Int’l bazaar-for-a-cause to showcase the best of the world

“Bring your shopping bag, bring your wallet, and bring your appetite.” This was the message of Maria Lourdes “Louie” Locsin, wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., as she invited the public to come and visit the international bazaar-for-acause that will be held on November 24, 2019 at the PICC Forums 1, 2, & 3 at CCP Complex, Pasay City, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Now on its 53rd year, the international bazaar will showcase the best and finest products

from all over the world, and are all for sale.

“Considering this international bazaar has been going on for the last 53 years, it goes to show that we’re doing something right, and we are doing something good,” Locsin said.

Founded by the late Angela ValdezRamos, mother of former President Fidel V. Ramos, the yearly event is organized by the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic & Consular Corps and the Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM).

Mrs. Locsin noted that the theme, “Shop The World, Show You Care”, says everything about the benefit event that would help the following beneficiaries: 41 scholars in colleges and universities in Metro Manila; the Ayala Foundation that conducts out-reach projects in Mindanao, Palawan and Mindoro; the HABI Textile that restores the fine art of inabelor abeliloko; the Pilak Silvercraft that trains silversmiths in Baguio City, the Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Parañaque City; Bogo, Cebu Provincial hospital; the Missionaries of Charity; the Little Sisters of the Poor; the feeding program in Pasay City, the Steps Mission Foundation; and the Sayaw Foundation that teaches outof-school youth to learn ballet skills.

“Our motto for this year says it all because you have under one roof a lot of countries represented, going together hand in hand with our local vendors and retailers,” she said.

She called on the public to support the cause and reserve November 24 as a “special day.”

“This is a day you will feel that you are part of the world and the day you know you’re helping so many people in the Philippines,” she added.

According to SHOM President Susan Fries, some 36 embassies have signed on for the event to sell their respective products while a total of 40 countries have committed to selling their items at the cosmopolitan bazaar. Mrs. Fries is the spouse of the Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Harald Fries.

“Definitely it will be an international shopping under one roof. You’ll also be able to see and talk to people from these countries. It will be time to see different things and different products,” Fries said.

Locsin, meanwhile, said entrance tickets to the bazaar are sold at 1150.00, while donor cards cost 1250.00. Tickets are sold at Tesoros Store in Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, at Special Projects Unit, 6thFlr, DFA Bldg, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City and at the PICC gate on the day of the International Bazaar. For inquiries, the public is advised to call 833-1320 or send an e-mail at ibf.dfa@ gmail.com.