10 December 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Prague joined some 40 other Embassies and diplomatic representations Republic at the annual International Christmas Festival on November 30 in the capital city of the Czech Republic. The Festival, which is similar to the annual International Bazaar in Manila, was organized by the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA) in this Central European capital. The Philippine Embassy was  represented by Mrs. Melissa Lecaros, spouse of Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Vic Lecaros.

Czech First Lady Mrs. Ivana Zemanová opened the Festival. A multitude of booths displaying products from participating countries – and there is even an ASEAN booth – are the main draw of the annual event, which raises funds through internet sales, the sale of entry tickets and of the goods being sold. Funds raised are intended for charitable organizations in the Czech Republic.

Participants at the Philippine Embassy booth included Filipino-owned retailers such as SoleiMer Prague, with their high-end pearl jewelry from the Philippines, and the Pnoy Taste of Asia, which sold Philippine dry goods and handicraft items. 

The participating Filipino retailers donated a total of roughly 100,000 Czech koruna (US$4,000) from their sales proceeds to the DSA. END