Performing arts institute to rise in Cebu City soon

CEBU, Philippines - A new performing arts institute will soon rise in Cebu where local talents can benefit from to hone their abilities and learn the intricacies of dancing, acting, and singing.

The Buddhist monastic organization, Fo Guang Shan, yesterday broke ground the construction of Guang Ming Institute of Performing Arts-Cebu.

Venerable Miao Jing, abbess of Fo Guang Shan, said the establishment of the institute here in Cebu is the very desire of their founder – Venerable Master Hsing Yun – that will soon come to a reality.  The groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday on the occasion of their founder’s birthday.

“He (Yun) has taught us to let the world see the talents of the Philippines, hence, he has (found it important) for a long time to establish institutions to provide proper education and programs for the young talents to explore the field and to broaden the global horizons,” Jing told reporters.

“And most especially to develop the talents in performing arts in order to bring the rich culture, the music and arts of the Philippines, through their voices, their dance, their theater performance to the world,” she added.

She said the institution would take on a mission of bringing people together in spite of their differences in language, culture and belief. She added that it would emphasize on educating young talents not only in performing arts but also in building moral excellence and developing character that contributes in making a better community or nation.

“Through the arts, and culture, and music, we would be able to send the message of goodness and generosity and beauty from the inner self to the people around us and to the space around us,” she said.

But what makes the institution also significant, said Jing, is its aim to offer scholarship programs for people who could not afford, but carries the passion and desire to develop their artistic skills.

Dance studios, theater stages, among other facilities are incorporated in the three-story building, which budget will be sourced from Fo Guang Shan’s several private benefactors.

Different sectors from the religious, government, business, and education witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the institute that was graced by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Osmeña, in his speech, noted that the undertaking, which he described as truly exceptional, plays a great role in promoting the Chinese culture here in Cebu.

Palma, on the other hand, sent his greetings and congratulations to the Fo Guang Shan community, and shared the same dream of the completion of the edifice that would benefit talented young individuals.

The prelate also pledged the support of the Archdiocese of Cebu in the undertaking. He believes that the project will not only benefit Buddhist community but the people of Cebu. —/FPL (FREEMAN)