International Bazaar 2023 to Usher in Christmas Festivities on November 19 at PICC
PASAY 23 October 2023 – The International Bazaar Foundation, Inc (IBF), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of the Philippines, and Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM), will hold the International Bazaar 2023 on Sunday, 19 November 2023, from 9:00am to 7:00pm at Forum Tents 2 and 3 of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
In a press conference held on 20 October 2023 at the PICC, IBF Chairperson Pamela Louise Manalo announced that “In this 57th International Bazaar, we celebrate not just numbers - 42 participants from the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, 31 from our own Philippine Best’s exhibitors - but also the stories, tastes and craftsmanship that each booth will offer.”
Participating countries this year include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Myanmar, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palestine, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela..
All proceeds from this annual Bazaar will go to the various IBF and SHOM charity projects and programs that aim to uplift marginalized communities and extend educational opportunities to indigent scholars. Madame Manalo also stated that “Beyond the delightful shopping and cultural experiences, the essence of our endeavor goes deeper. This year’s theme ‘Shop Global, Help Local’ encapsulates the Foundation’s mission. The funds we raise through this event empower us to touch lives - supporting abused women, homeless individuals, and marginalized communities, offering them not just aid, but hope.”
Representing the Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM) at the press conference was Mr. Arkadiusz Jan Tracz of Hungary. Mr. Tracz said, “Through this Bazaar, we not only bring products from our homelands to the Philippines, but also aim to make the idea of shopping more altruistic and less self-centric. We want every bazaar participant, from the vendors, to the organizers, to the buyers, to feel like they give someone a chance to live a better life with every peso spent while they enjoy shopping.”
The International Bazaar, an annual tradition, is one of the most anticipated bazaars that usher in the start of Christmas festivities in Metro Manila. It enjoys the participation of the diplomatic community as well as Philippine product exhibitors.
Established in 1966, the IBF is a non-profit fundraising institutional foundation. Now in its 57th year, the IBF remains committed to its vision of assisting disadvantaged sectors of the community through its charitable activities, as well as fostering stronger bonds within the diplomatic community in Manila. END
Shop Global, Help Local