MANILA, PH — This year’s Negros Trade Fair (NTF) showcased timeless style lives where beauty meets sustainability. Inspired by HÍMBON, the act of ‘coming together’ under one shared purpose, the 39th NTF brings together unique stories that shape the Negrense way of life.
As Ms. Mary Ann Colmenares, Co-Chair of the Negros Trade Fair, said: “The Negros Trade Fair is a marketplace for all Negrenses. We also welcome vendors and businesses from the Negros Island Region. Our goal is to allow all our participating entrepreneurs to reach a larger audience or market during our trade fairs.”
Among the 139 participating partners, below is a list of ELETOM’s top 10 favorites at the 39th Negros Trade Fair:
1. Calatrava’s Pandan-woven Bags
These products are not only stylish and sustainable, but also embody four decades of tradition and craftsmanship – skills passed down through generations that honor culture, elegance, and value.
Speaking with ELETOM, Ms. Amirose Lavilla shared that their products are unique because all have been woven with love inside Calatrava’s caves. The municipality of Calatrave is known for its Lilas Pandan Festival, Lavilla explains. Given the abundance of pandan leaves, such products are being made as a livelihood for women and their families.
Prices are incredibly budget-friendly! Wallets, purses, handbags, and laptop bags range from just ₱50 to ₱550 ( . These beautifully pandan-woven products aren’t just local treasures; they’re also making waves in the international market, reaching Japan, Germany, and the US, among others.
2. Fresh Start Organics Inc. – Kalamansi Piaya
Piaya is already a staple food of Negros Occidental. However, when natural ingredients and innovation collide, another masterpiece is created. The Kalamansi Piaya seems to be another round of our flaky and chewy crowd favorite. Other flavors such as muscovado and peanut butter are indeed for the sweet tooth, as Negrense itself is a haven for sweet treats. Yet, the Kalamansi Piaya is something worth trying for. A delicate harmony of sweet and tangy notes best savored while it’s hot!
3. Hinigaran’s Shell Crafts
Known as the Oyster Capital of Negros Occidental, Hinigaran has grown its oyster farming. Their oyster shells and other shells found in their coastal areas are being used in various artworks, such as house decorations, pendants, and chandeliers. These seashells are pristine and ethereal, embodying the abundant beauty of Hinigaran on every craft.
4. Arete’s Accessories
Arete’s design jewelries are handmade by various artisans in Manila, Cebu, and Bacolod. Their earrings, for instance, are said to be made from pearls, resin, shells, ceramic, glass, stone, acrylic, among others. They are also hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and integrate 90% of high-quality gold-plated stainless steel and alloy hardware into the items. Pieces range from P800 to P4,000 – the perfect finishing touch for your dainty yet classy look!
5. Get Spotted x CHICKS
Well, Get Spotted should be your go-to shop if you want to explore something creative and edgy, while proudly supporting local fashion. The Chicks collection showcases Negrense artistry from Kabankalan (CHICKS), Negros Occidental. Sustainable yet infused with contemporary designs, such outfits are perfect for your daily OOTDs or even special occasions!
Other worth-mentioning collaborations? Emgee (for modern filipiniana and barongs for adults & kids) and Húman (for everybody, every body).
6. Casa Mercedes Hand Fan
As highlighted in their IG account, Monchet y Cia is the bespoke line of Casa Mercedes Inc. The oldest fan maker in the Philippines. These handcrafted hand fans indeed blend both tradition and modern style. Some alluring displayed designs include short yet captivating expressions by the Negrenses.
7. Moises Padilla’s Tilapia Chips
Developed by Chowpong’s Fish Pond (Tilapyahan), Tilapia Chips is a good alternative for your random food craving, but make it healthy. Why only settle for fried or grilled milkfish when you can have it as your next favorite snack? Sprinkled with different flavors to choose from – original, sour cream, cheese, and barbecue – their product is irresistibly crispy down to the last bite.
*Ingredients: Tilapia meat, wheat flour, special herbs & spices, salt, seasoning powder, and edible oil. (Yup, they use the meat, not the skin!)
8. Ellege Handcrafted Fashion
Their hand-smocked dresses, made in the middle of sugar fields, have found their way to some of the most exclusive children’s wear boutiques in France. The store is accustomed to working with high-quality fabrics and sophisticated designs, bringing forth their specialty of hand-embroidery and hand-smocking skills to their masterpieces.
9. Virgie’s Homemade
Nothing beats the classic, especially bringing some pasalubong that feels like home.
Since 1972, these goodies have been a part of Bacolod’s story, offering delicacies like pastillas de manga, barquiron, tarts, and buttery napoleones to beloved consumers. Filled with nostalgic flavor and care, Virgie’s Homemade serves every specialty tied to love, shared with family, and remembered as a legacy.
10. Hacienda Crafts
The company is an exporter of lamps, lighting fixtures, furniture, accents, and art pieces using natural, non-forest materials. It works closely with communities and lets them co-create craft – as seen in their artisan lighting and other pieces.
Moreover, pandan, pineapple fibers, cogon, buri, palm, coconut twigs, bamboo, coconut husks, and eggshell are just a few of the natural materials typically used in creating decorative items at NTF. Many more materials and natural resources are being integrated into sustainable products, providing livelihoods to the Filipinos.
“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,” Colmenares added.
With this, the NTF indeed serves as a space to celebrate Negrense culture, which is rooted in soul and style. Brands and products from the NTF are now successful exporters. This proves that the said trade fair has continued to empower these local communities and MSMEs in forging their own unique identity, here in the Philippines and abroad.
