May 18, 2026
Grateful hearts at Tzu Chi’s 3-in-1 celebration
By Delwiess Danda
What does it mean to give back to the people who once helped change your life?
For Anerson Hilvano, who was once a Tzu Chi scholar, and his mother, Luisa, the answer lies in gratitude and remembering the kindness they received from the Tzu Chi Foundation. During the 3-in-1 celebration of Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, the 60th founding anniversary of Tzu Chi worldwide, and the 32nd year of Tzu Chi in the Philippines on May 10, the mother and son shared how the organization became part of their journey through difficult times and how it continues to inspire their family today.
The celebration at the Jing Si Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, gathered people from all walks of life in a solemn yet enjoyable event that highlighted compassion and the essence of extending help to others.
This year’s Buddha Day celebration was Anerson’s second time attending the event. His first, which he attended alone, was held in Marikina in 2025. This year, he decided to bring his family so they could celebrate together, especially since it coincided with Mother's Day. Instead of celebrating outside, they chose to spend it at Tzu Chi, where Anerson knew his mother would be happiest and appreciated during the event, creating a meaningful family celebration centered on gratitude and togetherness.
According to Anerson, attending as a family was a fulfilling experience that brought them peace, comfort, and cleansing of souls.
In 2016, Anerson was in third year college at Universidad de Manila taking his bachelor’s degree in accountancy when his father, Glen, then a call center representative, was laid off, leaving him unemployed and unable to provide for his family. Neither could Luisa, his mother, who worked as an accounting clerk at the Philippine Public Safety line for almost 10 years. Earning P231 per day, she couldn’t cover the needs and expenses of their family, much less Anerson’s tuition fee. The Hilvanos also supported their grandmother, which added to their financial struggles.
When Glen learned about Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program through an acquaintance whose daughter is a Tzu Chi scholar, he approached the Charity Department staff of Tzu Chi and inquired on behalf of his son. He was immediately informed that volunteers would conduct a home visit to better understand their living conditions and assess if his son is qualified for the Educational Assistance Program. In a home visit to the Hilvanos’ residence, Tzu Chi volunteers noted its dilapidated condition, proof of their lack of resources.
For Anerson, the scholarship helped him with his transportation, allowances, and other expenses. But he was also able to share it with his sister Charlene, which eased the financial difficulties they were going through.
Anerson consistently attended scholars’ Humanity class every third Sunday of the month, wherein he learned values like discipline and the importance of helping others. After his class, he would excitedly share the activities and lessons he learned during the session to his parents, making them grateful to Tzu Chi for gradually shaping their son's character and perspective in life.
Luisa believes that Anerson grew into a kind and responsible son because of the values and guidance he received from Tzu Chi—the teachings on compassion, gratitude, discipline, and helping others greatly influenced him throughout his journey. Eventually, they helped him finish his studies and become a successful person.
The proud mother happily shared that Anerson and his sister are now employed in the Department of Justice, secure in stable jobs amidst the employment crisis in the country. This success is a proud moment for Tzu Chi, a fulfillment of its mission of education to create a better world and bring hope to people.
“I am grateful to be one of the Tzu Chi scholars because I benefited from their mission. This is the reason I am here today joining the celebration with my family,” Anerson said.
Anerson wants to participate in future Buddha Day celebrations together with his family, and shares their interest to become volunteers as a way of giving back to the organization. “Even before, we were really planning to pay back because Tzu Chi is a big part of what I have now," he said.
“We all know that Tzu Chi is always among the first to respond whenever there are disasters in the country. I hope that they will continue to spread love to more people in different parts of the world,” said his mother.
Luisa expressed her appreciation to the organization for reaching people in need, especially in times of crisis. She heard nothing but positive feedback from people she encountered, who emphasized their respect for the foundation for the compassion it gives toward those who are ill and in need.
Reflecting on the celebration, Anerson shared how Tzu Chi molded him to be righteous and firm in his decision-making, while his mother expressed that the event reminded her to be grateful for every blessing they receive in life. They also give their heartfelt thanks to Tzu Chi Foundation and wish the organization would keep serving the people around the world with love and compassion.
For the Hilvanos, the celebration conveys how acts of compassion continue to create a lasting connection to those who were cared for. It’s also a reminder that gratitude can grow into service, and that those who once received will return to give back—not just one person, but many others who were inspired by the blessing they received.
The Hilvano family (from left): Parents Glen and Luisa, Anerson’s girlfriend Rachelle Kang, sister Charlene, and Anerson at Tzu Chi’s 3-in-1 celebration on May 10
Tzu Chi volunteers, staff and scholars gather to offer a birthday song to Master Cheng Yen before the formal ritual starts.
Tzu Chi volunteers stand committed to their service, guiding the celebration with compassion.
Dharma Masters from Taiwan and special guests lead in the solemn Buddha Bathing Ceremony.
Visitors take part in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony.
The lotus candles signify a commitment to spiritual devotion and a common goal of bringing more harmony and peace to the world.
Following Tzu Chi volunteers and special guests, Tzu Chi staff take the opportunity to experience the cleansing and renewal of the Buddha Bathing Ceremony.
At the end of the program, guests received flowers and keychains as tokens of appreciation for their attendance.
At the end of the program, guests received flowers and keychains as tokens of appreciation for their attendance.
Tzu Chi scholars pose for a photo before the groundbreaking marker for the Tzu Chi Medical Center.