Most Venerable Hsin Bau Visits Guang Ming College
News Bulletin #10
By: Mark Jude Tenedero, Lhizanie Baroga
Tagaytay City, Philippines – Guang Ming College (GMC) marked a very special day on November 13, 2025, as the campus welcomed Most Venerable Hsin Bau (心保和尚), Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan. Students, faculty, and staff gathered throughout the day to join activities that reflected the core principles of Humanistic Buddhist education.
The Head Abbot arrived with a delegation including Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of FGS Philippines; Venerable Miao Jing, Abbess of Mabuhay Temple; Venerable Chueh Lin, Superintendent of Mabuhay Temple; Venerable Hui Jing, attendant to the Most Venerable; Venerable Zhi Qin of FGS Mabuhay Temple; Venerable Zhi Rong of FGS Chu Un Temple; and Mr. Nick Ho (何曰昌).
They were warmly welcomed at the GMC Main Entrance by Dr. Michael Lim Tan, President of GMC, together with Vice President Virginia Yap, students, faculty, and staff. Sports Science students in barong and Buddhist Studies students in Filipiniana lined up to greet the delegation, creating a festive and respectful atmosphere.
One of the day’s highlights was the Lighting Ceremony at the Meditation Hall, followed by an intimate session with students, faculty, and staff. Most Venerable Hsin Bau shared reflections on mindfulness, compassion, and grounding life in wholesome values—thoughts that left a lasting impression on everyone present.
A special lunch at GMC was organized with the help of Buddhist Studies student-ushers, after which the Venerable toured the campus. He visited GMC’s facilities, academic programs, and student initiatives—all guided by the principles of Humanistic Buddhism.
The day ended on a joyful note with a Cultural Dinner prepared by students of the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) program under GMC’s Life Education. Performances from the Performing Arts and Laboratories (PALS) brought color, music, and movement, celebrating creativity, culture, and gratitude. The dinner was attended by GMC Executives and Program and Unit Heads.
The visit of Most Venerable Hsin Bau was a meaningful and rare occasion for the GMC community, highlighting the College’s ongoing commitment to nurturing wisdom, compassion, and meaningful learning. The day was filled with inspiration, smiles, and a shared appreciation for the values that bring the community together.
Celebrating Growth: Monastery and Guang Ming Integrated School and Blessing
Silang, Cavite, Philippines — November 14, 2025
The Guang Ming College (GMC) community celebrated a joyful milestone on November 14, 2025, with the blessing of the GMC Integrated Primary and Secondary School, Lumbini Institute and the Guang Ming Chan Monastery in Silang, Cavite. Most Venerable Hsin Bau, Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan (FGS), together with Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of FGS Philippines, led the ceremonies and offered prayers for harmony, wisdom, and the growth of Buddhist education in the country.
The celebration brought together the Buddhist Light International Association (BLIA) Philippines members, the GMC family, the faculty and staff of Lumbini Institute, and Mr. and Ms. Young, the former owners of Lumbini Institute. GMC Executives—including President Dr. Michael L. Tan, Vice President Virginia C. Yap, Director Katherine Mae G. Sabate, and Director Maru B. Percela—welcomed the delegation and expressed their support for this new chapter in the school’s journey.
The day started with a ribbon cutting at the monastery gate and school building, followed by a prayer service at the Main Shrine. Most Venerable Hsin Bau shared blessings for the occasion:
“May the Buddha’s light shine across the three thousand realms, and may the Dharma water flow throughout the five continents. With the unveiling of Guang Ming Monastery today, the Dragon and Heavenly beings rejoice as the Dharma flows.”
“May the Buddha’s light shine across the three thousand realms, and may the Dharma water flow throughout the five continents. With the unveiling of Guang Ming Primary and Secondary School today, may all people unite in bringing forth light.”
He also reminded everyone that “Today is an important milestone for Humanistic Buddhism in the Philippines…special thanks to Mr. Kim for his generous donation, which made all of this possible.”
Venerable Yung Guang noted how the school and monastery represent a bright new chapter for Buddhist education in the Philippines. Most Venerable Hsin Bau also shared a reflection on practice:
“The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha represents wisdom and letting go. Practitioners who come here can feel pure air and wholesome conditions. Meditation helps calm the mind, observe impermanence, and let wisdom naturally arise. I hope everyone will often return to practice here and regain inner peace and freedom.”
The ceremony concluded with cultural performances, including violin music, the Three Acts of Goodness (San Hao) and Gei dance performed by Lumbini Institute students, and alumni of GMC.
The day left a sense of unity and inspiration, marking a new chapter for Humanistic Buddhist education in the Philippines.