On the afternoon of May 4, 2025, the Tzu Chi Bohol community gathered at the Tzu Chi Bohol Activity Hall to celebrate a meaningful 3-in-1 event commemorating Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and the foundation’s 59th Global Anniversary.
A total of 80 attendees joined the event: 5 Tzu Chi commissioners from Manila, Cebu, and Bohol, 31 local volunteers, 17 Tzu Chi Youth members, 18 staff, 4 scholars, and 5 guests. Preparations were made with care as staff set up the venue and participants rehearsed for the parade of offerings and the Tzu Chi Youth’s sign language performance.
Although Buddha Day is traditionally celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May, this year’s celebration was held earlier in lieu of the upcoming national and local elections. The event stayed true to its purpose, honoring the Buddha as our teacher, expressing gratitude to mothers, and celebrating the 59th year of Tzu Chi’s unwavering commitment to compassion and service.
Bro. Jack Gaisano, head of the Tzu Chi Bohol Education Committee, opened the event with a reflection on its significance. He explained that the Buddha Bathing Ceremony symbolizes cleansing and humility. Honoring Mother’s Day, he highlighted the selfless love of mothers, who give without expecting anything in return, aiming to raise kind and wise children. He also spoke of Tzu Chi’s mission to empower others, quoting, “Helping isn’t just giving—it’s helping people stand and lift others too,” tying it to both Buddhist teachings and a mother’s love. He further reminded the attendees that this special celebration should inspire joy, renewed dedication, and triple the effort in serving others—true reflections of Master Cheng Yen’s values.
A touching segment followed, where scholars honored their mothers by offering roses, washing their feet, and embracing them in gratitude. The moment brought many to tears.
“I never imagined this moment,” said Rowena Orlasan from San Isidro, Bohol, as her daughter Djaniel, a Tzu Chi scholar, washed her feet for the first time. Despite their struggles and her husband’s dialysis treatment, Rowena encouraged her daughter, saying, “I hope you finish your studies and stay strong, no matter how hard life may be.”
A 20-year-old Computer Science second-year student at BISU Balilihan, Djaniel Orlasan, expressed her deep gratitude to Tzu Chi for supporting her education. “Without this scholarship, I wouldn’t have made it this far,” she shared. She also took a moment to honor her parents’ love and sacrifices, offering a heartfelt message to all mothers: “Your children may not always say it, but we are proud of you—more than you know.”
Bro. James Chua, Tzu Chi Bohol Coordinator and Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, highlighted the core mission of Tzu Chi: “Our goal is to purify hearts through selfless service.” He called on the community to unite in kindness and live by Tzu Chi’s values every day. Looking ahead, he shared a hopeful vision: “We aim to establish a dedicated Tzu Chi office here in Bohol, but this dream can only be realized through the resolute commitment of our local volunteers and commissioners.”
The program continued with a heartfelt sign language performance of “The Spirit of Great Love” by the Tzu Chi Youth. Perrie Karylle Cuaco, a 20-year-old Tzu Chi scholar and Elementary Education 3rd-year student at BISU Main Campus, shared her thoughts on the song’s message, which reflected the teachings of Master Cheng Yen: “There is no one in this world that I don’t love, trust, or forgive.” She talked about the importance of trust, love, respect, and forgiveness, even in difficult times. In honor of Mother’s Day, Perrie encouraged everyone to appreciate their mothers, recognizing their sacrifices. She reminded us that the best way to show gratitude to our mothers is by offering love, understanding, and appreciation.
The ceremonial Buddha Bathing was led by Tzu Chi commissioners and volunteers. A parade of sacred offerings—candles and flowers—symbolized purity, gratitude, and the beauty of life.
Determined to attend for the first time, Victoria Rosagaran traveled a long way from Getafe, Bohol. “I really wanted to be here,” she shared. The scholars’ foot-washing ceremony moved her deeply, evoking memories of her own struggles as a working student who never finished her college education. Now a widow and mother of four, she continues to volunteer. “I may not have completed my education,” she said, “but through Tzu Chi, I can help others find the support and hope I once needed.”
The celebration concluded with a candle lighting prayer for a peaceful mind and a society that is harmonious. The prayer was also dedicated and offered for Tzu Chi Philippines’ Deputy CEO, Bro. Michael Siao, wishing him a successful bone marrow transplant and a full recovery. As attendees raised their candles and sang in unison, the atmosphere was filled with hope, healing, and unity.
Although smaller in scale than previous celebrations, the 2025 Buddha Bathing Ceremony in Bohol left a lasting and meaningful impact on all who attended. This meaningful 3-in-1 event symbolized love, gratitude, and unity—honoring the Buddha’s teachings, a mother’s selfless care, and Tzu Chi’s unconditional service to humanity.
