During the first edition of the Negros Trade Fair 40 years ago, 30 vendors from Negros Occidental gathered at the Makati Carpark to showcase local crafts, products, and wares from the region. Following the collapse of the sugar industry, sugar farm workers began to harness their creativity through food, weaves, furniture, and the arts, as a means for augmenting their livelihoods. And it was at the first Negros Trade Fair where they began to see the rays of a new sunrise for the region.
“During one of the early Negros Trade Fairs, the theme was Hope Shines in Negros. This is the mindset that has consistently guided us throughout the 40 years of the trade fair. The Negrenses have held on to the promise of a new day, and that God’s mercies are new every morning,” Negros Trade Fair Chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares recalled.
A shared sense of fortitude, grassroots solidarity, and economic survival soon forged foundations of Negros Trade Fair. It also saw the birth of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), whose mandate is to support and empower MSMEs, artisans, and producers from the region. Its President, Christina Gaston elaborated, “Our task is to find ways for brands to grow and to drive economic growth. While ANP is the incubator, the fair is the platform. The idea of Butlak was anchored on how our entrepreneurs have bloomed over the years.”
“We are in bloom as we celebrate our 40th,” Mary Ann remarked.
This year’s campaign, for instance, captures other facets of Negros outside of Sugarlandia and landmark heritage houses. It is a reflection of a more expansive and inclusive trade fair that endeavors to showcase all the region’s creative sectors under one platform.
“We are not limiting ourselves moving forward. We endeavor to embrace the other SMEs from other parts of the Negros Island Region,” added Mary Ann.
Representing one island
The integration of the Negros Island, says Christina, has been an important driver for bringing a wider variety to the 40th edition of the Negros Trade Fair. She clarifies that unlike other trade fairs, the selection of participating brands is by and large informed by one simple mission: to build businesses in Negros. “We are interested in showcasing the brands that are from Negros; that have roots or linkages to Negros; or are helping communities or artisans in Negros.” And this now includes provinces, towns and cities in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The 40th edition of the Negros Trade Fair features a total of 178 brands.. “We really try to bring all that the Negros Island region has to offer to the fair. We even have silk weavers from Aklan, artisans from Kanlaon, homegrown hospitality brands as well as real estate properties joining this year’s event,” says Colmenares.
Negros style
The style offerings have also significantly grown to include: Camille Villanueva, StyleLoft, Pinas Sadya, Reveri by Ria Bolivar, as well as Hacienda Mar, just to name a few. “In recent years, this category has grown especially now that we have also opened the doors for labels or makers who have links to the region.” Negros is shaped by a rich weaving tradition, making it a popular resource for local fabric, tropical fibers, and natural dyes.
Pioneering sustainable furniture, design, and art
Over the years, Negros has established a design DNA anchored on the intentional use of eco-friendly, sustainable materials such as abaca, bamboo, rattan, and hablon. These are then expertly crafted into contemporary objects, utilizing time-honored techniques. This year, furniture, decor, and homeware labels such as Hacienda Crafts, Art Energy, ARTISANA, Noah, Madera Handicrafts and NVC will also be highlighted at the fair, alongside some of the region’s most exciting artists and art galleries.
Iconic flavors of Negros
Historically, food has been one of the main draws of the event. This year, the Negros Trade Fair will present an even larger selection of the region’s beloved flavors through iconic brands like Bob’s Cafe, 21, Chicken House, El Ideal, Virgie’s Homemade Products, among others. These all-time favorites will be joined by new and exciting food concepts that reinforce the region’s standing as the slow food capital.
As it was 40 years ago, the Negros Trade Fair continues to shape its annual celebrations around the changing of times. “We are always looking ahead with hopes that the next generation will continue what was started four decades ago,” says Colmenares.
Gaston concurs and adds, “Every year is different. Each generation brings with them evolution. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate, creating linkages for developing more products, and growing as a community. Now that Negros Trade Fair is representing a united Negros Island and Siquijor, we are eager about defining what makes the region unique and truly special.”
BUTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair will happen from September 22 to 27, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura. For updates, follow @thenegrostradefair on Instagram.
