INT’L BAZAAR FOR A CAUSE ON NOV. 24:

The spouses of ambassadors are staging a one-day bazaar showcasing the best products from around the world. Photo shows officers of the International Bazaar Foundation during the project launch on Oct. 24 (from left): SHOM president Susan Fries, IBF president Helen Ong, IBF chair Maria Lourdes Locsin, IBF VP Betty Ang, IBF board member Gina de Venecia and Parvati Mazundar of India.

For one whole day on Nov. 24, Sunday, the best products from all over the world will be showcased, for sale, at the PICC Forums 1,2 and 3 at the CCP complex, Pasay City, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This one-day international bazaar 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).

“This bazaar will showcase the finest items from different countries together with the Philippines’ best communitybased products,” said Maria Lourdes Locsin, wife of DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and IBF chair.

According to Susan Fries, spouse of Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries and SHOM president, the proceeds of this cosmopolitan bazaar will benefit local charities.

Among the chosen beneficiaries this year are the 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 inabel or 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.

The International Bazaar, now on its 53rd year, has taken on as theme, “Shop The World, Show You Care.”

According to Locsin, entrance tickets to the bazaar are at P150, while donor cards cost P250. These are available at Tesoro’s store in Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City; at Special Projects Unit, 6th floor, DFA Building, Roxas Boulevard., Pasay City and at the PICC gate on the day of the International Bazaar.

For inquiries, call 833-1320 or send e-mail to ibf.dfa@gmail.com.