Yunlin Martial Arts and Jhu Yi Huei Dance Theater – Manila City Tour

By Belinda Tan and Marilyn Lopega
August 15, 2024

A group of 29 participants from Yunlin Martial Arts and Jhu Yi Huei Dance Theater, arrived on August 14, 2024 in Mabuhay Temple for an educational and cultural visit to the City of Manila, Philippines.

The educational and cultural tour was scheduled on August 15, 2024 and was spearheaded by Venerable Zhi Pu and was accompanied by the volunteers of Mabuhay Temple namely, Luisa So, Belinda Tan and Marilyn Lopega. It started with the visit to the neighboring Barangay 719 zone 78 of Malate, Manila, where 300 less privileged families reside. The visiting group was warmly greeted with “Amituofo” when passing through the very narrow passages to reach each household and gave gifts to the barangay children as an expression of “Three Acts of Goodness” and grace of sharing.  

After the distribution of gifts, everyone gathered at a small space where the barangay children joyfully rendered three songs, “We are Family”, “Three Acts of Goodness” and “Colors of Nature”, as a gesture of their gratitude to the act of compassion of the visiting group and as a way to show what they previously learned from Mabuhay Temple short class session, are instill in their little minds. The group left the barangay with the quote of Venerable Master Hsing Yun “A smile is the most beautiful color in the world; praise is the best sound in the world.”

Next was the visit to Rizal Park, famously known as Luneta Park. Significant historical background and events about Philippine national hero, Dr Jose Rizal, were delightfully shared. Inside the park, there is a Chinese Garden where the main façade “The World is for The Public” signifies that the whole world as one community, coherent to the teaching of Humanistic Buddhism, to consider self and others as one and making no distinction between adversaries.

After exploring the park and some photo op, the group visited Manila Cathedral Basilica, one of the oldest churches built in 16th century and Palacio del Gobernador. From the outside of Intramuros, visitors can see the “old ancient walls” still stand surrounding the area, keeping its churches, streets and Hispanic architectural structures untouched by the winds of modernization.  

The educational tour gave the visiting group a learning experience of Philippine culture, conditions, and bird's eye view of the history. It is the purpose of this educational tour to help everyone to become well-rounded and express their compassion to their fellow human beings and promote global peace and harmony, as taught and advocated by our Venerable Master Hsing Yun.