Brief history of SHOM Manila
In 1966 the wife of the then Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mme Angela Valdez Ramos together with Mme Josefina Feliciano Ingles and other ladies from the government and private sectors embarked on a special project – to run the first International Bazaar. Since then, for more than 50 years Embassies in Manila have showcased and sold goods from their respective countries to make the bazaar a much-loved annual event.
The International Bazaar Foundation (IBF), in cooperation with the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of the Philippines continues to support many diverse causes through the funds raised at the annual Bazaar.
SHOM is a group composed of spouses of foreign Ambassadors accredited to the Philippines. The group meets informally at various private and embassy residences, and participates in interesting social activities and special outings. The group supports new members as they arrive in Manila and encourages their respective embassies to participate in the annual International Bazaar. Over the last decade SHOM has supported education and feeding programs in Manila and also across the archipelago of islands. SHOM has also assisted in the building of classrooms in remote areas in Mindanao, and supported mental health and women specific causes. Aside from providing much needed funds the group has also donated books, toys and special aides to premature babies.
The group is a very friendly group with a very diverse collection of professional skills and careers put on hold to accompany and support their Head of Missions. There are teachers, engineers, authors, company directors, government officers, parents, fundraisers and administrators (to name a few).
The proceeds from the 2019 International Bazaar were distributed in May 2020. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 the 2020 and 2021 International Bazaars was not able to be held and therefore there were no funds to distribute to SHOM’s. The group is working with the IBF and also doing some fundraising to try to get some funds to support some of their beneficiaries in forthcoming years. Proceeds from the very successful 2022 International Bazaar were distributed to the charities supported by SHOM in May 2023.
If you would like to assist us to support these beneficiaries please do contact us or them directly. You can learn more about the charities and causes supported by SHOM here.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.