October 13, 2026
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines celebrates United Nations Day
By Thania Florendo
A world of cultures came alive at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, as preschoolers from Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines celebrated United Nations Day on October 9, embracing the traditions, food, and heritage of five countries.
The celebration honored the spirit of unity while teaching young learners to appreciate the differences that make each culture unique.
“For this year's celebration, we focus on unity and honoring the uniqueness of everyone. We celebrate United Nations Day to honor the principles of respect, cultural appreciation, unity, and cooperation among nations,” Assistant Teacher Kate Peralta shared.
The program began with a parade of nations, where preschoolers proudly displayed the traditional costumes of the countries they represented. Teachers also staged a role play highlighting environmental protection and how small efforts can make a meaningful difference. Cultural dances added to the festive atmosphere before the children visited the different booths.
Decorated with displays made from recycled materials, each booth offered a glimpse into the country's cultural identity through food, crafts, and interactive activities.
Represented by the toddler class, India introduced learners to its rich traditions through colorful clothing, classical dance, and masala chai, a traditional spiced tea made with black tea, milk, and aromatic spices.
The kindergarten class brought Saudi Arabia to life through traditional clothing, including the thobe and abaya, alongside displays of camels and a mosque. The children also introduced visitors to hummus, a chickpea-based dip enjoyed across the Middle East.
The senior nursery class turned its Egyptian booth into an interactive adventure, featuring activities inspired by the country's history and geography. Children excavated small treasures and artifacts, raced boats along a model of the Nile River, and explored displays of the iconic pyramids. They also introduced shoreek, a traditional Egyptian sweet bread, giving visitors a taste of the country's food culture.
For Angelica Wang, mother of Jacobson from senior nursery, preparing for the celebration began as early as September, when families started dividing responsibilities and planning their booth, and they are very happy to be able to deliver it.
“Aside from what we want to present today, we also want to teach the children that recycling is important for the sustainability of our future,” she shared.
Another team of senior nursery students representing Mexico introduced children to maracas, percussion instruments commonly associated with Mexican music. Children made their own maracas and participated in activities featuring Mexican colors and animals.
Harold Lim, father of Gimm from senior nursery, helped lead the booth's entertainment and enjoyed seeing the children engage in the activities. “It was fun because our booth was interactive. We made sure the kids participated and enjoyed,” he shared.
The pre-kindergarten’s New Zealand booth highlighted the country's rich Māori culture through traditional woven crafts and music featuring haka performances. The displays also emphasized the country's connection to nature and its unique wildlife.
One featured symbol was the kiwi, a flightless bird native to New Zealand and a beloved national symbol. Through these displays, children gained a glimpse of the country's cultural heritage and natural wonders.
The celebration concluded with the announcement of the booth awards. Mexico received the Rising Nation Award, while New Zealand took home the Dawn of Nation Award. India placed second runner-up, Egypt was named first runner-up, and Saudi Arabia emerged as the champion. Beyond the competition, the celebration helped nurture the children's appreciation for diverse cultures and the value of living together in unity and harmony.
Tzu Chi Youth Alex Wu and Arabella Chong host the celebration in modern Filipiniana, he in a barong Tagalog, and she in a baro’t saya.
Directress Jane Sy opens the celebration, commending parents for guiding their children and creating meaningful cultural displays together.
Parents work together behind the scenes to prepare their cultural booths.
Parents work together behind the scenes to prepare their cultural booths.
Parents work together behind the scenes to prepare their cultural booths.
Parents are also dressed up in colorful traditional costumes and excitedly await the parade of nations.
Preschoolers steal the spotlight in their colorful traditional costumes.
Preschoolers steal the spotlight in their colorful traditional costumes.
Preschoolers steal the spotlight in their colorful traditional costumes.
Preschoolers steal the spotlight in their colorful traditional costumes.
Preschoolers steal the spotlight in their colorful traditional costumes.
A little reminder to make greener choices for a better tomorrow.
The junior nursery’s little representatives of India pose for a group photo after their parade.
The kindergarten’s little representatives proudly showcase Saudi Arabia!
The gods, goddesses, and pharaohs of senior nursery grace the stage as they represent Egypt in their stunning costumes.
Senior nursery brings Mexico to life with vibrant, festive costumes!
Pre-kindergarten learners showcase Māori-inspired costumes of New Zealand.
Preschool teachers deliver a powerful environmental message through a short role play, reminding everyone that small actions matter!
The celebration gets everyone on their feet for a fun and festive cultural dance!
The celebration gets everyone on their feet for a fun and festive cultural dance!
Saudi Arabia’s booth combines eco-friendly creativity with fun, sensory activities for the young learners to explore!
The kindergarten boys proudly wear thobes, a traditional garment worn in Arab countries.
The lively Mexican booth brings the country’s rich culture and colorful traditions to life!
Young learners explore Mexico’s wildlife and plant life through a fun, hands-on activity.
The learners make their own maracas using recycled plastic bottles.
Harold Lim (center ) embraces the Mexican theme as he joins his son Gimm in the game, aiming for extra points while enjoying the fun-filled activity.
Welcome to New Zealand’s booth, featuring nature-inspired displays and the kiwi, the country’s iconic national bird!
New Zealand’s booth offers young learners more ways to discover and appreciate nature.
Learners discover how to care for animals, recycle waste, and protect the environment.
Egypt’s booth draws eager learners with its engaging activities, cultural lessons, and delightful giveaways!
Josephine Uy explained that one of their activities carried a deeper lesson about the importance of water. “The Nile River has given so much to Egypt, and we want the children to know that water is an integral part of our lives. We also want them to learn to protect it,” she said.
Young learners enjoy a boat-racing activity inspired by Egypt’s famous Nile River.
Young explorers eagerly excavate hidden treasures and artifacts.
India’s booth radiates the vibrant colors of its national flag, reflecting the country’s rich culture and history.
Learners get a taste of India through a serving of masala chai.
Traditional Indian dance brings energy to the booth.
Mexico receives the Rising Nation Award for its festive showcase of Mexican culture.
Dawn of Promise Award goes to New Zealand for its creative approach to sustainability and caring for the planet!
India receives second runner-up for offering learners an engaging glimpse into its rich traditions and cultural identity.
Egypt earns first runner-up for its immersive cultural experience and thoughtfully crafted booth designs!
Saudi Arabia takes the championship for its resourceful booth design, turning recycled materials into creative and meaningful displays.
A well-deserved appreciation for the United Family Award recipients, whose teamwork and creativity brought the cultural booths to life!
Angelica Wang (with mic ) shares how she crafted her son Jacobson’s Egyptian costume, which won the Best Style Award.
The learners of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines pose together in their vibrant cultural costumes.
A shared celebration of culture and unity as the whole community of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines gathers to mark the successful conclusion of United Nations Day.