September 21, 2026
Tzu Chi toddlers honor grandparents with filial love
By Nicole Fetalcorin
To honor the foundation of Great Love and celebrate the cherished bond between generations, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines hosted its first batch of Grandparents Day celebrations on September 18, 2026, at its campus on Agno Street, Quezon City.
This special occasion serves as a heartfelt tribute to those who came before us—the original source of the love our parents share, the steady pillars who always have our back, and the doting hearts who love nothing more than to shower us with affection. The event brought together the proud grandparents of the preschool’s young student-toddlers for a morning filled with happiness, reflection, and connection.
The celebration kicked off with a warm welcome from school directress Jane Sy. Adding an interactive twist to her opening, Sy roamed from table to table with a box of paper strips containing thoughtful questions. Grandparents drew prompts from the box, sharing meaningful stories and insights with the room.
“While we still have the time and the opportunity, we want to teach our young children those important values and life skills,” Sy shared, emphasizing the vital role elders play in early childhood development.
For the attendees, the gathering offered a meaningful space to connect. Felino Siy, grandfather to toddler Harper Eloise, described the experience as revealing and deeply heartwarming. Joined by his wife, Helen, he expressed his hope to guide their granddaughter toward a righteous life. He also offered his warm encouragement to the school, noting how vital Tzu Chi is in preserving Chinese heritage and language at a time when traditional Chinese schools are becoming increasingly rare.
For Edward TK Choi—one of the original architects of the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines building—returning to the campus as a participating grandfather to Ellery Lianewas a deeply fulfilling experience. His wife, Amy, highlighted how much the school helps children cultivate independence. Seeing their granddaughter joyfully socialized and thriving among friends brought them immense happiness and peace of mind.
The celebration concluded on a sweet, creative note as grandparents and grandchildren joined hands in a special flower bouquet-making activity—a hands-on experience that brought bright smiles and left their timeless bonds stronger than ever.
A bright “Happy Grandparents Day” sign sets the stage for a heart-warming celebration.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy happily engages with families as she officially opens the event with her welcome address.
Sharing wisdom and warm memories, grandparents draw questions from a box during an engaging ice-breaker activity.
Sharing wisdom and warm memories, grandparents draw questions from a box during an engaging ice-breaker activity.
In a heartwarming moment, on stage, the young toddlers happily hand over handmade cards to their beloved grandparents.
In a heartwarming moment, on stage, the young toddlers happily hand over handmade cards to their beloved grandparents.
In a heartwarming moment, on stage, the young toddlers happily hand over handmade cards to their beloved grandparents.
Smiles all around as families strike a pose inside the custom photo frame cutout.
Smiles all around as families strike a pose inside the custom photo frame cutout.
A closer look at the handmade cards created with love shows the young learners personally colored and decorated each drawing with colorful paper cutouts.
For Felino Siy (left), the greatest gift a child can learn is respect. He shares that above all skills, respect is a fundamental value every grandchild needs as they grow.
Grandparents happily join in on the flower-making activity with their family.
Grandparents enjoy a special tribute featuring video greetings lovingly prepared by their sweet grandchildren.
Edward TK Choi (center) warmly reconnected with Tzu Chi volunteers during the event, sharing fond memories of his 20-year journey building schools with the foundation.
In a picture of pure love, families share warm smiles and display their special cards.
In a picture of pure love, families share warm smiles and display their special cards.
Grandparents adore seeing their favorite photo moments displayed together on a board filled with pictures.
Surrounded by love, it’s a picture-perfect ending to a truly special gathering.