October 14, 2026
From walking to eating and grooming, scholars learn Tzu Chi etiquette
By Joy Rojas
By the time Tzu Chi scholars graduate, the etiquette instilled in them by volunteers—simple guidelines for navigating everyday life—would be second nature. More than a sign of discipline and refinement, Tzu Chi etiquette shows kindness and consideration for others, and contributes to peaceful and harmonious surroundings.
“The first step in becoming a good person is to learn proper etiquette,” said Dharma Master Cheng Yen. “Only when we know proper etiquette will we truly be able to express our goodness.”
At Tzu Chi’s third Humanities class on October 11 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, volunteers Mayee Lee and Kinlon Fan schooled 553 scholars from the National Capital Region and chapters in Pampanga, Bicol, Palo, Iloilo, Davao, and Zamboanga on the Tzu Chi way of carrying themselves. The lecture and demonstration covered rules in dining, walking, grooming, and bowing Tzu Chi style.
The goal, reminded Fan, isn’t so much perfection—it’s permanence.
Many Tzu Chi scholar alumni have proven it. Mark Nestor Salazar, a BS Manufacturing Engineering graduate from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and a Tzu Chi scholar from 2022 to 2025, credits the foundation for teaching him politeness and punctuality, habits that serve him well as a supply chain analyst of supermarket chain Puregold.
As for Daniella Dian Sumran, the BS Business Administration major in Office Management graduate from West Visayas State University in Iloilo City, and a Tzu Chi scholar from 2023 to 2025, never fails to greet those around her with what is known as “Tzu Chi makeup”—a smile.
Before the discussion on etiquette, scholars listened to an inspirational talk given by Tzu Chi scholar alumnae and Charity Department social worker Daniella Macogue, then tried the relaxing techniques provided by Dr. Tony Fernando for his lecture “How to Chill: Practical Ways to Manage Stress and Find Calm.”
At the third Humanities Class on October 11, Tzu Chi volunteers Mayee Lee (foreground) and Kinlon Fan (background) led a lecture and demonstration of Tzu Chi etiquette. The class was held at the Jing Si Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, and live-streamed to Tzu Chi chapters in Pampanga, Bicol, Palo, Iloilo, Davao, and Zamboanga.
In Tzu Chi Zamboanga, all 62 of its scholars attended Humanities class.
In Tzu Chi Davao, 42 scholars try a calming meditation led by guest speaker Dr. Tony Fernando.
In Tzu Chi Palo, Leyte, 31 scholars watch the Humanities class live-streamed from Manila.
In Tzu Chi Pampanga, Tzu Chi volunteer Pansy Ho guides 32 scholars in making the hand sign for “Amituofo,” a Buddhist greeting that translates to “infinite light.”
In Tzu Chi Bicol, 16 scholars sit with their eyes closed during a guided meditation.
Sixteen scholars attended the Humanities class lived-streamed in Tzu Chi Iloilo.
Tzu Chi volunteers Mayee Lee (standing) and Kinlon Fan demonstrate Tzu Chi style dining.
Scholars and volunteers show the proper way to carry a lunch kit.
Tzu Chi volunteer Joy Gatdula joins scholars in using chopsticks.
Following her inspirational talk, Tzu Chi scholar alumnae and former Charity Department social worker Daniella Macogue (right) receives a token of appreciation from Tzu Chi Charity Department Head Mine Heart Tantoy.
Guest speaker Dr. Tony Fernando provides scholars with simple techniques to handling stress.
Scholars celebrating their birthday in October receive gifts distributed by Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Cheng (center).
Cash incentives were presented to the latest batch of scholars who graduated magna cum laude and summa cum laude.
At the Jing Si Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, guest speaker Dr. Tony Fernando (center) requests for a selfie with the 354 scholars in attendance.
Former Department of Communications staffer Matt Adrian Serrano helps in the collection of donations.
Tzu Chi volunteer Cherrie Rose Ang provides a member of Tzu Chi Youth with a mic during a Q&A portion.
Tzu Chi scholar alumnus Mark Nestor Salazar credits Tzu Chi for training him to be polite and punctual.
Tzu Chi scholar alumnae Daniella Dian Simran (center) uses “Tzu Chi makeup”—a big smile—when she receives her cash incentive from Tzu Chi Charity Department Head Mine Heart Tantoy (left) and Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Cheng (right) for graduating magna cum laude.