Fo Guang Members Share the Spirit of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings at the Philippine Chinese Women's Home for the Aged

By Ben Jun and Hsi Chen, Merit Times, Manila, Philippines

On July 19, Venerable Zhi Rong of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple and Ms. Cecilia Calonsag, President of the Manila Second Subchapter of the Buddha's Light International Association Philippines, led nearly 50 participants—including BLIA members, students and parents from Mabuhay Chinese School's Three Acts of Goodness program, and Fo Guang University student volunteers Wang Wei-Ling, Lo Wei-Ru, and Yeh Chih-Keng and others —to visit the Philippine Chinese Women's Home for the Aged, founded by Chairperson Tai Hsiu-Jung under the leadership of Mrs. Lim Kim Kok. The group visited and cared for the home's ten elderly residents, putting into practice the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings advocated by Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

The visit was arranged through BLIA member Wu Mei-Jung. Upon arrival, Supervisor Bibian Cheung introduced Venerable Zhi Rong, the BLIA officers, Three Acts of Goodness teachers, and the Fo Guang University youth volunteers, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Venerable Zhi Rong then led the assembly in chanting the Medicine Buddha Mantra, praying for the residents' good health, peace, and well-being. The solemn chanting filled the home, bringing tranquility and Dharma joy to everyone present.

The Three Acts of Goodness children performed the songs "Grandma, I Love You" and the Sound of the Human World song "Harmony," whose innocent voices brought bright smiles to the residents' faces. The Fo Guang University students then led an interactive sing-along with the beloved Chinese classics "The Moon Represents My Heart" and "Sweet Honey," encouraging the elderly to clap and sing along. BLIA Supervisor Keb Cheung further energized the gathering by leading everyone in group singing, filling the home with laughter and joyful melodies. The youth volunteers also performed "Look Over Here, Girl" together with a lively dance by the Three Acts of Goodness children to music from Zootopia, bringing vitality and happiness to the elderly residents.

Following the performances, Venerable Zhi Rong, together with the BLIA officers, youth volunteers, students, and parents, respectfully presented each resident with thoughtfully prepared food and daily necessities. In addition, BLIA members invited the Head Nurse from St. Luke's Medical Center to provide blood pressure checks, offering practical health care and concern for the residents' well-being.

At the conclusion of the program, Ms. Huang Mei-Yue, Treasurer of the Women's Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the home, thanking the Fo Guang volunteers for their compassion, generosity, and sincere care for the elderly. Representing the Fo Guang community, Supervisor Bibian Cheung thanked everyone who participated in the service activity and especially expressed appreciation to the elderly residents for warmly welcoming the group, allowing them the opportunity to share blessings, companionship, and kindness. The joyful smiles on the residents' faces created a deeply touching scene.

Fo Guang University student Hsu Chia-Ling shared that interacting with the elderly through music deeply moved her. Their warm smiles reminded her of her own grandmother in Taiwan, helping her realize that simple companionship is one of the greatest expressions of love. Wang Wei-Ling, visiting a Chinese senior care home for the first time, found it especially meaningful to communicate naturally in Chinese with the residents. She hoped that the youthful energy of the volunteers had brought happiness to elders who seldom have opportunities to interact with young people.

The visit concluded with a group photograph and expressions of gratitude. More than simply delivering material support, the activity enabled the young volunteers to practice compassion, loving-kindness, generosity, and joy in serving others. Upholding Fo Guang Shan's mission of "benefiting society through charitable service," the volunteers spread the values of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings, extending the compassionate spirit of Humanistic Buddhism to those in need.