Fo Guang Shan Yuan Tong Temple
February 2, 2024

Yuan Tong Temple in the Philippines, under Fo Guang Shan, hosted a unique Chinese New Year Festival musical show at SM Mall in Bacolod on January 27, aiming to pay tribute to the founding master of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The event was directed by Rutha, a social education teacher at Yuan Tong Temple, with collaboration from teachers and students of the San Hao Performing Art Group. Distinguished guests in attendance included Venerable Zhi Rong from Yuan Tong Temple, President Margarate Cordova BLIA Bacolod Chapter, Supervisor Rosita Gochangco, Vice President Bing Lao, and others, attracting nearly 300 spectators.

Before the commencement of the event, Venerable Zhi Rong led everyone in a simple yet solemn prayer ceremony. Subsequently, in her welcoming address, Supervisor Rosita Gochangco introduced the continuous two-week Lunar New Year performances by the San Hao Performing Art Group at the mall, hinting at the more exciting activities planned for New Year's Eve.

The entire program depicted the preparations for the Lunar New Year by the Chinese community and concluded with the song "We Are Family." Notably, 80% of the songs featured were composed by Sound of Human World, including Filipino versions of "FanZuan" and "Dragon's Heavenly Blessings." The energetic and catchy opening song, "Fanzuan," captivated the audience, surprising many with the lively and upbeat nature of Buddhist music.

The energetic and catchy opening song, "Fanzuan," captivated the audience, surprising many with the lively and upbeat nature of Buddhist music. photo／FGS Yuan Tong Temple

Despite being in the Philippines, a country with diverse ethnicities, the event emphasized the theme of "We are family," promoting values of love, mutual respect, and inclusivity. The musical show successfully created a warm atmosphere, allowing the audience to collectively experience the joyous spirit of the Lunar New Year.