International Mini Bazaar, ASEAN Fest Return to Showcase International Cultures and Products

Left photo: ALF and IBF Chairperson, Mme. Maria Lourdes Locsin delivered the keynote address. Right photo: (from left to right) ALF President and Counsellor of the Malaysian Embassy, Ms. Nurriha Ahmad; ALF and IBF Chairperson, Mme. Maria Lourdes Locsin; Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.; IBF President, Consul Betty Ang; SM Senior Vice President for Marketing Ms. Millie Dizon; and Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) representative, Mme. Nicole Weismann. (DFA-OPCD photos)

PASAY CITY, 29 June 2022 – The International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF), and the ASEAN Ladies Foundation, Inc. (ALF), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), together with the support of SM Mall of Asia hosted “SHOP, TASTE, and CELEBRATE: The International Mini Bazaar and ASEAN Fest” held auspiciously during the Philippine Independence Day, 12 June 2022. This event was a successful return of the IBF Bazaar and ASEAN Food Festival from the pandemic-caused hiatus and the first time the two events were combined. This event was also a culminating activity of Madame Maria Lourdes B. Locsin as the Chairperson of the IBF, ALF, and the DFA Ladies Foundation, Inc.

ALF President, Ms. Nurriha Ahmad of the Embassy of Malaysia, gave the welcome remarks and noted that despite the postponements and challenges brought about by the pandemic, the event was an opportunity to get to know each other better and to extend kindness and care regardless of the diversity of backgrounds.

Madame Locsin, spouse of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., led the one-day event and expressed delight that all the planning had finally come to fruition with the face-to-face gathering and return of the bazaar and the food festival. In her keynote address, she provided a background of the two foundations, the IBF and the ALF, expressed gratitude to all the participants and visitors while highlighting that the donations, contributions, and participation goes a long way in helping many.

There were 36 booths that showcased signature dishes and various cuisines, as well as products from all over the world. Participating countries included Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Peru, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, and Viet Nam. The wide selection of ASEAN food items and bazaar goods generated a lot of interest with an estimate of more than 2,000 visitors from the diplomatic community and the general public during the whole day event.

The event also showcased Philippine cultural heritage with a rondalla and dance/song performances by the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe.  To add to the festivities and as part of the ASEAN Fest, there was also a cultural performance by the Indonesian Embassy and the background music included a song contribution from the ASEAN Embassies and the DFA. The ASEAN food festival activity of the ALF aims to foster unity and cooperation among ASEAN Embassies in the Philippines, as well as public awareness about the regional grouping.

Organized in 1966, the IBF is a non-profit and fundraising institutional foundation, considered to be the social arm of the Department of Foreign Affairs. It has undertaken various charitable activities and fostered stronger bonds among members of the diplomatic community in Manila. The IBF has granted more than 500 scholarships over the years and currently has 56 active scholars.  The IBF has been hosting the International Bazaar that raises funds to uplift the lives of the less privileged.

After the successful return of the international bazaar, Madame Locsin led a donation of goods to IBF beneficiaries, Little Sisters of the Poor, San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly in Pasay City and Missionaries of Charity (Home of Joy for the Sick Children and Home of the Elderly) in Tondo, Manila on 28 June 2022. END

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., ALF Chairperson, Mme. Maria Lourdes B. Locsin (center) together with IBF and ALF Board of Trustees and members of the diplomatic community celebrate camaraderie at the International Mini Bazaar and ASEAN Fest. (DFA-OPCD photo) 

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. joined the IBF Board Members in the turnover of cash donation from Ambassador Huang Xilian of China to the International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (DFA-OPCD photo)

Mme. Locsin visited the various booths at the event. (DFA-OPCD photos)

Cultural performances were done by the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe and the Indonesia Embassy. (DFA-OPCD photos)

Mme. Locsin (in blue), joined by the DFA Special Projects Unit, turned over a donation of goods to IBF beneficiaries in Pasay and Tondo on 28 June 2022 (Photo courtesy of IBF, Daisy Villaran)