The Christmas season in the Philippines is synonymous with vibrant lights, festive cheer, and, most importantly, giving. And this year, the launch of the Light The World Giving Machines campaign provided the perfect kick-off to the season of service.
The 2025 Giving Machine season was officially launched today at Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City, transforming the mall’s fifth-floor cinema area into a hub of Christ-like compassion. The atmosphere was immediately engaging, thanks to the dynamic hosting duo of actor Eric “Eruption” Tai and teen actress Xia Vigor. The event was presided over by Elder Chi Hong Sam Wong, First Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who perfectly encapsulated the campaign’s purpose.
“Through the Giving Machines, we follow the example of Jesus Christ by reaching out to those in need,” Elder Wong remarked. “Every donated item represents an opportunity to bring hope, comfort, and relief to someone who needs it most.”
Special guests, including Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha and actor Jairus Aquino, joined city representatives like Taguig City Councilor Commissioner Raul Aquino to be among the first to experience the machines, adding a celebrity sparkle to the already bright event.
A Vending Machine That Dispenses Hope: Global Milestones
While the concept of a bright red vending machine that dispenses hope is relatively new to many, the Light the World Giving Machines initiative has a remarkable history of global impact.
The campaign was first launched in 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a unique, interactive way to celebrate the Christmas season by focusing on service. Since that humble beginning, the initiative has seen astonishing growth. To date, hundreds of thousands of people across the globe have contributed, raising nearly US$50 million for various charities. For the 2025 season alone, the machines are expected to be featured in 126 cities across 21 countries on six continents—an immense expansion from its single location start.
Crucially, every act of giving is maximized: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs, ensuring that 100% of every donation goes directly to the selected item or a comparable need identified by the participating charity.
The Philippine Journey: From Manila Debut to Nationwide Expansion
The Philippines has embraced the Giving Machines wholeheartedly since their introduction in 2018. Just last year, the Manila and Cebu machines gathered over PHP 730,000 in donations, demonstrating the generous spirit of Filipinos.
This 2025 season marks a significant expansion, building on the success of prior years:
- Manila (Market! Market!): Supporting Caritas Kalookan Kaagapay, HERO Foundation, and NORFIL Foundation.
- Cebu City: Launches November 28 at The Mall NUSTAR, supporting Parents Reach Foundation, Kythe Foundation, and Cebu Caritas.
- Davao City: Launchinges December 1 at Ayala Malls Abreeza, working with the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center, House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, and SOS Children’s Village.
- Bacolod City: Made its first-ever debut in Bacolod on December 4, gathering donations for the USLS Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, and the Kalipay Negrense Foundation.
How to #LightTheWorld
The beauty of the Giving Machines lies in their simplicity. Visitors can choose to “purchase” essential goods like food packs, hygiene supplies, educational materials, or therapy support, transforming a simple swipe of a card into a tangible act of kindness. Charity partners were on hand at the launch to express how these items directly fuel their programs, supporting children, families, and vulnerable individuals across communities.
The Giving Machines initiative is part of the larger annual Light the World invitation, which encourages everyone to share the light of Jesus Christ through simple, meaningful acts of kindness and service throughout the Christmas season.
If you are looking for a powerful and interactive way to make your holiday giving count, be sure to visit one of the four locations nationwide. To learn more about the initiative and track the campaign’s progress, visit LightTheWorld.org and follow The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Philippines on Facebook. Give a gift that truly keeps giving this Christmas.
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