April 20, 2026
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines celebrates Filial Piety Day with heartfelt tributes
By Thania Florendo
“Those who sow the seeds of blessings shall harvest plentiful blessings.” – Dharma Master Cheng Yen
When parents entrust their children to a school that nurtures values, gratitude, and love, these seeds are often returned as blessings.
This was evident during the third Filial Piety Day celebration of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines, held on April 17 in Agno, Quezon City. Early in the morning, parents were pleasantly surprised as they were greeted by an unexpected opening video from their children. The heartfelt messages immediately moved many to tears, setting a deeply emotional tone for the rest of the program.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy welcomed the families and emphasized the purpose of the celebration, highlighting the school’s strong foundation in humanistic education and its commitment to character formation through experiential learning.
She noted that these efforts support the school’s goal of nurturing compassionate, value-driven, and academically excellent students.
“I hope we enjoy the program today. We’ve seen them grow in the past years. We’re so proud of them, and I hope you are also proud of them. We’ve also seen how the parents have grown and slowly inculcated the values within the family, especially through projects and programs,” Sy said.
The main event of the celebration was the traditional tea ceremony, where children carefully served tea to their parents under the guidance of teachers. Each sip carried meaning—the first expressing gratitude, the second often bringing parents to tears as children shared their joy of being their child, and the third, sealing the moment with blessings and a warm embrace.
The program also featured a song-and-dance performance titled “Blessed to Have You,” which drew warm applause from parents.
Parents later shared emotional testimonies on their children’s growth.
Marielle and Mark Yan, parents of Marcus, spoke of his transformation since joining the school.
“He has become very polite, to the point that other parents ask where he studies because he is well-behaved for a 4-year-old boy who is normally very unruly. He is very independent because he goes to the bathroom by himself. I can really see the difference. He also volunteers to help wash the dishes at home, and he never forgets to say ‘thank you’ to everyone,” they shared.
Meanwhile, Mingjian and Huanhuan Zhang, parents of Athena, shared their journey on moving from China to the Philippines and discovering the school, noting how it has become a meaningful part of their transition.
Mingjian also reflected on a conversation with other preschool parents about parenting sacrifices and what parents ultimately receive in return.
“Then Marcus’s dad said, ‘Love. We get love in return,’ and that’s quite correct. I agree—I really agree with that now. We do get a lot of love in return, and that seems like the goal. Love is a big part of the school, and we’re very glad to be here. It’s great.”
The program closed with a prayer led by the preschoolers, followed by heartfelt embraces, tearful smiles, and an outpouring of love across the room. In those shared moments between parents and children, the seeds of blessings had quietly begun to bear fruit.
Parents of the graduating pre-kindergarten students gathered early on April 17 to show support for their little ones’ milestone.
Parents were surprised as they watched video greetings from their children, expressing gratitude for even the simplest things.
Students, guided by their teachers, carefully served cups of tea to their parents.
With steady hands and careful steps, they carried the tea cups, hoping to please their parents.
The preschoolers’ appreciation for their parents was heartfelt.
In a humble gesture, the students bowed and knelt before their parents to express their gratitude.
In a humble gesture, the students bowed and knelt before their parents to express their gratitude.
The warm tea felt even warmer after the third sip, sealed with a hug.
After each tea ceremony session, parents took photos with their children, some shedding tears of joy.
It was a moment filled with appreciation, warmth, and love.
It was a moment filled with appreciation, warmth, and love.
Beaming with pride over their children’s growth, parents posed together in a heartfelt moment.
Photographs are a meaningful way to preserve a moment from their childhood that they will never forget.
The pre-kindergarten class delighted the audience with a song-and-dance performance titled “Blessed to Have You.”
A happy family pauses for a group photo, capturing a joyful moment during the event.
Marielle and Mark Yan, parents of Marcus, shared how independent and mature he has become, noting his thoughtful effort to serve them tea without spilling it.
Irish and Christian Echeche shared how the school has been a strong support for their son, Cassidy’s early development.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines teaches concepts through action, and Bryce, son of Ryan and Eric Cochan, has embodied these teachings wherever he goes.
Mingjian and Huanhuan Zhang, parents of Athena, said that despite their recent relocation from China to the Philippines, their child has adjusted well and enjoys going to school.
The preschoolers led the prayer for a peaceful and heartfelt closing of the program.
Closing the celebration, students and parents came together for a group photo, reflecting their shared journey of growth and their hopes for a stronger relationship and a brighter future ahead.