October 27, 2026
Tzu Chi holds charity bazaar for earthquake-hit schools in Sarangani
By Thania Florendo
After a decade, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines brought back its Community Charity Bazaar at Ayala Heights Village in Quezon City on October 24 to 25, raising funds to help rebuild classrooms in earthquake-affected Sarangani Province.
Held at the Ayala Heights Multipurpose Hall, the bazaar featured pre-loved clothing, stuffed toys, and other donated items from Tzu Chi’s recycling center. Shoppers also found upcycled denim products from Tzu Chi Palo’s livelihood initiative, and eco-enzymes, promoting reuse and environmental protection.
Organized by Tzu Chi volunteers, the two-day event brought together village residents and community members seeking affordable finds while supporting children’s return to safe, full face-to-face learning.
Tzu Chi volunteer Molita Chua, who led the bazaar’s organization, said reviving the activity was also an opportunity to reconnect the community with the foundation and its humanitarian initiatives.
“This is our second time, after 10 years, and we are very happy that the people in the village are very supportive. We hope shoppers can buy the pre-loved items they like for the Christmas season while doing good deeds and helping the needy,” she said.
Among the shoppers was 33-year-old Jennybel Ewayan, a house helper who used coupons generously gifted by her employers to buy gifts for her family in Zamboanga City.
“Mall prices are expensive, and we can’t always afford to shop there. This bazaar made my wish to buy gifts for my family possible,” she shared.
She bought shoes for her niece, a dress for her mother, and towels and clothes for herself. Upon learning that the proceeds would support earthquake-affected schools in Sarangani, she thanked Tzu Chi for continuing to help communities in times of disaster.
“The people will never forget the help you give,” she said.
Village homeowner Susan Chua volunteered at the event, experiencing firsthand the spirit of service behind the fundraiser. She was assigned to the checkout counter and she found the experience uplifting. She even praised the vegan packed meals provided for volunteers, saying she hoped to eat more plant-based food in the future.
Having previously donated pre-loved items to Tzu Chi, Chua expressed interest in becoming more involved in future activities. She also encouraged others to donate items they no longer use.
“Maybe old clothes, old things that are no longer in use—donate to Tzu Chi at Santa Mesa. Continue donating so they can have this bazaar to help those people in need,” she said.
Every purchase during the bazaar brings us closer to rebuilding classrooms in earthquake-affected areas in Sarangani Province. You, too, can make a difference by donating pre-loved items, contributing financially, or supporting Tzu Chi’s fundraising activities. Together, we can help provide learners with safer classrooms and a better place to continue their education.
Metrobank:
Account Name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc.
Account Number: 163-3-163-07190-9
BDO:
Account Name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc.
Account Number: 011-9-7800-180-0
Early shoppers browse pre-loved clothes, toys, shoes, and bags at Tzu Chi’s charity bazaar in Ayala Heights Village, Quezon City, on October 24.
Upcycled denim Christmas trees from Tzu Chi Livelihood in Palo are among the items on sale.
Tzu Chi volunteers Woon Ng (left) and Elvira Chua entertain shoppers’ queries about the bazaar’s cause.
Shoppers browse a variety of items, from clothes and accessories to home essentials and toys.
Shoppers browse a variety of items, from clothes and accessories to home essentials and toys.
Shoppers browse a variety of items, from clothes and accessories to home essentials and toys.
Tzu Chi volunteer Molita Chua (standing, first from right) helps check the clothes at the checkout counter to ensure good condition.
Shopper Imee Gines spends the day hunting for pre-loved finds at the charity bazaar.
Tzu Chi volunteer Sally Yunez and staff introduce vegan food options to bazaar visitors.
Shoppers indulge in vegan treats after shopping.
Jennybel Ewayan shops for gifts for her family in Zamboanga City using coupons from her employers.
Jennybel Ewayan is happy with her finds and savings at the bazaar.
Shoppers check out their new flats and sandals bought at discounted prices.
A group of customers happily picks out stuffed toys at the charity bazaar.
Village homeowner Susan Chua (center) volunteers with Tzu Chi for the first time and looks forward to becoming more involved.