The annual International Bazaar sponsored by the Bazaar Foundation of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs was held on Sunday, 25 November 2018, at the Philippine International Convention Centre. A large number of Foreign Missions including Embassy of Pakistan participated in the event.
Special efforts were made by the mission to make it a memorable event by ensuring visible participation by local Pakistani businessmen and community leaders. Six large Pakistan stalls were established, five in the products display area and the one in the food court, showcasing Pakistani textiles, Rosewood furniture, handicrafts as well as traditional Pakistani cuisine including biryani, BBQ etc.
Ms. Honeylet Avancena, Common Law wife of the President Duterte accompanied by the Secretary (Minister) for Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., performed the opening ceremony in presence of a large number of diplomats including Ambassadors along with their spouses and other local notables. Later,the First Lady and the Foreign Minister went around visiting various stalls. They admired the furniture and authentic food dishes being served at Pakistani stall. Mrs. Duterte evinced deep interest in the Rosewood furniture as well bed linen and textile garments.
The Bazaar Foundation is a charitable organization of the local Foreign Office working in collaboration with the Association of Spouses of Heads of Missions (SHOM). All the funds generated from the International Bazaar are donated through SHOM for helping the marginalized sections of society especially providing funds for health care, rehabilitation of disabled and scholarships for education of poor and the needy.
Manila,
26 November 2018