February 1, 2025
Through wishes and prayers: Tzu Chi Philippines celebrates Lunar New Year 2025
By Arvin Yanga
With auspicious wishes and heartfelt prayers—that’s how Tzu Chi volunteers and guests welcomed Lunar New Year 2025 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) on January 28-29.
As evening fell on January 28, Tzu Chi volunteers, guests, and their families made their way to BTCC for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Among them was Judy Chan, a dedicated volunteer since 2006, who attended with her family. It’s their second year to mark Chinese New Year’s Eve at BTCC.
“I invited them over the phone, and they were delighted to join the New Year celebration here at Tzu Chi,” said Chan, glee and gratefulness evident in her tone.
Amid the cool evening air, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez initiated the ceremony by striking the traditional gong and pulling the bell rope—traditions meant to banish negative energies and attract good fortunes. In an inclusive gesture, CEO Yuñez invited all guests, including children, to participate in striking the gong and ringing the bell. Following this opening, volunteers and guests purchased orchids to offer at the Buddha altar inside the Jing Si Abode. Consider it a meaningful form of fundraising; proceeds from the sale went to supporting the foundation’s various missions. Many also turned over their coin can donations, embracing the tradition of sharing blessings at the start of the Lunar New Year.
Though the night was serene, the collective prayers carried profound weight. “With troubling news surrounding us everywhere, my only wish is global peace,” shared a thoughtful Chan. After the prayer candle offerings, guests were welcomed to a generous dinner at BTCC’s coffee shop.
The peaceful evening transitioned into an early morning walking meditation. Participants chanted Buddha’s name with utmost sincerity. This meditative moment offered volunteers and guests time for reflection, gratitude, and prayers for both personal wishes and societal welfare.
For Tzu Chi volunteers Genalyn Soriano and Wenefrida Abalon, the day marked their first time inside the Jing Si Abode—a replica of Tzu Chi volunteers’ spiritual home in Hualien, Taiwan, and BTCC’s most sacred space. Both described the experience as surreal, feeling a sense of lightness and cleansing of one's soul.
Now wearing the certified volunteer’s blue-and-white shirt, Soriano and Abalon were originally beneficiaries of Tzu Chi’s relief operation.
Soriano, a survivor of Typhoon Ondoy, felt called to volunteer after receiving assistance from Tzu Chi. “I wanted to give back in the same way they helped me,” she explained. “Among all the foundations I’ve worked with that assist people, Tzu Chi stood out—their support is the most comprehensive,” she added.
She proudly shared how joining Tzu Chi helped her overcome a gambling addiction. Through practicing Tzu Chi’s ten precepts, she discovered inner peace and embraced a vegetarian lifestyle.
Abalon, a two-time fire survivor in Marikina, attended the festivities despite her home being under reconstruction. “I pray for the completion of our house,” she expressed hopefully. Though she had been inactive for years, Abalon returned to BTCC for the Lunar New Year celebration, touched that she was still welcomed by her Tzu Chi family.
Flora Lee, a volunteer since 2002, shared a wish just like Chan’s and Soriano’s: “To live a long life fulfilling my duties in Tzu Chi and following Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teachings.”
The celebration concluded with a festive breakfast prepared by kitchen staff and volunteers, featuring traditional dishes like misua, dumplings, sweetened rice cake, and radish cake. Guests enjoyed free coffee near the Jing Si Books & Cafe, took free group photos throughout the campus, and participated in Chinese riddle-solving activities for fruit prizes. Simultaneously, Tzu Chi Philippines hosted another Lunar New Year welcoming ceremony at the Jing Si Hall in Agno, Quezon City, on January 29.
Soriano expressed hope for the return of more inactive volunteers, like Abalon. As everyone goes their separate ways, their prayers and wishes illuminated the path toward a brighter year ahead, may it be for health, prosperity and peace.
“I wish for an end to suffering in this world,” said Soriano. “I wish for humanity to remain united.”
DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit No. DSWD-SB-SP-00055-2024 is valid nationwide until October 28, 2025.
Tzu Chi Philippines ushered in the 2025 Lunar New Year with a traditional welcoming ceremony at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila on the evening of January 28.
Continuing a cherished tradition, Tzu Chi volunteers, guests, and families gather at BTCC to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
BTCC’s golden-lit facade illuminates the night sky, symbolizing Tzu Chi's role as a light of hope and service to others.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez rings the ceremonial bell rope, symbolically banishing negative energy and welcoming prosperity for the year ahead.
Fostering inclusivity, CEO Yuñez invites guests of all ages, including children, to participate in striking the traditional gong.
Visitors select orchids to offer at the Jing Si Abode.
Judy Chan, a dedicated volunteer since 2006, who expressed her thoughtful wish. “With troubling news surrounding us everywhere, my only wish is global peace.”
In a moment of spiritual unity, Tzu Chi volunteers, guests, and families gather inside the serene Jing Si Abode for prayer and reflection.
CEO Yuñez leads the welcoming of Chinese new year tradition.
Embodying Tzu Chi's spirit of giving, a guest contributes to the bamboo bank donation program, where small acts of daily kindness accumulate to create significant impact.
Traditional Lunar New Year delicacies, including radish cakes and sweetened rice cakes, offer guests a taste of cultural heritage at the BTCC's coffee shop.
A volunteer serves tang yuan (glutinous rice balls), a symbolic dessert representing family unity in Chinese tradition.
The evening culminates in fellowship as guests gather for a festive dinner and group photo at BTCC’s coffee shop.
The Lunar New Year celebration of Tzu Chi Philippines extended to Jing Si Hall in Agno, Quezon City, as volunteers welcomed guests on January 29 for prayers and blessings.
Nurturing spiritual awareness in the next generation, Tzu Chi volunteer Dewey Ong guides his son on the proper etiquette of offering prayer candles to the Buddha.
As dawn breaks after the evening ceremony, Tzu Chi volunteers and guests participate in a walking meditation at the BTCC, embracing mindfulness to start the New Year.
As dawn breaks after the evening ceremony, Tzu Chi volunteers and guests participate in a walking meditation at the BTCC, embracing mindfulness to start the New Year.
As dawn breaks after the evening ceremony, Tzu Chi volunteers and guests participate in a walking meditation at the BTCC, embracing mindfulness to start the New Year.
As dawn breaks after the evening ceremony, Tzu Chi volunteers and guests participate in a walking meditation at the BTCC, embracing mindfulness to start the New Year.
Flora Lee (right) who has dedicated over two decades to Tzu Chi since 2002, shares her heartfelt New Year's wish: “to live a long life fulfilling my duties in Tzu Chi and following Dharma Master Cheng Yen's teachings.”
Tzu Chi volunteers and guests place their candle offerings before the Buddhist altar in the Jing Si Abode.
Tzu Chi volunteers and guests place their candle offerings before the Buddhist altar in the Jing Si Abode.
Tzu Chi volunteers and guests place their candle offerings before the Buddhist altar in the Jing Si Abode.
After their morning meditation, volunteers pose with a heart-shaped formation for a group photo, while enjoying breakfast prepared by kitchen staff and fellow volunteers.
First-time participant and returning Tzu Chi volunteer from Marikina, Wenefrida Abalon, shares her joy: “I’ve always wanted to participate in Chinese New Year celebrations, this is my first time to do so, I’m so happy.”
Capturing the spirit of community, volunteers gather in Unity Hall for a commemorative group photo, preserving memories of their shared celebration.
Tzu Chi Volunteer Genalyn Soriano offers a universal wish for humanity: “I wish for an end to suffering in this world. I wish for humanity to remain united.”
Volunteers savor free coffee, fellowship, and celebration at Unity Hall after their festive breakfast.
Blending tradition with fun, volunteers and guests engage in Chinese riddle-solving activities, with correct answers rewarded with fresh fruit, adding joy to the cultural celebration.
Blending tradition with fun, volunteers and guests engage in Chinese riddle-solving activities, with correct answers rewarded with fresh fruit, adding joy to the cultural celebration.
The serene presence of Buddha looms over the Tzu Chi community as its volunteers welcome the Lunar New Year with hope, wisdom, and compassion for 2025.