17 May 2006 – Philippine Ambassador to London, United Kingdom Edgardo B. Espiritu reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Philippine products – pearl necklaces and brooches, beads, belts and other fashion accessories made from coconut shells – offered for sale by the Embassy were nearly sold out at the Embassy booth during this year’s Spring Fair held on 9 & 10 May 2006 at the Kensington Town Hall.

“The annual Spring Fair, now on its 47th year, is one of the civic projects of the International Social Service in the United Kingdom (ISS-UK), an organization which has worked for eighty years across national borders to help children in need, the elderly and families in distress, among other concerns. Its network is active in more than 130 countries, employing specialist social workers,” Ambassador Espiritu explained.

He said that the entire diplomatic community in London gets involved in the Spring Fair, during which they put up booths where they sell products native to their countries, such as clothes, jewelry and fashion items, toys, handicrafts, food and drink, as well as cooked dishes.

“Part of the proceeds goes to the ISS charity fund. Money is also raised through a raffle where donated prizes are won,” the Ambassador said.

Ambassador Espiritu stated that Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, Patron of ISS-UK, was the special guest during the second day of the Fair. She visited each booth and food stall, including those representing the Philippines.

The Ambassador added that Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. and Commercial Attaché Roberto Mercado presented the Princess with a pearl necklace set in a jusi pouch.

On hand to witness the royal visit to the booth and the presentation of the gift were the Embassy’s Cultural Officer Linda Guzman and Information Officer Ed Maranan, as well as London Filipino community representatives Raymond Mercado, Georgina Arando, Velly Catermole, Elna Loberiano-Smith. (Please refer to the accompanying photo release on this subject matter.) END