December 5, 2025
Little hands, big hearts: Tzu Chi Preschoolers bake for a cause
By Thania Florendo
For the fourth consecutive year, students, parents, teachers, and staff of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines gathered at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, on December 4–5 for a bake sale dedicated to supporting the construction of Tzu Chi General Hospital.
Excitement filled the bakery at BTCC as children stepped into the role of young bakers with their parents by their side. To make cupcakes, the students poured ingredients and carefully placed pans into the oven under close adult supervision.
Teacher Marian “Yani” Carpo said the activity went beyond baking, serving as a lesson in compassion and community service.
“This year, we made cupcakes to help build the hospital. We want the children to understand that learning also means helping others and serving communities in need,” Carpo said.
Parents Irish and Christian Echeche said they joined not only to support the cause but also to create meaningful family moments.
“My child loves baking, so without hesitation, we signed up,” Irish said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to bond and to teach our children to care about others.”
Christian added that the activity strengthened relationships within the school community while giving the children a sense of purpose.
“It shows how important presence is for our children. It boosts their confidence and makes the experience more meaningful,” he said.
Beyond bonding, the parents believe that the event helps shape their children’s values early in life. Irish added, “We want our child to learn to be charitable at a young age. We’re grateful that Tzu Chi gives them that opportunity.”
Carpo expressed gratitude for the strong community support.
“We are thankful to everyone who supported this event,” she said. “The children will remember not just the activity, but the togetherness and kindness behind it.”
Through a simple act of baking, the preschool reminded its students that even small actions can make a meaningful difference.
“In our own little ways, we teach the children that they can help and be part of building a better future,” Carpo said.
On December 4, enthusiastic preschoolers and their parents gathered at the bakery of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, for the school’s bake sale for a cause.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy greets parents and students as she opens the program, emphasizing the project’s cause: to support the construction of Tzu Chi General Hospital.
A student happily cheers, ready to showcase his baking skills.
Every delicious baked good is made with love, with the hard work and effort of parents, students, and teachers.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy guides a young learner on how to transfer the cupcake batter into the trays.
A learner proactively fills the cupcake trays with batter, looking forward to the delicious treat.
The preschool bake sale served as a fun bonding activity for parents and students.
The preschool bake sale served as a fun bonding activity for parents and students.
Preschool teacher Marian “Yani” Carpo helps a student with the cupcake trays.
Finishing touches to the cupcakes are added generously by the happy students.
A preschool teacher shows students which measuring tools to use for baking.
A preschooler enjoys mixing the dry ingredients for the cupcake batter.
A preschool teacher guides the young learner in the baking activity.
Parents Christian and Irish Echeche actively guide the kids during the bake sale.
Teachers, parents, and young learners take a group photo after a successful baking activity.