Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple
April 16, 2024

Architect Gilbert Yu and his wife Agustina Yu deeply admire Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding patriarch of Fo Guang Shan. Earlier, they had exchanged ideas on temple architecture design with the Philippines' head Abbess, Venerable Yong Guang. On April 5th, they invited 11 distinguished individuals from society to visit Guang Ming University. Accompanied by Ven. Miao Jing the abbess of the Mabuhay Temple in the Philippines, and Ven. Zhi Qin, Maru Percela, the Director of Student Affairs, and Professor Katte Sabate warmly welcomed and introduced them.

Architect Gilbert Yu praised the world-class facilities of the sports hall and the vibrant spatial planning of the buildings. The 91-year-old Mrs Evelyn Ang was deeply moved while listening to students singing "Buddhism Depends on Me." The couple from the automotive industry, Mr and Mrs Joaquin and Lucy Sy, were amazed by the students' adherence to vegetarianism and language taboos, deeply impressed by the implementation of life education.

Moved by the experience, Gilbert Yu pledged full support for the Venerable Master's benevolent education project and the mission of Fo Guang Shan education. Grateful for the transformation of lives through education by the Venerable Master and Fo Guang Shan, they aim to create a positive learning environment that instills gratitude and moral integrity in Filipino youth, molding them into future successful individuals.

Gilbert Yu, former president of the Filipino-Chinese Stage Arts Association, playwright, and director, wrote and staged plays depicting the struggles of Chinese immigrants in the Philippines to support newcomers. Among them was the meaningful production "Blessings of Many Children." The accompanying VIPs were mostly renowned figures in the entertainment industry, praising Venerable Master Hsing Yun's efforts in nurturing young artists.

Joshua de Puyart, captain of the third-grade basketball team, expressed gratitude for the scholarships provided by the Venerable Master and the support of the guests and BLIA members. He said, "During the pandemic when I graduated from high school, my family couldn't afford to send me to college. My brother took me as an apprentice, earning only 200 pesos a day." When he felt lost, Guang Ming College gave him a future. He learns every day with gratitude and treats others with kindness. "Buddha bless! Last year, I represented the school and went to Taiwan and Japan, connecting with the world. The Venerable Master told us to be rooted in the Philippines but also to look to the world."

Accompanying the visit were Kathy Uy, the president of the Buddha’s Light International Association of Philippines, and Zheng Lishuang, the choir leader of Mabuhay Temple.