“Himbon,” a Hiligaynon word that means “to gather,” is the soul of this year’s Negros Trade Fair.
For Negrenses, it is a way of life where families gather over heirloom recipes, artisans share skills passed down through generations, and communities unite to face challenges with creativity and grace.
The word evokes the rhythm of a culture where food, craft, and kinship are inseparable, and where every creation tells a story of resilience. It is this collective spirit that continues to define Negros—rooted in heritage yet open to reinvention, steeped in tradition yet brimming with innovation.
That same spirit comes alive at the Negros Trade Fair, which will open this September with its biggest staging yet at SM Aura Premier and SMX Aura Convention Center in Taguig City.
Now in its 39th year, the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair expands its reach, welcoming participants from Negros Oriental and Siquijor alongside long-time exhibitors from Negros Occidental.
“What began in 1985 with just 30 entrepreneurs responding to a struggling sugar economy has grown into a vibrant showcase of craftsmanship and resilience. Today, we honor the fire they ignited by continuing to innovate and bringing world-class products to new audiences,” said Christina Gaston, president of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP).
Nearly four decades after its inception at the Makati Carpark, the fair has evolved into a cultural institution, featuring over 130 vendors across six categories: food, fashion, gifts and homeware, natural and organic products, furniture, and tourism.
and design at the media launch
Fairgoers can expect both familiar favorites and inventive new offerings—piaya reimagined with chorizo, napoleones filled with pistachio, sneakers crafted from pineapple fibers, and jewelry fashioned from local silk. Even used Nespresso capsules have found new life as wall art, proof of the ingenuity that continues to fuel Negrense design.
For ANP vice president Mary Ann Colmenares, the event is a living expression of identity.
“The Negros Trade Fair is Negros in Manila. It’s where artisans and entrepreneurs come together to share stories, showcase heritage, and celebrate our creativity,” said Colmenares.
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan echoed the statement, saying malls should serve as platforms for culture and connection.
“Himbon beautifully captures the spirit of gathering. We are proud to bring the richness of Negros to the heart of the Metro and ensure its stories thrive for generations to come,” Tan explained.
Beyond a marketplace, the fair has evolved into a launchpad for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, providing them with direct access to customers, potential distributors, and even export opportunities.
As Gaston put it, “It is a transformative marketplace.”
The 39th Negros Trade Fair: Himbon runs from Sept. 23 to Sept. 28 at SMX Aura Convention Center, inviting Metro Manila residents to gather, discover, and celebrate the enduring Negrense spirit.
