A Hiligaynon word that translates to "the rising of the sun" or "a bloom," butlak reflects the Negrense spirit—an amalgamation of unyielding resolve, resourcefulness, and an unshakable faith in the promise of a new dawn. It is the same spirit that invigorated the Negros Trade Fair four decades ago and continues to guide it today.
Where Hope Began to Shine
During the first Negros Trade Fair 40 years ago, 30 vendors from Negros Occidental gathered at the Makati Carpark to showcase local crafts, products, and wares from the region.
Following the collapse of the sugar industry, sugar farm workers began harnessing their creativity through food, weaves, furniture, and the arts as a means of augmenting their livelihoods. At the first Negros Trade Fair, they began to see the rays of a new sunrise for the region.
Mary Ann Colmenares, Chairperson of the Negros Trade Fair, narrates, “During one of the early Negros Trade Fairs, the theme was Hope Shines in Negros. This is the mindset that has consistently guided us throughout the 40 years of the trade fair. The Negrenses have held on to the promise of a new day, and that God’s mercies are new every morning.”
A shared sense of fortitude, grassroots solidarity, and economic survival soon formed the foundations of the Negros Trade Fair. This period also saw the birth of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), whose mandate is to support and empower the region’s MSMEs, artisans, and producers.
ANP President Christina Gaston explains, “Our task is to find ways for brands to grow and to drive economic growth. While ANP is the incubator, the fair is the platform. The idea of Butlak was anchored on how our entrepreneurs have bloomed over the years.”
A Trade Fair in Full Bloom
“We are in bloom as we celebrate our 40th,” Colmenares shares.
This year’s campaign captures facets of Negros beyond Sugarlandia and its landmark heritage houses. It reflects a more expansive and inclusive trade fair that endeavors to bring all the region’s creative sectors together under one platform.
She adds, “We are not limiting ourselves moving forward. We endeavor to embrace the other SMEs from other parts of the Negros Island Region.”
Representing One Island
Gaston believes the integration of Negros Island has been an important driver in bringing a wider variety to Butlak: The 40th Negros Trade Fair.
Unlike other trade fairs, the selection of participating brands is largely informed by one mission: to build businesses in Negros.
“We are interested in showcasing the brands that are from Negros; that have roots or linkages to Negros; or are helping communities or artisans in Negros.”
The expanded representation now includes provinces, towns, and cities in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The 40th edition of the Negros Trade Fair features a total of 178 brands. “We really try to bring all that the Negros Island region has to offer to the fair. We even have silk weavers from Aklan, artisans from Kanlaon, homegrown hospitality brands as well as real estate properties joining this year’s event,” says Colmenares.
A Growing Expression of Negros Style
The fair’s style offerings have also grown significantly. Participating names include Camille Villanueva, StyleLoft, Pinas Sadya, Reveri by Ria Bolivar, and Hacienda Mar, among others.
“In recent years, this category has grown especially now that we have also opened the doors for labels or makers who have links to the region.”
Negros is shaped by a rich weaving tradition, making it a popular resource for local fabrics, tropical fibers, and natural dyes.
Pioneering Sustainable Furniture, Design, and Art
Over the years, Negros has established a design DNA anchored on the intentional use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials such as abaca, bamboo, rattan, and hablon. These materials are expertly crafted into contemporary objects using time-honored techniques.
Furniture, décor, and homeware labels Hacienda Crafts, Art Energy, ARTISANA, Noah, Madera Handicrafts, and NVC will be highlighted at this year’s fair, alongside some of the region’s artists and art galleries.
Celebrating the Iconic Flavors of Negros
Food has historically been one of the Negros Trade Fair’s main draws. This year, the event will present an even larger selection of the region’s beloved flavors through iconic brands such as Bob’s Cafe, 21, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products.
These all-time favorites will be joined by new food concepts that reinforce the region’s standing as the slow food capital.
Looking Toward a New Dawn
As it did 40 years ago, the Negros Trade Fair continues to shape its annual celebrations around changing times.
“We are always looking ahead with hopes that the next generation will continue what was started four decades ago,” Colmenares concludes.
Gaston emphasizes, “Every year is different. Each generation brings with them evolution. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate, creating linkages for developing more products, and growing as a community. Now that Negros Trade Fair is representing a united Negros Island and Siquijor, we are eager about defining what makes the region unique and truly special.”
BUTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair will take place from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura. For updates, follow @thenegrostradefair on Instagram.
All photos courtesy of Negros Trade Fair.