After a comprehensive process of searching far and wide in different corners of the globe, the Manila-based Gusi Peace Prize Foundation proudly announced its final selection of 15 distinguished laureates for Golden Year 3 (2006). Similar to the Nobel Prize in the West, the prestigious Gusi Peace Prize in the East each year honors exceptional individuals and organizations who have contributed significantly toward peace in the world.

The Gusi Peace Foundation is a charitable organization based in the capital city of Manila, the Philippines. The current Gusi Peace Prize Chairman of the Board is the Honorable Barry Gusi, who continues the noble work of his parents, world renowned human rights advocates Captain Gemeniano Javier Gusi and Madame Teodora Sotejo Gusi. A former honorary ambassador of the Northern Marianas Pacific Islands, the Honorable Barry Gusi was elected as Who’s Who in the Philippines Man of the Year 2002 and is married to Dr. Evelyn Tantamco-Gusi. Together, they work with supportive friends and associates worldwide in a shared vision of peace and unity on Earth.

As the Honorable Barry S. Gusi, Chairman of the Board of the Gusi Peace Prize, stated: “God gives us the capacity for choice. We must choose to alleviate sufferings. Let us join to work together for peace. We can make it happen with God’s blessings.”

Gusi Peace Prize awardees are among the finest individuals in their respective fields and nations, who through their diverse God-given talents have provided selfless service to humankind. The distinguished list of 2006 Gusi Peace Prize laureates include Datu Mohamad Bin Ismail, for Religious Affairs & Humanitarianism; Director Carlo J. Caparas, for Literature & Cinematic Excellence; Dr. Leung Ping Chung, for Medicine & Academia; Ms. Katya Grineva, for Performing Arts; Governor Carl Gutierrez, for Public Service; Mr. A.J. Hackett, for Sports; Justice Ram B. Jethmalani, for Social Justice & Humanitarian Law; Master Bup Kwan, for Humanitarianism; Rev. Father Corsie Lagaspi, for Divine Healing & Services to the Sick and Needy; Dr. Ioannis Lyras, for Medicine; Former President Fidel Ramos, for Statesmanship; Ambassador Tarmizi Taher, for Public Service; Dr. Felipe Tolentino, for Medicine; and Madame Wang Zushi, for Cultural Heritage. This year, world renowned spiritual teacher and artist, Supreme Master Ching Hai, was also among the honorees in recognition of Her global contribution in Philanthropy and Humanitarianism.

Master was greeted at the airport by the President of the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation, Mr. Manuel Morato

When Supreme Master Ching Hai arrived in Manila on the 20th of November 2006, two days prior to the awards ceremony, She was warmly greeted at the airport by the President of the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation, Mr. Manuel Morato, and other dignitaries. The loving affinity between Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Filipino people can be traced back to more than 15 years ago, when out of deep compassion She was moved to aid victims of the Mount Pinatubo volcano eruption. Conversely, the Filipino people and government independently opened their heart and shared their country and resources with the Aulacese refugees, at a time when no one else would open their doors for them and Supreme Master Ching Hai was dedicated to helping resolve the refugee issues on the international front.

In May 2000, Supreme Master Ching Hai delivered a public lecture in Manila as part of her Ocean of Love tour. Since then, this was Her first time returning to the Philippines, one of Her favorite countries in the world. Though having just arrived after a long flight, She took the time to meet with some members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, all of whom were elated to see their beloved teacher in person.

As the honorees and dignitaries started to arrive in Manila, the print and television media in the nation immediately provided extensive coverage in anticipation of the awards ceremony, as well as Supreme Master Ching Hai’s special visit to the Philippines to accept the Gusi Peace Prize. Media from the international community were also present in the Philippines to report on this important event.

 

A welcoming luncheon for the Gusi Peace Prize laureates of 2006

As a special guest of the whole country, there was a police motorcade provided to escort and provide clear passage on the road for Supreme Master Ching Hai when She traveled.

The next day, Tuesday, November 21, 2006, a welcoming luncheon and a press conference took place. Journalists and correspondents from around the world were present to interview 2006 Gusi Peace Prize laureates. Supreme Master Ching Hai was also interviewed on National Broadcasting Network (NBN), the official government TV station in the Philippines.

TV HOST: “Good morning. This is Supreme Master Ching Hai, an awardee of the Gusi Peace Prize and International Laureate for Philanthropy and Humanitarianism. Congratulations, Madame.”

Master: “Thank you.”

Master was also interviewed on National Broadcasting Network (NBN)

TV HOST: “At what age did You start doing humanitarian work, and what made You do this?”

Master: “The humanitarian work, I did since I was a child, whenever I could. And what made me do it was that it just felt right. I feel what other people feel; I am sensitive to the feelings of others.”

TV HOST: “I am sure that there is a place inside us that wants to be like You. But then it has to be brought out. What message can you give other people?”

Master: “You already do well in your job, which is fine. It’s just that if you would like to know more about yourself, you should perhaps do more meditation; and maybe if you’d like to go deeper in the knowledge of yourself, which is the God within us - because the Bible says that God dwells within you - so we are virtually God, then we walk in this direction. If we walk more towards God then we have more compassion and more wisdom. More compassion means that we avoid killing of any kind, we avoid violence, and we avoid even eating it directly, like meat or things like that. This is more like our Godly Self. Then, we meditate to realize this God Self more, to contact God inside. Then we become more wise, more giving and maybe even more sure about our direction.”

In the evening, all laureates and VIPs were invited to a dinner reception at the Best Western Astor Hotel to welcome all the honored guests to the Philippines.

Mr. Joe Lad Santos, Commissioner of the Commission on the Filipino Language, invited Supreme Master Ching Hai to a poets’ award program entitled, “Meeting of the Poets of the Year” on Wednesday, November 22, 2006. This was a national event reserved for renowned intellectuals and celebrated poets, as well as many special and honored guests.

At the entrance, a large banner was prominently displayed to warmly welcome Supreme Master Ching Hai, and when She arrived, lovely young Philippine girls in their traditional costumes cast fresh flower petals on the walkway to greet Her. Also during the ceremony, one of Her poems was read on stage. Indeed, Supreme Master Ching Hai was honored at this event as a special guest and for Her acclaimed poetry.

During an interview Master Ching Hai commented:

“You see poetry and songs unite people from all over the world, different races. It penetrates all boundaries and races and creeds. It brings people together. It unites people in love, trust and harmony. So poetry is the language of love. Poetry is the language of unity. So we must, by all means, preserve it. That’s what I think.”

During this occasion, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed $10,000 US dollars to the Commission on the Filipino Language and $30,000 US dollars to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. (The checks were delivered on December 16 by Her representatives.)

Later that evening, the 15 laureates convened at the Meralco Theatre for the Gusi Peace Prize awards ceremony. They were joined by over 1,000 dignitaries, honored guests and

audience members. The program commenced with the parades of flags. Among the different flags representing the awardees’ nations, of particular interest was the flag of universal peace, designed by Supreme Master Ching Hai. In a special appearance, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Philippines, also graced the assembly. After the salute of the Philippines’ national anthem, Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to commence the ceremony with the opening invocation.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: “Dearest God Almighty, the loving God of all beings, the God without discrimination between the races, the nations, the human beings, or other beings on this planet and the whole Universe, we thank You for everything that You have given us, are giving us, and will be giving us. And we thank You especially for protecting the Philippines and for blessing the people of this beautiful land. We thank You for this wonderful evening. Amen.”

 

Master received the Gusi Peace Prize from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines (left).

The awards ceremony was hosted by Ms. Pilar Pilapil, a celebrated award-winning Filipino actress, and Mr. Steve Rodonich.  After a brief history of the Gusi Peace Prize and a traditional Filipino dance, Mr. Manuel Morato, President of the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation, extended his welcoming remarks. The Honourable Barry Gusi, Chairman of the Board of the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation, gave an address to the packed venue. After that, President Arroyo was introduced as guest of honor. President Arroyo conferred the awards to each of the 15 laureates.

 

Gusi family

Barry Gusi: “Peace is a great fundamental factor of spiritual enlightenment and the truth, and the only thing I would say is that we must always teach our generation to believe, to respect, and to have discipline in retaining our peace, so that we can make this world a better place to live.”

Manuel Morato: “We need all countries to focus attention in recognizing the men and women who walk the various corridors of excellence and kindness quietly and unnoticed. Are we going to just let them pass us by without even a tiny word of gratitude? For this, we, the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation, are here to help, in our small way to say thank you.  Thank you to them. Thank you on behalf of the needy that you have helped. Thank you for the joy that you have planted in their hearts. Thank you for the sacrifices you have offered, to bring peace in the service of your own people as well as the other people of the world. The people of this kind that I am referring to are here with us tonight.”

Former President Fidel Ramos: (Originally in Filipino) “Each one of us here in the audience as well as on the stage must from here on become supporters of the Gusi Foundation and to do every little thing that we can to help the poor, the marginalized and the disadvantaged everywhere, but especially in our beloved Philippines.”

“This is the challenge for all of us.”

“Let’s shout aloud that we can do it, and that is to support all good things that are trying to reduce poverty and bring people to a higher quality of life.”

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo presenting the Gusi Peace Prize for Statesmanship to Former President Fidel V. Ramos.

As the last speaker, Supreme Master Ching Hai invited on stage representatives of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association from the five continents to share the honor: Mr. Dmitri Gutahr for Africa, Ms. Sophie Lapaire for the Americas, Mr. Loh Shih-Hurng for Asia, Ms. Kathy Divine for Australia and Ms. Grazyna Plocinizak for Europe. In Her lively speech, Supreme Master Ching Hai once again expressed Her love and pride for the beautiful nation of the Philippines and its generous people.

Master: “And I think the Gusi Peace Foundation should make one more Gusi Peace Award, that is for humor.  … That is very important, that is also very good for peace. If people are laughing with each other every day, they will not make war anymore.”

“It’s funny how good people, they are also very humorous.  That’s what makes people great – the goodness within themselves.  And what makes a nation great is not a measurement of material success or not even international recognition or status, but by the hospitality, faith and virtue of her citizens.  In that case, Philippines is a great nation. It is the Philippine people who really deserve all praises and all awards befitting a great nation. Not that they desire any reward, because the Philippine people lack nothing, being endowed with superior religious purity and rich in cultural heritage and above all, they have God in their hearts, who is the greatest and most priceless of all rewards. But they choose to honor others, some of whom gathered here today to rejoice in the glory of the gentle kindness of this exalted and hospitable land. Land of the sun returning, land of love, that is the Philippines.”

Throughout the evening, there were musical performances by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Chorale; the Pangkat Kalimantan dance team; tenor Nolyn Cabahug and soprano Liza Cabahug; violinist Jay Cayuca, who serenaded the laureates with his impressive interpretation of some “Phantom of the Opera” numbers; and a piano solo by one of the 2006 awardees, Russian concert pianist Katya Grineva.

Before the awards program ended, the Dove Ceremony took place, in which the Gusi family released two doves, the symbol of peace.  They then invited everyone to join in to sing the song, “Let There Be Peace.”

May peace prevail on our planet.  May the Earth continue in beauty and love, the way Supreme Master Ching Hai, 2006 Gusi Peace Prize laureate, envisions.

 

A thank you luncheon for friends and journalists.

For almost two decades, Supreme Master Ching Hai’s work in the Philippines has been extensive and far-reaching. From disaster relief, including the recent victims of Typhoon Durian and Typhoon Utor in December 2006, to charitable works, to student scholarships, Her compassion and love for the Philippine people has been boundless. However, for the Aulacese living in this beautiful nation and many others who have immigrated to other countries, they are eternally grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her tireless efforts in helping them find refuge in the early 1990’s. During those years, many Philippine government officials, including former President Ramos and the media, were by Supreme Master Ching Hai’s side to assist Her in this humanitarian cause. Therefore, on November 24, during this visit back to the Philippines, She invited Her long time friends and journalists to a thank you luncheon to express Her deep appreciation for their loving hearts towards the less fortunate.

Following this luncheon, Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to the opening of the Asia Pacific Bureau of the UNESCO – ITI Chair and the concluding ceremony of the Asian Bishops Conference on Social Communications at St. Paul University Quezon City. Bishops from all over Asia were in attendance. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo spoke in support of the work of the Catholic nuns and the school they have for less fortunate girls. After the ceremony, Master was escorted by the nuns to the beautiful chapel. After talking with the nuns, She contributed $50,000 US dollars to the St. Paul University  Quezon City, and $50,000 US dollars to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The checks were delivered on December 16 by Her representatives.

According to Mr. Joe Lad Santos’ article in News #175 (“Series of Shining World Leadership” section), a vessel named Tung An with more than 2,000 Aulacese aboard reached Manila Bay in 1979. For eight long months they were barred from touching Philippine soil.

A deeply moving report from the Tung An revealed that five people divided a banana for one day’s meal. This caused Madame Imelda R. Marcos, the First Lady of the Philippines at that time, wife of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, to cry. “We are all refugees. If they are stateless, we are all stateless. No one in the world has a country of their own, for we are all refugees,” she said. As a result, a place in Puerta Princesa in Palawan City was declared a temporary shelter for them and became the Philippine Refugee Processing Center (PRPC).

In 1991, Supreme Master Ching Hai thanked Madame Imelda R. Marcos for opening the Philippines’ doors to Aulacese refugees.

Upon Her return to the Philippines this time, Supreme Master Ching Hai again visited Madame Imelda Marcos. As long time friends, Madame Imelda was touched that Supreme Master Ching Hai still thought of her.

During Her time in the Philippines, everywhere Supreme Master Ching Hai went, She was escorted by government officials and followed closely by an entourage of media, their camera crews and photographers. They reported on Her humanitarian work in the Philippines and throughout the world.

Supreme Master Ching Hai graced the Philippines in these wonderful few days; every event during those days was filled with immense joy. Her pure love and compassionate heart has left a lasting impression on this nation.

Supreme Master Ching Hai was the center of the medias’ attention wherever She went.

Mbredia reports on the Gusi Peace Prize and Supreme Master Ching Hai: - People’s Journal Tonight, the Philippines - Manila Bulletin, the Philippines - Gov. Ph News, the official website of the Republic of the Philippines - China Women’s News Daily, mainland China - Guangming Daily, mainland China - Northern American Life Net, USA - Yunnan Television Station, mainland China - The Philippine Star, the Philippines - Manila Standard Today, the Philippines

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