Appreciating China at Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple

With all the issues surrounding the sovereignty of our country, Philippines, against China, I can't blame if there are Filipinos out there who are starting to hate Chinese and their culture now. But if you'll ask a traveler like me, well, it's kinda sad to know that we all have to go through all this hate and fight, instead of just appreciating what we both have. And I personally think that with just a little understanding, we can both in one-stroke of peaceful world, something that I believe both countries would want to have.

Last week, I had a very unusual weekend. Despite of the unconditional weather that we have here in Manila, I managed to spent a peaceful and full-of-learning day with the volunteers and monks of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple in Malate, Manila.

Being born and raise here in Manila, I seldom have a chance to peek into those sky-scraping and truly magnificent temples. Actually, I cannot recall a moment where I've been in a Buddhist temple here in Manila, so this is kinda my first-ever Buddhist Temple visit here in my beloved city.

Anyway, on my visit here, I was welcomed by the serenity and peacefulness of the whole temple, which is a common thing about Buddhist Temple. It huge doors are a great symbolism of welcoming attitude that I truly love about these temples.