HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair Celebrates Negrense Art and Heritage
HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair kicks off with a mission to showcase exceptional Negrense art, lifestyle, and heritage.
Words by Gerie Marie Consolacion
Photos courtesy of Negros Trade Fair
August 29, 2025
Beige Printed Stamp Dress: GetSpotte, Shoes: LAKAT, Beige Crocheted Bag: Tickled Tripper, Two-tone Hat - Bevz Handicrafts
The 39th Negros Trade Fair officially kicked off its opening launch at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City with this year’s theme, ‘Himbon,’ which means “to gather.” The event was hosted by Ms. Ces Oreña Drilon.
Photo by Gerie Marie Consolacion
Ms. Christina Gaston, President of the Association of Negros Producers, delivered the opening remarks, followed by a special message from Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. Ms. Mary Anne Colmenares, Vice President of the Association of Negros Producers, also shared the goals and objectives of the event.
Inspired by HIMBON, the profound act of coming together under one shared purpose, the 39th Negros Trade Fair is set to open its doors from September 23 to 28, 2025, at its new and biggest home yet: the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig.
This year, the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair is poised to offer an unparalleled celebration of Negrense life, style, and the vibrant artistic spirit rooted deeply in its fertile soil.
Mary Ann Colmenares, Co-Chair of the Negros Trade Fair, articulates the heart of this year’s theme during an exclusive interview with the Art+ Magazine, stating, “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.”
She further emphasizes the fair’s role in cultural preservation adding, “We’ve always had the vision for strengthening our identity as a collective or a region. Everything we do across all categories from food to fashion, home and design, is always a reflection of our Negrense culture and how we translate them onto our products.”
A Grander Stage for Negrense Creativity
This edition marks a significant milestone as the fair finds its first home in Taguig, transforming into its largest iteration to date.
White embroidered terno: Get Spotted, Black skirt: Donata by Kate Singson, Red clutch: Bevz Handicrafts
Christina Gaston, President of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), proudly shares, “This is our biggest trade fair in our history,” noting the venue occupies close to 2,500 square meters. This expanded space accommodates 139 participating vendors and partners, including 40 new producers, an increase from last year.
Reflecting on the enhanced scale, Colmenares enthusiastically states, “You expect more exhibitors this year. It’s going to be more vibrant because now we have a bigger space for our expressions of creativity.”
The fair also welcomes vendors and businesses from the Negros Island Region, with robust support from various Local Government Units (LGUs) and tourism stakeholders, inviting visitors to explore the beauty of Negros.
Shawl by Negros Silk , Earrings by Arete, Jewelry Box and Tissue Box by Tumandok Crafts
“We have also activated the tourism sector. For those who are interested to come to Negros, we have even some tourism stakeholders there. We have everybody. We continuously innovate. So, you will have new variations of the usual food. New producers. And fashion,” Colmenares adds, highlighting the continuous evolution of the fair’s offerings.
Soul, Soil, and Style
The 39th Negros Trade Fair is a testament to the ingenious artistry and creativity of Negrense makers, whose hands, once toiling the earth, now weave, stitch, and mold products that echo their distinct identity. This innate artistry is evident in how they transform natural resources into exquisite pieces.
Beige Kamisa Top: Get Spotted, Peach Skirt : Get Spotted, Torque Necklace with pearls: ChiEvs Stones & Crystals, Clutch: Bevz Handicrafts
This six-day event places fashion, design, and artistry at its core, showcasing a revival of local fabrics and increased investment in weaving communities. The industry is profoundly anchored on an appreciation for what’s grown in the land, with fibers, weaving techniques, and heritage stitches all finding their origins in the soil.
Noteworthy examples include LAKAT’s sneakers crafted from pineapples grown in Negros, and Vivo Handmade's slow fashion garments, woven by hands that once tended the land. Ellege Handcrafted Fashion's hand-smocked dresses, made amidst sugar fields, have even captivated international markets in France. Other exciting brands include Arete, Azatri/Sweethorn, Creative Definitions, and Negros Silk.
Wicked Mini Broom and Hannah's Way Mat by Hacienda Crafts
The same philosophy of working with the treasures of the land extends to gifting, home, and design products. Materials like pandan, pineapple fibers, cogon, buri, palm, coconut twigs, bamboo, coconut husks, and eggshell are transformed into decorative items for living spaces and entertainment, such as plate chargers, ceramics, lamps, and chimes.
Surrounded by the province's rich architectural heritage, Negrense artisans are known for their easy elegance and sophistication, reflecting a distinct brand of genteel living. Brands like Hacienda Crafts, an exporter of lamps and furniture that recently exhibited in Paris, and Madera Handicrafts, a social enterprise working with coconuts, exemplify the innovation and design prowess of Negrense makers.
The Negrense Experience
Beyond a marketplace, the 39th Negros Trade Fair is an immersive experience of the Negrense way of life and its renowned hospitality. As Christina Gaston puts it, “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.”
Bottle Stoppers by Artisana Island Crafts
Visitors can anticipate a feast for the senses, including a wide array of food offerings, live music, a fully stocked bar managed by TESDA students, and the joy of reunions and rekindling generational ties.
The Negros Trade Fair, initially sparked by the wives of sugar planters in 1985 to support fledgling cottage industries has evolved into a robust platform. Through the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), artisans and MSMEs are empowered to scale up and reach broader local and global markets, fostering sustainable growth and passing down invaluable knowledge to future generations.
Join HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair from September 23 to 28, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts, unique lifestyle, and rich heritage of Negros. For more information, follow the Negros Trade Fair on social media @thenegrostradefair.
