March 31, 2026
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines hosts 4th family sportsfest at Fun Farm
By Harold Llorca
On March 28, students, parents, teachers, and volunteers gathered for the fourth annual Family Sportsfest of the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines. The day of fun-filled games, meaningful activities, and a joyful spirit of togetherness was held at the Fun Farm at Sta. Elena in Cabuyao, Laguna.
This year’s theme, “Young hearts with courage can do big things,” highlighted how the sportsfest allowed children to explore their abilities, embrace new challenges, and discover the joy of doing their best. With the guidance and the encouragement of their parents, families, and teachers, preschoolers learned that every step, jump, and effort helped them grow stronger, more confident, and more courageous.
“More than this sportsfest, today is a day for everyone to have fun, to run around, and to discover that our little students have much more energy than adults,” said preschool directress Jane Sy.
A total of 38 families, grouped into four teams (Team Pink, Team Blue, Team Red, and Team Green) showcased their energy and teamwork through lively cheers and eager participation. Each child-friendly game was thoughtfully designed to teach participants the value of working together as a family, team, and community that nurtures courage, confidence, and perseverance.
From sack races that encouraged parent-child cooperation, to a tug-of-war that fostered teamwork and determination, and obstacle relays that included net climbing and completing Jing Si Aphorism puzzles, both parents and their children gave their best while enjoying every moment together.
For first-time participant Jefferson Wang, father of two-year-old Jacobson Wang, the event was a meaningful opportunity for family bonding.
“Actually, my son is the youngest—he just turned two this month, and he even tried climbing the spider web. It was a really nice experience that helped build his courage and confidence,” he said. “With the support of teammates, parents, and teachers, everyone helped each other. We were very happy, especially when he won as champion. It taught him to be brave and to work as a team in overcoming challenges.”
Michelle Cua, mother of Jasmine Sy, described the experience as enlightening, as it allowed her to witness her daughter’s growth and engagement in the activities.
“It was a proud moment when I saw her climb the ropes on her own,” she said. “I hope she develops a strong sense of confidence, learns to be competitive in a positive way, accepts loss, and always plays fair.
Directress Jane Sy expressed her immense gratitude to the parents, staff, and volunteers for their continuous support of the school’s programs and activities. She shared her hopes of expanding the preschool’s offerings in the coming years.
“We hope to see you more, especially as we approach our fifth year. We look forward to opening more classes and programs so that the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines family can continue to grow bigger and stronger in the years to come,” she said.
This Family Sportsfest of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines reflects the school’s mission. Rooted in Great Love, it serves as a reminder that courage begins in small moments—trying again, believing in oneself, and cheering for others. Through these meaningful experiences, children learn that young hearts, guided by courage and compassion, can overcome challenges, grow in confidence, and can truly achieve great things.
Participants of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines arrived at Fun Farm in Sta. Elena, Cabuyao, Laguna, ready for a day of fun and activities.
Preschool teachers pose for a group photo while waiting for students and their families to arrive.
Two-year-old Jacobson Wang (front) arrives with his parents at the Family Sportsfest at Fun Farm.
Participants of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines form a circle at the official start of the event.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy starts the opening ceremony by encouraging everyone to enjoy the fun-filled activities.
Faculty staff of the preschool lead a joyful dance activity for students and their parents.
The Pink Team brought energy to their cheers and dances.
The Red Team brought energy to their cheers and dances.
The Blue Team brought energy to their cheers and dances.
Faculty staff demonstrate the game mechanics of the sack race to the participants.
With their parents’ guidance, students participate in the sack race.
A preschooler cannot hide her enthusiasm at the sack race.
Parent teams give their best effort during the exciting tug-of-war portion of the games.
Parent teams give their best effort during the exciting tug-of-war portion of the games.
Parent teams give their best effort during the exciting tug-of-war portion of the games.
Parent teams give their best effort during the exciting tug-of-war portion of the games.
With the support of their parents and guardians, preschool students gave their all in their tug-of-war game.
With the support of their parents and guardians, preschool students gave their all in their tug-of-war game.
With the support of their parents and guardians, preschool students gave their all in their tug-of-war game.
With the support of their parents and guardians, preschool gave their all in their tug-of-war game.
The obstacle relay included climbing up and down an A-frame cargo net, a fun challenge for both parents and kids.
The obstacle relay included climbing up and down an A-frame cargo net, a fun challenge for both parents and kids.
Following the relay, students and parents worked together to assemble Jing Si Aphorism puzzles.
Following the relay, students and parents worked together to assemble Jing Si Aphorism puzzles.
When they weren’t competing in games, families bonded by feeding the Fun Farm animals.
Riding a carabao-drawn cart is an experience families will talk about for years.
Preschool students received medals and certificates for their courage and wins in the sportsfest.
Preschool students received medals and certificates for their courage and wins in the sportsfest.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines faculty, staff, and parents, together with Tzu Chi volunteers and Tzu Chi Youth volunteers, smile for a photo to commemorate the fourth Family Sportsfest.