International Bazaar Foundation marks 52nd year

NOW on its 52nd year, the International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. ( IBF) will hold its newest bazaar installment on November 25 at the Philippine International Convention Center ( PICC) Forums 1 to 3.

Partnering with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic and Consular Corps, and the Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM), the bazaar will feature the best international and Filipino offerings through its 180 booths.

Products ranging from New Zealand steaks, to Swedish home appliances, and Korean makeup and skincare, the bazaar will also be complemented with numerous food booths as an example of best specialty offerings from all continents of the world.

“Last year, the Swiss booth was the most popular, with their chocolates selling out quickly because of the 100- peso price range. They had to order more items because they sold out before lunchtime,” shared Susan Fries, president of the SHOM at a press conference.

Majority of the products at the one- day bazaar are taxfree making the prices lower than of those in the market.

‘ Where the world shops and builds hope’

One of the significant features of the bazaar is how the team has partnered with multiple non- government organizations for the benefit abused women and children, as well as subsidy scholarships for the less fortunate college students based in Metro Manila.

With 5,000 customer- turnout at last year’s installment of the bazaar, the amount received was then turned over to seven beneficiaries.

“This [ bazaar] is all for a good cause,” Fries said proudly. The organizing team also mentioned that they do not have a specific amount to reach and that they are already grateful for the big help to their beneficiaries.

In fact, the team has donated sewing machines for livelihood projects in war- torn Marawi and has allowed them to have their own booth to sell their creations at the bazaar.

To continue the promotion of Filipino culture and craftsmanship for the large bazaar audience, the team and partners have a vision in mind — to build a IBF Traditional Livelihood Center in Taguig City. Focusing on the Filipino methods of weaving, embroidery, woodcarving, and the like, these activities and lessons at the proposed project aim to help the underprivileged become financially stable and be able to pass on their newly-learned skills.

International Bazaar 2018 tickets are available at the main branches of Tesoro’s Philippine Handicraft in Ermita, Manila and Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City.