Since its foundation in 1968, the Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society has steadily taken up deserving causes in the Asia-Pacific area. With the aim of bringing together the women of Asia-Pacific countries and Japan, it helps the sick, the poor and orphans in its 24 member countries. It assists with training young people and rehabilitating the needy, especially women and children. It maintains a separate emergency fund to donate to member countries at times of natural disaster. The money it raises comes principally from its annual Asia-Pacific Festival and Charity Bazaar.

Chairwoman of this year's bazaar is Yati Irsan, wife of the ambassador of Indonesia to Japan. Vice chairwoman is Nasrin Fowzia, wife of the ambassador of Bangladesh. Both are capable and energetic, with experience and poise in leadership in their own countries and in international surroundings. As representatives of their homelands, both are models.

"I am only a housewife," protests Yati, a doctor's daughter who studied law at the University of Indonesia.

"I am a teacher," said Nasrin, who holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Dhaka. She is also a singer, and has worked as a television announcer. Both are mothers of well qualified young people.

Since Yati and Nasrin came to Japan, ALFS has moved into a higher gear. The annual bazaar remains the main fundraising activity for the society's welfare fund. Cultural programs still dot the calendar. Last year, China and Laos arranged special events in which they introduced their countries. Japan hosted a New Year's program and an autumn outing. A group headed by ALFS founder and President Mutsuko Miki visited Sri Lanka.

New attractions are already under way, and others are planned. More than a dozen small interest groups are functioning within the main society. These range from cooking and handicrafts through singing and dancing to languages and sports. A men's group is being formed under the advice of Singapore Ambassador Chew. A taikoo concert will be presented next month. Last month, six countries jointly presented a traditional fashion show.

Of Indonesia's presentation, Yati said, "Indonesia has three major ethnic groups, in west Java, west Sumatra and south Sulawesi, and each has different wedding dresses and marriage ceremonies and customs."

Nasrin said: "Bangladeshi women wear bright sari reflecting the joyful mood of wedding ceremonies. Village styles are a little different, tribal women have their own ethnic style, and today's young generation has its fashion." Each strikingly beautiful costume had a place in the fashion show.

Yati and Nasrin prepare to receive about 3,000 visitors to the festival and charity bazaar. The society's member countries share equally in the welfare fund generated by the society. Last year, Indonesia applied the money it received to four institutions, thereby benefiting a kidney foundation, hearing-impaired children, poor people and orphaned children.

"In Jakarta, ALFS supports a foundation where children with multiple handicaps are housed, fed and cared for. They need special care, love and provision," Yati said.

Bangladesh similarly gave its share to four institutions, one for eye treatment and surgery, the rest for women and children.

"In Dhaka, ALFS helps an orphanage where girls are given a home, basic education and opportunities to learn skills," said Nasrin. Last year, money for emergency relief after devastating storms and floods went to Fiji, Korea, Micronesia and Sri Lanka.

The festival and charity bazaar features Asian and Pacific handicrafts, accessories, jewelries, foods and homemade bakery goods. The member countries present a show of their traditional dances. Door prizes include airline tickets and gifts from companies, embassies and individuals. Raffle prizes offer more round-trip air tickets and hotel accommodation, crafts and lucky-find products.

In her work for this year's bazaar, Nasrin has headed a team that has compiled an unusual cookbook. "A Taste of Asia-Pacific," comprising recipes from the region, will be on sale at the bazaar.