The 39th Negros Trade Fair, “Himbon,” is set to take place at the SM Aura Premier and SMX Aura Convention Center in Bonifacio Global City from September 23 to 28.
Inspired by “himbon,” the act of coming together under one shared purpose, the fair will feature unique stories that shape the Negrense way of life, said Mary Ann Colmenares, co-chair of this year’s event, at a press conference at Café Uma in Bacolod City on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
From food and fashion to home and design, every product at the country’s longest-running trade fair has its roots in Negros’ fertile soil, she said.
“This year, we wanted to bring everyone together to remind us of the stories and values that unite us — our shared identity, community, and heritage,” Colmenares said.
“Each year, we are also guided by our goal of expanding opportunities for our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)”, she added
The event, which was previously held in Makati City, is now moving to SM Aura Premier and SMX Aura Convention Center where there will be 139 participating vendors and partners, including 23 local government units, Colmenares said.
“This is our biggest trade fair in our history,” said Christina Gaston, president of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP).
“The Negros Trade Fair is a marketplace for all Negrenses. We also welcome vendors and businesses from the Negros Island Region. Our goal is to allow all our participating entrepreneurs to reach a larger audience or market during our trade fairs”, she said
ANP members and exhibitors Kate Singson, Maxima Madera, and Selene Puentespina shared stories of how their small businesses grew and became successful, during the press conference.
The Negros Occidental provincial government has provided P5 million in assistance for this year’s trade fair.
“The trade fair not only provides our Negrense entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase and sell their products…it also serves as a springboard for long-term business success”, Gaston said.
The first Negros Trade Fair took place in 1985 at the Makati Carpark with only 30 vendors.
It was an initiative by the wives of sugar planters in Negros Occidental.
After the collapse of the sugar industry, farm workers turned to crafts and other creative endeavors to augment their livelihoods.
Their wares were then shipped to Manila for free via Negros Navigation, courtesy of Daniel “Bitay” Lacson Jr.*