Beneath the Manila sun, do you see the serene figure? It is Confucius.
The Confucius Statue stands here in Rizal Park. This statue honors him as one of Asia’s greatest teachers. But who was Confucius? Why does he stand here in Manila?
Confucius was born in 551 B.C. He came from a noble but poor family. He became a philosopher and teacher. His teachings greatly influenced Chinese and Korean culture. Though he wrote nothing himself his ideas shaped society. These ideas covered family structure and government.
Confucius’s teachings weren’t about religion. He didn’t discuss creation or the afterlife. Instead, his ideas focused on societal roles. Family was key. Government was important. Ancestor reverence was part of his beliefs. These lacked religious content. They centered on societal organization.
The Anvil Business Club of Manila sponsored this Confucius Statue. They dedicated it in 2009. The club erected it to honor Confucius as a teacher. It also honors all teachers. It stands in the Chinese Garden of Rizal Park. This park is in downtown Manila.
The Anvil Business Club officers and members donated the monument. They did so on behalf of all students and learners. They wanted to pay homage to Confucius. They sought to inspire all to live with virtue. They wished all to live in harmony with the “Will of Heaven.”
The dedication took place on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. That was January 26, 2009. Eduardo Cobankiat led the Anvil Business Club then. They had trouble finding a site. Tourism Secretary Ace Durano helped. Former President Fidel V. Ramos was a guest of honor. Singaporean Ambassador A. Selverajab attended too. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan was there. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim also attended.
Considered one of the world’s greatest teachers, Confucius was born on September 28, 551 B.C. He died in 479 B.C.
So, as you stand before the Confucius Statue remember the values it represents. Remember the dedication of teachers and mentors. Consider how to live with virtue. Think about living in harmony with the Will of Heaven. The Confucius Statue stands as a symbol of these ideals in the heart of Manila.