By The second day of the 40th Negros Trade Fair was another reminder that, for many Negrenses living in Metro Manila, this event is more than just a place to shop—it is a little piece of home. As usual, we could not let the fair pass without visiting. There is something almost indescribable about walking toward the venue and, among the crowd, somehow recognizing another Ilonggo even before hearing a word. Perhaps it is what we call “lukso ng dugo”—that instinctive feeling of familiarity that makes you wonder, Ilonggo man ini? And more often than not, once you arrive inside the fair and hear people speaking Hiligaynon, that feeling is confirmed. Suddenly, strangers do not feel like strangers anymore.
My connection to the Negros Trade Fair goes back many years. I still remember attending my very first one at Glorietta, when the late Governor Joseph Marañon was still the Governor of Negros Occidental. He was also my boss when he was still our Mayor in Sagay City, during my time working at the LGU. That personal connection is one reason I can never miss visiting the City of Sagay CaSaMa booth whenever I get the chance. Of course, I could not leave without buying one of my longtime favorites—dried fish. I was also delighted to find Capulso’s Puto from our neighboring town of Manapla, which I promised my family here in Manila I would bring home so they could finally taste what I consider the best puto in Negros. The visit became even more special when I met Arthur Marañon, our Board Member for the Second District, and the brother of our Congressman Thirdy Marañon. Moments like these make the fair feel less like an event and more like a reunion with people and memories from home.
Now on its 40th year, the Negros Trade Fair has grown from a modest gathering of just 30 vendors into a major showcase of Negrense entrepreneurship and craftsmanship. BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair features 178 brands from the Negros Island Region, bringing together food, fashion, furniture, homeware, and handcrafted products that showcase the island’s creativity and traditions. Happening until September 27 at SMX Convention Center Aura, the fair is more than an opportunity to shop—it is an invitation to experience Negros through its flavors, products, culture, and people. For every Negrense or Ilonggo who happens to be in Metro Manila, come and visit. You may find your favorite food, meet someone from your hometown, hear Hiligaynon spoken across the hall, and feel that familiar “lukso ng dugo”—the unmistakable feeling that, even far from home, a little piece of Negros is still with you.
Discover the finest flavors, craftsmanship, fashion, and homegrown treasures from our beloved island.
📅 September 22-27, 2026
📍 SMX Convention Center Aura
