21 September 2005 – The Department of Foreign Affairs today announced that preparations are underway for the opening of the much-awaited international bazaar, the annual pre-Christmas sale of exotic products of various  countries under the auspices of the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF).

Mrs. Rosie Lovely Romulo, IBF chairperson, said the bazaar will open on November 20 at the World Trade Center on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

The goal of the bazaar, according to Mrs. Romulo, is to raise funds for humanitarian projects of the IBF, the social arm of  the Department of Foreign Affairs. Since its establishment 39 years ago, the IBF has given donations in cash and kind to needing charitable agencies, orphanages, hospitals and clinics, homes for the elderly and wayward youths and other welfare institutions.

The IBF has established a scholarship program which has helped hundreds of poor but deserving students finish academic and technical courses and who have since found gainful employment. This a continuing program, with the IBF having a new list of scholars to support on top of those still in school completing their studies.

About 50 foreign embassies and consulates in the Philippines are participating in the bazaar. They will bring in the chief products of their respective countries for sale during the bazaar.

Pre-Christmas shoppers snap up these products, based on past IBF sales, long before the sale ends at 5 p. m. The bazaar, with the theme “Come  ‘n Bring Joy to the Poor,” starts  at 9  a.  m.

Mrs. Romulo said a raffle will be held with many valuable and novel  prizes at  stake.

“We expect a brisk sale during the bazaar,” said Mrs. Romulo, adding that popular local products will also be on sale. She expressed  her gratitude to the IBF’s generous patrons and magnanimous business houses and other institutions for  their support to the  foundation’s worthy projects.

She said that with the usual patronage of the bazaar’s customers, this year’s IBF project will be a success. She also thanked the diplomatic and consular corps for  their cooperation and participation in the bazaar. END