December 7, 2023
Empathy in Action: Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Bake Sale Fosters Learning and Giving
By Ben Baquilod
For the second consecutive year, the students, their families, teachers, and staff of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines gathered for a holiday bake sale on December 6 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Guided by their elders, the students actively participated in creating Belgian chocolate brownies and chocolate barks with flavors such as pistachio cranberry, ultimate matcha, and crunchy nutty dark chocolate.
Preschool Directress Jane Sy emphasized, “Today is more than just a bake sale. The students not only learned numeracy through measuring and counting but also developed interpersonal skills as they communicated with their teammates.”
Sy further explained that the bake sale served as a lesson in empathy and appreciation. The proceeds from the event would be donated to the scholarship fund of the Tzu Chi Foundation, supporting less fortunate children in their pursuit of education.
This meaningful cause resonated with husband-and-wife Eric and Lalaine Ong and their son Lance. Lalaine expressed, “That’s the greater purpose of this activity – to help less fortunate children access quality education.” The event also provided an opportunity for families to bond. Eric shared, “That’s my favorite part of this experience, just being with my son.”
Stephanie Uy had a similarly enjoyable experience with her son, Theo, who actively participated in mixing ingredients. She remarked, “He really enjoyed it.”
Tzu Chi has played a pivotal role in Theo's positive changes over the past months, according to Stephanie. "He has improved a lot. We see him always saying ‘thank you’ and expressing gratitude. I think it’s really the values of simplicity and gratitude that helped Theo a lot.”
Lalaine and Eric echoed these sentiments, noting the rapid academic and behavioral improvements in their son. Lalaine observed enhanced communication skills in Lance after just two months, while Eric witnessed his son becoming more independent and developing an attitude of respect and service.
“We’re very thankful for the opportunities they’re giving our kids,” said Eric.
Families, teachers, and students gather for the Tzu Chi Preschool holiday bake sale at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Preschool student Theo, guided by his parents, mixes ingredients in a bowl to make a chocolate bark. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Stephanie Uy praises Tzu Chi's positive influence on son Theo during the bake sale, noting, “We see him always saying ‘thank you’ and expressing gratitude. I think it’s really the values of simplicity and gratitude that helped Theo a lot.” 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Preschool student enjoys mixing ingredients for the pistachio cranberry chocolate bark during the bake sale. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Students enthusiastically participate in crafting delightful treats during the bake sale. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Students enthusiastically participate in crafting delightful treats during the bake sale.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The bake sale serves as a bonding experience for students and their families.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Students enthusiastically participate in crafting delightful treats during the bake sale.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The bake sale serves as a bonding experience for students and their families.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Eric and Lalaine Ong, along with their son Lance, find a greater purpose in the bake sale, aspiring to support underprivileged children's education while cherishing precious family bonding moments during the event.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Lance Ong is eagerly engaged in mixing ingredients for the pistachio cranberry chocolate bark.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Lance's progress in communication and independence, observed by parents Lalaine and Eric, highlights their gratitude for the opportunities provided by Tzu Chi Preschool. “Thank you to all the teachers for their patience,” says Eric.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Belgian chocolate brownies
Pistachio cranberry chocolate bark
Ultimate matcha chocolate bark
Crunchy nutty dark chocolate bark
Every purchase of the Preschool bake sale’s products directly supports the scholars of Tzu Chi Foundation.