Forty years after a devastating economic crisis, the island’s premier showcase celebrates a milestone edition. Grounded in growth, community, and continuous evolution.
Four decades ago, the collapse of the sugar industry left thousands of farm workers in Negros Occidental facing severe hardship. Driven by a need for survival, local communities harnessed their resourcefulness through food, weaving, furniture, and the visual arts to supplement their livelihoods. Thirty vendors gathered at the Makati Carpark for the inaugural Negros Trade Fair. Offering local crafts and wares. That modest gathering marked the first glimpse of a brighter future for the region.
This year, the event celebrates its 40th anniversary under the theme Butlak. A Hiligaynon word signifying the rising of the sun or the blooming of life. The term reflects the unyielding resolve and enduring faith that inspired the fair’s inception and continues to drive its purpose today.
A Foundation Built on Hope
A shared commitment to economic survival and grassroots solidarity laid the groundwork for the annual event. This collective movement also led to the creation of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP). An organization dedicated to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, and producers.
Mary Ann Colmenares, Chairperson of the Negros Trade Fair, recalls how early themes shaped their vision.
During one of the early Negros Trade Fairs, the theme was Hope Shines in Negros,” she says.
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.”
Christina Gaston, President of the ANP, emphasizes the dual role of the association and the event.
Our task is to find ways for brands to grow and to drive economic growth,” Gaston explains.
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.”
Colmenares notes that the 40th milestone honors this steady progression.
We are in bloom as we celebrate our 40th,” she remarks.
The current campaign moves beyond traditional depictions of sugar plantations and historic mansions. Offering a broader view of the region’s diverse creative sectors.
We are not limiting ourselves moving forward,” Colmenares adds.
We endeavor to embrace the other SMEs from other parts of the Negros Island Region.”
Uniting the Island Region
The formal integration of the Negros Island Region has expanded the scope of this year’s gathering. Unlike standard commercial exhibitions, participating vendors are selected based on a central mission: strengthening local enterprise.
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,” Gaston clarifies.
This mandate now extends to provinces, towns, and cities across Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The 40th edition features 178 brands spanning various sectors.
We really try to bring all that the Negros Island region has to offer to the fair,” says Colmenares.
We even have silk weavers from Aklan, artisans from Kanlaon, homegrown hospitality brands as well as real estate properties joining this year’s event.”
Contemporary Style and Sustainable Design
The fair’s fashion and lifestyle categories have expanded significantly. Featuring contemporary labels such as Camille Villanueva, StyleLoft, Pinas Sadya, Reveri by Ria Bolivar, and Hacienda Mar. This growth reflects a broader movement to include designers and makers who maintain strong creative connections to the area. Drawing from a long tradition of weaving, the region remains a vital source for indigenous fabrics, natural dyes, and tropical fibers.
In home decor and furniture, local craftspeople continue to champion eco-friendly design by utilizing sustainable materials like abaca, bamboo, rattan, and hablon. Artisans combine these raw elements with time-honored techniques to produce modern homeware.
Featured brands this year include Hacienda Crafts, Art Energy, ARTISANA, Noah, Madera Handicrafts, and NVC, alongside works from local fine artists and galleries.
Culinary Traditions and Future Horizons
Food remains one of the fair’s central attractions. Iconic local establishments like Bob’s Cafe, 21, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products return this year with classic regional products. Joining these long-standing favorites are newer culinary concepts that reinforce the area’s reputation as a destination for slow food and heritage cuisine.
Four decades after its founding, the Negros Trade Fair continues to adapt to changing times while maintaining its core purpose.
We are always looking ahead with hopes that the next generation will continue what was started four decades ago,” says Colmenares.
Gaston agrees, highlighting the dynamic nature of the event.
Every year is different. Each generation brings with them evolution,” she explains.
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 runs from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura. Official updates are available via @thenegrostradefair on Instagram.
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