International bazaar opens at World Trade Center on Sunday


An international bazaar to be participated by at least 41 countries will be organized at the World Trade Center starting Sunday, Nov. 20.

The International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF) partnered with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of the Philippines, and Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM) in coming up with the event that aims to grant scholarships for indigent students from the proceeds.

From left: Ms. Nora Salazar, Executive Director; Ms. Fe Cabactulan, Adviser; Consul Helen M. Ong, Vice-Chairperson; Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo, IBF Chairperson; Consul Betty L. Ang, President; Ms. Alice Guerrero, Treasurer; Ms. Gina P. De Venecia, Board Member; and Ms. Rose Marie B. Villamor, Adviser; at the Department of Foreign Affairs on September 8, 2022.

Over the years, IBF, which has been holding the international bazaar every year, has already granted more than 500 scholarships.

It has also supported livelihood projects for distressed communities and victims of calamities, provided financial and in-kind assistance to the elderly and to abused and abandoned children, and assisted other civic organizations, medical institutions, and NGOs in providing medical care to children, persons with disabilities, the homeless, and other deserving groups.

Established in 1966, the IBF is a non-profit fundraising institutional foundation that remains committed to its vision of assisting disadvantaged sectors of the population through charitable activities, as well as fostering stronger bonds within the diplomatic community in Manila.

Participating countries in this year's event include Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cambodia, China, Colombia, European Union, Finland, France, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Order of Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Uruguay.