December 11, 2024
Tzu Chi scholars participate in the annual Christmas Carol Contest
By Arvin Yanga
Carols echoed the very essence of the holiday season with vibrant energy and spirited performances.
As a light breeze cooled the air, the Jing Si Auditorium brimmed with an enthusiastic crowd of scholars and medical assistance beneficiaries, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for Tzu Chi’s annual Christmas Carol Contest. The event, held after the monthly Humanity class and quarterly Charity Day on December 8 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, brought together students from six different schools.
As a meaningful gesture of giving back to Tzu Chi, scholars from Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Universidad De Manila (UdM), and Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) took time from their busy academic schedules to participate.
More than just a contest, this was a cherished tradition and a unique opportunity for Tzu Chi scholars to freely express the Christmas spirit through their distinctive presentations. Each participant awakened their passion for performing, generously sharing their talents while highlighting the true meaning of the holiday season.
From harmonious singing in unison to dynamic movements, touching dramatic interpretations, instrumental performances, compelling storytelling, and even giving out candies, each team employed creative strategies to make their performances truly memorable and impactful.
After careful deliberation and evaluation by the judges, the winners were announced.
The third-place team, consisting of eight PNU scholars, received cartoon plushies. The second-place group of nine TUP scholars were awarded essential face towels. The first-place winners—seven UdM scholars—took home bath towels, chocolate confections, and desk organizers.
No participant left the competition empty-handed. Performing groups from PUP and CKSC were presented with boxes of chocolate sticks and mini notebooks as tokens of appreciation for their participation. Additionally, each PSAU scholar will receive a face towel and a box of chocolate sticks during their next Humanity class.
Joshua Angelo Erne, social welfare assistant of Tzu Chi’s Charity Department, explained the sincerity behind these congratulatory tokens. “The prizes, thoughtfully curated by Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Auntie Rosa So using simple yet meaningful materials, symbolized the value of generosity and the joy of entertaining others with creativity and heart,” he said.
The first-place team from UdM distinguished themselves through a diverse array of performance styles, including electric guitar playing, spoken poetry, singing and dancing to Christmas songs, and an innovative conceptual stage play. The audience was particularly moved when they incorporated a real parent into their performance, signifying the genuine spirit of family love.
Jaqueline Kabigting, a fourth-year Business Economics scholar from UdM, poured her heart into the performance, feeling deeply connected to its emotional narrative. Currently residing in Manila with her grandmother, the eldest of four siblings balances studying with work as a call-center agent to support her financially challenged parents.
Her father is a senior citizen who occasionally works as construction worker, while her mother struggles with an eye ailment. Kabigting found a place for her parents and two siblings in General Trias, Cavite, where rent is more affordable.
Having been separated from her family for around 10 months due to demanding duties, she expressed hope in seeing her parents again: “It’s different to be with them in person than to see them virtually. A complete family spending Christmas together would make them happy.”
Transcending geographical barriers, the PSAU scholars delivered their performance via Zoom, proving that distance cannot hinder the power of spreading love and happiness. Their virtual participation demonstrated the contest’s expanding reach compared to the previous year.
“This inclusive approach provided an opportunity for more scholars to showcase their talents and share in the festive celebration, regardless of location,” said a proud Erne. “With this, we hope to include other liaison and provincial offices in the competition next year,” he added, envisioning a more inclusive carol contest that will uncover hidden talents from provincial scholars.
The very essence of the holiday season is about love and generosity. All scholars, even those who did not participate in the contest, will experience a “Merry Christmas” for they were gifted vitamin tablets from generous donors, grocery supplies, and a substantial 10-kilogram sack of rice from Tzu Chi.
Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Chiang Kai Shek College at the Christmas Carol Contest
Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Philippine Normal University at the Christmas Carol Contest
Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Philippine Normal University at the Christmas Carol Contest
Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Polytechnic University of the Philippines at the Christmas Carol Contest
Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Technological University of the Philippines at the Christmas Carol Contest
Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Technological University of the Philippines at the Christmas Carol Contest
Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Universidad de Manila at the Christmas Carol Contest
Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Universidad de Manila at the Christmas Carol Contest
Transcending geographical barriers: Performance of Tzu Chi scholars from Pampanga State Agricultural University at the Christmas Carol Contest via Zoom
The judges carefully evaluate the performances of the carolers. Of the six participating schools, three were chosen as winners.
PNU wins third place, receiving a cute cartoon plushie each.
TUP wins second place, taking home essential face towels each for daily use.
UdM wins first place, claiming bath towels, chocolate confections, and desk organizers as the grand prize. They included Teresita Amante (in white shirt), who acted as the mother of Jaqueline Kabigting (in red striped shirt) in their performance.
Scholars participating in the Christmas Carol Contest gather with four Tzu Chi volunteers as honorable judges for a group photo at the end of the competition.
The Pampanga chapter forms a heart, sending love to everyone. Regardless of the location, they succeeded in letting the Manila chapter feel their embodiment of the holiday spirit.