November 12, 2025
Tzu Chi Scholars Join Fiesta Verde as First-Time Exhibitors
By Thania Florendo
Hope and creativity emerged in the vibrant celebration of Fiesta Verde 2025 on November 8-9 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila. For the first time, Tzu Chi scholars joined the festivities not just as guests or volunteers but as exhibitors.
Their booth, named “Crafts by Scholars,” brimmed with colors and creativity of products that reflect a quiet story of patience, teamwork, and purpose. With hearts eager to give back to the foundation, they filled their own booth with handmade creations to help raise funds for the Tzu Chi General Hospital. They featured crocheted flowers, fuzzy wire Christmas trees, beaded and personalized keychains, and more.
“Fiesta Verde is an opportunity to give back and an avenue to showcase our talent and potential,” said Tzu Chi scholar Patrick John Bautista, a mechanical engineering student from the Technological Institute of the Philippines.
The preparations were challenging for the scholars as they come from different schools with different schedules. It was their determination that fueled them to build everything from the ground up: drafting paperwork, learning to crochet, and setting up the booth. They made adjustments to their mismatched schedules to balance schoolwork with event preparations.
“We would take materials home to finish after class,” Patrick shared. Yet amid the exhaustion, a quiet trust grew, leaning towards one another for cooperation and selflessness.
When the fair opened, the scholars greeted shoppers with nervous smiles that soon turned to feelings of pride as their colorful booth drew attention and praise. The head-turner booth attracted shoppers, who admired their handiwork and took home a piece of handmade hope. By the end of the first day, they earned more than their expected sales.
“We were nervous at first because it’s our first time, but we stuck with our designations and found our rhythm. The overall experience boosted our confidence. We’re really proud to help build the Tzu Chi General Hospital, knowing it will soon care for more people in need,” said Tzu Chi scholar Heart Baquilar from the Philippine Normal University, taking her degree in early childhood education.
Throughout the two-day fair, growth and confidence bloomed among the scholars. The event taught the scholars that giving back doesn’t have to be grand. It just needs to come from the sincerity of the heart.
The event ended on a rainy afternoon, but the scholars left with a renewed purpose. They have high hopes that more Tzu Chi scholars will join future events, knowing that it was an experience that went far beyond earnings. It was a heartfelt lesson in service and gratitude– a reminder that giving back doesn’t need grandeur, only genuine effort and sincerity.
In their first time to participate in Fiesta Verde as exhibitors, scholars handmade all their wares using crochet and fuzzy wire.
Curious shoppers flock around the scholars’ area and choose beads for their personalized bracelets.
Tzu Chi scholars proudly pose beside their creative booth at Fiesta Verde 2025.
A proud and joyful photo reflects teamwork and success after weeks of preparation for Fiesta Verde 2025.
Crocheted flower pots at Fiesta Verde 2025 carry the heartfelt messages from Tzu Chi scholars.