March 5, 2026
Tzu Chi’s Lantern Festival brings longtime and new partners together
By Joy Rojas
Following a well-attended Year End Blessing on February 22, Tzu Chi Foundation capped the Lunar New Year with a Lantern Festival on March 3 at the Jing Si Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Celebrated during a full moon, the Lantern Festival signifies the end of Chinese New Year and the start of spring. Lanterns are said to light the way to new beginnings; they also symbolize hope, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.
Over a vegetarian buffet dinner, special guests that included longtime partners of Tzu Chi’s missions of charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture, spent the evening rekindling ties with old friends and forging new ones with first-timers to the foundation’s sprawling campus.
Among them was Mayor Richard V. Inciong of Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, who was amazed at the sheer size of BTCC, and the even bigger hearts of the people who run it.
“I saw the kindness of the group of volunteers who ask for nothing in return,” said the mayor, who met Tzu Chi through a team of volunteers conducting a site inspection of his area for a forthcoming medical mission. “They take care of their own expenses when they visit different provinces to help. I was so amazed by the members of the Tzu Chi Foundation, I told myself, ‘I wish to be a part of it.’ It would be a great honor for me to be part of your foundation.”
William Lim Jr., president of Anvil Business Club, an organization of young Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs and professionals, reaffirmed the group’s support for Tzu Chi. In the last two years, its members were among the thousands who advocated for education by participating in the foundation’s charity run for scholars.
“We as a club deeply admire Tzu Chi's unwavering commitment to service, done quietly, consistently, and with utmost sincerity,” said Lim. “Your work in education, humanitarian relief, and community building resonates very strongly with us as an organization. It reminds us that leadership is not only measured by growth or achievement, but also by the impact that we create in the lives of others.”
Years may have passed, but those who experienced Tzu Chi’s sincerity and generosity firsthand will always remember and remain grateful.
Hon. Arthur C. Yap, then congressman of Bohol in 2013, recalls that the first responders to two major disasters—a magnitude 7.2 quake in October and Super Typhoon Yolanda a month later—weren’t from government; they were from Tzu Chi. Eight years later, as governor of Bohol, he witnessed the same thing after torrential rains from Typhoon Odette left his province in a state of calamity: Tzu Chi volunteers were first at the scene, ready to assist with compassion and relief.
Honored by Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez’s invitation to the Lantern Festival, he said “When I come here, it is my way of saying thank you so much for all the help you have given our province of Bohol.”
Dr. Cecilio Pedro, immediate past president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (FFCCCII), likewise responded favorably to Tzu Chi’s invite. On numerous occasions, FFCCCII and Tzu Chi worked together towards the common goal of alleviating suffering. During the pandemic, the FFCCCII imported COVID-19 vaccines, which the volunteer doctors of Tzu Chi International Medical Association administered in an organized vaccination rollout at BTCC.
“Your foundation and ours have the same purpose, which is to help the community,” he said. “We believe that there should be more people extending help, especially at this time when there are so many challenges. If you have the time and resources, come and extend help to our fellow Filipinos and Chinese Filipinos.”
With the past behind us and a world of endless possibilities ahead, helping those in need is a meaningful way to making a fresh start in life.
Preparations for the Lantern Festival dinner began early with volunteers putting ingredients together for a vegetarian buffet.
Tables at the Harmony Hall were used for food preparations.
Tzu Chi’s vegetarian dishes never disappoint.
Skewered fresh fruits are refreshing to the palate.
Even non-vegetarian guests savored Tzu Chi’s wide selection of plant-based dishes.
Special guests at the Lantern Festival included Tzu Chi’s longtime and new partners.
Volunteers surprise Rosalind Wee (in pink jacket) with a cake and cheers for her birthday.
Mayor Richard V. Inciong of Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, could not hide his amazement at the size of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus and the kindness of the volunteers. “I told myself, ‘I wish to be a part of it.’ It would be a great honor for me to be part of your foundation.”
Dr. Cecilio Pedro (left) smiles for the camera with Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez. “Your foundation and ours have the same purpose, which is to help the community,” said Dr. Pedro, immediate past president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Inc.
Hon. Arthur Yap recalls how Tzu Chi volunteers were the first responders to a string of calamities in his province of Bohol. In 2013, Bohol was hit by a magnitude 7.2 quake and Super Typhoon Yolanda; in 2021, millions were displaced following the destructive floods of Typhoon Odette.
Anvil Business Club President William Lim Jr. praises Tzu Chi for tirelessly extending compassion and relief “quietly, consistently, and with utmost sincerity.”
Having witnessed the dedication of Tzu Chi’s volunteer doctors during 2025’s medical mission in Zamboanga, Hanson Tan explained the importance of having a Tzu Chi hospital “to serve as a base where we can reach out to more people.”
The Federation of Electrical and Electronics Suppliers Manufacturers of the Philippines (PESA) was among those who signified their support for Tzu Chi’s plan to build a hospital. “Tzu Chi has given me the impression of genuine compassion and selfless service in helping those in need,” said PESA President Johan Chua.
Taiwanese volunteer Tsai Ming Mo thanked Tzu Chi’s longtime partners for their support. “Because of you, we have been able to perform good deeds,” he said.
Lorraine Tan recognizes Tzu Chi’s role in helping the poor overcome disasters, illness, and poverty. “We in the Philippines cannot be without Tzu Chi,” she said. “Tzu Chi is a great blessing for everyone.”
A guest receives an angpao (red envelope) from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
Tzu Chi volunteers interpret the song "Gratitude, Respect, Love” with graceful sign language.
Immense gratitude from both volunteers and their guests was felt all throughout the evening.