Light the World videos focused on Christ-centered service and kindness.
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
In his remarks, Elder Wong invited those in attendance to reflect on following Jesus Christ through simple and meaningful actions. “We want to help all of us, whether you’re Christian or not, to see how we can follow Jesus by doing small things,” he said.
He encouraged guests to recognize the impact of individual efforts to do good. “You think one (light) is not important, that it won’t change the whole thing,” Elder Wong said. “But if we all try our very best to light the world, you will see the impact.”
The program also highlighted the Church’s global Light the World initiative, which encourages service and generosity during the Christmas season. This includes the Light the World Giving Machines located in Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod, where individuals can donate items such as food, school supplies, and livestock to children and families in need.
Following dinner, guests joined the Area Presidency and their wives on a short walk to the temple grounds. Before leading the countdown to the lighting, Elder Jackson invited the audience to reflect on Jesus Christ as the source of true light. “We love our Savior, and there is no darkness so dense that His light cannot disperse it,” he said.
He also spoke of the Savior’s example. “He has asked us to emulate Him, to strive to be like Him, to be a light to others,” Elder Jackson said. After a brief countdown, Elder Jackson turned on all 100,000 lights, illuminating the Manila Temple grounds.
The lights at the Manila Philippines Temple will turn on every day at dusk for the rest of the year. Latter-day Saints and friends from other faiths are invited to experience the display and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas — the birth and life of Jesus Christ.