February 6, 2024
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool holds 2nd Family Sportsfest
By Ben Baquilod
In its second year, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines hosted the annual Family Sportsfest on February 3 at the Jing Si Hall in Agno, Quezon City.
Students and their families, along with teachers and volunteers enjoyed a variety of games aimed at fostering bonds, togetherness, and joy within the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool community. “We know we all have our strengths, but when we gather them, we can achieve greater things,” said Preschool Directress Jane Sy.
Four teams competed in various games including cheer battle, obstacle course, ring toss, charades, and freeze dance. While students and parents donned their game faces, big smiles and laughter were also evident among the participants during each game.
“It was so much fun. It felt like I was transported back to my childhood,” said Joanne Gotia, mother of Preschool student Jasmin.
What made the experience especially meaningful for Joanne was witnessing her daughter’s enjoyment of the activity, along with all the previous ones throughout the past year. “I’m so happy for her,” she exclaimed. “Initially, we had reservations about enrolling her at a young age of 3. However, seeing her have fun, learn, and make friends brings me immense joy.”
Equally thrilled about the experience was Nancy Uy, participating in the event for the first time. “The most enjoyable part was the obstacle course, because we didn’t expect our kids to be so competitive,” she said. “I also had the opportunity to converse with other parents and get to know them better.”
Echoing the sentiments of Joanne and other parents, Nancy expressed delight in the changes and improvements she has observed in her son, Gavin, since his enrollment. “He has learned to behave well, and he now willingly eats veggies,” Nancy marveled. As a school that advocates environmental protection and love for all beings, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool promotes vegetarianism.
In Gavin’s first two weeks at the preschool, Nancy admitted to facing challenges as her son was reluctant to eat vegetables. “But now, he loves to eat veggies even at home. I’m so surprised because his favorite food is now sayote!”
Nancy is also grateful to see her son’s development in English and Chinese language skills. “He always talks about his classmates and teachers at home, which shows that he really loves the school,” she added.
Joanne also conveyed gratitude to the teachers for taking care of their children. “You are our kids’ second parents. Thank you so much.”
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines hosts the second annual Family Sportsfest on February 3 at the Jing Si Hall in Agno, Quezon City. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Students and their families compete in child-friendly games at the second annual Family Sportsfest of the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Students and their families compete in child-friendly games at the second annual Family Sportsfest of the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Students and their families compete in child-friendly games at the second annual Family Sportsfest of the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
As a highlight of the Family Sportsfest, the obstacle course stands out as one of the most eagerly anticipated and exciting games. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
As a highlight of the Family Sportsfest, the obstacle course stands out as one of the most eagerly anticipated and exciting games. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
In this segment of the obstacle course, students must propel a plastic cup through a nylon string without using their hands. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Families enthusiastically take part in the widely enjoyed bottle flip game, attempting to skillfully land partially-filled plastic bottles in an upright position. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Family members take center stage, showcasing their best acting skills in the game of charades. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Family members take center stage, showcasing their best acting skills in the game of charades. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Cuteness overload and contagious smiles light up the room as students bust a move in the classic freeze dance competition. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Cuteness overload and contagious smiles light up the room as students bust a move in the classic freeze dance competition. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Cuteness overload and contagious smiles light up the room as students bust a move in the classic freeze dance competition. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Parents and families cheer on with full support during the freeze dance competition. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Joanne Gotia cheers on her daughter Jasmin during the ring toss game. “It was so much fun. It felt like I was transported back to my childhood,” says Joanne. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Jasmin Malia Gotia beams with pride as she receives her award with her family and teachers. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Nancy Uy plays the ring toss with her son, Gavin. “We didn’t expect our kids to be so competitive,” she says. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
For Nancy Uy, the sportsfest was also an opportunity to bond with the other parents and get to know them better. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Nancy Uy and her son Gavin radiate with joy as they receive a special award at the Family Sportsfest. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The Blue team strikes a pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The Green team strikes a pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The Yellow team strikes a pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The Pink and Red team strikes a pose for a group photo. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
The vibrant community of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines gathers for a group shot at the second annual Family Sportsfest. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】