Juanchito Vega (施至德), Consultant

Juanchito Vega, or Mr. Sy as most people call him, is the president of the Kim Sha Temple (金沙寺) in downtown Manila. He was introduced to Ocean Sky through President Albert Tan and his wife Cindy who knew him from way back.

Together with Albert’s family, Mr. Sy was also one of Ocean Sky’s earliest lay followers, back when the Shifus consisted of monks. That early, he had been coming to the monastery to give support to the newly established Sangha.

A dutiful son, Mr. Sy took care of his mother, who was bedridden for many years. Three years ago, when his mother was on her deathbed, he requested former Abbess Jianyong to transmit the Three Refuges to her.

Mr. Sy has traveled to Taiwan to see Chung Tai and has marveled at the magnificence and solemnity of both the monastery itself and its compassionate Sangha. He also came and took part in the important proceedings during the turnover ceremony for the new Abbess Master Jianshu. He has only good things to say about Ocean Sky, and would praise the able and compassionate Shifus for their wisdom.