Shoppers’ paradise/ Zero In /Love Concert

Proceeds from the 2007 International Bazaar, chaired by Mrs. Rosie Lovely Romulo, wife of DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo, will go to the country’s poor and disadvantaged. The bazaar will be held on Nov. 25 at the PICC from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The fund-raising event, spearheaded by the International Bazaar Foundation together with the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) and the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, will showcase choice and enticing items from 45 countries.

A preview of the bazaar the other day at the residence of Mrs. Jose Tambunting revealed a shopper’s paradise. The affordable prizes will encourage buying both for personal and philanthropic satisfaction.

Round-the-world items range from wines, perfumes, jewelry, household ware — rugs, cushion covers, curtain material, napkins, napkin rings, glass holders, table cloths — to assorted men’s and women’s wear. Spain offers special herbs and exotic spices. The British booth manned by Jill Beckingham, wife of Ambassador Peter Beckingham and last year’s head of SHOM, offers the finest in fragrance, cosmetics and facial skin care products. Anna Fedele, wife of Italian Ambassador Rubens Fedele, displayed brand leather goods, fine wines, elegant dinner sets and glass tableware.

I also admired, among many others, the booths of South Africa, Turkey, manned by Oya Basage, wife of the Turkish ambassador, Egypt, Myanmar and India.

The IBF makes substantial contributions to the needy, the sick, underprivileged children, victims of natural disasters and medical institutions. The objectives go back 41 years to Mrs. Angela Valdez Ramos, wife of then FA Secretary Narciso Ramos, and mother of former President Fidel V. Ramos, who organized the first IBF.

Board trustees are Lovely T. Romulo, over-all chairperson; Sylvia (Pennie) Farolan, president; Jane Abacan, v-p; Ambassador Julia Heidemann, secretary; Nora Salazar, treasurer; Mila Perez, adviser; the Education Committee consists of J. Heidemann, chairperson; Evelyn Austria-Garcia, co-chair; the Medical Committee consists of Alice C. Favila, chair; Tina Carlos, vice-chair; the Livelihood Committee has Soledad Mendoza, chairperson; Nati C. Aventura, assistant chair; Nora Salazar, co-chair.

Johanna Montero, wife of the Chilean ambassador, is SHOM president.

“Zero In Hybridity”, now on its sixth year, is a joint institutional exploration of likeness and variance. Mark Lewis Higgins juxtaposed, painted and collaged images from history, religion, geography and archaeology. His show closed Oct. 28 at the Ayala Museum. “Child’s Art” opens Nov. 17 and closes at Museo Pambata Jan. 31, 2008.

“Blur” explores the fusions at which supposed polar opposites converge and assumed dualities collapse. Until April 5, 2008 at the Lopez Museum. / “Comida China” opens today, Nov. 10, and closes Dec. 5 at Bahay Tsinoy, Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life, Intramuros/“Passion and Compassion”, a one-man show from the private collection of Dr. Leovino Ma. Garcia, opens Nov. 21 and closes Feb. 15, 2008, Ateneo Art Gallery, QC./“Interactive: 12 Human Senses”. In this installation, Impy Pilapil creates large outdoor sculptures for viewers’ direct and physical participation. From Nov. 20 to March 31, 2008, Ateneo Art Gallery, QC.

The Music Theater Foundation will present “Love Concert” at St. Cecilia’s Hall on Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. for the benefit of two richly talented sopranos: 16-year old Pamela Erika J. Pascual and 25-year old Alexis Edralin, Max’s grand-daughter. Both singers, afflicted with cancer, are undergoing expensive treatment.

Alexis, NAMCYA first-prize winner, has appeared with world-class pianist Cecile Licad, performed in the opera “Spoliarium”, sung with Nolyn Cabahug, Ramon Acoymo, and with major orchestras. Among the eminent artists who will waive their talent fees for “Love Concert” are Fides C. Asensio, Coke Bolipata, Cocoy Laurel, Harold Galang, Marvin Gayramon and Joey Ayala. Donations from the audience will be highly appreciated.