an annual affair

The BER months are here! In the Philippines, where we celebrate the longest holiday season in the world - the period can extend from September to February. 

Pre-Christmas, our cities, towns, barrios, and community centers, as well as all the commercial malls and drive bys are rich with holiday bazaars and shopping opportunities.

Eager crowds browse through booths, in search of something new and unique, or an annual tried and true treat. 

Ruby Anniversary of an enduring community tradition

Get festive, support artisans, and give your loved ones one-of-a kind gifts this season. Creating an overload of shopping guilt free and extra sweet! 

The country's longest-running provincial trade fair is celebrating its Ruby anniversary! This year's theme, Bútlak, means first light - the glow of a new day, marking 40 years of resilience, creativity, and craftsmanship from Negros Island.

Organized by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) in partnership with the DTI Design Center and SM Supermalls, this milestone edition proves what began nearly four decades ago as a response to crisis has grown into a permanent culture of Negrense innovation.

BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair at SM Aura, Manila

For 40 years the Negros Trade Fair is a much anticipated and hugely appreciated event for residents and visitors of the nation's capital. 

What began as an emergency response to the 1980s sugar crisis eventually developed into a major annual marketplace for Negrense entrepreneurs to showcase their products and produce.

The fair evolved. from simply selling products, into promoting the best of what Negros has to offer - food, culture, craftsmanship, design, tourism and entrepreneurship. 

a fiesta of delights - food! fashion! fun!

The Negros Occidental provincial government proudly claims it as the longest-running provincial trade fair in the Philippines.

Negros Island organizers have been bringing the most requested and most cherished handmade crafts, food and gifts to Manila. Their jury process ensures a carefully curated experience at the trade fair. 

Association of Negros Producers partners with the Negros Occidental provincial government to strengthen supply chains and ensure its programs create concrete impact for the local producers.

our beloved #BAO in countless renditions

In a recent interview, Ina Gaston (ANP President) said the Negros Trade Fair reflects years of investment and work aimed at strengthening Negros beyond the event’s six-day run.

Experience six days of island culture, live art, regional food, and local gatherings. The week-long lineup includes live watercolor demonstrations, community reunions, and cultural celebrations. 

Folks showed up in droves, filling up full day schedules, to gather with friends, and experience what they love best and the sweet surprises that Negros Island offers. 

Negros homegrown crafts - patadyong, basketry, Masskara merch 

This year the fair participants expanded to include all regions of the renewed Negros Island Region - Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. Even outliers and other adopted Negrenses there to sell their products too. 

The event brings the creative spirit of the Negros Island Region directly to the SMX Convention Center Aura. Together, the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) and SM Supermalls showcase more than 178 homegrown brands. 

It is a fantastic celebration of local food, fashion, art, and culture. Spreading the story of Negros with every creation, every entrepreneur, every tradition, and every person who was a part of this endeavor. 

fiesta delights! limoncito, piaya, ube jaleya

Every shopper who came through the doors, every buyer who chose to support the local artisans and entrepreneurs, and every Negrense who came to Manila brought a little piece of the island's heritage, creativity, passion, and culture to share. 

Crowds gathered together in the shared experience - exploring the warmth, artistry, and culinary traditions that make the region stand out with its specialties. 

When the first Negros Trade Fair arrived in 1985, no one could predict that forty years later it would be the huge success that it is today. 

sharing the Negros "arima" tradition of ringing the bell & for all to gather

As the The Negros Trade Fair celebrates the end of another productive and successful run this week, the organizers, producers, participants and consumers all celebrate in grateful and appreciative triumph. Looking forward to its return with eager anticipation. 

Congratulations to all who took part this year and the next team to bring the Negros Trade Fair back with more. To the loyal workers and supported who have made it all possible, thank you for bringing it all together in such a bountiful presentation. 

Well done and congratulations - to more successful years ahead!