Sunday, September 09, 2007 Lakeshore donates lot for permanent church By Albert B. Lacanlale
MEXICO -- The Central Country Estate Inc. (CCEI), owner and developer of The Lakeshore estate here, has donated a property estimated to cost around P60 million intended to house a permanent church inside the world-renowned subdivision.
CCEI president Nestor Mangio led the groundbreaking for the proposed church that will become the place of worship and evangelization of Catholic faithful living in and out of the Lakeshore estate.
Funding for the construction of the church that will be housed in a 5,862-square meter lot will be sourced out from donations and various fund-raising activities by churchgoers at the Lakeshore Aircon tent every Sunday.
The property was formally turned over to the diocese of San Fernando, through Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, by the CCEI management. The event took place during the seventh anniversary of the Lakeshore community.
Social Action Center of Pampanga (Sacop) executive director Deogracia Kerr Galang told the good news to parishioners last week.
The church was designed by NS Mangio and Associates. Its floor area would be around 2,500 square meters and would have a seating capacity of 1,000 persons.
It will have special features like a sound proof room for those who go to church with their children, 400 square meter choir loft and a baptismal room.
From the top, the church will look like a dove with spread wings. The façade will be enclosed by glass curtains to allow the viewing of the picturesque man-made lake. Stained glass will adorn the façade’s upper portion.
Mangio, who is also among those who built the Spirit of Love Catholic Community, has donated his personal lot to be used as a grand prize in a raffle intended to raise the initial funds to jumpstart the construction.
Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang and his wife, February, who are among the regular churchgoers attending the 11 a.m. mass every Sunday, have also pledged to help raise the funds for the church.
Lakeshore amenities
Prior to the groundbreaking for the church, CCEI and McDonald’s also broke ground for the soon-to-open McDonald’s branch at The Lakeshore Toll Service Facility, located along North Luzon Expressway (Nlex).
Mc Donald’s Lakeshore is set to open in December this year, Mangio said.
“This McDonald’s will feature the unique contemporary design of The Environments Collaborative. It will showcase an area for al fresco dining and a drive-thru service for motorists. Its unique interiors will exude a feeling of ease in line with the initiatives of McDonald’s to offer a more modern edge. Inside, it will sit more than 120 persons at a given time and more than 25 persons in its al fresco area. It will also have a function room for parties and celebrations,” Mangio said.
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