Tagbilaran City – Tzu Chi Bohol Liaison Office is one with the global celebration of Tzu Chi Foundation’s 3-in-1 event held every 2nd Sunday of May. On May 12, 2024, the Bohol Cultural Center was packed with almost 400 attendees mainly composed of Tzu Chi Commissioners and Faith Corps, Tzu Chi Youths and Scholars, Apprentice and Training Commissioners, Community Volunteers, and guests from different communities around the province of Bohol for an interfaith experience that have drawn the audience through meaningful programs presented during the event.
The Mother’s day activity brought the house down to tears as several Tzu Chi Youths and Scholars washed their mothers’ feet. A symbolic gesture of gratefulness and humility in honor of the mothers who selflessly sacrificed for their children. The love expressed by the youths and scholars towards their mothers was a beautiful and touching moment as tears continued flowing down their eyes, barely speaking to each other.
Sister Seresa Cenita, an Apprentice Commissioner from the town of Inabanga was one of those who witnessed the emotional mood resonating from the audience area. “It’s truly delightful to see our children value their parents and the sacrifices (they made) for the welfare of their own children. I hope all mothers find joy in their role, and I wish happiness to all mothers in the world.”
Rachelle Calingacion is single-handedly raising her children, one of them is 1st year IT student and Tzu Chi Scholar, Christian Calingacion. Being the second in the brood of four siblings, he grew up to be especially affectionate and clingy to his mother recognizing the absence of another parental figure. When they were both invited to join this event, they were clueless about the washing of feet activity. “He (Christian) told me that there was an event at Tzu Chi, I had no idea what this was all about. When he started to wash my feet, I was deeply touched, so I cried because I didn’t expect anything like this. I was surprised as this was my first time experiencing having my feet washed because usually, we’re the ones washing our child’s feet. I don’t know how to describe my feelings, but I was extremely happy”, Rachelle related.
“I expressed my deepest gratitude and appreciation to you Ma, during the hard times you were there for us, even though we only have you. It’s my first time washing your feet, thank you again for everything Ma, Happy Mother’s Day”, Christian lovingly told his mother.
“While washing my mother’s feet, many thoughts crossed my mind about how thankful I am to have her as my mother and for all the sacrifices she has made for us. It was my first time saying ‘I love you’ to her, and if it weren’t for that moment, I don’t know when I would have said those words because although we are close, we don’t often express our affection with sweet words. I was thankful at that moment for being able to express how much I loved her”, a tearful Krishele Lawag said in an interview. Krishele is a scholar of Tzu Chi Bohol, on her 2nd year in BS Accountancy.
Entering its 58th year, Tzu Chi Bohol Deputy Coordinator, Brother Joven Uy conveyed his message to the event participants that Tzu Chi in Bohol is marking its 10th year of unrelenting service in the province. “It has been a long journey, and I am very happy to see the results of more volunteers emerging from our local community in Bohol. We thank the guidance of our Master for leading our path to understanding the life of our great Master teacher Buddha, thus attracting more people to enlightenment.”
Tzu Chi Philippines’ Deputy CEO and Tzu Chi Bohol Coordinator, Bro. James Chua addressed the audience explaining the essence of Tzu Chi’s 3-in-1 event. He encouraged the volunteers to continue and uphold Tzu Chi’s missions and to inculcate the teachings of Master Cheng Yen in doing the works of Tzu Chi in Bohol. He reminded everyone to be steadfast in their commitment to continue serving those who are in need with true compassion and wisdom.
The Tzu Chi Youth and Scholars gave an astounding performance of “Within One’s Thought”, a dramatic expression about vegetarianism. The interpretative dance explored how humans treat other living beings leading to the exploitation of animals for food. The performance aimed the audience to reconsider their dietary choices and embrace a more compassionate mindset.
The Buddha Bathing ceremony, a traditional highlight of the event, adds a spiritual dimension to the celebration. It signifies purification, renewal, and reverence for the teachings of Buddhism. This sacred ritual also offers the participants a moment of reflection and spiritual connection with a purpose that one’s good nature would emulate from within oneself.
A prayer was held to culminate the 3-in-1 celebration. Just as Tzu Chi Foundation Founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen had committed to her mentor before establishing the organization more than five decades ago, “to work for all living beings and for Buddhism”, it is with utmost prayer that Tzu Chi members’ hearts around the world would come together to fulfill the missions of Tzu Chi Foundation for many more years to come.
