Ink, Imagination, and International Minds: Keys School Manila Visits the FGS Mabuhay Temple Art Gallery

Belinda Tantuco
April 12, 2025

On April 11, 2025, a group of 23 Grade 8 students and teachers from Keys School Manila visited the FGS Mabuhay Temple Art Gallery for the first time to explore the ongoing exhibition “Joy in Simple Stroke,” which highlights the meditative beauty of Zentangle art.

During the guided tour, the group learned about different types of Zentangle. They were especially drawn to the Zentangle – “Relaxed Lines” series, which showed how simple, flowing strokes and patterns can create beautiful and detailed designs. This series also carries a deeper message—that, just like in life, returning from luxury to simplicity can reveal a different kind of beauty. This idea reflects a key teaching in Buddhism: that true peace and contentment are often found not in excess, but in simplicity and mindfulness.

Another interesting style featured in the exhibit was “Zen Doodle with Chinese Style.” This style combines Chinese cultural symbols with nature-inspired designs, offering a peaceful and reflective experience that celebrates both relaxation and tradition.

In the Interactive Section, students enjoyed trying out different games. One game challenged them to arrange four puzzle pieces to form the letter "T." Another asked them to fit four "T" shapes inside a circle without touching the edges. A third activity required them to find the common point of five circles and connect all of them with one continuous line. These activities helped promote mental alertness, focus and problem-solving skills.

According to Teacher Jessica Gusayko, the purpose of their visit is to immerse themselves in the fundamental teachings and practices of Asian religion like Buddhism, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, rituals and way of life through direct experience.