Siddhartha Theater Group Shines at Pasinaya Festival 2025 with "LABNOY," Promoting the Three Acts of Goodness

Fo Guang Shan Philippines
February 13, 2025

Under the direction of Junrey Alayacyac from the Fo Guang Shan Guang Ming College Cebu Academy of Arts, the Siddhartha Theater Group was invited to perform at the 2025 Pasinaya Festival. At the invitation of the Himamaylan City government, the group staged LABNOY: A Three Acts of Goodness Play on Bullying on February 1–2 as part of the Philippine Arts Month. The play attracted an audience of 15,000, allowing the local community to experience the power of theater while deepening their understanding of the Three Acts of Goodness—Think Good Thoughts, Speak Good Words, and Do Good Deeds—advocated by Fo Guang Shan.

In organizing this year’s Pasinaya Festival, the Himamaylan City government aimed to introduce educational artistic performances and specifically invited the Siddhartha Theater Group, known for promoting the Three Acts of Goodness. The group has long been recognized for integrating kindness, moral values, and Humanistic Buddhism into their theatrical productions.

The play LABNOY follows Jonathan, an imaginative sixth-grade student, as he reunites with old friends at the start of a new school year and encounters a bully, Ivan. Seeing himself as a "superhero of justice," Jonathan courageously stands up to the bully, protecting his classmates through acts of kindness and creativity. The story highlights themes of bravery and imagination while encouraging the audience to practice the Three Acts of Goodness in daily life.

Mark Arnold Langahid, who played the role of the "father," expressed his deep connection to the character, seeing him as a role model for the Three Acts of Goodness. He also appreciated the festival’s workshops, which allowed him to develop new acting skills and connect with artists and performers from different backgrounds.

Beyond offering an artistic feast, the performance successfully instilled the values of the Three Acts of Goodness in the audience. A Himamaylan City representative praised Fo Guang Shan’s commitment to moral education, emphasizing how these values inspire young people and foster a positive school environment. Many audience members shared that the play inspired them to create a friendlier and more harmonious school culture.

City officials also expressed their desire for future collaborations with the Siddhartha Theater Group, hoping that the Three Acts of Goodness will extend beyond theater and become an integral part of local education and cultural activities. They believe these values can help students and the community cultivate positive thinking and behavior.

After the performance, director Junrey Alayacyac led the theater group on a visit to Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple in the Philippines, where they immersed themselves in Humanistic Buddhism and engaged in discussions with monastic teachers, including Venerables Miao Jing, You Hui, and Zhi Rong. The teachers warmly welcomed the group and shared insights on how Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Three Acts of Goodness Movement has profoundly influenced education and society.

The director hopes this experience will allow the actors to witness the synergy between art and faith, inspiring them to spread the Three Acts of Goodness worldwide. As a rising cultural hub in the Pasinaya Festival, Himamaylan City has gained prominence through this performance, allowing more people to experience the power of kindness and justice through theater.