A Simple Act of Charity Part 2: The Essence of Giving is Charity (featuring the Greenbelt Chapel’s Love a Parish Program, Makati, Philippines)

The Greenbelt Chapel and its lush garden.

I live and work in Makati City, Philippines. It has been my second home for almost 10 years now and I have observed that the pace of life here is very fast. Every second is important. Every minute is gold. Just like what the old cliché says, time is gold. 

The facade of Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel.

The Landmark Mall. One of the most popular malls in the heart of the business district, Makati City, Philippines. The mall is just across the Greenbelt Chapel and Greenbelt 3 Mall along Makati Avenue.

The footbridge that connects Landmark to Greenbelt Mall and to other major establishments along the area.

The two words that describe the bustling place, in my opinion, are busyness and business.  People are goal-oriented and driven to accomplish a certain point or summit in their careers and lives. For them, there is no time to waste. As a result, they often sacrifice their physical and mental health by failing to take a break. And I have to say, I'm one of those who live in that kind of reality. I also forget to take a breather sometimes. 

The Link. One of the building landmarks along Makati Avenue near the Greenbelt Chapel. This is located just across the Landmark Mall. 

The Symbolic Giant Watch found just a few steps from the Greenbelt Chapel and facing the facade of Greenbelt 5. I remember seeing a similar one with the same huge size proudly stand at the Ayala Center, Cebu.   

Among the countless business establishments and towering skyscrapers lies a haven where people can pause for a moment of silence, find themselves in total surrender and gain absolute peace of mind. This sanctuary is called Sto.Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, commonly known as the Greenbelt Chapel. 

This is my favorite part of the Greenbelt Chapel. The center ceiling where the image of God or the Risen Lord is overlooking and seem to embrace everyone that enters the church. 

Inside the solemn Greenbelt Chapel. You will notice the unique architecture of the building, a perfect half of sphere shape and the 360-degree arrangement of the pews. The elevated center is where you can find the altar. 

The Greenbelt Park. Whoever thought of putting a huge garden in the center of the business district is a genius! Greenbelt Park is the real representative of nature in the business world. The Park covers 2.8 hectares of land area.  

The chapel is located at the Greenbelt Park, Legaspi Village, Makati City. This place of worship is surrounded by popular malls namely Greenbelt, Glorietta, the Landmark Makati, and SM Makati. 

The Greenbelt Garden in the city.

The Greenbelt 5 Mall facade, a few steps from the Greenbelt Chapel

Asian Institute Management or AIM. It is one of the most popular landmarks in the heart of Makati City. This institution is situated just in front of Greenbelt 1 Mall & Rustan Super Market. So when you are in the area it takes only 5 to 8-on foot from the Greenbelt Chapel. 

Love-A-Parish Program (LAPP)

"It is in giving that God gave His Son, Jesus, to make everything beautiful. It is in giving that life becomes beautiful". This was the closing line of Fr. June Session’s homily last December 6, 2019, during the 7:00 PM Wednesday Mass. Those words inspired me with awe and wonder. I was once again reminded of the true meaning of charity. To put it simply, giving without any reservations is exemplary.   

The Love a Parish Program (LAPP) envelopes. 

Before the worship ended, love envelopes, which were intended for a more special cause, were distributed to the churchgoers.

I’ve learned that the chapel raises funds to help poor parishes around the country through their Love-a-Parish Program (LAPP). It also supports various charitable groups and institutions such as the Missionaries of Charity, Poor Clare, and Caritas Manila. Since 2019, the LAPP beneficiaries have increased to 453 poor parishes. I thought it was impossible to sustain that number of parishes, but thanks to the love of its mass-goers, the small chapel has been successful in doing so. I regard that as a miracle.  

These green drop boxes are found at 3 entrances of the chapel where you can drop you donations anytime. 

I believe that giving grants, not only the receiver, but also the giver satisfaction and fulfillment. That’s why one of my favorite motto is “It is better to give than to receive.” Furthermore, one should not expect praise, recognition or gratification whenever he/she offers a helping hand. Again, it is exemplary to give without any reservations.  And it’s not only money or material things that a person can give to others. A simple smile, a friendly gesture and even a sincere prayer can be offered to/for someone. Simple acts, when put together, can create a great impact on our lives as well as others’.

The Greenbelt Chapel schedule of masses.

If you are interested in supporting LAPP, visit the Greenbelt Chapel and you can find the love envelopes at the 3 entrances. They are distributed in all Masses every first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and third Wednesday of the month. You can also make your donation via fund transfer or bank deposit. See this link for more details: http://greenbeltchapel.org/love-a-parish-program-lapp/  

The screen capture of the exact location of Greenbelt Chapel on the Google Map. The Greenbelt Park which includes the Ayala Malls, it's garden and the chapel covers 2.8 hectares of land area.

Google Map Location  

Stay tuned for the Part 3 of A Simple Act of Charity. 
Read the Part 1, Volunteering for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program

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AUTHOR’S NOTES About the Simple Act of Charity Series

The author is not affiliated with the management of the Greenbelt Chapel. She is an ordinary parishioner who appreciates the LAPP immensely and hopes to provide more support for its cause by writing this blog.