Philippines Hosts a Global Marketplace for a Cause
The Philippines is preparing to transform the World Trade Center Camp in Pasay City into a vibrant shopping mecca on November 16, 2025. The much-anticipated International Bazaar will bring together products from around the world, offered by participating diplomatic and consular missions, with proceeds directed toward a range of charitable causes.
Held under the banner of the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF) and its partners, the event titled Shop Global, Help Local aims to celebrate cultural heritage while raising funds for scholarship grants, support for indigent families, and assistance for the homeless, abused women, and abandoned children, among other marginalized groups. The bazaar embodies a spirit of community and collaboration, bridging international diplomacy with Filipino generosity.
A Global Marketplace with Local Impact
According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the bazaar will showcase a confluence of stories, paintings, and craftsmanship from across the world. “Like all bazaars and markets around the world, we can expect a confluence of stories, paintings, and craftsmanship,” Lazaro remarked during the launch on October 17. The event is a testament to the strong sense of community among Manila’s diplomatic and consular corps and their Filipino allies.
With 42 participating exhibitors from the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and 23 from the Philippines, the bazaar is poised to offer a diverse array of goods—from handicrafts and artwork to spices, textiles, and culinary delights. Each purchase supports a cause, turning everyday shopping into a meaningful act of philanthropy.
Where the Money Goes: Supporting Scholarships and Social Programs
Funds raised at the bazaar will flow to a variety of IBF-supported programs. Notable efforts include scholarship grants for Serbian students, assistance for indigent families, and aid for the homeless and abused women, as well as support for abandoned children. The selective distribution of proceeds ensures that the impact reaches vulnerable communities in tangible ways, from education to basic needs and protection services.
Secretary Lazaro emphasized that the event is much more than a marketplace—it is an instrument for significant and lasting change in people’s lives. She described the bazaar as a celebration of cultural heritage and the generosity of the human spirit, illustrating how diplomacy and charity can intersect to produce measurable social benefits.
What Attendees Can Expect
Visitors to the International Bazaar can anticipate a rich shopping experience, complemented by cultural displays and opportunities to learn about different charitable programs. The fair fosters international camaraderie, while highlighting entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses from both international travelers and local entrepreneurs. The event underscores a growing trend: using high-profile forums to channel goodwill and resources toward critical social issues.
Why “Shop Global, Help Local” Matters
In a time when global supply chains and charitable giving can feel disconnected, the International Bazaar bridges these gaps. By coupling global products with local needs, the event demonstrates how international cooperation can be channeled into concrete support for marginalized groups in the Philippines and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As the 59th edition of the International Bazaar approaches, organizers hope for robust attendance and continued engagement from a broad cross-section of the community. Secretary Lazaro’s message signals a sustained commitment to philanthropy through cultural exchange, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship. shoppers who participate will be contributing to a tradition that blends commerce with compassion, making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
