PH EMBASSY PARTICIPATES IN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC CHARITY BAZAAR IN NAIROBI

Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang (wearing gray) shows Ms. Charlene Ruto (holding PH traditional abaniko) the various handicrafts on sale at the Philippine booth. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the First Lady-Kenya)

 NAIROBI, 28 November 2023 – The Philippine Embassy joined hands with other diplomatic missions in Nairobi in raising funds for the less fortunate by selling their countries’ traditional handicrafts and food items at the International Diplomatic Charity Bazaar (IDCB), held at the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel on 25 November 2023. The annual IDCB is organized by the Spouses of Head of Missions Association in Kenya (SHOM).

Guest of Honor Ms. Charlene Ruto, representing her mother First Lady Mme. Rachel Ruto, commended the diplomatic community in fostering a spirit of unity to support underprivileged Kenyans.

The Philippine booth showcased a variety of traditional items, drawing the attention of many visitors. The selection included the well-loved Philippine dried mangoes, handmade Yakan table runners, freshwater pearl accessories, and capiz shell crafts. Also on sale were traditional abanikos and an assortment of souvenirs, including miniature Philippine jeepneys–akin to Kenya's matatu–which were a particular hit with children.

Funds raised from the entrance and raffle ticket sales, along with contributions from participating missions, will be directed to various charitable projects supported by the SHOM. These include providing school fees for disadvantaged Kenyan students and persons with disabilities, installing and upgrading the solar power system of an elderly home, and reconstructing a four-classroom school that was destroyed by the recent heavy rains in parts of Kenya. END

From left: Ambassador Tang, Ms. Charlene Ruto, and Nairobi PE Attachés Ms. Celine Bejar and Mr. Fervie Jay Brubio