Negros heritage shines at the grand opening of Himbon: The 39th Negros Trade Fair at SMX Aura
The country’s longest-running provincial trade fair opened its 39th edition with a festive nod to Negros heritage. Himbon, which means “to gather,” marks a new chapter for Negrense enterprise as the fair unfurls at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura. The opening underscores a shared commitment to keep local artistry and craftsmanship thriving in a modern economy, while inviting visitors to explore a curated snapshot of Negros’ rich cultural landscape.
“This fair is more than an exhibition—it is a gathering that celebrates the best of Negros,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “We are honored to host it here at SMX Aura, and to help ensure that Negrense heritage and creativity continue to thrive for future generations.” The words reflect a broader mission: to blend tradition with innovation and to give micro, small, and medium enterprises a national stage.
The grand opening drew a dynamic mix of media, influencers, and Manila’s society personalities, amplifying the fair’s buzz both onsite and online. The event was hosted by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) in partnership with SM Supermalls, highlighting SM’s ongoing support for Filipino MSMEs as engines of local economies.
A vibrant showcase across six categories
This year’s fair offers a feast for all senses across six distinct categories that spotlight Negros’ creative and entrepreneurial spirit:
- Food – Authentic Negrense delicacies, heirloom recipes, and artisanal flavors that tell the region’s culinary story.
- Fashion – Handwoven textiles, sustainable wear, and modern heritage styles that bridge craft and contemporary design.
- Gifts, décor, and homestyle – Elegant handcrafted pieces rooted in Negrense artistry.
- Natural and organic – Skincare, wellness, and sustainable lifestyle finds crafted with nature in mind.
- Tourism – Destinations and cultural experiences that invite visitors to discover Negros beyond the surface.
- Furniture and furnishings – Export-quality designs inspired by Negros’ soul and soil.
Each category serves as a platform for local producers, weaving together food, fashion, home, and travel into a cohesive narrative of Negrense culture and ingenuity.
A journey from Megatrade Hall to SMX Aura
The Negros Trade Fair traces its roots back to the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in the mid-1990s, when it started as a modest gathering powered by entrepreneurial zeal. Since then, the fair has grown in scale and reach, evolving into a national institution that elevates Negrense creativity on a global stage. This year’s edition is the largest in the fair’s history, with 139 exhibitors occupying about 2,500 square meters—an expansion that mirrors the resilience and breadth of Negros’ producers.
Himbon’s launch at SMX Aura signals a renewed partnership with SM Supermalls and an embrace of modern retail platforms that help Negrense craftspeople reach wider audiences while preserving traditional techniques and stories.
What visitors can expect through Sept. 28, 2025
The 39th Negros Trade Fair runs through September 28, 2025, offering visitors a one-stop immersion into Negros’ living heritage. Attendees are invited to sample heirloom flavors, shop for distinctive textiles and crafts, discover sustainable living products, and explore tourism opportunities that highlight Negros’ natural and cultural riches. It’s not only a purchasing trip; it’s a curated cultural experience designed to educate, inspire, and connect Negrense producers with new markets.
A platform for progress and community
Beyond commerce, the fair underscores the role of MSMEs in national development. ANP’s leadership, in collaboration with SM Supermalls, demonstrates how traditional crafts can adapt to contemporary demand without losing their essence. For Negrense artisans, Himbon is a venue to network, learn, and scale—whether expanding product lines, adopting sustainable practices, or accessing distribution channels that were previously unattainable.
As Negros heritage finds fresh momentum in a modern setting, the opening of Himbon reaffirms a simple truth: culture and commerce can grow together when communities rally behind shared heritage and collective ambition. For locals and visitors alike, the 39th Negros Trade Fair invites you to taste the past while supporting a thriving future of Negrense enterprise.
