September 1, 2025
Families and friends support “A Taste of Goodness”
By Joy Rojas
In support of Tzu Chi Philippines’ plans to build a Tzu Chi General Hospital, families and friends spent the weekend of August 30 and 31 enjoying sumptuous plant-based fare at Tzu Chi’s vegetarian fundraising event “A Taste of Goodness” at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Despite the rains, guests arrived at all hours to explore and partake of the bazaar’s exciting offerings from over 70 sellers: savory and sweet treats at the plaza, more food and dry goods at the Harmony Hall, and baked goods, pre-loved clothing, massage chairs, and various personal and gift items at the Unity Hall.
Donations were also made through “Ring for Love,” the striking of a gong on the plaza stage. With every hit of the gong, a guest made a P100 donation.
According to committee head Pue Chin Lee Chua, the vegetarian fundraising event coincides with the seventh lunar month, or the Ghost Month, which runs this year from August 23 to September 21.
“Because of this auspicious event, we are donating to the hospital to save the sick and to bless us,” she says. “We would like to thank all of our volunteers and our team. It is all thanks to everyone's contribution and cooperation that we are able to hold this event in such a grand manner.”
For Lennert Klasfauseweh, the event was a vegetarian’s dream. A German national studying Chinese at Tzu Chi University in Tawain, he relished meat-free versions of Filipino arroz caldo and palabok, Chinese dumplings, and a banana shake with the superfood spirulina.
“When I came here, I really wanted to try Philippine cuisine, and every Filipino I asked said, ‘Oh, you can't because everything here has meat in it, there's no vegetarian options at all,’” says the 22-year-old who has been a vegetarian since he was 14. “But it's my second day in the Philippines, and I have already tried a lot of Filipino cuisine and vegetarian cuisines.”
Still, even non-vegetarians were happy to dine on plant-based food choices, especially when it’s attached to a good cause.
“We’re fans of Tzu Chi,” says Annie Cruz, who came with her fellow choir members and their families from Christ the King Church in Greenmeadows, Quezon City. “We believe in your projects and love how you help Filipinos. There’s love and compassion in your community. We will always to our best to support you by bringing friends to support you in your missions.”
Day One of the vegetarian fundraising event “A Taste of Goodness” began with a prayer led by Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez and Ambassador Francis Chua, philanthropist and chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (front row, third and fourth from left).
Volunteers spend a few moments of silence before the official start of “A Taste of Goodness.”
“It is all thanks to everyone's contribution and cooperation that we are able to hold this event in such a grand manner,” says Pue Chin Lee Chua, committee head of “A Taste of Goodness.”
Youth drummers perform a lively number to kick off the event.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez leads “Ring for Love,” where each strike of the gong is equivalent to a P100 donation for the Tzu Chi Medical Center.
Tzu Chi Philippines’ first CEO Linda Chua strikes the gong in “Ring for Love.”
Tzu Chi staffers from different departments line up for their turn to strike the gong.
At the plaza, families and friends came in all hours to enjoy servings of vegetarian fare.
Volunteers prepare savory Chinese dumplings.
A volunteer lifts the lid off a pan of fried vegetarian bun.
Vegetarian barbecue is made more delectable with a brushing of marinade sauce.
Tzu Chi kitchen head Sally Yuñez holds up a plate of palabok, a popular Filipino noodle dish whose vegetarian version includes tofu, kelp, veggie meat, vegetarian fish sauce, spices, and an egg for non-vegans.
Hearty soups with vegetables, noodles, and meat alternatives are perfect for the event’s rainy weather.
Vivian Chua holds up a braised platter of appetizers that included peanuts, veggie meat, tofu, mushroom, and egg.
Vegetarian versions of ground meat and spaghetti are just as delicious and filling.
Buddhist monks check out the various vegetarian options at the plaza.
Tzu Chi volunteers Pansy Ho and Pue Chin Lee Chua (standing) welcome the ladies from the Philippine Academy of Sakya Alumni Association.
Inside Unity Hall, the bakery staff display fancy breads and other baked goods for sale.
A wide variety of fresh fruits were available at Harmony Hall.
Tzu Chi’s Waste to Wonder recycling initiative features seat covers, floor mats, and containers woven from excess sports socks.
Customers go over a wide assortment of vegetarian ingredients at the Harmony Hall.
A young boy and Tzu Chi scholar watch as a volunteer prepares a bowl of oden, a soup loaded with ingredients.
Students from Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines make the rounds selling their sweet treats.
Better Snacks’ vacuum-cooked real fruits and vegetables are a healthier and tastier alternative to processed chips.
In his second day in the Philippines, Lennert Klasfauseweh (in glasses) was able to savor meat-free versions of palabok, arroz caldo, and Chinese dumplings. The 22-year-old German studying Chinese at Tzu Chi University in Taiwan has been a vegetarian since he was 14.
Annie Cruz (fifth from left) came with her fellow choir members and their families from Christ the King Church in Greenmeadows, Quezon City. “We believe in your projects and love how you help Filipinos. There’s love and compassion in your community,” she says.
The two-day “A Taste of Goodness” ends with happy and fulfilled volunteers.