The Negros Trade Fair returns to the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City today, Sept. 26, and will last until Oct. 1, 2023. Organized by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), this year's event will focus on the theme "Amuma," a Hiligaynon term signifying "to nurture, foster, and care for."
According to the ANP the "Amuma" theme, symbolizes the core values of the Negrense people.
The ANP extended an invitation to The Manila Bulletin to visit Negros, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and cuisine as a prelude to today's event.
The trip lasted for four days and was brimming with delicious cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and engaging interactions with the proud Negrense.
The author has visited Negros numerous times in the past, whether for leisure or work. However, without fail, each return trip to Bacolod brings about a fresh and novel experience.
Day 1
First stop was Sir and Ma'am Restaurant, a high-end carienda beloved by the locals in Silay City. "Ang nag 'AMUMA'" (the host)
was proprietress Gloria De Oca, who served us heirloom dishes of morcon, abechuelas (pork & beans), salad (Fried Young Coconut), and dinuguan (blood stew).
In the afternoon of our first day, there was a "Meet & Greet Exhibitors and Fashion Show" at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson was present at the event and shared his insights on the significance of the "Amuma" theme, stating that, "AMUMA seeks to encapsulate the essence of Negrense culture by highlighting its generosity, welcoming spirit, and open-heartedness. It also serves as a tribute to the Negrense culture of charity, hospitality, and warmth."
During the show, ANP showcased the food, fashion, and products that will be transported from Negros to Manila for the fair.
After the posh affair at the capitol, we had dinner at Imay's, where we enjoyed scallops and tried a new notable dish, Grilled Manumbok (Atlantic blue marlin). The dish was savory and melted in our mouths.
Day 2
On the second day of the tour, we applied sunscreen and ventured out into the sunny environs of Negros. Our host for the day at Hacienda Crafts in the Municipality of Manapla was Cristina Gaston. The organization helps low-income women develop and sell their crafts.
Then we ventured further into the surrounding property where Joey Gaston showed us the famed and iconic Chapel of Cartwheels, and the Gaston Ancestral House of "Oro, Plata, Mata" fame.
Afterwards, we went to the Museo sang Bata sa Negros in Sagay City, where the children from the local school toured us and educated us about the importance of marine life and the environment.
To emphasize the lesson, we then ventured to Suyac Island, where the local government has done an admirable job creating the Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park. There, we had lunch and enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Following the hearty lunch, we then went to the nearby shorelines and visited the property of art rockstar and visual arts icon Nunelucio Alvarado at Kape Albarako in Sagay City. Together with his wife Sally, we enjoyed native coffee, sampled local delicacies like the bayi bayi, and savored the cold sea breeze.
After the merienda, it was off to dinner ElGon Secret Garden
in Bacolod City, where Chef Don Colmenares prepared a sumptuous 12-course meal to fete the national media visitors, members of the ANP and the LGU.
