July 17, 2026
In forgiveness, she found purpose
By Thania Florendo
“Speak kind words, think good thoughts, do good deeds, and walk the right path” is the aphorism that Arabella Nicole Monterola chose to live by each day.
From an early age, she was constantly reminded by relatives r not to become like her mother. As a child, she did not understand what they meant, but as she grew older, she realized those words stemmed from the absence she had learned to live with.
Growing up in Davao City, Monterola has faint memories of her parents during childhood. It was her grandmother and step-grandfather who took care of her while both her biological parents built separate lives of their own. Her grandmother took on tailoring jobs and worked as a cook in local eateries, while her step-grandfather earned a living as a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) driver. Despite their sacrifices, making ends meet was never easy.
When she was 12 years old, her grandmother had finally convinced her mother to come back to Davao. Coming from Manila, her mother arrived with a new partner and two children. While Monterola was expected to understand and adjust to her new step-siblings, she also struggled to find her own place within the family. She continued living with her grandparents while her mother gave birth to two more. Although her mother had returned physically, the emotional distance between them remained.
The pandemic dealt another blow to the family when her step-grandfather suffered a stroke. As medical bills and daily expenses mounted, one of her aunts stepped in to help. There were days when they had little to eat, but Monterola remained determined to continue her education despite the hardships.
“I sold snacks in school like pizza rolls and munchkins for our everyday expenses and transportation allowance,” she said.
Those experiences taught her the kind of support every child deserves from their parents. While she longed for that security, she also learned to accept the circumstances she could not change with grace and contentment. Monterola did not allow resentment to define her.
“It became a vow to myself that I won't be like her, that I will change the path of my life because I don’t want to go back to poverty,” she said.
Armed with brains and grit, Monterola earned admission to the University of Southeastern Philippines, where she pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education.
During her first year in college, a heated argument between her mother and grandmother caused her grandmother to suffer a stroke too. A relative took them to Panabo City, so her grandmother could recover, while Monterola balanced online classes and took online tutoring jobs to support her studies.
“I’m really determined to pursue higher education even when I know that no one will support me financially,” she said.
When she returned to Davao City during her second year, she stayed with her aunt while continuing her studies. Monterola applied for countless scholarship opportunities, but most never replied.
Just as she was beginning to lose hope, she learned about the Tzu Chi Scholarship Program during a summer class before her third year in college. She completed the application requirements and anxiously waited for the interview. The thought of even an assistance of 1,000 pesos monthly would be a great help for her, but Tzu Chi gave her more.
With Tzu Chi's support, Monterola was able to focus on her studies, complete her degree, and pursue her dreams of becoming an educator. She came back to the foundation that once believed in her. In October 2025, she joined Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines as a learning support assistant, where she now helps young students grow and thrive.
“It was a big opportunity for me to practice my profession in a field that I really belong in. My heart is happy. I am from Davao, yet I moved to Manila without anyone–I only have Tzu Chi with me,” she said.
Today, she also helps provide for the woman who never abandoned her. Her grandmother, now bedridden at 65, is cared for by her aunt and relatives, while Monterola sends support for her daily needs, including milk, diapers, and other necessities.
Although the pain of her childhood remains, she has chosen forgiveness over resentment.
“I never planted hate in my heart. I was hurt and disappointed with how things were handled back then, but I don't hate anyone. I believe that when you have hate in your heart, you can never be genuinely happy.”
The child who once wondered why she was told not to become like her mother has written a different story for herself.
Tzu Chi Davao volunteer Ang Mei Yuen (left) and Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So (right) award Arabella Monterola, who graduated as a Tzu Chi scholar during the 2025 Scholars’ Camp held at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Monterola (first row; sixth from left) was among the 35 pioneer scholars when Tzu Chi Philippines launched its Davao college scholarship program on November 19, 2023 in Davao City.
Her cleverness and confidence led her to finish her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education as magna cum laude at the University of Southeastern Philippines.
Tzu Chi Davao scholar Arabella Monterola celebrates a milestone made possible through the support of the Tzu Chi Foundation Scholarship Program. “Thank you to everyone who helped me in times of great need. I will do my best to walk with Tzu Chi and spread what they taught me and to practice being more mindful every day.”
With her grandmother and relatives always by her side, Arabella Monterola faced every challenge with courage.
Although her biological parents are absent from her life, she never felt the lack of love. She remains optimistic and without resentment.
Becoming a Tzu Chi scholar is an answered prayer for her. Monterola felt she had the power to become someone bigger and inspiring for others.
Though she once dreamed of becoming a teacher, Monterola remains guided by the belief that every action begins with a thought, making one's mindset the foundation of meaningful change.
When she entered college, Monterola turned to online tutoring to support her education after every scholarship application she submitted went unanswered. The income she earned helped pay for teaching materials, school projects, and other academic needs.
Her field of study took her to different schools for practice teaching, where she experienced the realities of the classroom and honed her skills as a future educator.
Her journey as part of the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines faculty started in October 2025.
In her first year working with children, Monterola has found fulfillment in teaching. “I am practicing what I worked hard for in college, and I love being with kids. I am always looking forward to seeing my kids every day,” she said.
As an educator, Monterola constantly reminds herself to be mindful, believing that even the smallest actions can create a lasting ripple effect. “Something small can become something big if you are not mindful.”
Today, it is Monterola's turn to care for her grandmother, who lovingly raised and supported her throughout the years.
Monterola's journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and purpose. While challenges may define the path, it is one's determination that leads to success.