The best of Negros awaits metro shoppers once again as the 40th edition of the much-awaited Negros Trade Fair is set at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City from September 22 to 27.
This year’s theme is aptly titled ‘Butlak,’ a Hiligaynon word that refers to the rising of the sun or blooming of flowers. Butlak reflects the bright burst of the Negrense spirit that comes alive and draws hundreds of visitors every year.
From 30 vendors from Negros Occidental who gathered at the Makati Carpak four decades ago, the fair has blossomed to over 178 brands, with 115 Negrense entrepreneurs and participants for its newest edition.
Satisfy your cravings for food, fashion, homeware, art, and local crafts from the Negros Island Region and Siquijor.
A testament to resilience, solidarity, economic survival, and appreciation for local artistry and resources, the Negros Trade Fair also gave birth to the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), which aims to support and empower MSMEs, artisans, and producers from the region.
According to ANP President Christina Gaston, ‘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.’
Mary Ann Colmenares, Chairperson of the Negros Trade Fair, told BusinessMirror that the success of the Negros Trade Fair is due to the creative and collaborative effort of its exhibitors:
‘For 40 years, the fair has been sustained by the shared commitment of our entrepreneurs, the ANP, our government partners, sponsors, media, buyers, and loyal consumers. But at the heart of it all are the Negrense entrepreneurs themselves-their creativity, resilience, and willingness to continuously improve their products.
‘The Negros Trade Fair has endured because it is not simply a marketplace. It is a collective effort to champion Negrense enterprise and bring the best of Negros to a wider audience,’ Colmenares said.
Growing market
A thriving hub supporting SMEs from different parts of the region while promoting its rich heritage, organizers of the Negros Trade Fair hope to increase its revenue goals by 10 percent.
‘Given that the economic environment remains challenging, we are increasing our revenue goals by 10 percent after last year’s revenue of Php54M in cash sales and Php97M in B2B sales,’ replied Colmenares.
The 40th Negros Trade Fair is especially meaningful for the ANP as it celebrates linkages, diversity, inclusivity, and the integration of various parts of the region into a formidable forward-ready business hub.
‘After four decades, our message remains simple: Negros has something valuable to offer. But this 40th edition is about showing that our products, our people, and our creativity are not simply part of our heritage-they are part of the future,’ stated Colmenares.
Modernity meets heritage
Known for its heritage weaving tradition, the trade fair will feature handwoven fabrics like hablon and textiles like abaca, sinamay, and piña.
Fashion brands using heritage weaves will also be presenting their latest designs: Camille Villanueva, StyleLoft, Pinas Sadya, Reveri by Ria Bolivar, and Hacienda Mar, just to name a few.
To highlight the region’s world-class artisans and artists, the trade fair will showcase sustainable furniture and homeware brands such as Hacienda Crafts, Art Energy, ARTISANA, Noah, Madera Handicrafts, and NVC.
The region’s most prominent artists and art galleries will also grace the event.
Taste of Negros
Of course, the Negros Trade Fair celebration won’t be complete without the delicious selection of homegrown food items like chicken inasal, lumpiang Silay, piayaya, puto manapla, silvanas, napoleones, and more.
Cravings will also be satisfied with food purveyors like Bob’s Cafe, 21, Chicken House, El Ideal, Virgie’s Homemade Products, and many more.
As each year opens new opportunities for collaboration, product development, and community growth, the 40th Negros Trade Fair remains an important platform that encourages appreciation for the region’s unique and special crafts, products, and services.
BUTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair, from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Aura in SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Free admission.