February 16, 2026
Chinese New Year came alive at Tzu Chi Preschool Kiddie Market
By Thania Florendo
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines, in Agno Street, Quezon City, turned lively and festive on February 13 as preschoolers marked Chinese New Year through a kiddie market organized for students and their families.
Parents gathered to watch song-and-dance performances prepared by the children, setting a cheerful tone for the celebration. Soon after, the halls transformed into a mini marketplace run entirely by the young learners.
Small bakery booths offered mini pizza and focaccia bread, while nearby stalls displayed ponkans, radish cakes, tea eggs, and tikoy. Other children served bowls of misua alongside drinks, and tables of cakes, balloons, and handmade crafts completed the fair-like atmosphere.
The students acted as vendors, handing goods to their parents and receiving coupon stubs in return—an interactive activity meant to introduce responsibility and cooperation.
“For us, it’s a unique experience seeing her sell and have fun with her friends,” said Chris Kwok, father of nursery student Lily Harper. “Watching her scoop the misua and serve us the bowl made the day memorable,” added Lily Harper’s mom, Kyra.
Jacqueline Tanganco, mother of Julia, also noted her daughter’s enthusiasm. She invited relatives to attend her performance and eagerly took part in selling food. “It’s fun seeing the kids perform and sell their products,” she said. “We even encouraged family and friends to come.”
Teacher Beniliza Polican explained that the activity allowed the children to prepare and sell goods themselves, from distributing items to collecting and cutting payment coupons. Beyond the festive elements, she emphasized the meaning behind the event.
“Chinese New Year is about reunion and family, but we also want them to remember helping others, even while celebrating. The children worked toward a shared goal of earning and donating for the rise of the Tzu Chi General Hospital,” she shared.
Seeing the students enjoy both the performances and the act of giving, she added, made the celebration meaningful for the school community.
The event concluded on a joyful note, with the lion dance and the giving of red envelopes leaving lasting memories for both children and parents. Through activities like these, the preschool continues to nurture cultural appreciation and compassion, teaching students to celebrate with both happiness and a spirit of generosity.
Cheerful decorations set the scene as parents and guardians arrived for the celebration.
Cheerful decorations set the scene as parents and guardians arrived for the celebration.
The celebration came alive as preschoolers presented their song-and-dance numbers.
The celebration came alive as preschoolers presented their song-and-dance numbers.
Assigned to different stalls, the children served as vendors in the kiddie market.
Assigned to different stalls, the children served as vendors in the kiddie market.
Assigned to different stalls, the children served as vendors in the kiddie market.
Ready and steady, the young vendors were ready to welcome customers.
Ready and steady, the young vendors were ready to welcome customers.
With guidance from their teachers, the children confidently carried out their roles.
The stalls showcased different handmade crafts created by the students.
The stalls showcased different handmade crafts created by the students.
The stalls showcased different handmade crafts created by the students.
Parents eagerly visited the stalls, selecting from the treats and crafts on display.
Parents eagerly visited the stalls, selecting from the treats and crafts on display.
Parents eagerly visited the stalls, selecting from the treats and crafts on display.
Parents Chris and Kyra Kwok shared that it was a unique experience watching their child Lily Harper sell items and enjoy time with friends.
Misua was in high demand, and the children efficiently handled each payment coupon.
The preschoolers confidently prepared the refreshments for their market.
The bracelets were a hit, with the young vendors efficiently managing sales together.
A festive lion dance captivated attendees as part of the Chinese New Year festivities.
A festive lion dance captivated attendees as part of the Chinese New Year festivities.
Parents and children joined in presenting red envelopes to the lion, a gesture of prosperity for the new year.
The faculty successfully hosted the event and extended warm wishes for a happy Chinese New Year.
To conclude the festivities, everyone gathered for a group photo to commemorate the celebration.