28/11/2025
Secretary Lazaro opens 59th International Bazaar at Pasay City, Highlights Fellowship and Generosity of Diplomatic and Consular Community
PASAY CITY, 16 November 2025 - Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. Chair Hon. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro opened the 2025 International Bazaar on 16 November at the World Trade Center Tent in Pasay City, which drew hundreds of guests and participants from the diplomatic and consular corps, Philippine government, and wider public.
Organized by the International Bazaar Foundation, Inc (IBF), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of the Philippines, and Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM), the International Bazaar is an annual tradition marking the beginning of the holiday season.
The 59th edition of the highly anticipated annual bazaar featured an impressive array of more than 180 booths, each highlighting unique products from 42 participating countries and fine handicrafts and merchandise from 21 of the โPhilippinesโ Best exhibitors.โ The World Trade Center Tent had transformed into a vibrant tapestry of cultures and feast for the senses, made even more festive by performances by the resident chorale of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassies of India, and Indonesia.
In her opening remarks, Secretary Lazaro emphasized the Bazaarโs higher purpose - fellowship and generosity of the human spirit. The Foundationโs enduring theme, โShop Global, Help Localโ captures the heart of the International Bazaar, which is about making a difference. All proceeds from the event will fund the various IBF and SHOM projects that support marginalized communities and provide educational opportunities to indigent scholars.
This message of giving was underscored by Representative of the Third District of Pangasinan, Honorable Maria Rachel J. Arenas, who graced the opening ceremony as the International Bazaarโs Guest of Honor, during her speech. โTo our friends from the diplomatic community: your presence each year strengthens the bond between our nations. This gathering is diplomacy at its most humanโwhere friendship flourishes through shared purpose and empathy.โ
Mr. Arkadiusz Tracz, SHOM Representative and spouse of Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Titanilla Toth, delivered a message on behalf of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and the Spouses of the Heads of Missions (SHOM). Mr. Tracz spoke of the threads that connect all participants: โToday is not simply a market of cultures. It is a market of compassion. This is the real beauty of the International Bazaar: Culture becomes connection. Connection becomes compassion. Compassion becomes action.โ
Secretary Lazaro congratulated the IBF, DFA, diplomatic and consular corps, and partners for another yearโs successful bazaar, and support to the IBFโs mission to uplift disadvantaged sectors through charitable activities, while fostering stronger bonds within the international community. END
