Manila Philippines Temple Lights Up for the Christmas Season

Thousands of lights, as well as hundreds of smiles, illuminated the Manila Philippines Temple Grounds as the countdown came to a close on the evening of 23 November 2019.

Sounds of admiration can be heard over the area as over 300 members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints witnessed the sparkling lights that draped the trees and bushes surrounding the temple.

Elder Steven R. Bangerter, General Authority Seventy of the Church assigned to serve as a member of the Philippines Area Presidency, with his wife Sister Susanne H. Bangerter, led the countdown together with Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, General Authority Seventy also assigned to serve in the Philippines, and Sister Anita M. Wakolo; Rev. Fr. Richard James Babao, Assistant Minister at the Ministry for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs of the Archdiocese of Manila; Ven. Miao Jing, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple; Ms. Vicky Mandap, Coordinator for Brahma Kumaris Philippines; Prof. Pablito Baybado, Jr., Institute of Religion of the University of Santo Tomas; and Hon. Peachy de Leon, Councilor of Quezon City.

In his short remarks, Elder Bangerter shared about the idea behind the lighting ceremony. “As we gather around the holy temple and start the countdown, we, in a symbolic way, express to all the world that the Savior has lit our lives and we are now striving to light the world as He lit ours,” he said.

Before the lighting ceremony, the Church hosted a dinner reception for friends from the academe, interfaith community, government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and the media. Also present were Latter-day Saint artists like Ms. Melanie Marquez, Jairus Aquino, Xia Vigor, Janella Renner, Lucas Carson, and Chantal Vidella.

During the dinner reception, Elder Wakolo expressed his gratitude to everyone present. “We are grateful that you accepted the invitation to be here tonight,” he said. He then welcomed the guests by reminding them of the purpose of the said ceremony. “We are gathered here to celebrate the birth, life, and ministry of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and School Sports of the Department of Education also expressed appreciation for being invited this year. “Words will never be enough to capture how grateful the Department of Education is to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said in reference to the many projects that the government agency has had with Latter-day Saint Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church. “We look forward to joining you as we celebrate this Christmas season lighting the whole world,” he concluded.

Talented Latter-day Saints performed during the reception. Windey Prado-Avendaño, World Champion in the 19^th Talent Olympics of the World Championships of Performing Arts, a two-time gold medal awardee for Broadway and World Music, and a two-time silver medal awardee for Gospel music, performed a spectacular rendition of Light in A Million Mornings. Meanwhile, Vinie Camille Dyquianco, 2016 Miss World Philippines contender, gave a powerful performance as she sang the hit LDS song His Hands. Full-time missionaries of the Philippines Quezon City Mission also serenaded guests with classic and Filipino Christmas songs.

The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines were also highlighted during the reception as they opened for donations for the second time around. With the theme, One by One, this Christmas initiative of the Church will allow anyone to give a monetary amount to those in need by buying from the special red machines and then donate it to the others. The Giving Machines provide a way for people to give an instant act of service, and to "give as Jesus gave, one by one”.

The Light the World Giving Machines are located on the 4^th level of TriNoma Mall near Cinema 1 and will be available from 08 November to 31 December during mall hours.

Temple Lighting

For more than 30 years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been lighting the temple grounds as a Christmas tradition. The Church of Jesus Christ expects thousands of members and friends to visit the Manila Philippines Temple as the Yuletide holiday draws near. Lights will turn on from dusk until 10:00 pm daily, including Sundays and Mondays, until the end of December. The Manila Temple is located on Temple Drive, Greenmeadows Quezon City.