The Life News Agency
June 27, 2023

June 24th signifies the culmination of four years of hard work and perseverance, amidst the pandemic, in the endless pursuit of knowledge that will enable a person to embrace opportunities and take on challenges with clear vision and purpose. From the Mabuhay Temple in Manila since 2014, and now, to celebrating our first Graduation Ceremony, here at Guang Ming College (GMC) Arena – Tagaytay. The 4th Commencement Ceremony of GMC theme is Aguhon, which is a Filipino term for Compass that helps the graduates navigate the path to fight and move forward amidst challenges.

President of Guang Ming College, Dr. Michael Lim Tan delivered welcoming remarks. photo／The Life News Agency

The ceremony welcome representatives of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA): The Board of Trustees of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Philippines --- Ms. Mary Teh, President of BLIA, Ms. Kathy Lim Uy, Abbess of FGS Mabuhay Temple, Venerable Miao Jing, GMC Vice President for Administration Virginia C. Yap, Honorable graduation speaker, Dr. Edgardo Manguiat, Guang GMC President, Dr. Michael Lim Tan, Head Abbess of FGS Philippines, Venerable Yung Guang.

DR. Edgardo Manguiat is the Founder, Musical Director, and Conductor for the University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors. He reminded the students to be grateful, to persevere and focus on everything; in the same time to keep moving forward, continue to grow and shine. He wishes graduates to get abundance and happiness from Buddhism, art and sports. May everyone follow their dreams to serve the public and give joy to others.

The 14th Vice President of the Philippines, the founder and Chairperson of Angat Buhay Foundation, Atty. Maria Leonora Robredo, through the video screen, congratulated the graduates for their 4 years of hard work and achievements. They come from different parts of the country and gather to study with scholarships. She hopes that graduates will apply what they have learned and continue to learn in their new journey of life.

Video message from the 14th Vice President of the Philippines, the founder and Chairperson of Angat Buhay Foundation Atty. Maria Leonora Robredo. photo／The Life News Agency

One of the founding Presidents of the Consortium University of FGS, who is The President of Nan Hua University, Dr. Tsong-Ming Lin said the graduation ceremony is the joint efforts and contributions of all teachers and students; students who are looking forward to graduation will continue to grow and thrive in the face of the unknown world. He gives three reminders to the graduates: to do the three good things, dare to dream and pursue it with action, and be a confident person but always be humble.

Venerable Yung Guang sharing: "VMHY, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, said, what can we do for GMC? Just to provide education and cultivate professionals." Because of him, students can pursue higher and farther dreams, just like the famous scientist Newton's famous words "If I see further than others, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants."

Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, Venerable Yung Guang. photo／The Life News Agency

After having fully complied with all the requirements prescribed by the course, the following candidates graduates are presented donning of stole & awarding of diploma as follows: 13 Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies, 20 Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance, 15 Bachelor of Performing Arts in Theatre. The graduate of Cyvonnie Nacor Pascual's mother said that she was very happy to be able to attend her daughter's graduation ceremony. Her daughter is studying dance art and she likes the school environment very much. She also supports her daughter because she sees her daughter's future here.

Graduate Trisha Amando was very touched when her high school teachers, Rema, especially traveled from Sagay to attend her graduation ceremony. It is a great honor to be a scholarship student of VMHY. She believes that today is the most glorious day and a new beginning, and she wants to dedicate this honor to the beloved VMHY. Sagay City achieved 100% Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) elementary and high school programs. There are four graduates of Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance who come from Sagay.

GMC believes that every student must acquire and develop appropriate attitudes and values following the principles of the TAG. A student is rated that comprises four (4) traits with the following criteria: Compliance with School Policies, Concern for Others, and Self-Formation. The college highlights excellence in various students’ undertakings and gives due appreciation for awards: TAG, Guan Yin Bodhisattva, Lotus, Best Thesis, Outstanding Scholar. The class valedictorian of 2023, with an average of 1.28 comes from the Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies, Christine Laporga.

Students presented bow of gratitude to all benefactors, GMC community, parents, family, and friends. Today symbolizes the new beginning for the graduates and for them to formally and symbolically hand down the light of wisdom to the next batch, while singing their batch song.

Handling down the light & graduation song at the end of the ceremony. photo／The Life News Agency