TAGUIG CITY — The 40th Negros Trade Fair officially opened at SMX Convention Center Aura on September 22, 2026, marking four decades of showcasing the best of Negros Island. The traditional Arima ceremony, a cherished bell-ringing tradition, signaled the start of the six-day event.
A Milestone Celebration of Negros Creativity
This year's edition carries the theme “Butlak,” a Hiligaynon word meaning to bloom or daybreak, reflecting the fair's 40-year journey of growth. A record 178 exhibitors from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City are participating, representing over 115 entrepreneurs.
The fair brings together furniture, food, fashion, crafts, and fine art from the region's most talented artisans and producers. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson noted that what began with just a few producers has evolved into a lasting tradition that has endured for four decades.
The Arima: A Tradition Rooted in Sugarcane Fields
The Arima ceremony holds deep cultural significance for Negrenses. The ringing of the bell replicates the traditional morning signal once used across Negros' sugarcane fields to gather workers at the start of a day's labor. Joey Gaston created this cherished tradition to unite the island community.
During the opening, Association of Negros Producers President Cristina Gaston and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President Joaquin L. San Agustin shared a ceremonial toast. The Arima has become a beloved ritual that officially ushers in each year's trade fair, symbolizing unity and shared purpose.
Stories Woven into Every Product
Trade Fair chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares described “Butlak” as more than a commercial event. She emphasized that it tells a story of courage, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Negros. The fair cuts across generations, featuring exhibitors as young as 21 and as experienced as a 97-year-old artisan from Dumaguete City.
Colmenares encouraged Manila audiences to look closer at the heritage behind each product. From the traditions embedded in local food to the generational stories woven into fabrics, every item carries the soul of Negros. The event offers a comprehensive taste of the region in one convenient location.
A Showcase of Excellence and Innovation
The trade fair features categories spanning food, natural and organic products, fashion, furniture, gifts, décor, houseware, and tourism. Local government units and partner organizations from at least 20 areas are participating. The event also highlights eco-friendly footwear, handcrafted accessories, and intricate hand-smocking from Negros Occidental.
Visitors can explore contemporary furniture, homeware, and artisanal food products from established and emerging brands. The fair's longevity demonstrates the resilience of Negrense entrepreneurs and their ability to adapt to changing markets while preserving cultural authenticity.
Supporting MSMEs and Rural Communities
Proceeds from registration fees support local Negrense artisans and rural communities through livelihood and training programs. The event provides a vital platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach a broader market beyond the Visayas. For 40 years, it has remained the country's longest-running provincial trade fair in Metro Manila.
Governor Lacson acknowledged that while sugar remains an important part of Negros' history, the fair proves there is far more that the province can produce. The diverse range of products on display reflects the region's evolving economy and creative potential.
