February 20, 2026
Tzu Chi Philippines welcomes the Lunar New Year with a walking meditation
By Nicole Fetalcorin
Before dawn on February 17, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, stirred with life as volunteers, scholars, families, and guests arrived in the stillness of morning, carrying with them hopes for joy, wellness, and prosperity.
As the sun rose, the solemn ritual commenced. Participants engaged in a walking meditation, moving in the rhythm of three steps and one bow. Each deliberate gesture embodied serenity, devotion, and gratitude for blessings received and yet to come.
Though the celebration is held annually, each year welcomes new faces who bring fresh perspectives to the time-honored tradition. Dr. Ellen Tan-Cu, a TIMA (Tzu Chi International Medical Association) volunteer doctor, described her first experience with the ritual: “At first, I didn’t fully internalize and understand. But while doing the ritual, I later on started meditating while doing the whole process. So, it felt very light after. I hope everyone stays healthy so we can continue the good deeds we’ve been doing.”
Her husband, Dr. Stephen Cu, reflected on the deeper meaning of service: “You always live with a purpose. When you make someone smile, you realize people care. That’s very important. Here, you learn to be more empathic to those less fortunate. We are so blessed.”
Others shared similar sentiments. For Joy Gatdula, a former banker-turned-volunteer, the ritual was a solemn act of respect and gratitude. “It is an opportunity to say thank you for all the blessings. Whatever we receive, we should share with love, humility, and gratefulness.”
Long-time Tzu Chi volunteer, Atty. Elvira Chua emphasized its meditative nature, sharing that each prostration felt like a prayer, a way to purify oneself and cultivate inner peace despite distractions.
For Tzu Chi, the Lunar New Year is not simply tradition—it is a reminder for volunteers to stay committed to their mission: to alleviate suffering and extend kindness to all.
Love and kindness, expressed through both meditation and service, transcend time. Year after year, they remain steadfast, guiding Tzu Chi’s mission to bring hope, relief, and renewal to those in need.
Golden rays of dawn illuminate Jing Si Abode as everyone gathers in the tranquil ritual of walking meditation.
With quiet discipline, Tzu Chi volunteers form a line as the ceremony is about to commence.
Tzu Chi volunteers Lin Shanya (left) and Woon Ng graciously welcome fellow volunteers, scholars, families, and honored guests to the annual celebration.
Tzu Chi volunteers, TIMA doctors, scholars, families, and guests join together in the solemn ritual of three steps and one bow.
Tzu Chi volunteers, TIMA doctors, scholars, families, and guests join together in the solemn ritual of three steps and one bow.
Participants bow in full prostration as a manifestation to foster deep humility and mindfulness.
Participants bow in full prostration as a manifestation to foster deep humility and mindfulness.
Tzu Chi volunteer ushers stood in quiet composure as the ceremony began.
Tzu Chi volunteer ushers stood in quiet composure as the ceremony began.
A Tzu Chi volunteer rings the bell, guiding participants through meditation.
Joy Gatdula (foreground) stands with her fellow Tzu Chi volunteers as they all share a moment of service, spreading humility and gratitude.
For Joy Gatdula, the practice serves as a moment of gratitude and a reminder to share blessings with sincerity and compassion.
Devoted TIMA doctors, Dr. Stephen Cu and Dr. Ellen Tan-Cu, attended the ritual for the first time. They claim that it’s a humble experience where they feel blessed and grounded.
Dr. Ellen Tan-Cu (left) felt lighter after meditating through the three steps and one bow ritual, while her husband Dr. Stephen Cu was reminded to live with a purpose.
For former prosecutor and now devoted Tzu Chi volunteer Atty. Elvira Chua, this sacred tradition has helped her cultivate and purify her inner self.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez extends his wishes for a joyful and blessed New Year to everyone.
The celebration concluded with volunteers' renewed commitment to helping others.