Renato M. Mancol
December 25, 2023

A harmonious celebration of young and talented performers from the Mabuhay Children Ballet and Young Adult Choir group brought the magic of giving and sharing during their Christmas party held at Fo Guang Shan, Mabuhay Temple, Malate Manila, Philippines. These programs, under social education, showcased a heart-warming holiday spirit and extraordinary performances on December 24, 2023.

The first part of the event began with dance performances by the Barangay Ballet kids, performed by various Barangay such as, (Barangay 713 zone 78, 705 zone 77, 697, 705, 786 and 787) around Malate Manila and choreographed by Mr. Alexes Sandino, inspired by Paquita 2nd Allegro and Paquita CODA. Mr. Sandino is a graduate of Performing Arts in Dance, batch 2018, from Guang Ming College. He later joined the Good Seedlings Program, also known as Hao Miao Zi, for a year. In the Hao Miao Zi program, he was part of Siddharta the Musical Ensemble and had the opportunity to travel to different branches of Fo Guang Shan Temples in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Later on, he obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree majoring in Choreography from Nan Hua University in 2021. After completing his degree, Mr. Alexes returned to Guang Ming College to give back and volunteer at the Fo Guang Shan, Mabuhay Temple in various ways.

The ballet performances left a remarkable impression on the audience, devotees, and parents who supported their children in the social education program. Hon. Maria Melvin Bello, assigned to supervise the ballet class, said that through this social education program at Mabuhay Temple, children will be able to boost their confidence and develop good discipline. Since 2015, she already helping and supervise children from the program, to help them gain confidence for school and improve their sense of discipline while building friendships and socializing.

These programs, under social education, showcase a heart-warming holiday spirit and extraordinary performances. photo／The Life News Agency

Following the ballet performances, the Mabuhay Choir kids from Barangay 719 zone 78 District V took the stage and filled the room with their soft voices while performing the song titled "Vast Cloud and Star”, under the supervision and conductorship of Mr. Rouele Martin Garcia. Mr. Garcia, a 4th-year BS in Medical Technology student at National University-Manila Philippines, aspires to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. Apart from being academically inclined, he also has a passion for music, especially in the field of choral music. In 2017, he started arranging different songs in various genres and turning them into choral form. In addition to that, he teaches choral music, creates various groups, and competes in local choral competitions held at division, regional, and national levels, where he serves as the conductor and mentor. At this moment, he continues to share his talent with the Mabuhay Choir group supported by Fo Guang Shan.

Mabuhay Choir kids from Barangay 719 zone 78 District V take the stage and fill the room with their soft voices while performing the song titled "Vast Cloud and Star”, under the supervision and conductorship of Mr. Rouele Martin Garcia. photo／The Life News Agency

The first part of the event ended with a delightful blend of music and dance performed by Mr. Alexes Sandino for dance performance and a duet by Mr. Rouele Martin Garcia and Ms. Rocelle Mae Harayo for singing performance, their heartwarming version of “Sunshine on my Shoulders” of John Denver left a good sense of hope and inspiration to everyone. Ms. Harayo is a theater graduate from Guang Ming College, batch 2022. She is a former member of Hiraya and was appointed as a music representative, responsible for leading the group in any performance involving music, including Chinese, English, Filipino, and any Fo Guang Shan songs. She also served at Mabuhay Temple, doing performances and volunteer work. In February 2023, she showed her utmost respect and offered tribute performances to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, together with the Guang Ming Harmonies and Dr. Michael Tan, in FGS Taiwan.

The first part of the event begins with dance performances by the Barangay Ballet kids, performed by various Barangay such as, (Barangay 713 zone 78, 705 zone 77, 697, 705, 786 and 787) around Malate Manila and choreographed by Mr. Alexes Sandino, inspired by Paquita 2nd Allegro and Paquita CODA. photo／The Life News Agency

Additionally, during the BLIA conference and the inauguration of Guang Ming College Philippines, she performed "Mo Li Hua" (Jasmine Flower), a symbol of beauty, purity, and grace. Currently, she is the administrative assistant of the music development program under the directorship of Juan Paolo Llantino.
After enjoying vegetarian meals prepared and served by the volunteers in Mabuhay temple, they continue to celebrate the second part of the event. It was full of fun, exciting games and meaningful gifts prepared by the sponsors and organizers hosted by Ms. Rocelle Harayo, they had prepared of engaging games and activities for the children and parents to enjoy.  On their faces as they played together you they can build new friendships and creating lasting memories.

The second part started by welcoming remarks of Social Education Coordinator Ven. Zhi Pu and according to her “Ven. Master Hsing Yun creating a learning platform for community with giving and sharing blessings to foster harmony and peace. The performance showcase today is a tribute to Ven. Master Hsing Yun, Who has brought all participants come as one for the creative development on Humanistic character. This is the vision of Master Hsing Yun, to propagate goodness to change the world for better and we are all invited to be part of this transformation. The community engagement programs paved the way in inculcating kindness and compassion among learners and teachers.”

The event was attended by Venerable Miao Jing, the  Abbess of Fo Guang Shan, Mabuhay temple, Philippines. She greeted the parents and children with smile and hope for everyone as we celebrate the holiday. As she delivering her message she highlighted of being grateful to the support  and having a sense of extended family which is the Fo Guang Shan, Mabuhay temple while centering the practice of Humanistic Buddhism that primarily promote the Three Acts of Goodness namely, (Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, Think Good Thoughts).

The volunteers and organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone who had contributed or participated to the success of the event, including venerable, parents, volunteers, and sponsors. Their unending support and dedication had made the Christmas party memorable experience for all. Their performances brought everyone's attention while also serving as a gentle reminder of the true meaning of harmony, love, joy, and giving. For everyone who was fortunate enough to be present, the children of the Ballet and Choir had genuinely brought holiday pleasure to everyone.