Negros Trade Fair is Back with its World-Class Local Products this 2022!
The longest-running provincial trade fair returns this 2022!
Negros Trade Fair, now in its 36th year, is back after two years to showcase their province’s local products once again. This year’s theme, “Hidlaw,” is a Hiligaynon term that means yearning or longing. From September 20 to 25, catch their amazing local crafts and a variety of products at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP) and the provincial government of Negros Occidental organized the fair.
According to ANP Vice President for Advocacy Mary Ann Colmenares, the theme was aptly named so because of their longing for the trade fair to return, which was stopped for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now that it’s back, the fair aims to show the resilience of Negros spirit and how it can bounce back from the hiatus brought about by the pandemic.
Arlene Infante, ANP President, also shares that she is excited about the comeback of the Negros Trade Fair. The pandemic almost dismantled ANP, the showroom, and we lost most of our staff and members, but this comeback only validates our resiliency and indomitable spirit. Our faith and belief that with collective effort, we can showcase Negrense products again no matter how impossible the task at hand.
In the past years, the trade fair preparation took about 8-10 months, but this year’s installment only took two months to prepare; this only shows our eagerness to come back and show everyone why we are the longest-running trade fair in the country.
Part of their efforts to amplify Negros Trade Fair 2022 was to invite several travel writers and content creators to explore Bacolod and nearby cities in Negros Occidental. The attendees were made to sample Negros delicacies, meet the artisans and see them produce their crafts up close and personal, and hear from Negros locals’ business ideas and success stories at The Hub.
Humble beginnings
The Negros Trade Fair was created in 1985 by Negrenses based in Metro Manila. The idea to create the trade fair was sparked by the news of sugar farm workers on Negros Island. Its first trade fair was held at the Makati Carpark, where Negros goods were then brought to Manila for free. The trade fair then had the vision to organize a formal association; thus, the ANP was born. Now, the ANP has producer exhibitors composed of people from industries such as food, gifts, homeware items, fashion, natural and organic products, tourism, and furniture.
Notable Negros Trade Fairs
The last Negros Trade Fair physical event happened in 2019, highlighting Negrense culture, craft, heritage, and art. In 2011, the fair added a new line of products, namely Natural and Organic, which features sustainable Negros products. And in 2010, the trade fair held its silver anniversary, where they also launched their coffee table book Silver Tiangge, featuring Negros Island’s rich food and culture.
What to Expect?
This year’s Negros Trade Fair is special as it features new countryside community-based artisans. Also, local government units in Negros Occidental will be there to promote tourism in their province through several tour products. To make the Negros Trade Fair 2022 livelier and merrier, festival performers and the San Carlos City Orchestra is set to entertain the guests during the six-day event.
The producer exhibitors from the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) are divided into the following:
- Food
- Gifts and Housewares
- Fashion
- Natural and Organic
- Furniture and Furnishing
- Tourism
Catch Negros Trade Fair Online!
If you’re not from Metro Manila or can’t attend the fair itself, ANP is set to relaunch a virtual Negros Trade Fair at www.shopnegrostradefair.com. You may shop online through this link to be able to get a hold of various Negros products here. Click the link to subscribe to their newsletter and see their upcoming promotions that you can support!
Itching to go on an early Christmas shopping? Head to the 36th Negros Trade Fair and help support local artisans by buying their products! Catch the Negros Trade Fair from September 20 to 25, 2022, at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City. #SupportLocal and spread the word!
To know more about the Negros Trade Fair 2022, visit their website at https://www.negrostradefair.com/ or follow them on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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