PRESS RELEASE Department
of Foreign Affairs
2330 Roxas
Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines
* Tel. No. 834-4000
* www.dfa.gov.ph ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. 573-03; 11 October
2003
SHOPPERS GET PREVIEW OF 2003 INT’L BAZAAR
Pre-Christmas shoppers had a sneak preview
of what they can buy at the 2003 International Bazaar which opens Oct.
19 at the World Trade Center on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, and they were
wowed by products not ordinarily seen in the market which will be on sale.
The occasion was a mini-bazaar, which
was held yesterday at the auditorium of the Department of Foreign Affairs
on Roxas Boulevard as a prelude to the October 19 International Bazaar
sponsored by the International Bazaar Foundation, chaired by Mrs. Susana
V. Ople.
"Interested shoppers who came were excited
over the variety and beauty of products to be sold at bargain prices at
the much-awaited 2003 International Bazaar," said Mrs. Ople. "These products
are exotic and unique."
The main fare at the bazaar are chief
native products of countries represented by their embassies and consulates
in the Philippines. Among these are swarovski crystals and Belgian lace
from Austria; handicrafts, crystals, glass wares and orthodox items from
Russia; table cloths, silverware, shawls and jewelry from Turkey; ladies
accessories, dolls and toys from South Korea; beaded handbags, jade bracelets
and necklaces from Myanmar; Dead Sea cosmetic products, wine, vodka and
pretzels from Israel; jewelry and gems, batik clothing and ceramic tea
sets from Sri Lanka; table runner and cloths, frames, caviar containers,
coper and enable plates, carpets and copper vases from Iran; table cloth,
painted Pyrus paper and arts and crafts from Egypt; Christmas specialties,
chocolates and German wine from Germany; handbags and silk from Thailand;
neckties and ladies apparel, wallets and ladies apparel from Italy; batik
products from Malaysia and Indonesia; and whisky, cosmetics and food items
from the United Kingdom.
"They will not only get their money’s
worth when they shop at the bazaar but will also be sharing for charity,"
Mrs. Ople said, calling attention to the IBF’s theme, "Shop ‘n’ Share for
Charity." She explained that proceeds from the bazaar will go to charity.
One of the bazaar’s attractions is a raffle
during which major prizes will go to lucky winners. Among the prizes are
paintings by noted Filipino artists Mauro Malang Santos, Manny Baldemor,
Cee Cadid, Jimmy Vista, and Ralph Gonzales; round trip plane tickets to
foreign destinations, TV set, computer and component, gift certificates,
overnight stay in five-star hotels, silk scarves and jewelry boxes, lunch
or dinners at well-known hoels and restaurants, Swiss watches and one-year
subscription to the Philippine Star,
Malay and Tatler.
The raffle draw will be held on Nov. 7
at the DFA auditorium.
The IBF is the social arm of the DFA and
is composed of members of the DFA Ladies Association, the diplomatic and
consular corps, and the Cabinet Spouses Foundation. Proceeds from the bazaar
will go to IBF projects such as scholarships, livelihood program, skills
training and medical services.
Mrs. Ople said the IBF thrusts this year
are health care for the elderly and the building of classrooms in the poorest
barangays.
