Seated in the front row are the distinguished members of the Board of Trustees of the IBF, Inc. headed by the Chairperson Pamela Louise Manalo, President Betty L. Ang, Public Relations Officer Veronica B. Jimenez, Board Member Gina P. De Venecia, and Vicky Ablan, joined by DFA Undersecretary Antonio Morales and members of the Executive Committee of SHOM - LIAISON (IBF) Arkadiusz ‘Eric’ Tracz (Hungary), Treasurer Cathrine Lykke Riseng Lyster (Norway), Media Representative Indri P. Akyol (Türkiye), and Human Resources Eva Wollerup Fischer Mellbin (Denmark)
The International Bazaar Foundation Inc. (IBF), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, and the Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM), staged the 57th International Bazaar, their major annual fundraising event last Nov. 19 at the PICC Forum in Pasay City. They gathered 42 countries and 31 of the Philippines’ best exhibitors to participate in this year's bazaar. Taking the lead was IBF’S Chairperson Pamela Louise Manalo.
IBF, Inc. Chairperson Pamela Louise Manalo
The International Bazaar aimed to raise funds for various IBF and SHOM charity projects, and was a good platform to showcase and sell unique and traditional products from different countries.
“The International Bazaar is more than just an event, it is a bridge connecting the diplomatic and consular corps community with the general public, facilitating the promotion of cultures, tourism, and cuisine,” Manalo said in her speech. “Today we have an opportunity to foster an understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness of each participating country. There is unity in diversity, and during these fast-changing times especially, we are reminded of the strength that derives from coming together for a common cause.”
Guest of Honor Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano of Taguig City
Former chairwoman of the foundation, Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano of Taguig City, who was the guest of honor, said it all felt like a homecoming for her. She reiterated the objective of the annual collaboration of the organizations involved, saying “the International Bazaar stands as a celebration of the rich diversity defines our global community. It is a tapestry woven—a thread of diplomacy, friendship, and shared aspiration for a better world. This gathering is more than just a showcase of culture, it is a beacon of hope and positive change.”
IBF Board member Vicky Ablan, Gina de Venecia, businesswoman Tessie Sy-Coson, IBF, Inc Chairperson Manalo, Mayor Cayetano and IBF Inc. President Consul Betty L. Ang Mme. Maria Elena Urriste and H.E. Amb. Ricardo Bocalandro of the Embassy of Argentina with Guest of Honor Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano of Taguig City, and IBF, Inc. members.Denmark Embassy’s Madam Eve Fischer with Mayor Lani and the organizersH.E. Amb. Shambhu S. Kumaran of the Embassy of IndiaH.E. Amb. Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony of the Malaysian Embassy with Guest of Honor Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano of Taguig City, and the IBF, Inc. members.H.E. Ambassador Huang Xilian of the Embassy of China (2nd from left) with the Guest of Honor Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano of Taguig City, and IBF, Inc. members.H.E. Amb. Constance See Sin Yuan of the Embassy of SinagporeH.E. Amb. Juha Pyykkö and his wife, Mme. Riitta Laakso of the Embassy of Finland in the PhilippinesPapal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John BrownMme. Denise Brühl and H.E. Amb. Dr. Nicolas Brühl of the Embassy of SwitzerlandH.E. Amb. Marielle Geraedts of the Embassy of NetherlandsHungary Embassy Ambassador Titanilla TothMme. Irene Carlos and H.E. Amb. William Carlos of the Embassy of IrelandH.E. Amb. Hae Kyong Yu of the Embassy of Australia who filled up their 18 booths with Australian goodiesH.E. Amb. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi of the Embassy of PakistanH.E. Amb Ratuda Dana Matache of the Embassy of Romania (2nd to the left)H.E. Amb. Saleh As’ad Saleh Mohammad of the Palestine EmbassyH.E. Amb. Laure Beaufils of the British Embassy Manila and DFA Usec. Antonio MoralesASEAN Ladies Foundation (ALF) President Ranny WidjojoH.E. Amb. Agus Widjojo of the Embassy of Indonesia tries the TiniklingMalaysian Embassy Ambassador Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino AnthonyA silent Art Auction was also part of the event activities. Filipino painter Manuel Baldemor did the 24" x 35" acrylic on canvas titled "Pasko Filipino".
