ICYMI: The International Mini-Bazaar and ASEAN Food Festival at SM Mall of Asia
Featuring a cultivation of food, textile, and culture from around the world
It is not every day that we see international bazaars happening in the country. So it’s a delight to see celebrations of cultures around the world happen in the Philippines through The International Mini-Bazaar and ASEAN Food Festival that was recently held at SM Mall of Asia.
The festivity was a project of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the International Bazaar Foundation, Inc. (IBF), and the ASEAN Ladies Foundation (ALF), in partnership with SM which featured native products from 26 different countries and four textile merchants from the Philippines.
President Consul Betty Ang (2 nd from left) receive a check donation from H.E. Chinese Ambassador
Huang Xilian (3 rd from right) for their advocacies. Joining them are (from left) former Secretary of
Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr., Chinese Embassy Minister Counsellor Wang Yulei and
Counsellor Li Wei.
IBF has been hosting international bazaars for 56 years now and this year’s edition at SM MOA was the first time they continued the cause since the pandemic started. This bazaar aims to raise funds to uplift the lives of the less privileged and strengthen the bonds shared between the countries involved.
Participating countries in the bazaar included Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, China, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, New Zealand, Peru, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam. As for the Philippines, HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, Cora DJ Manimbo Fashion House, and CMMAG/Nikkitita Manila joined the bazaar.
Together with the Mini-Bazaar was the ASEAN Food Festival organized by the ALF, featuring authentic dishes and exotic flavors from the 10 embassies of the ASEAN member states including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
booth
Some of the traditional and modern cuisines prepared during the occasion were Brunei’s Nasi Pusu with Egg; Cambodia’s Num Banh Chok Khmer; Indonesia’s Rendang Daging; Lao PDR’s Papaya Salad, chicken barbecue, and sticky rice; while Malaysia offered Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang.
of their booth
From Myanmar, they served Mohinga while Singapore gave a taste of Laksa and Thailand with Mango sticky rice. Vietnam delighted guests with Banh Mi Thit while the Philippines served Bibingka and Puto Bumbong.
For upcoming events and celebrations in SM Mall of Asia, follow them on social media.
