December 15, 2025
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines marks year-end thanksgiving
By Thania Florendo
Cheers, laughter, and moments of gratitude filled the Jing Si Hall of the Tzu Chi Foundation in Agno, Quezon City, as Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines gathered students, families, and teachers for its year-end thanksgiving celebration on December 12–13, 2025. The two-day program honored the children’s growth while highlighting the preschool’s values of kindness, courage, and shared responsibility.
The celebration brought together toddlers, nursery, and pre-kindergarten students with their families for a joyful program of performances, creative projects, and hands-on activities rooted in the spirit of sharing. Inspired by The Nutcracker, the theme reflected kindness and courage, while a candy-themed setup highlighted the sweetness of childhood and environmental awareness through crafts made from recycled materials.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy opened the program by warmly welcoming everyone and emphasizing that the thanksgiving celebration was a reflection of joy and compassion nurtured over weeks of preparation. She expressed sincere gratitude to parents and teachers whose guidance and support made the occasion meaningful for the children.
The program featured a red carpet parade, where students showcased their fairy and Nutcracker-inspired costumes. It was followed by a lively welcome and dance performances by the students who bravely overcame stage fright as proud parents cheered and applauded each milestone.
Teacher Ara Monterola, a Tzu Chi learning support assistant, said the event is one of the biggest celebrations of the school year. “The crafts were made from recycled materials, showing that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand,” she shared.
“It’s heartwarming to see children and families take photos in front of the displays, appreciating the effort and creativity put in by the teachers.”
Beyond the stage, families participated in wreath-making for nursery students and Nutcracker projects for pre-kindergarten learners. These activities provided opportunities for artistic expression while fostering family bonding and environmental consciousness.
For parents Ira and Harvey Tan, the celebration was a milestone. “We’re really enjoying ourselves because we’re both children at heart. It’s the first time we’ve seen Sav perform on stage, and it’s a very proud moment for us,” they shared.
They also appreciated Tzu Chi’s approach to education, teaching children kindness, responsibility, compassion, and love, while encouraging awareness of social responsibility through donation drives and lessons about helping those affected by calamities.
The program concluded with the awarding of contest winners and recognition of families who actively participated in their children’s learning journey. It ended with a shared meal, as families reflected on the year and created lasting memories together.
More than a year-end celebration, the thanksgiving program reminded everyone to pause, appreciate life’s blessings, and treasure childhood while cultivating gratitude, kindness, and compassion—the values Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines nurtures in every young learner.
Families who supported their children filled Jing Si Hall to watch a series of their children’s performances.
The Tan family poses at the Nutcracker-themed stage, showing they are kids at heart as they enjoy their daughter’s learning journey.
Handcrafted designs by pre-kindergarten and nursery students were displayed, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Handcrafted designs by pre-kindergarten and nursery students were displayed, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Wreaths created by nursery students were hung around the hall, showcasing their hard work and creativity.
Nutcrackers made by pre-kindergarten students were displayed along the red carpet aisle, complementing the Nutcracker-themed party.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy opened the event by welcoming the parents, expressing appreciation to everyone who helped make the celebration possible, and building excitement for the students’ upcoming performances.
Teachers guided and prepared the nursery students to build confidence before they paraded on the red carpet.
Nursery students dressed in Nutcracker costumes paraded on the red carpet with confidence.
Nursery students dressed in Nutcracker costumes paraded on the red carpet with confidence.
Pre-kindergarten students waved and smiled as they paraded along the red carpet.
Pre-kindergarten students waved and smiled as they paraded along the red carpet.
Children lit up the room with their adorable headbands, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Children lit up the room with their adorable headbands, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Chinese Teacher Beniliza Polican walked alongside the nursery student to guide and build their confidence.
Families shared their “secret recipes” for the glue that keeps them together, writing down what they believe is the key to a happy family.
The Cochan family shared that being straightforward and efficient in guiding their child helps instill discipline.
Parents beamed with pride as they watched and recorded their children’s adorable performances.
Nursery students performed the “March of the Christmas Nutcrackers,” winning the admiration of parents for bravely overcoming their stage fright during their first performance.
Pre-kindergarten students confidently performed “This Little Light of Mine,” bringing even more energy and joy to the celebration.
Parents eagerly showcased their enthusiasm and competitive spirit in the newspaper dance game.
Parents carried their children so they could stand on folded newspapers. It created moments of laughter and fun for everyone.
Parents carried their children so they could stand on folded newspapers. It created moments of laughter and fun for everyone
Teachers awarded prizes to the children who won during the “Bring Me” game.
The Siy family poses for a photo together with the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines faculty members as they receive an award.
The Cochan family posed for a photo as they received an award for the Nutcracker-making activity.
The Kaw family took home two awards: the Crowd Darling Award and the first prize in the wreath-making contest.
The Echeche family posed for a photo as their son, Cassidy, received his award.
Irish Echeche, mother of a pre-kindergarten student who won an award for Nutcracker making, shared her family’s experience in creating the Nutcracker.
Ara Monterola proudly posed with the crafty props and set design she helped create. The props are all made from recycled materials.
All the families, together with the Tzu Chi Great Love faculty, gather for a photo to conclude the year-end thanksgiving celebration.