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15 December 2016—The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reported that it spearheaded the first ever International Charity Bazaar of the Association of Spouses of Diplomatic Missions (SOHOM) in Malaysia on December 7 at the Mayang Sari Grand Ballroom of the JW Marriot Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Madam Rena Cristina Koa-Malaya, M.D., wife of Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya was part of the bazaar’s organizing committee, together with SOHOM officers and country representatives led by the organization’s president, Madam Eunhai Kim, wife of the Mexican Ambassador to Malaysia Carlos Isauro Félix Corona.

“We are heartened with the reception from the SOHOM members, who took the challenge of staging a charity bazaar project, particularly at this Christmas season of gift-giving, and the overwhelming response of the public to the public.  Truly, friendship and understanding among countries and peoples are enhanced not only through political cooperation and economic engagement, but also through people-to-people interactions, or in this case, a bazaar where the proceeds will make life a bit better for its charity-beneficiaries,” Madam Malaya said. 

The one-day bazaar saw the participation of some 40 diplomatic missions in Malaysia through selling of their products at the bazaar, presentation of their arts and crafts at the cultural displays or participation in the cultural shows. 

The charity bazaar was conducted by the SOHOM in partnership with the Philippine Embassy and the JW Marriot hotel as major co-sponsors.

Officiating the opening of the bazaar were Datuk Seri Siti Rubiah Abdul Samad, the wife of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Puan Sri Rohayazam binti Kamaruzaman, wife of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Datuk Othman Hashim, and Dato’ Yeoh Soo Min, wife of YTL Chairman Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Francis Yeoh Sock Ping.

The Embassy also sponsored the event’s closing reception, featuring Filipino pop-opera baritone Jonathan Badon, who entertained the audience with a repertoire of opera, Broadway, contemporary and Christmas hits. 

The bazaar raised around RM60,000 (roughly US$13600), which will go to a Malaysian charity organization.  END