WriteBrain

Published: Expat Travel & Lifestyle Magazine 2009
Interview by: C. Jude Defensor

Global economic slumps do have a way bringing out the pennywise in all of us. While tough times indeed call for some frugality and self-denial, perhaps exceptions can be made when it's for a good cause.

The annual International Bazaar, brought to us by the International Bazaar Foundation Inc. (IBF), in cooperation with the Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM) fuses shopping and philantrophy in the grandest, most-anticipated fundraiser to ever hit the streets of Manila. Year in and year out, foreign diplomats’ spouses, replete with their countries’ most sought-after products, along with choice entrepreneurs gather together the best global finds for this one-day November event. Proceeds from this event finances various IBF projects for the underprivileged.

Today, on its 44th year of inception, it rests on a solid reputation of being not just a formidable charitable event, but as the go-to place for the most astute and sophisticated of shoppers.

On her 6th year of service as IBF’s over-all head, Rosie Lovely Romulo, wife of Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Roberto Romulo, says that the bazaars have enjoyed an upward trend in participation, visitor attendance and funds raised. Last year’s bazaar drew in approximately 10,000 visitors in one day, the biggest ever recorded. “It’s the most attended bazaar and people really wait for it,” Mme. Romulo shares, and she credits this to the members of SHOM and under their current president Yasko Katsura, wife of the Japanese envoy. Bazaar regulars have come to expect the best from their booths and the tireless diplomatic spouses make sure that they do not disappoint. The products they carry, most of which are unvailable elsewhere, all are also sold at the lowest possible cost.

Mme. Romulo relates that during trips back to their home countries, SHOM members painstakingly select merchandise to take back with them and sell during the bazaar. Some would even donate their own possessions, things gifted to them, and put them up for sale.

Over 40 countries are represented in the bazaar. Items for sale range from one-of-a-kind jewellery, specialty wines, international delicacies and home decor, just to name a few. Past favourites include British sporting goods; Egyptian necklaces; Turkish scarves and silverware; Indian saris; Lebanese robes; Pakistani embroidered cushions, sofa spreads, bracelets and shoes; Malaysian batik paintings and coffee and tea containers; Myanmar’s exquisite pieces of jewellery; and Turkish collectibles, from figurines, dolls, hand-painted porcelain to metal craft collections of silver and bronze.

Spanish olives and chorizos; German gingerbread houses; and Italian perfumes and leather goods are beloved staples.

Some products, like the flowers especially flown in from South Africa care of Mme. Chrisna Vermuellen had people literally fighting over them.

The bazaar spells serious and hard work for its organizers and the SHOM members, Mme. Romulo attests. Aside from the planning and preparations, they also man their own booths and are present from start to finish. Because it takes that much of their time Mme. Romulo encourages them to also be involved in the selection of beneficiaries and to suggests the charities they want to support. “They all have their favorite charities.” Mme. Romulo reveals how these diplomatic spouses are besieged with requests from scores of organizations all soliciting aid. Most are willing to give their support and the IBF provides the means for this.

Their charitable projects have benefited communities in Tondo, Quezon province and other far off locations. The foundation has also seen countless of deserving students through college. Last year the IBF added 24 new college scholars to its roster and this year they intend to increase that number.

Aside from scholarship programs, a bulk of the IBF’s projects is centered on medical missions, providing hospitals nationwide with equipment that they would otherwise not be able to afford. “I don’t believe in giving small things that can be used up,” Mme. Romulo says. Indeed, incubators and dental chairs and advanced machines costing millions are no small things. The IBF has made sizeable contributions to the Philippine General Hospital, The Kidney Center and various provincial hospitals

Last year, the employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) found themselves the fortunate beneficiaries of one of the foundation’s programs. The employees’ insurance does not cover dental care and Mme. Romulo set out to remedy this. The IBF donated a dental chair for the use of the department employees and to ensure that the project carries on long after Mme. Romulo’s term, they successfully lobbied for the DFA to absorb the dentist’s salary.

The assiduous members of SHOM are truly an inextricable part of the good work that IBF does and their contributions are very much appreciated. Mme. Romulo has nothing but gratitude and words of praise for her peers, “they are very warm people, and they really enjoy the Philippines.”

Indeed a lot is expected of these diplomatic spouses and they are often compelled to wear many hats. From setting up house for their family after moving to a foreign land, to representing their country in official functions, it is admirable how they each make time for noble pursuits such as the IBF. SHOM members are a testament to true selflessness and generosity with the way they give so much of themselves to help improve the lives of people in their temporary home.

One can only hope that these spouses of heads of mission will find their stay in the Philippines rewarding and their experiences as priceless as the service they have rendered, and when time comes for them to leave this posting for the next one, they will take with them the gratitude of all those touched by their generosity of spirit.

The IBF-SHOM will hold its 44nd International Bazaar, entitled SHOP AND REACH OUT, on the 15th of November 2009, Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the PICC Forum, CCP Complex in Pasay City.