Negros Occidental once stood as the nation’s forefather region for its sugar industry, boasting plantations and factories that provided income to families. It was the sole-defining characteristic the region had going for itself and what shaped its social and cultural landscape.

With the then collapse of the region’s sugar industry brought upon the question of self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and preservation. How would they be able to support themselves and save their children from imminent starvation brought upon by lost jobs and little to no ways of income.

That which the 30 Negrense producers sought out to the heart of the nation to create. Establishing the Negros Trade Fair, Manila’s longest running provincial trade fair that served as a two-way gateway between the culture of the Negros islands and the mainstream Filipino market.

This year, with 178 brands and businesses in attendance, the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) honored its 40th edition across a 6-day celebration last September 22 to 27 at SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig city. The fair highlighted the culture of the Negros region from food and fashion, to craftsmanship and artisanry. Helping small and medium-sized, Negrense-owned businesses to grow and prosper.

“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,” said ANP President Christina Gaston.

How the trade fair bloomed from old sugarcanes

For the longest time, the lives of the Negrense revolved around sugarcane plantations and mills which kept their families afloat and communities fed. During the industry’s highest peak, there was no reason to venture into other prospects as it had become the region’s pillar and cornerstone.

Yet even the toughest of canes snap in half as economic instability pushed the heavily-monopolized industry into decline. Many Negrense lost their jobs and lone form of income which left their families exposed to poverty and starvation. Paired with the lack of alternative established livelihoods, the region was in a state of famine as children and adults alike faced starvation and malnutrition.

But even with the harsh economic state, the Negrense continued to explore new opportunities to which they could rely on. One that is different from the already failing commodity. It was this moment when they exhibited resourcefulness as artisans, cooks, and craftsmen started to rise above the crisis.

Thus came the 30 Negrense producers who refused to lose hope and established a market of their own in Manila in 1985. One that is free from the oligarchs that once forced an industry down their throats and could provide them the means to support their community in a way only they could.

40 years later, the Negros Trade Fair has expanded beyond its roots as it welcomes neighboring provinces such as Negros Oriental, Bacolod, and Siquijor to showcase their culture. This year, the fair adopts the theme of “Butlak,” a Hiligaynon word that translates to the rising of the sun or the blooming of flowers. It echoes the spirit of the Negrense which harnesses their unyielding resolve, resourcefulness, and unshakeable faith in the promise of the new dawn.

“We are in bloom as we celebrate our 40th. We are not limiting ourselves moving forward. We

endeavor to embrace the other SMEs from other parts of the Negros Island Region,” NTF Chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares noted.

The initiative showcased through entrepreneurship

For decades the Negros Trade Fair has helped redefine the Negrense perception beyond its lone industry through a diverse selection of products that represented every facet the region has to offer.

One of those was the food which has been the fair’s center showrunner since its first edition. Standing as the nation’s “slow food” capital region, the Negros islands proudly showcased their local cuisine and flavors that rival the giants of fast food.

From the well-beloved Piaya and Chicken Inasal to Kansi and Napoleones, local delicacies not only provided them a source of income but also an opportunity to reintroduce the Negrense identity and showcase established culinary traditions to the wider masses. Honoring heritage even in the midst of the changing marketplace.

With over 40 food businesses and brands in attendance such as Bob’s Cafe, El Ideal Bakery, and Quan Delicacies, the trade fair provided a chance for food entrepreneurs to present their products beyond their communities. Helping them establish new connections and join potential markets just like four decades ago.

The Negrense spirit channeled within their craft

The continuance of culture does not stop at food as the fair also highlights local craftsmen, artisans, and designers. Negros has always had a rich weaving tradition characterized by their extensive use of local fabrics, tropical fibers, and natural dyes for their craft. One that was heavily overlooked in favor of sugarcanes and factories.

This was amazingly represented by Ellege Handcrafted Fashion which creatively weaved Negros Occidental’s intricate hand-smocking tradition into elegant contemporary clothing. Turning a meticulous heritage technique into modern day wear whilst keeping the practice alive for future generations.

Similarly, Tia Lacson The Label’s Medina Collection showcased natural linen, lace, fine piña, and recycled materials in their resort dressing. Pieces that support local seamstresses of Bacolod and Talisay as well as mother-embroiderers of Silay.

These and 28 other fashion brands and designers harness these cultural traditions into their clothing and have only continued to grow further in numbers. Bridging modern styles and cultural roots together whilst displaying a spirit of creativity unique to the Negrenses.

Speaking of style, Negros has established a design philosophy that is rooted on their intentional use of eco-friendly, sustainable materials such as rattan, bamboo, abaca, and hablon. Paired with time-honored techniques passed down in generations, craftsmen created furniture, homeware, art, and decor that channels the Negrense spirit of sustainability and resourcefulness.

This can be appreciated through Hacienda Crafts’ export-grade lighting and home decor. The business provided high quality products for the masses while simultaneously giving much needed livelihoods to sugarcane communities during Tiempo Muerto.

On the other hand, Artisana Island Crafts expertly combined ceramics with wild pandan from the foothills of Mount Kanlaon. A creative mix of organic and inorganic materials that are shaped into eco-luxury table decor which supports the livelihood of wives of local sugarcane farmers.

With a total of 24 Furniture, decor, and houseware brands, the fair explored the Negrense spirit of resourcefulness and sustainability through its diverse craftsmanship and techniques. A testament to how products never stop from being just products. They’re direct representations of culture, tradition, and heritage built upon generations of craft.

Honoring the past while hoping for the future

40 years ago, the Negros Trade Fair was established to create opportunities for local Negrense producers. A risk that took families away from poverty and famine one by one as it continued to thrive year after year. Standing against the test of time for the people it supports.

Now, with over 170 businesses, it now represents further beyond its original purpose. It’s now a celebration of tradition and heritage passed down from generation to generation. Honoring legacies to which the fair was originally brought upon and sharing the spotlight with neighboring communities in its region. “We are always looking ahead with hopes that the next generation will continue what was started four decades ago,” says Colmenares.

From time-tested techniques woven into modern day style and wear and organic materials turned into timeless art, to generational classic delicacies and modern food concepts harboring Negrense flavors, The Butlak: Negros Trade Fair embodies the promise of a new dawn. Hoping that future generations continue what was started four decades ago.