Step into SM Aura this September, and you’ll find yourself transported—not just to a mall, but to Negros Island itself. For 40 years, the Negros Trade Fair has been more than a marketplace; it’s been a living showcase of Filipino creativity, resilience, and pride. This year’s milestone edition, aptly called BÚTLAK (to bloom), brings together 178 brands under one roof at the SMX Convention Center Aura from September 22 to 27, 2026.
A Journey Without a Plane Ticket
The launch preview captured the essence of Negros through a stirring video that whisked guests across its landscapes, kitchens, and workshops. It was the kind of reel that makes you want to book a flight—but the fair itself brings Negros to Manila, offering six days of food, fashion, art, and handcrafted treasures.
ANP President Christina Gaston reminded everyone why this fair matters: “MSME development is about giving people the opportunity to discover what they can create, what they can become, and where their creativity can take them.” Over four decades, small ventures have grown into enterprises, and local products have reached markets once thought impossible.
Flavors That Tell Stories
Guests at the launch were treated to a culinary journey led by Negrense icons JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, and Chef JP Anglo. From heirloom recipes to bold new interpretations, the tasting was a delicious preview of what’s to come.
Joel Torre, actor-restaurateur and proud Negrense, summed it up simply: “I’m very proud of Negros products.” Chef JP Anglo added, “Life is always changing; it’s a constant evolution. That’s why the Negros Trade Fair is thriving—it’s about the chase for perfection and love for craftsmanship.”
Expect beloved names like Bob’s Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products, alongside fresh food concepts and pasalubong finds that go far beyond inasal.
Fashion, Crafts, and Culture
Beyond the table, the fair is a treasure trove of wearable art and homegrown design. Labels like Arête and Ellege Handcrafted Fashion showcase accessories and clothing rooted in tradition yet styled for today. Meanwhile, Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts Industries, and Artisana Island Crafts transform abaca, bamboo, capiz, and other indigenous materials into décor and furniture that sustain artisan livelihoods.
For Stephanie and Cristina Claparols of Lakat Sustainables, the fair feels like family: “There are a lot of new brands to discover, especially from the new generation. That’s the most exciting part.”
Roots and Blooms
The anniversary theme, explained by ANP Vice President Mary Anne Colmenares, captures the fair’s spirit: “Our roots are found in traditions, skills, and stories handed down to us. Our blooms are the new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations emerging from those roots.”
SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed the sentiment: “We’re celebrating 40 remarkable years—but we’re equally excited about the next 40.”
Final Take
The 40th Negros Trade Fair isn’t just about shopping. It’s about heritage, talent, and heart. It’s about supporting local makers while discovering flavors, fashions, and crafts that carry the soul of Negros. Bring your family, bring your friends, and take home a piece of the island.
See you at BÚTLAK!