Chu Un Temple in Cebu Shines at Gabii sa Kabilin Cultural Festival, Showcasing the Beauty of Humanistic Buddhism

Fo Gunag Shan Chu Un Temple
June 11, 2025

On May 23, 2024, Cebu’s annual cultural celebration, Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage), was held in full grandeur. Organized by the local cultural foundation in collaboration with the Cebu City Government’s Office of Culture and Arts, the event aims to deepen public appreciation for Cebu’s museums, cultural heritage, educational initiatives, and religious diversity. Since the inception of Gabii sa Kabilin, Chu Un Temple has participated for over a decade, making long-term contributions to cultural exchange and educational outreach. The temple has been officially recognized by the Cebu City government as an intangible cultural heritage site, making it one of the few Buddhist temples in the city that embodies both spiritual and cultural value.

May also coincides with Buddha’s Birthday month, and Chu Un Temple traditionally combines Buddhist rituals with cultural exhibitions. This year’s activity featured a variety of engaging booths, including bathing the Buddha, calligraphy copying, Hanfu costume displays, incense and light offerings, an interactive Three Acts of Goodness wall, and vegetarian food tasting. These diverse activities welcomed people of all ages to experience the warmth and richness of Buddhist culture.

The entire cultural night program was jointly organized by Fo Guang members in Cebu. Under the leadership of Cebu Chapter President Lynn Lin, the temple grounds were beautifully arranged. Meanwhile, Jose, President of the English Chapter, and Sheila, a senior advisor, performed an impressive Tai Chi demonstration, conveying the philosophy of harmony between body and mind. Venerable Yong Guang, the Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan in the Philippines, has long supported this cultural endeavor, offering guidance and actively promoting the event through social media, drawing hundreds of participants throughout the night.

The evening’s performance program was a collaborative effort among the Fo Guang University Cebu College of Arts, Siddhartha Theatre, and local youth performers. From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the stage was alive with music, dance, and theatrical performances that attracted close to a thousand audience members.

The performances were diverse and rich, including Chinese and English Buddhist songs, fan dances, lion and dragon dances, and a Tai Chi showcase—a vibrant display of Chu Un Temple’s dedication to arts and culture. The program opened with James Dejos and Margaret Soriano singing "I See the Light", followed by Buddhist-themed trivia, and a rendition of "Colors of the Wind". The evening concluded with a rousing performance by the Hok San Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe, leaving the audience in awe. The program offered a continuous stream of cultural artistry, introducing more locals and tourists to the beauty of Eastern traditions.

Chu Un Temple’s participation not only highlights its cultural foundation but also demonstrates the practice of Humanistic Buddhism’s "Three Acts of Goodness" (do good deeds, speak good words, think good thoughts) and "Five Harmonies". Visitors were invited to write their wishes on the interactive wall, experiencing firsthand the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism.