April 29, 2024
Tzu Chi’s bazaar customers show unwavering support for Taiwan’s earthquake recovery
By Marella Saldonido
After the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Taiwan last April 3, Tzu Chi Philippines remained steadfast with its efforts to support the victims’ recovery. Tzu Chi volunteers collect donations for affected families in Taiwan through various charity activities, such as the bazaars held in different locations in Metro Manila.
On April 27, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus’ (BTCC) gates were once again opened for customers coming from Barangay 621 and nearby areas. “Today’s bazaar at BTCC is very important because all the proceeds will be dedicated to our brothers and sisters in Taiwan,” says Tzu Chi volunteer Elvira Chua.
For Bacood Elementary School teacher Carol Billones, it is not the first time she expressed her support for the foundation and its causes by purchasing items at the bazaar. “I have been here numerous times already,” she shares. This time, Carol takes home a variety of items, such as home decorations, bags, and a toolbox, which she gladly bought knowing that her contributions would be for a good cause. “I feel happy because it feels good to help other people,” she says enthusiastically.
Before the bazaar’s official opening, Tzu Chi volunteers and staff, along with the customers, dedicated a prayer to the people affected by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan. Elvira then reminded everyone of the activity’s purpose: to help those in need as well as to return the kindness given by Tzu Chi founder Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi Taiwan volunteers to the Philippines during times of disaster.
“Master Cheng Yen’s love for the Philippines is endless,” she says with certainty.
The love of Tzu Chi’s founder, which flows through Tzu Chi volunteers around the world, is something that many people, including Barangay 621 Chairman Juan Philip Manabat, have witnessed on multiple events.
“When Tzu Chi Foundation moved to our area, it felt heaven-sent. Whenever there are calamities and disasters in our barangay, the Tzu Chi Foundation is our number one partner in providing assistance,” says Chairman Manabat.
As a way to express his gratitude towards the foundation, the barangay chairman purchased several electronic items, such as a microwave oven, an electric fan, a vacuum cleaner, a slow juicer, and a rice cooker, in the bazaar. When asked if he is concerned about the items’ conditions and the possibility of them not working well, he said with a smile, “Even if it doesn’t work, as long as I am able to help Tzu Chi, I’m already satisfied.”
Additionally, he proudly shares how Barangay 621 residents also willingly help Tzu Chi by donating coins to the foundation. The coin bank donations, where Tzu Chi volunteers encourage everyone to donate for people in need, no matter how big or small the amount may be, is an effort that the residents of the barangay are actively participating in.
“I hope that we can voluntarily donate to the people in need of help in Master Cheng Yen’s home country of Taiwan, because now it is our turn to help them to the best of our abilities.”
Residents of Barangay 621 search through various choices of clothing to purchase at the bazaar at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila on April 27. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A customer happily looks at the toy car for sale at the bazaar. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A mother and child go through the items available. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A young boy reads a book he picked up among the random items at the bazaar. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A customer searches through the piles of clothing for sale. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Two customers carefully check the condition of the trolley bag. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A prayer was dedicated to the victims of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Taiwan last April 3. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Tzu Chi volunteers and staff join in the prayer dedicated to the victims of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan last April 3. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Bazaar customers solemnly pray for the victims of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan last April 3. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A customer enthusiastically tries out an exercise machine displayed amongst miscellaneous items for sale such as camera tripods, home decorations, children’s toys, and more. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Tzu Chi volunteer Elvira Chua (in blue) shows Barangay 621 Chairman Juan Philip Manabat (third from left) how to use the exercise machine for sale. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Barangay 621 Chairman Juan Philip Manabat poses with the items he purchased at the bazaar. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Bacood Elementary School teacher Carol Billones poses with the items she bought at the bazaar. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
Customers check out their chosen items at the payment area of the bazaar. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】
A Tzu Chi volunteer helps the customer pack her purchased items at the bazaar. 【Photo by Marella Saldonido】