Tzu Chi Bohol Holds Its First Vegetarian Cooking Contest in Celebration of Earth Day

In today’s world, environmental challenges are becoming more serious each day, reminding us that the need to live mindfully is more important than ever. As the Earth continues to face growing threats, we are called not only to be aware, but to take meaningful action in the way we live, choose, and care for our shared home.

“When everyone can reduce the greed in their minds, we can inspire more people to love each other and work together in unity to care for the environment and protect the Earth.” These words of Master Cheng Yen came to life on April 18, 2026, as the Tzu Chi Foundation held its first Vegetarian Cooking Contest in Matabao, Tubigon, in celebration of Earth Day. The event served as a meaningful reminder that we have only one Earth, one shared home, which calls for our care and protection to sustain life and preserve it for future generations.

The event gathered a total of 41 attendees, including 2 commissioners, 3 staff, 2 Tzu Chings, 17 local volunteers, and 17 invited guests, all eager to witness and showcase their creativity in vegetable-based cooking. Using cabbage as the main ingredient, each group received a “mystery box” of ingredients along with a riddle that guided them toward the dish they were expected to prepare. This unique challenge encouraged teamwork, creativity, and innovation. Five group participants from Tubigon, Loboc, Getafe, and Inabanga were then given one hour to finish their dishes, presenting creatively named entries such as Vegetable Ukoy, Cabbage Crown Soup, Vegetable Crunchy Salad, Bam-e with Shiitake, and Crizaldo with Egg.

As the competition unfolded, it went beyond cooking skills and became a reflection of shared values and purpose. One of the judges, Sister Chieh Fang Uy, reminded everyone of Master Cheng Yen’s teaching to cultivate and nurture a compassionate heart. She explained the significance of Earth Day and highlighted the connection between meat and seafood consumption to the condition of the environment. She shared, “Today, our planet is facing many natural disasters, especially those caused by human activity. According to the Master, there is one simple way that everyone can help reduce these disasters, and that is through vegetarianism.” Her message resonated deeply, reinforcing the idea that what we choose to place on our plates can help shape the future of our planet. Vegetarianism, she emphasized, is not just a diet, but a meaningful way to reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and extend compassion to all living beings.

This message was felt strongly by the participants, especially the young ones. Jevy Lumayno, a 21-year-old college student from Inabanga, shared her joy in being part of the activity. Invited by community volunteer Ceresa Cenita, she expressed how the experience opened her eyes. “Coming from a coastal community, we are used to eating seafood, but this experience reminded me that we should not always rely on meat and seafood. We should also include vegetables in our daily meals to stay healthy,” she said. She added, “Earth Day is a reminder for all of us to plant and eat more vegetables because it benefits both our health and the environment. I am truly glad I joined because it inspired me to continue living a healthier and more mindful lifestyle.”

Other participants also shared heartfelt reflections, like Celestina Torrejas, 57, from Tugas, Getafe, who joined a cooking contest for the first time. Although she felt nervous at first, she found joy and meaning in the experience. “I am used to cooking every day, mostly with vegetables, but this activity made me realize even more that food tastes better and more natural without too much seasoning,” she shared. “It is really beneficial for the community and for Earth Day because vegetarian cooking helps promote better health and care for the environment.” For her, the activity was even more personal, as her husband’s health condition had already led them to avoid meat. This strengthened her belief that vegetable-based meals support a healthier way of living. She encouraged others, saying, “I hope more people will be encouraged to plant and eat vegetables, because it is not only good for our health but also for the Earth.”

Truly, compassion can be expressed not only through words, but through food. This was beautifully embodied by the oldest participant, Norina Millanes, a 77-year-old volunteer from Inabanga. Despite her old age, she continues to serve the foundation. She joined the activity with a desire to learn more about healthy cooking. “I love cooking vegetables. I also grow my own vegetables even though we live near the sea, so I don’t need to buy them from the market. I really cannot live without eating vegetables every day,” she shared. She added, “Vegetables are very important for our health because they help prevent illnesses like high blood pressure and cholesterol. She also shared that many people often ask her, “Ma’am, what is your secret at your age?” and she would always answer, “Just eat vegetables and do some exercise.”

The activity left a lasting impression on many, including Cipriana Jimenez from Getafe, who was deeply inspired by the dishes prepared. “I was truly amazed because the dishes were all healthy and thoughtfully made,” she shared. She also encouraged the attendees to grow their own vegetables in their backyards, emphasizing that this activity showed how, through teamwork and by choosing a vegetarian lifestyle, we can help protect the Earth while also taking better care of our health.

In the end, the event was more than just a cooking contest; it became another way of serving hope to Mother Earth. It echoed the Jing Si Aphorism, “Being vegetarian is the most direct expression of compassion,” reminding everyone that even the simplest choices can create a powerful impact. Through shared effort, creativity, and mindfulness, each participant showed that caring for the Earth can begin with something as simple as the food we choose to prepare and eat, and through these simple choices, we plant the seeds of love and create a better place for us and for generations to come.

In the end, the event was more than just a cooking contest; it became another way of serving hope to Mother Earth. It echoed the Jing Si Aphorism, “Being vegetarian is the most direct expression of compassion,” reminding everyone that even the simplest choices can create a powerful impact. Through shared effort, creativity, and mindfulness, each participant showed that caring for the Earth can begin with something as simple as the food we choose to prepare and eat, and through these simple choices, we plant the seeds of love and create a better place for us and for generations to come.