Tagaytay City, Philippines — August 14, 2026 — For the newest scholars of Guang Ming College (GMC), their journey as members of the College community began even before their first major community gathering. From their arrival between August 2 and 10, followed by Orientation Week from August 10 to 14, the students were introduced to the people, spaces, expectations, and values that shape life at the College.

As they settled into campus, the new scholars became familiar with their academic environment, daily routines, student support services, and the wider GMC community. Orientation Week provided them with essential information about College policies, programs, and responsibilities, and helped them understand that being a Guang Ming College scholar extends beyond the classroom.

The week culminated in BANAAG 2026, the College’s Freshie Welcoming Night held on August 14. The celebration brought together first-year and fourth-year students, faculty members, staff, monastics, and guests for an afternoon of performances, fellowship, and reflection.

In his opening message, GMC President Dr. Michael Lim-Tan welcomed the first-year students and encouraged them to approach their College journey with openness, purpose, and a willingness to learn. He reminded the new scholars that their years at Guang Ming College would be an opportunity to develop not only their knowledge and skills, but also their character and sense of responsibility.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the series of performances prepared by the first-year students. Divided into six groups, students from different academic programs worked together to present music, dance, and other creative performances.

For many of the students, these were classmates they had only recently met. But their performances required them to communicate, share responsibilities, and work toward a common goal, giving them an early opportunity to build friendships and experience collaboration as a new batch.

The program also featured performances by the Guang Ming Chorus, Cloie Revilla from the Theatre Department, and the Guang Ming Dance Project, giving the new scholars a glimpse into the College’s artistic and creative life.

The activities reflected the Three Acts of Goodness taught by Venerable Master Hsing Yun: doing good deeds, speaking good words, and thinking good thoughts. These values were expressed not only through the messages shared during the program but also through the students’ willingness to cooperate, encourage one another, and contribute to a shared endeavor.

A particularly meaningful moment came during Ang Pagniningas (The Kindling), the candle-lighting ceremony symbolizing the passing of light from one generation of students to another.

Senior students from Buddhist Studies, Theatre, Dance, Music Theatre, and Sports Science carried candles and personally passed the light to the first-year students. As each flame was shared, the ceremony represented the continuity of the Guang Ming College community and the traditions carried from one generation to the next.

For the new scholars, receiving the candle marked their first connection to a tradition that began before their arrival. The light represented the values and responsibilities entrusted to them as new members of the College.

The moment also looked toward the future. The first-year students who received the light may one day become the seniors who welcome and guide another generation of students, continuing the tradition they received during their own first days at GMC.

Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, shared an encouraging message in her closing remarks, emphasizing that…