IBF Holds First General Meeting for International Bazaar 2024
PASAY 08 August 2024 – Preparations for the International Bazaar 2024 are underway with the holding of the first General Meeting of the International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF) on 29 July 2024 at the World Trade Center. The IBF Board of Trustees, led by IBF Chairperson Pamela Louise Manalo, together with the officers and members of the Spouses of the Heads of Missions (SHOM), briefed representatives from the forty-five (45) Diplomatic and Consular Missions in attendance at the general meeting on the preparations for the upcoming bazaar.
This year’s bazaar will be held on Sunday, 03 November 2024 at Halls B and C of the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This one day event – which showcases products from all over the world - is a collaborative effort among the IBF, the SHOM, and the Diplomatic and Consular Missions in the Philippines. It stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage, unity in diversity, and the importance of fostering an international community spirit.
Organized annually, the International Bazaar goes beyond culture and commerce. In her welcome remarks, Madame Manalo stated “This Bazaar’s main purpose is to provide assistance and offer hope to those who are in need by raising funds to support charitable causes championed by both the SHOM and the IBF, all aimed at transforming the lives of marginalized members of the community.”
Madame Michelle Hejčová, SHOM Chair for the International Bazaar 2024 and spouse of the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Philippines, delivered an inspiring message to the attendees. She stated, “The intention and at the heart of this event is its focus on charity. The international bazaar is not only our opportunity to work together as the diplomatic community to showcase typical goods, foods and services from our home countries but also to work together to raise funds to support worthy causes here in the Philippines. SHOM is committed to deploy these funds to reputable and vetted organizations whose projects are focused on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable”.
Established in 1966, the IBF, now in its 58th year, remains committed to its mission of uplifting disadvantaged sectors through charitable activities while fostering stronger bonds within the diplomatic community in Manila. END
