Here’s how to shop global without traveling

For a whole day, you can shop till you drop for international goods without having to use your passport or secure any visas. This year’s International Bazaar Foundation bazaar is the biggest ever. Spanning an area of around 5,000 square meters, and occupying two halls at the World Trade Center, there will be booths from 40 countries/diplomatic missions.

The event, which has been presented for the past 58 years, will once again orchestrate a harmonious convergence of global wonders and local treasures, all under the theme “Shop Global, Help Local.”

One of the most awaited highlights is the impressive showcase from the US Embassy. This year, they will feature a 16-booth “Galing USA” pavilion that will offer a diverse range of products that includes, among others, red meat, poultry, cheeses, soy-based products, wines, candies and confectionery, and craft beers brewed with US ingredients. The last time they joined this event was in 2007. The United States booth will be giving away special gifts to the first 400 customers.

Also participating are a number of the Philippines’ best exhibitors that will highlight our country’s top products in fashion, housewares and decorations, cosmetics, self-care, jewelry, and food.

Here, you can choose from eclectic ceramic jars, dreamy lamps from the markets of Turkey; cheese barrels and wine from the finest fields in the south of France, Spain and Australia; delectable sausages from Netherlands; melt-in-your-mouth Belgian confections and chocolates,
and more.

Singapore will showcase the popular Bee Cheng Hiang BBQ pork and chicken, Khong Guan cookie products, Aroma Truffle and Co. potato chips, Suu balm personal care products. Tiong Bahru restaurant will offer their best-selling Hainanese chicken.

At the World Trade Center press conference in Pasay, IBF chairperson Pamela Louise Manalo said that this event is a collaborative effort by the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF), the Spouses of the Heads of Missions (SHOM), and the Diplomatic and Consular Missions in the Philippines.

The bazaar will take place Sunday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Halls B and C of the World Trade Center. You will be amazed by fine garments and delectable cuisine from India, lacquer trays from Japan, dainty clothing from Vietnam and baklava sweets from Syria. The Consulate of Jamaica is sponsoring the Malta booth, which will be selling religious items and special Christmas cookies while Zonta Makati will be selling vintage clothes and accessories.

The funds raised will support education scholars, and empower abused women, the homeless, and other marginalized communities. They also support victims of calamities like the recent typhoon Carina. Such resources and essential services contribute to the socio-economic welfare of those in need.

SHOM, on the other hand, is committed to deploying these funds to reputable and vetted organizations whose projects are focused on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable.

This year, the participating countries include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palestine, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Venezuela, Georgia, Lebanon, Syria, Tanzania, Ukraine and Uruguay.