July 1, 2025
2025 Scholars’ Camp uplifts and inspires anew
By Joy Rojas
True to its theme, “Shine A Light, Let Dreams Take Flight,” the 2025 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp lifted the hopes and spirits of the 114 scholars from seven Tzu Chi chapters in the Philippines who attended the June 27 to 29 event at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Organized for scholars by scholars, the camp promoted the timeless teachings of Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen in activities that encouraged participation, teamwork, and openness among the 7 participants from Pampanga, 17 from Bicol, 8 from Cebu, 16 from Iloilo, 13 from Davao, 14 from Zamboanga, and 39 from the National Capital Region.
Divided into 16 groups, the scholars reviewed the basics of Tzu Chi etiquette from volunteers Mayee Lim and Lino Sy, prepared vegetarian menudo in a cooking class led by volunteer Wilfredo Ortiz Jr., and learned about key areas of the BTCC campus through exciting Amazing Race-style challenges.
Darwin Soriano’s talk on “Mapping Career Destinations and Navigating Life After College” inspired the impressionable audience to work hard and dream big, while talks on self-expression and mental well-being delivered by Pong Tee and Dr. Roni Motilla saw scholars get in touch with their innermost thoughts and feelings.
“I learned a lot, especially from the talks,” says Shane Marie Manumbre, a 20-year-old scholar taking her Bachelor of Science in Community Development from Iloilo Science and Technology University. “The talks really resonated with me. I still don’t know a lot about the world.”
No scholars’ camp is complete without two activities that have become a hit among the young participants each year. Former Tzu Chi scholar Albert Briongos yet again touched scholars with his earnest discussion on filial piety. Amidst the candle-lit setting of “Starry, Starry Night,” scholars poured their hearts out as they revealed their hopes and dreams for themselves and their families.
“It’s my most favorite part of the camp,” says Shayne Marie Mañalac, a 20-year-old from Zamboanga taking her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Western Mindanao State University. “I shared thoughts that I had been keeping for a very long time, and couldn’t help but get emotional. But after that, I felt so much lighter. The weight on my chest disappeared. I was able to let go of everything and release it to the world.”
Harold Llorca, a 22-year-old broadcasting major from Bicol State University, also considers the intimate gathering of scholars the best part of the camp. “We feel that we are vulnerable, recognized, and empathized with,” he says. “It feels good to be honest with yourself. Not everything we see on the outside expresses our true feelings. We’re all going through trials. [Starry, Starry Night] was a way of showing others who we really are.”
For these out-of-towners, spending three days in the company of fellow scholars and supportive volunteers was also a welcome reprieve from the struggles back home.
Manumbre, whose mother is a community healthcare worker and laundry woman, has walked to and from the main road and her home in the Municipality of Janiuay, Iloilo, since childhood. The route not only takes hours on foot to cover, it requires crossing two rivers.
The fourth of six siblings, Llorca juggles schoolwork with extra-curricular activities and a job as a call center agent. Despite his full plate, he considers these non-academic pursuits his coping mechanism and is able to maintain his dean’s list status.
Mañalac relies on her stepfather’s work as a tricycle driver and her homemaker mother’s ability to budget modest earnings to provide for a family of six.
Through Tzu Chi’s kindness and generosity, these youths can now reach for the stars—and give back to a foundation that wants nothing but to see them and other scholars succeed.
Says Manumbre, who overcame her shyness and wants to be a social worker: “I’m so grateful to Tzu Chi because it shaped who I am today as a scholar. I promise to give back when I’m finally able to. The help you gave me is beyond financial. It made me grow as a person.”
Llorca is looking to gain broadcasting experience so he can one day apply them in Tzu Chi USA. “I want to expand my knowledge and abilities so I can tell the world all about Tzu Chi.”
Mañalac, who credits monthly Humanity classes for teaching her to appreciate, love, and value herself and her parents, says her dream “is to give my mother the universe. She deserves it. She’s the most selfless person I know.”
She also plans to keep her ties with the foundation. “Even after my graduation or after I become a professional,” says a weepy Mañalac, “my connection with Tzu Chi will not end.”
Tzu Chi scholars from Pampanga, Bicol, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga, and the National Capital Region participated in the 2025 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp.
This year’s camp heads, Aaron Kyle Genares (seated, fourth from left) and Cristine Mae Udarbe (standing, second from right) pose with the rest of the camp’s scholar-organizers.
Day One of the camp began with a visit to Bahay Tsinoy, Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life, in Intramuros, Manila.
A scholar takes a photo of a life-size diorama of the earliest Chinese entrepreneurs in the Philippines.
Scholars admire the porcelain ware brought into the country by the Chinese through Spain’s Galleon Trade.
Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So poses next to a section in Bahay Tsinoy that recognizes the Tzu Chi Foundation’s contributions in Filipino society.
Back at the Tzu Chi campus, scholars are taught hand gestures that reflect Tzu Chi culture and principles.
Tzu Chi volunteer Mayee Lim (left) guides a scholar in the proper placement of a lunch kit bowl, chopsticks, and glass.
In a segment on Tzu Chi alumni, (from left) Shekinah Salazar, Johniel Tuando, Jamil Carvajal, Jhoy Sarmiento, and Mark Vincent Dayang share lessons from the foundation that continue to influence their lives.
Dr. Roni Motilla engages his young audience with his talk, “Ground Check: Self-Awareness as Windows to Growth.”
In “Starry, Starry Night,” scholars get to know each other better in an intimate exchange of thoughts and feelings over a candle-lit setting.
Day Two began early with a short but invigorating run around the Tzu Chi campus.
A camp tour becomes more lively when games are involved. At the Abode, scholars are challenged to keep a Jenga tower from toppling.
This game by the Lotus Pond requires scholars to pour water into cups without spilling.
The replica of Master Cheng Yen’s wooden cabin serves as a backdrop for scholars to pass a coin can to their teammates without dropping it.
Scholars list down the many recycled and upcycled features of the Tzu Chi café.
A scholar whispers an aphorism from Master Cheng Yen to a fellow scholar in a game held at the Jing Si Auditorium.
Darwin Soriano gives an aspirational talk on “Mapping Career Destinations and Navigating Life After College.”
Following volunteer Wilfredo Ortiz Jr.’s instructions, scholars peel and chop ingredients for a vegetarian menudo.
Following volunteer Wilfredo Ortiz Jr.’s instructions, scholars peel and chop ingredients for a vegetarian menudo.
Following volunteer Wilfredo Ortiz Jr.’s instructions, scholars cook for a vegetarian menudo.
Following volunteer Wilfredo Ortiz Jr.’s instructions, scholars cook for a vegetarian menudo.
Following volunteer Wilfredo Ortiz Jr.’s instructions, scholars cook for a vegetarian menudo.
Scholars used creative ways to plate their vegetarian menudo.
Albert Briongos (right) comforts a scholar after his talk on filial piety brings her and other scholars to tears.
Scholars get a hug from a volunteer as they turn emotional writing a letter to their parents.
Scholars get a hug from a volunteer as they turn emotional writing a letter to their parents.
After dinner, scholar-organizers surprise June celebrants with their own birthday cake.
At the Jing Si Auditorium, Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So (second from left) gets birthday cakes from camp head Cristine Mae Udarbe, former Charity Department staffer Joseph Ian Manlulu, and Charity Department Social Welfare Officer Almalyn Dinampo.
Scholars drew on their talents for acting, singing, and dancing at the Thanksgiving Performance.
Scholars drew on their talents in acting, singing, and dancing at the Thanksgiving Performance.
Scholars drew on their talents in acting, singing, and dancing at the Thanksgiving Performance.
Tzu Chi volunteers get up from their seats and join the fun!
Another speaker that scholars look forward to is Pong Tee, who advised them on “How to Communicate Thoughts and Feelings Effectively” on Day 3 of the camp.
Tzu Chi volunteers Cherrie Rose Ang (left) and Nicolle Uy explain the fun and fulfilling side of volunteerism.
After writing their vows on their paper planes, scholars place them on a symbolic runway.
After writing their vows on their paper planes, scholars place them on a symbolic runway.
These planes carrying scholars’ vows are ready to take flight!
After a ceremonial graduation ceremony, scholars recite the Alumni Pledge.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez announces cash incentives for graduates with Latin honors. The 28 scholars who graduate cum laude will each receive P3,000, while the 32 who finish magna cum laude will each receive P5,000.
Self-described introvert Shane Marie Manumbre learned to open up when she interacted with her fellow scholars. “I feel that I won’t be judged because they understand my story,” says the 20-year-old taking her Bachelor of Science in Community Development at Iloilo Science and Technology University.
“I now appreciate myself more, love myself more, and know my worth,” says Shayne Marie Mañalac, a 20-year-old from Zamboanga taking her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Western Mindanao State University.
Harold Llorca, a 22-year-old broadcasting major from Bicol State University, would like to work for Tzu Chi USA one day, “so I can tell the world all about Tzu Chi.”
Camp Head Cristine Mae Udarbe takes the lead in the lively song and dance “Pulling the Ox Cart.”