December 9, 2025
They shopped for gifts—and helped build Tzu Chi’s general hospital
By Joy Rojas
They could have gone to the mall, like most people do when they shop for Christmas presents. Instead, Sonny Chua, Arlene Sy, Christian and Marvie Duñgo, and many others opted to drop by a bazaar organized by the Tzu Chi Foundation on December 7 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The event, which housed pre-loved items at BTCC’s Harmony Hall, and brand-new gift ideas, unique home décor, dry goods, and freshly cooked vegetarian dishes at the Unity Hall, were not only reasonably priced; each purchase meant shoppers contributed to a greater cause. Proceeds from sales will fund the building of the highly anticipated Tzu Chi General Hospital, a modern medical facility within BTCC that will combine the world-class expertise of doctors from Tzu Chi International Medical Association with the foundation’s brand of compassionate care.
Sonny and Arlene needed little convincing when they saw the bazaar’s announcement on Tzu Chi’s Facebook page. “We’ve been seeing a lot of Tzu Chi’s charity work and every time there’s an event, we always come to support them,” said Arlene. “This is part of our way of helping, our willingness to assist, in our own little way. It’s our good deed, helping not only Filipinos but those overseas.”
For Sonny, who is from Legazpi City and part of Tzu Chi’s Bicol chapter, shopping allows him to give back to Tzu Chi, after volunteers helped his hometown recover following a destructive tropical cyclone. In 2006, Super Typhoon Reming (International name: Durian) took the lives of 3,000 locals and buried communities in mud from a then-active Mayon Volcano. Among the items he purchased were products made by Tzu Chi volunteers “so the people we give will know what Tzu Chi does,” he said.
Early birds Christian and Marvie Duñgo, who learned about the bazaar from Tzu Chi volunteer and family friend Virgie Yao, are also aware of Tzu Chi’s humanitarian efforts. “From people affected by the recent typhoon to [providing students with] scholarships and now raising funds for a hospital,” said Christian.
At a time when Filipinos are making their every centavo count, a hospital is a gift that keeps on giving: Every life saved benefits a family, which, in turn, impacts a community, and eventually, the country.
“Please keep doing what you’re doing. We will be here to support you,” said Christian.
“Keep up the good work,” added Arlene. “Through your activities and your invitations, we are able to help our Filipino communities.”
Sonny Chua and Arlene Sy show off the items they bought from the Tzu Chi bazaar. “We’ve been seeing a lot of Tzu Chi’s charity work and every time there’s an event, we always come to support them,” said Arlene.
Marvie and Christian Duñgo, who were among the first shoppers to arrive, purchased about 40 items from the bazaar. “We support Tzu Chi,” said Christian.
At the Unity Hall, volunteers arrange dry goods before shoppers arrive.
Volunteers carefully unload ceramic dinner ware from their boxes at Harmony Hall.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng entertains a shopper interested in a Christmas tree made from strips of upcycled denim.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines’ first CEO Linda Chua mans the table selling fruit jams and other vegetarian treats.
Sneakers—from cushiony slip-ons to those with laces—are a hit among shoppers.
Ladies will appreciate the delicate handiwork and inspiring messages of these wallets.
Bag charms come in all forms and colors.
Home accents in bright red and gold brighten up any corner.
Residents of Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Palo, Leyte, created these cute Christmas trees using strips of denim and cloth.
Nice to give and receive: a pretty tea set in a wooden case.
For the family member or friend who likes to host at home: wooden plate holders and servers.
Jams in a variety of fruit flavors
Shoppers liked the convenience and practicality of hand creams and fragrances in a box.
At the Unity Hall, guests took a break from shopping to dine on plant-based goodies like steamed dumpling and siopao (steamed buns).