Proceeds from the 56-year-old event go into supporting a scholarship program.
On June 12, the International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF) in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will be hosting Shop, Taste, and Celebrate, IBF’s first bazaar since the pandemic.
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Participating countries include Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, China, Denmark, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Peru, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, Viet Nam, and the United Arab Emirates.
Manuka honey from New Zealand, juices from South Africa, Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, various pastries from Syria, and local fabrics and weaves from the HABI Foundation and Dita Sandico will be just some of the wares on display.
This fund-raising bazaar aims to foster and strengthen the friendship shared between the Philippines and the rest of the world. At the same time, it will raise cultural awareness through sumptuous food, music, and signature products.
Alongside this mini-bazaar, the much-anticipated ASEAN Food Fest will be showcasing signature dishes and various cuisines from the region’s member states.
Check out Brunei Darussalam’s Nasi Pusu with Egg or Cambodia’s favorite breakfast dish, Num Banh Chok Khmer. Indonesia will be highlighting their Sate Ayam and Nasi Goreng while Lao PDR will have its refreshing salad of papaya, chicken, and sticky rice.
Malaysia will have its Nasi Lemak, a dish with rice soaked in coconut milk and served with a side of either Beef Rendang or Spiced Fried Chicken. You can also try Myanmar’s unofficial national dish with a heaping bowl of Mohinga—a rice noodle soup served in a hearty fish-and-shallot-based broth.
Representing the Philippines, there will be Via Mare’s Pancit Luglog, Puto Bungbong, and Bibinka. There will also be ensaymada from Baby Pat Breads and Pastries updated with such flavors as peanut butter choc nut. Laksa from Singapore, Bagoong Fried Rice and Shrimp Pad Thai from Thailand, and Banh Mi from Viet Nam will also be on hand.
For the last 56 years, the IBF has been hosting the International Bazaar that raises funds to uplift the lives of the less-privileged. Proceeds from the event go into supporting the education of IBF scholars.
Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, chairperson of the two foundations, Ambassadors of the participating Embassies, dignitaries, friends, and special guests of both the ALF and the IBF, are expected to be in attendance for this celebration of food and camaraderie between countries.
The International Bazaar and ASEAN Food Fest will be held on June 12 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.
Banner: Shrimp Pad Thai
