Where It's Located
The Manila Philippines Temple is located at 13 Temple Drive, Greenmeadows Subdivision, Ugong Norte, Quezon City 1110, Metro Manila, Philippines. Perched on a hill overlooking the Marikina Valley, the temple sits on a beautifully landscaped 3.5-acre property. The temple complex includes patron housing, a missionary training center (MTC), area offices, and a temple annex. There is no visitors' center or distribution center on the grounds.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the temple. Travelers from the United States can reach Manila on nonstop or one-stop flights from cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Honolulu, New York, and other major hubs. From the airport, the temple is typically a 30- to 45-minute drive, depending on Metro Manila traffic.
A Bit of History
The Manila Philippines Temple was announced by President Spencer W. Kimball on April 1, 1981. It became the first temple in the Philippines, the second temple in Asia, and the 29th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before its dedication, Filipino members often traveled to the Tokyo Japan Temple to participate in temple ordinances.
Groundbreaking services were held on August 25, 1982, with President Gordon B. Hinckley presiding. The day before the groundbreaking, a typhoon threatened to postpone the ceremony, but the storm changed course overnight, allowing the event to proceed as planned. Nearly 27,000 visitors toured the temple during its public open house. President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple in nine dedicatory sessions held from September 25–27, 1984.
The Manila Philippines Temple has played a vital role in the remarkable growth of the Church throughout the Philippines. Since its dedication, the country has grown from just over 200,000 members to more than 900,000 members, with numerous additional temples now operating, under construction, or announced across the nation.
Design and Architecture
The Manila Philippines Temple contains approximately 26,683 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is finished with brilliant white ceramic tile and features six detached spires, with the tallest crowned by an angel Moroni statue. Rising approximately 115 feet (35 meters) above the surrounding area, the temple has become one of the most recognizable landmarks for Latter-day Saints in the Philippines.
Inside, the temple includes four instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The grounds are filled with tropical landscaping, majestic palm trees, and colorful vegetation that reflect the beauty of the Philippines while creating a peaceful atmosphere for worship.
Final Thoughts
The Manila Philippines Temple stands as one of the most significant temples in Asia. As the first temple in the Philippines, it opened the door to temple blessings for generations of faithful Latter-day Saints and helped support the Church's extraordinary growth throughout the country. Today, despite the construction and dedication of many additional temples across the Philippines, the Manila Philippines Temple remains a beloved symbol of faith, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the gospel in Southeast Asia.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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