“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” This quote from Benjamin Franklin captures the theme of the Birds in Paradise Pop-up Bazaar set Feb. 12-15 at Makati Garden Club.

Birds in Paradise is a unique group of collector-friends setting up a pop-up shop that showcases everything artisanal and vintage.

This annual shop-for-a-cause event will give a portion of proceeds to the scholarship program of the Assumption Convent San Lorenzo Village High School ’68 Association Inc. (ACSLVHS68).

The bazaar, with items mostly sourced from overseas, is a treasure trove of Victorian-era bamboo furniture, pressed glassware and cutlery, ottomans of hand-woven fabrics, handmade jewelry, and decorative shell masks.

“We want to offer something different, items you normally would not find in the local market. These are collections we sourced from antique markets and auctions in London, Morocco, Turkey, Mexico, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, India and Indonesia,” says Madlen Faustman.

Faustman, with Jenny Paradies and Isabel Aspillera, opened the pop-up shop, now on its third year.

“Since we love shopping whenever we travel, we purposely buy these unique items with the scholarship in mind,” says London-based Aspillera.

The scholarship covers tuition and miscellaneous fees (books, supplies), dormitory fees and transportation costs. The scholars are enrolled at Assumption College, University of Santo Tomas (UST), Arellano University, University of the East, Polytechnic University of the Philippines and St. Luke’s College of Medicine.

“Upon the recommendation of friends, relatives and teachers, we get kids with the potential to excel,” says Ging Naguiat of ACSLVHS68.

“Our students must exhibit positive attitude, self-reliance and leadership,” Tessa Tayag adds.

Tayag and Naguiat, with Sylvia Singson, Cherry Salazar, Luisa Valdes and Chona Mercado, hold monthly meetings with the students to monitor their progress.

“The scholarship is a big help to my family and myself. The support I get is a blessing, and I am very grateful,” says Danica Alfaro, a third-year accounting student at UST.

“Our pop-up is called Birds in Paradise for no special reason. We just think birds are such colorful creatures and give much pleasure to everyone who sees them,” says Aspillera.

“And certainly anyone will find pleasure in buying our merchandise, especially if you know that these will help make for a brighter future,” say Becca Jose and Evelyn Forbes.

For information on items for sale, please contact Madlen Faustman at 0916-4305729 or e-mail her at [email protected].

For information on the scholarship program, please contact Tessa Tayag at 0917-8986857 or e-mail her at [email protected].