For many young Filipinos, the path to education is paved with challenges—financial hardship, family responsibilities, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Yet, for 114 university scholars from seven Tzu Chi chapters across the Philippines, the 2025 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp became a transformative experience, offering not just support but a renewed sense of hope, belonging, and purpose.
A Gathering of Aspirations and Camaraderie
From June 27 to 29, 2025, scholars from Pampanga, Bicol, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga, and the National Capital Region gathered at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Organized for scholars by scholars, the camp’s theme—“Shine a Light, Let Dreams Take Flight”—was brought to life through activities that fostered teamwork, openness, and the timeless teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
Divided into 16 groups, the scholars learned the basics of Tzu Chi etiquette from volunteers Mayee Lim and Lino Sy, prepared vegetarian menudo in a cooking class led by volunteer Wilfredo Ortiz Jr., and explored the BTCC campus through Amazing Race-style challenges. These activities not only encouraged participation and collaboration but also helped students discover the values of gratitude, environmental stewardship, and self-reliance.
LEFT: In the Jing Si Hall, scholars sing and dance to “Fly, Let’s Set Out!”, radiating positivity and energy. RIGHT: This year’s camp featured a vegetarian cooking competition, where students enjoyed preparing their own plant-based meals. | Photos: Tzu Chi Philippines Media Team
Learning from Experience and Each Other
The camp’s curriculum blended practical skills with values-based learning. Talks on self-expression and mental well-being by Pong Tee and Dr. Roni Motilla encouraged scholars to get in touch with their innermost thoughts and feelings. Darwin Soriano’s session, “Mapping Career Destinations and Navigating Life After College,” inspired many to work hard and dream big.
For Shane Marie Manumbre, a 20-year-old Community Development major from Iloilo Science and Technology University, the talks were especially meaningful. “I learned a lot, especially from the talks. They really resonated with me. I still don’t know a lot about the world,” she shared.
No scholars’ camp is complete without two activities that have become favorites among participants. Former Tzu Chi scholar Albert Briongos once again moved the audience with his discussion on filial piety, while the candle-lit “Starry, Starry Night” session gave scholars a safe space to share their hopes, dreams, and struggles.
LEFT: Executive Director Henry Yunez (楊國英) encourages students: “Being born into poverty is not your fault, but believe in your future—you can rise above and help others do the same.” RIGHT: Graduating scholars receive symbolic diplomas in a special ceremony. | Photos: Tzu Chi Philippines Media Team
For Shayne Marie Mañalac, a 20-year-old Social Work student from Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga, “Starry, Starry Night” was the highlight. “I shared thoughts that I had been keeping for a very long time, and couldn’t help but get emotional. But after that, I felt so much lighter. The weight on my chest disappeared. I was able to let go of everything and release it to the world.”
Harold Llorca, a 22-year-old Broadcasting major from Bicol State University, echoed this sentiment: “We feel that we are vulnerable, recognized, and empathized with. It feels good to be honest with yourself. Not everything we see on the outside expresses our true feelings. We’re all going through trials. "Starry, Starry Night" was a way of showing others who we really are.”
Stories of Resilience and Growth
For many scholars, the camp was a welcome reprieve from the struggles back home. Manumbre, whose mother is a community healthcare worker and laundry woman, has walked for hours—crossing two rivers—to get to school since childhood. Llorca, the fourth of six siblings, balances schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and a job as a call center agent, yet still maintains his dean’s list status. Mañalac relies on her stepfather’s work as a tricycle driver and her mother’s careful budgeting to support their family of six.
Through Tzu Chi’s support, these young people are not only able to pursue their education but also to dream bigger and give back. “I’m so grateful to Tzu Chi because it shaped who I am today as a scholar. I promise to give back when I’m finally able to. The help you gave me is beyond financial. It made me grow as a person,” said Manumbre, who overcame her shyness and now aspires to become a social worker.
Llorca hopes to gain broadcasting experience so he can one day share Tzu Chi’s story with the world. “I want to expand my knowledge and abilities so I can tell the world all about Tzu Chi.”
Mañalac, who credits monthly Humanity classes for teaching her to appreciate, love, and value herself and her parents, dreams “to give my mother the universe. She deserves it. She’s the most selfless person I know.” She also plans to keep her ties with the foundation: “Even after my graduation or after I become a professional, my connection with Tzu Chi will not end.”
LEFT: Leandro (right), Cristine (center), and Paolo (left), all soon-to-be graduates of Philippine Normal University, co-wrote the camp’s theme song “Soaring High.” | Photo: Si-Ning Tsai RIGHT: Students practice communication and teamwork in the “Spread Jing Si Aphorisms” game. | Photo: Tzu Chi Philippines Media Team
A Cycle of Giving and Inspiration
A unique aspect of this year’s camp was the involvement of graduating scholars as organizers and mentors. Having once received support themselves, these young adults now guided their peers, embodying the principle that education is a powerful tool for change—not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities.
Cristine Mae Udarbe, about to graduate from Philippine Normal University, reflected, “This camp helped us build deep friendships with students from all over the country. Tzu Chi doesn’t just provide financial aid—it gives us wisdom we can’t learn in the classroom. That’s our greatest blessing.”
Aaron Kyle Genares, another camp leader, described how activities focused on self-discovery and teamwork. “We explored our dreams, strengths, and motivations. The night sharing sessions were especially meaningful, as everyone reflected on their challenges and growth.”
LEFT: Lecturer Jin-Peng Chen (left) demonstrates how to shift from conflict to empathy in parent-child relationships. | Photo: Rong-Hua Yan (顏榮華). RIGHT: Volunteer mentors comfort students moved to tears during the filial piety session. | Photo: Tzu Chi Philippines Media Team
A New Beginning
As the camp drew to a close, the sense of hope was palpable. Many students left with a renewed sense of responsibility—not just to themselves, but to their families and communities. “This camp has shown me that even with limited means, we can manage ourselves, care for our parents, and grow into responsible adults,” said one participant.
The journey does not end here. Empowered by the warmth and encouragement they received, these young people are ready to take flight, carrying with them the spirit of compassion and the determination to light the way for others.
Written by Shan-Ya Li (李珊雅), Shu-Li Co (翁淑理), Tzu Chi Philippines Media Team
Source: 「點亮希望 讓夢起航」——青年翻轉人生的慈濟助學營隊之旅
