Now in its 39th year, the Negros Trade Fair, the longest-running provincial trade fair in the country, marks several new milestones under the theme “Himbon”, the act of coming together under one shared purpose.

“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. Each year, we are also guided by our goal of expanding opportunities for our MSMEs,” said Mary Ann Colmenares, co-chair of the Negros Trade Fair.

Happening from September 23 to 28, 2025, with 139 participating vendors and partners, the trade fair finds a new home at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, at BGC, Taguig. Christina Gaston, president of the Association of Negros Producers, shared that, “This is our biggest trade fair in our history.” The venue, which spans approximately 2,500 square meters, enables the platform to accommodate a greater number of vendors, event partners, and visitors. “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 added.

LGUs from Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Bacolod have also joined the himbon, extending their support for the MSMEs’ exhibition. They are joined by the local government units of Bago, Silay, City of Talisay, City of Himalayan, Sipalay, Cadiz, San Carlos, Hinigaran, Calatrava, Sagay, Kabankalan, Toboso, CASAMA (Cadiz, Sagay, Manapla), CHICKS (Candoni, Hinobaan, Ilog, Kabankalan, Sipalay), Bush Bush (San Carlos), Siquijor, Bacolod City.

This year’s trade fair celebrates the Negrense spirit, style, and distinct brand of genteel living. “We always infuse Ilonggo flavor to the entire experience,” said Gaston. As a people, Negrenses have been renowned for their mastery of the art of hospitality. Apart from the wide range of food offerings, which has been a main draw for visiting the event, Himbon will also feature live music, a fully stocked bar (run by TESDA students), joyful reunions, and the rekindling of generational ties. “When you walk through the doors of the Negros Trade Fair, you experience Negros. It’s exactly how we would do it when we entertain back home.”

Negrense fashion, design, and artistry also take centerstage in the six-day event, wherein they would showcase tropical fibers sourced from pineapples used in Lakat’s sneakers, Hablon’s weaving tradition in the garments from Vivo Handmade, and the hand-smocked dressed from Ellege Handcrafted Fashion made in the middle of sugar fields that have found their way to some of the most exclusive children’s wear boutiques in France, among others.

The hacienda way of life, told through gifts, home, and design brands, is featured throughout the event. Pandan, pineapple fibers, cogon, buri, palm, coconut twigs, bamboo, coconut husks, eggshells are just a few of the natural materials typically used in creating decorative items, such as plate chargers, ceramics, table covers, lamps, candle holders, chimes, and trays, especially made for living spaces and entertaining.

Beyond retail, exhibitors are presented with opportunities to supply other businesses, both locally and internationally. Through the Negros Trade Fair and the Association of Negros Producers, artisans and MSMEs are empowered to become a part of a value chain that allows them to scale up and ultimately supply to a larger, global market. Gaston said, “We are developmental. The platform is dedicated to the vendors and exhibitors. It is their marketplace to reach out to buyers, network, or potentially supply to bigger businesses here or abroad.”

“After 39 years, we have seen the sustainable growth of our exhibitors. We’ve witnessed how they’ve scaled up to the B2B level, even supplying international markets. This is why we continuously strive to bring the trade fair to future markets and pass on the advocacy,” concluded Gaston.