The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines officially opened today at Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City, marking the first of four launches of the 2025 Giving Machine season in the Philippines.
Located in the mall’s fifth-floor cinema area, the program to launch the Giving Machines was hosted by actor and host Eric “Eruption” Tai and teen actress Xia Vigor. Elder Chi Hong Sam Wong, First Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided over the program.
“Through the Giving Machines, we follow the example of Jesus Christ by reaching out to those in need,” Elder Wong said. “Every donated item represents an opportunity to bring hope, comfort, and relief to someone who needs it most.”
Manila Giving Machines 2025 Charity Partners
The Giving Machines at Market Market support three charitable organizations: Caritas Kalookan Kaagapay, HERO Foundation, and NORFIL Foundation.
The charity partners at the launch were represented by Fr. Arvin de Jesus, former Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, and former MGen. Victor Bayani and Ms. Teresa Nuqui. Each expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the initiative. They expressed that the items available from the machines directly support their programs that assist children, families, and vulnerable individuals in various communities.
Special Guests and Media Participation
Taguig City Councilor Commissioner Raul Aquino also attended the launch on behalf of Mayor Lani Cayetano and conveyed the city’s support for efforts that bring people together in service, especially during the Christmas season.
The event also welcomed Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha and actor Jairus Aquino, who joined distinguished guests and partner representatives to test the machine’s new features and be among the first to donate.
Around 30 media members attended the program and participated in a press meet that followed. Media guests were given an overview of how the Giving Machines operate, how charity partners are selected, and how locations are chosen to host Giving Machines.
Their questions were answered by a panel composed of key representatives from the Manila charity partners, the celebrity hosts, and Ruth Del Mundo, Director for Temporal Affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines.
How the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines Work
The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines allow visitors to purchase items such as food packs, hygiene supplies, educational materials, therapy support, and other essential needs, which will be distributed directly to beneficiaries.
100% of every donation supports the selected item or a comparable need identified by the participating charity. Funds for operating the machines, marketing, and related expenses are provided separately by the Church.
Upcoming Launches Nationwide
Manila is the first of four Philippine locations to open its Giving Machines this year. Cebu will launch on November 28, 2025, at The Mall NUSTAR on Kawit Island and will support Parents Reach Foundation, Kythe Foundation, and Cebu Caritas.
Davao City will launch its Giving Machines on December 1, 2025, at Ayala Malls Abreeza and will work with the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center, House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, and SOS Children’s Village.
The Giving Machines will be introduced in Bacolod City for the first time on December 4, 2025, and will gather donations for the USLS Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, and the Kalipay Negrense Foundation.
About #LightTheWorld
The Light the World initiative is an annual Christmas invitation from the Church that encourages individuals and families to share the light of Jesus Christ through simple, meaningful acts of kindness and service.Visitors are invited to learn more about the Light the World initiative and the Giving Machines by visiting LightTheWorld.org and other official Church pages. For updates on the campaign across the Philippines, including upcoming launches in Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod, follow The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Philippines on Facebook.