Negros Trade Fair marks 40
years of championing MSMEs with SM Supermalls
Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK
video sweeps across Negros — its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry —
bringing the island's creative spirit to life.
MANILA, Philippines,
September 3, 2026 — One afternoon at SM Aura was enough to show why
generations of shoppers have made the Negros Trade Fair a much-awaited
celebration. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), together with SM
Supermalls, officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair with
a preview that brought together the flavors, fashion, craftsmanship, stories,
and creative spirit of Negros. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the landmark
anniversary edition will bring 178 brands from the Negros Island Region to the
SMX Convention Center Aura.
A Journey to Negros — Without Booking a Flight
One of the media launch's most
evocative moments was the unveiling of the official BÚTLAK video. Taking
viewers through the places, flavors, craftsmanship, and stories of Negros, the
film offered the kind of visual journey that could make anyone want to book a
flight and experience the island for themselves.
But there is no need to pack a
suitcase. This September, Negros is coming to Manila for six days of food,
fashion, art, homeware, and handcrafted discoveries at SMX Aura.
What ANP and SM Leadership Had to Say
ANP leaders, partners, and Negrense culinary
personalities share a celebratory moment at the BÚTLAK media launch.
ANP President Christina
Gaston opened the program, emphasizing the fair's role in helping
creativity become enterprise. “For ANP, 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 40 years, we have seen small
businesses grow into enterprises and local products reach markets once thought
beyond their reach,” Gaston said.
This was followed by welcome
remarks from SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, who underscored how
platforms such as the Negros Trade Fair can connect Filipino culture with
greater economic opportunity. “Our role is to help open doors. For us, the
Negros Trade Fair is a wonderful example of how culture and enterprise can grow
together,” Tan said. Through SM for MSMEs, SM Supermalls continues its
collaboration with ANP by connecting homegrown businesses to a high-traffic
marketplace, greater visibility, new customers, partners, and growth
opportunities.
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and style icon Tessa
Prieto celebrate the color, craft, and unmistakable creative spirit of Negros.
Broadcast journalist Ces Drilon serves as host, guiding guests through an
afternoon celebrating Negrense creativity, enterprise, and heritage.
A Taste of What's to Come
A taste of Negros: Guests sample regional flavors and
culinary favorites during the media launch — a delicious preview of what awaits
at the fair.
That journey continued at the
table as guests sampled a taste of what awaits at the fair, with Negrense
culinary personalities JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, and Chef JP Anglo sharing the
flavors and stories of the province. The tasting offered just a first bite of
the experience — from comforting regional favorites and heirloom recipes to
fresh interpretations by a new generation of food entrepreneurs.
For Joel Torre — actor,
restaurateur, and owner of JT's Manukan — the pride behind the food is just
as important as its flavor. “I'm a proud Negrense. I'm very proud of Negros
products,” Torre said.
Chef JP Anglo linked
that same pride to the fair's ability to keep evolving. “Life is always
changing; it's a constant evolution,” Anglo said. “And that's why the Negros
Trade Fair is thriving through the years — it's because of that chase to
perfection and love for craftsmanship.”
178 Brands: Food, Fashion, and Craft
That same spirit is carried
by a new generation of brands. Stephanie and Cristina Claparols of Lakat
Sustainables described the fair as a place where ideas are exchanged and
makers support one another: “To us, this really feels like a family gathering,
and there's a lot of new brands to discover, especially coming from the new
generation. I think that's the most exciting part of it.”
Food remains one of the fair's
biggest draws. Visitors can look forward to well-loved names such as Bob's
Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie's Homemade Products,
alongside newer food concepts, regional specialties, sweet treats, pantry
staples, and pasalubong finds.
As Basti Escalante of the
Antonio's Group put it, “Negrense food goes beyond inasal — there's a lot
more to discover.”
Beyond the table, the fair
offers plenty to wear and bring home. Arête creates handcrafted island-style
accessories using indigenous Philippine materials, while Ellege Handcrafted
Fashion brings Negros Occidental's intricate hand-smocking tradition into contemporary
clothing. Other fashion and lifestyle labels will showcase resort wear,
jewelry, woven pieces, and modern designs rooted in local culture. Home and
craft enthusiasts can explore pieces by Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts
Industries, Artisana Island Crafts, NVC Foundation, and other makers
transforming abaca, rattan, bamboo, capiz, ceramics, wild pandan, and
repurposed materials into distinctive décor, houseware, art, and furniture.
Many of these pieces also sustain artisan livelihoods and help keep community
craft traditions alive.
The fair will feature 178 brands across food, fashion,
furniture, homeware, art, and local crafts — come for the names you already
love and leave with a new favorite, or several.
Leaders and partners behind BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros
Trade Fair come together during the media launch. From left: Royce Cabuñag, AVP
and Head of SM Communities; Chef JJ Yulo; Mary Anne Colmenares, NTF
Chairperson; Chef Tony Boy Escalante, owner of Antonio's; Francis Esteban,
owner of Breakfast at Antonio's; Christina Gaston, ANP President; Antonio
Sebastian Escalante of Antonio's; Pats Lim Dy, SAVP for SM Communities; and
Joaquin San Agustin, EVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls.
A 40-Year Legacy Designed for the Next 40
ANP Vice President Mary Anne
Colmenares captured the meaning behind the anniversary theme: “Our roots
are found in the traditions, skills, and stories handed down to us. Our blooms
are the new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations emerging from those
roots. After 40 years, Negros continues to bloom — and its brightest chapters
are still ahead.”
The milestone edition is
therefore both a homecoming and a new beginning. “We're celebrating 40
remarkable years — but we're equally excited about the next 40,” said SM
Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin.
More than shopping, this is a celebration of talent,
heritage, and heart. Bring your family and friends, support local, and take
home a piece of Negros. See you at BÚTLAK.
About SM Supermalls – SM for MSMEs
SM Supermalls is one of
Southeast Asia's largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the
Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino
communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities
come together.
Through SM for MSMEs, SM
continues to evolve with the needs of Filipino entrepreneurs by creating
opportunities that help businesses start, grow, and thrive. From market access
and business visibility to strategic partnerships and entrepreneurship platforms,
SM empowers MSMEs across different stages and sectors — connecting homegrown
brands with more customers and communities nationwide.
My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.
Comments