February 7, 2026
Tzu Chi preschoolers take their first jeepney ride to a bakery
management, and discover lessons beyond the classroom.
By Thania Florendo
Giggles and excited chatter filled the jeepney as pre-kindergarten students from Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines experienced riding traditional Filipino public transport for the first time on February 5.
The children traveled from the school in Agno Street, Quezon City, to Pan De Manila along D. Tuazon, where they also visited the bakery and bought different kinds of bread.
The outing was part of the class lessons on community, transportation, and practical life skills. Along the way, the pupils practiced Filipino social customs such as saying “bayad po” (“here’s my fare”), “para po” (“stop, please”), and “thank you,” while also learning how to use money.
Each child was accompanied by a parent or guardian, and teachers guided the group to ensure safety.
Rosabel Kaw, one of the parents, shared how memorable the experience was for her child.
“It was fun because we got to ride the jeepney for the first time. My son had so much fun riding the jeepney and going to the bakery. We also bought different kinds of bread. Thumbs- up to this experience, we super loved it!”
Another parent, Jonathan Fu, expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to the children, as it taught practical values.
“I’m really happy that my son experienced riding a jeepney. It’s a new kind of transportation for him, and it’s important so they can learn how to pay and how to get off properly.”
Teacher Kate Peralta explained that the activity aimed to connect classroom learning with everyday Filipino life.
“Since jeepneys are part of Filipino culture, we wanted our students to learn how to ride one, be aware of the people around them, like drivers, and appreciate them by saying thank you. They were having fun while learning and understanding the concept of using money. I hope they remember this as a fun experience.”
The school continues to conduct experiential learning activities to help young learners gain real-world understanding while developing values such as respect, gratitude, and social awareness.
The children eagerly gathered at Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Agno Campus as they prepared for their learning trip.
The children eagerly gathered at Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Agno Campus as they prepared for their learning trip.
The group sets off from the school, and smiles and anticipation are seen all around.
The children took extra precautions by holding the handrails throughout the ride.
The children took extra precautions by holding the handrails throughout the ride.
The activity gave the children a hands-on lesson in money usage and paying inside the jeepney.
Students exit the jeepney upon arriving at the nearby bread shop.
Together with their parents, the students posed for a photo in front of Pan de Manila before buying bread and pastries.
Together with their parents, the students posed for a photo in front of Pan de Manila before buying bread and pastries.
Jonathan Fu enjoys accompanying his son Nathaniel as he explores new experiences, including riding a jeepney.
Smiles fill the breadshop as the children personally choose the bread they will bring home.
Smiles fill the breadshop as the children personally choose the bread they will bring home.
The students personally handpick their breads from a wide selection.
The students personally handpick their breads from a wide selection.
The pre-kindergarten class bows in gratitude to thank the breadshop staff for their service.
Beyond learning to pay the fare on the jeepney, the children also practiced paying for their purchases themselves at the bread shop.
Teacher Kate Peralta, Tzu Chi learning support assistant, shares why she believes the activity is important to pre-kindergarten learning beyond the classroom.
The students beam with joy as they hold their bags of bread.
Kuya Ronald, the driver, poses with the students after a fun and safe ride.
Gael Kaw poses inside the jeepney, capturing a memory of this fun learning experience.
Kuya Ronald, the driver, poses with the students and their parents after a fun, safe ride.