May 15, 2024
One-of-a-kind Mother’s Day Experience at Tzu Chi Philippines
By Dorothy Castro
What makes Mother’s Day a heartwarming celebration for families?
For solo parent Jocelyn Arreza, every day is a Mother’s Day celebration. She and her five children found a way to make their bond stronger by sustaining their livelihood, selling acrylic flowers, keychains, and bracelets online and during events.
Each bead and petal that they put together was made with love and care. These handmade pieces were sold by Jocelyn and her daughter, Tzu Chi scholar Princess, during the celebration of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines’ 3-in-1 celebration on May 12. This three-way event honored three significant occasions: Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day.
According to Tzu Chi Australia’s website, Buddha Day is an official celebration that is set on the second Sunday of May in Taiwan, alongside the commemoration of Tzu Chi Day worldwide and honoring moms on Mother’s Day.
Mothers celebrating with Tzu Chi Philippines also participated in the preparations for the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. With care, they helped carry the delicate potted orchids and set them beside the crystal Buddhas prepared by the volunteers.
These gestures of gratitude served as a way for mothers to show their love for Tzu Chi. For Jocelyn, her participation in selling her family’s handmade works was her own labor of love. “I’ve always dreamed of this, to be able to attend a special event where I can sell our handmade products,” she gratefully expressed.
As a beneficiary of Tzu Chi, Jocelyn has conquered many challenges while ensuring that her children are well-supported. Their handicraft business served as a fresh start for her family, and the invitation of Tzu Chi volunteers was the opportunity that she needed to grow her business.
This chance to make additional income was a suggestion by Tzu Chi volunteers who visited Jocelyn’s home to assess their current needs. “To others, this may have been a simple gesture, but to families like us who are struggling, this is a very big deal,” she says.
Apart from the experience of selling handicrafts, witnessing the Buddha Day celebration was an awe-inspiring moment for Jocelyn. Being used to only seeing the Tzu Chi’s Buddha Bathing Ceremony through photos online, she appreciated its solemnity. “Even if our religion is different from theirs, we can all appreciate what they do. Our learnings in Humanities classes are also a big help as they made me more interested in knowing more about what they do in Tzu Chi,” Jocelyn shared.
When asked why she celebrated Mother’s Day with Tzu Chi Philippines, Jocelyn’s dedication towards caring for her children and gratitude towards Tzu Chi Foundation was highlighted. Her effort to sell the acrylic flowers, keychains, and beads was all for her children. “I feel that this is what motherhood is all about: Everything we do is for our children,” she explained. During the celebration, she was able to sell all 41 of the acrylic flowers she and her family prepared.
Jocelyn also shared the times that Tzu Chi gave her a helping hand in her journey as a solo parent, “Aside from my daughter Princess’ scholarship, they helped me with my other children’s medicine. They assisted me when I needed an ultrasound, and even this business started with their help.”
A day after the 3-in-1 event, Jocelyn was also provided with seed capital worth ₱5,000 of purchases at Tzu Chi Philippines’ logistics/recycling to help her family with their needs, as well as for their small business.
“To Tzu Chi Foundation, thank you very much. You continue to help us in so many ways. I pray that you continue to help more people just like us, who are struggling in life,” Jocelyn says.
Mothers of Tzu Chi Scholars participated in the Buddha Day preparations, each carrying potted orchids to be placed at the Buddha Bathing Ceremony tables.
The mother of a Tzu Chi scholar smiles as she brings a potted orchid to the ceremony table.
Jocelyn Arreza (front row, left) participates in the preparation for the Buddha Bathing Celebration.
The mother of a Tzu Chi scholar carefully settles the flowers onto the table beside the crystal Buddha.
Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Tzu Chi Day were celebrated at BTCC with a solemn and peaceful meditation.
Volunteers who have difficulties standing and walking were also able to participate in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony with the help of fellow volunteers.
Participants who have difficulties walking were given a moment to participate in the Buddha Bathing Ceremony with the help of fellow participants and Tzu Chi volunteers.
A parent of a Tzu Chi scholar happily places the orchids onto the table.
During a home visitation last September 2022, Jasper (right) and Princess (center), along with their mother Jocelyn, showed the Tzu Chi volunteers and staff how their handmade acrylic flowers are put together.
Jocelyn makes different kinds of acrylic flowers including roses, anemone, and marigolds, all of which can be made with many color options.
Jocelyn also makes different kinds of keychains.
Jocelyn Arreza was provided with a ₱5,000 seed capital of logistics/recycling goods at BTCC in Sta. Mesa, Manila.