An international bazaar to be participated in by at least 40 countries will open once again with the theme, “Shop global, help local,” at the World Trade Center starting November 3.
The International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF) partnered with the Spouses of the Heads of Missions (SHOM) and the Diplomatic and Consular Missions in the Philippines to conduct the annual bazaar this year to raise funds that will support programs that will empower abused women, the homeless, and other marginalized communities, offering them not just a dole out but hope.
According to Chairperson Pamela Louise Manalo, wife of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Sec. Enrique Manalo, this year's event will be held at the largest venue they have had since the bazaar started almost 60 years ago - occupying 5,533 square meters of Halls B and C of the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Manalo added that having the largest venue means more booths available and more items to shop.
“Our friends from the United States Embassy will feature an impressive 16-booth 'Galing USA’ pavilion that will be offering a diverse range of products, which includes, among others, red meat, poultry, cheeses, soy-based products, wines, candies, confectionery, and craft beers brewed with US ingredients,” she mentioned.
“The International Bazaar embodies the shared advocacy of the Foundation and the Diplomatic and Consular Corps to transform resources into essential services that contribute to the socio-economic welfare of those in need,” Manalo added.
During a press conference on Wednesday, September 11, the diplomatic missions of Argentina, Australia, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Syria, Turkiye, the United States of America, and Vietnam set up a mini exhibit of some of their popular products that will be offered to the public on November 3.
Manalo invited the public to visit the bazaar as it will fall on a long holiday weekend. “This is indeed a great opportunity for everyone to get their holiday shopping started ahead of the Christmas rush in December.”
Every year, the participating missions offer various products from their countries.
The IBF was established in 1966 as 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.