21 December 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara successfully participated in the Annual Charity Bazaar of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spouses Solidarity Association (DMEDD), held on December 05 at the CerModern gallery (a former railway station) in Ankara. This was the Embassy’s 4th time to participate in the Charity Bazaar, and Department of Foreign Affairs Ladies Foundation (DFALF) - Ankara Chapter’s second year to lead in the Embassy’s participation.
The Charity Bazaar, which was officially opened by DMEDD President Dr. Canan Koru with Madame Hülya Ҫavușoḡlu, wife of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Ҫavușoḡlu, was an enormous success. Diplomatic missions and other organizations enthusiastically participated in the Charity Bazaar by selling an array of products, which include, among others, ladies’ accessories, apparels, handicrafts, houseware, house décors, textiles, footwear, food and beverages.
The Bazaar is one of DMEDD’s most important fund raising activities as proceeds from the donations of participating missions and organizations will be used to fund DMEDD's activities such as providing scholarships for indigent but deserving students in Turkey, as well as other education-related projects in the regions of Turkey.
As soon as the Bazaar officially opened, visitors and buyers flocked to the Philippine booth to purchase best-selling Philippine made products such as South Sea pearl jewellery, capiz jewellery boxes decorated by DFALF members and spouses, native bags and purses, houseware and decors made of capiz, abaca wrap and dried mangoes. Even members of the DMEDD endured the huge crowd in front on the Philippine booth to find out for themselves why “everybody is talking about the Philippines!”
To further promote the Philippines, the DFALF-Ankara Chapter adorned the Philippine booth with “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” posters. Philippine Embassy female personnel also modeled colorful abaca wraps in different styles, while male personnel wore Barong Tagalog. The DFALF-Ankara Chapter also presented Dr. Koru, President of DMEDD, with DFALF/IBF "Shop Global Give Local" ecobag filled with dried mangoes. END