“Prince Siddhartha Musicale” performed in Manila, bringing Buddhism to people’s hearts

Luisa, Philippines
April 25, 2025

Philippines Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple and Buddha’s Light International Association of the Philippines (BLIA, Phils) successfully held “Prince Siddharta, the Musicale” at Manila Metropolitan Theatre on April 13, 2025, with two shows at 3pm and 7pm.

Distinguished guests who attended the event included Wang Yue, Counselor and Consul General of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines; Nilmini Weerainghe, Consul General of the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Philippines; principals of six Chinese schools;  Dr Michael Lim Tan,  President of Guang Ming College; National Artist  Alice Reyes; LTC Liz Villasenor, ambassador of the AFP Cultural and Historical Heritage; representatives and leaders from Philippine government, business circles, religious circles, cultural and educational circles, media, and friends from various countries. About 2,000 people experienced this soul-stirring feast together.

As the curtain rises, Ananda leads the audience through time and space, back to Kapilavastu at the foot of the Himalayas 2,600 years ago. When Prince Siddhartha was born, it was predicted that he would become a great king or an enlightened monk in the future. The prince witnessed aging, sickness and death in the world and his heart was moved, so he left the palace and searched for a way to end human suffering. After 7 years of searching and introspection, he finally realized the truth of life, such as the "law of cause and effect", "all dharmas arise from causes and conditions, and all dharmas cease from causes and conditions."

Since its launch in 2007, the musical has performed 218 times in 16 countries and regions around the world, and every performance has received positive reviews. This performance, whether it was the actors’ singing skills, costumes, music or scenery, was amazing, and the interaction with the audience was fun. The improvement in production is also memorable, with the Metropolitan Theater's lighting and sound equipment presenting the plot, and dry ice mist creating a mysterious atmosphere, making people feel as if they have really returned to the Buddha's era.

At the curtain call, Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbes of Fo Guang Shan Philippines thanked friends from various religious groups, social leaders, school groups, universities, and corporate groups for watching. The musical "Prince Siddhartha" was made possible by the wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan. The artistic talent of the Filipino youth made the musical very exceptional and allowed Venerable Master Hsing Yun's wish heard around the world, bringing the story of the Buddha to the international stage and spreading the Buddha's compassion and wisdom through music. Venerable Yung Guang then led the audience in shouting "I am Buddha", hoping that everyone could, through the spirit of Buddha, join hands and hearts, work together for world peace.

Wang Yue said that he was deeply moved after watching "Prince Siddhartha" and admired the Master’s foresight, which allowed young Filipinos to showcase their talents in music and dance, promote the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism across regions and cultures, and pursue love and peace.

BLIA Dharma lecturer, Mr Sonny Lee shared that the musical deeply presents the life and teachings of the Buddha with its moving stage performance. This is a collective effort of Buddha’s Light members. Many families with four generations and company employees enjoyed it together, feeling the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism and being filled with joy. This verifies the vision advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to "promote Buddhism through culture" and let Buddhism get into people's hearts and move towards the future through the power of art and culture.

Dr. Huang Sihua, principal of Chenguang Middle School, said that he was still amazed even after watching the performance for the fourth time. The actors had superb acting and singing skills. Every scene of the performance contained deep emotions and was very moving. Every scene cleanses his soul, moving him and allowing him to reflect more deeply on his life practice and wisdom. If there are any more shows in the future, he will not miss it.

8-year-old Jessie expressed that she was moved watching that the prince gave up his wealthy life and became a monk to save people, which almost made her cry. Little Shi Yifei hopes she can help others in the future, because helping makes one happy.