Preparations Underway for International Bazaar 2022: Where the World Comes to Shop

Seated (L-R) Ms. Nora Salazar, IBF Executive Director; Ms. Alice Tesoro Guerrero, Treasurer; Consul Betty L. Ang, IBF President; Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo, IBF Chairperson; Consul Helen M. Ong, Vice-Chairperson; Ms. Veronica Baluyut Jimenez, IBF Public Relations Officer; Mme. Riitta Laakso, SHOM President; and Mr. Arkadiusz ‘Eric’ Tracz, SHOM members, together with representatives from the Diplomatic and Consular Corps participating at the General Meeting on the International Bazaar held on 20 October 2022 at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

PASAY CITY, 08 November 2022 — The International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF), Inc., in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM), has begun preparations for the return of the International Bazaar through a General Meeting with representatives from the Diplomatic and Consular Corps on 20 October 2022 at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In her welcome remarks, IBF Chairperson Madame Pamela Louise Manalo underscored that with the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, it was now possible to bring back the day-long fundraising event and conduct the General Meeting in person.

“I thank everyone for your unwavering commitment and active participation. Together, our efforts will go towards raising funds that will support various projects, including scholarships to indigent students. The IBF has granted more than 500 scholarships over the years and currently has 55 active scholars. The IBF also supports livelihood projects for distressed communities and victims of calamities; provides financial and in-kind assistance to the elderly, and to abused and abandoned children; and assists other civic organizations, medical institutions, and NGOs in providing medical care to children, persons with disabilities, the homeless, and other deserving groups,” Mme. Manalo said. 

The IBF and SHOM also held a press conference with members of the media on 27 October 2022 at the DFA.  At the press conference, there was also a display of products from participating countries Argentina, Australia, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, and India that will be featured in the upcoming bazaar.

Mme. Manalo shared that the Bazaar is unique given the participation of the international community in offering a variety of products. She noted that it is a collaborative effort among the IBF, DFA, SHOM, participating Embassies, Consulates, and traders as well as other supporters to ensure the bazaar’s successful return and contribute to greater international understanding.

Mme. Riitta Laakso of Finland and SHOM President emphasized the Bazaar’s twin goals of giving back to communities in the Philippines and promoting the cultures and products of the various countries.  She also announced that SHOM has launched a website https://shom.ph/ where registered charities in the Philippines can apply for funding. Proceeds from the bazaar will also support beneficiaries chosen by the SHOM.

With the theme, “Where the World Comes to Shop,” this year’s International Bazaar will be held on Sunday, 20 November 2022 (9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.) at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. 

Booths will include Filipino product exhibitors and products from participating countries: Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cambodia, China, Colombia, European Union, Finland, France, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.

For more details, please visit the IBF Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/internationalbazaarfoundation. END

The panel for the press conference on the International Bazaar held on 27 October 2022. Seated: Ms. Nora Salazar, IBF Executive Director; Consul Helen M. Ong, Vice-Chairperson; Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo, IBF Chairperson; and Consul Betty L. Ang, IBF President. Standing L-R); Ms. Veronica Baluyut Jimenez, IBF Public Relations Officer; Mme. Maria Elena Urriste, SHOM member, Mme. Riitta Laakso, SHOM President; and Mr. Fergus Murphy, SHOM member.

Sample products were on display at the press conference.