Grand opening sets the tone for Himbon 39th Negros Trade Fair
The country’s longest-running provincial trade fair kicked off at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, as Negros heritage took center stage under the banner Himbon, which means to gather. The 39th edition weaves tradition with modern enterprise, inviting visitors to explore a vibrant snapshot of Negros culture and craftsmanship. Hosted by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) in partnership with SM Supermalls, the grand opening underscored SM’s commitment to championing Filipino MSMEs—providing a platform where time-honored craft and contemporary innovation meet.
“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 captured the mood: a community coming together to showcase the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and artistic voice to a broad audience of media, influencers, and Manila’s society personalities.
A nod to history: from Megatrade Hall to SMX Aura
The fair’s roots trace back to the mid-1990s when Negros Trade Fair found a home at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall. It was a modest affair then, yet already pulsing with the vigor of Negrense entrepreneurs and artists. That same spirit carries forward today, now expanded and presented with the scale and reach befitting a national event. Himbon marks a renewed chapter in which heritage remains the foundation, while innovation is celebrated on a modern stage.
A six-category showcase of Negros’ finest
Visitors are treated to a curated journey through six distinct categories where Negros’ creative economy shines. Food highlights authentic Negrense delicacies and heirloom recipes; Fashion features handwoven textiles and sustainable wear; Gifts, décor, and homestyle pieces showcase Negrense artistry in home accents; Natural and organic offerings emphasize skincare and wellness with a sustainably minded ethos; Tourism presents Negros destinations and cultural experiences; Furniture and furnishings reveal export-ready designs rooted in the region’s soul and soil. Each category reflects the intersection of tradition and innovation that Himbon seeks to champion.
The opening’s early buzz—fueled by the mixture of traditional artistry and modern entrepreneurship—echoed the fair’s goal: to elevate Negrense creativity onto the national and global stage while remaining deeply rooted in local heritage.
A platform for progress: from local MSMEs to a global stage
Since its modest beginnings in 1985 with 30 vendors, the Negros Trade Fair has grown into a national institution that nurtures micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This year’s edition at SMX Aura is the biggest yet, featuring 139 exhibitors across 2,500 square meters of exhibit space. The scale underscores a commitment to providing a dynamic platform where Negros products can reach broader markets while keeping sustainability and artisanship at the core.
Himbon isn’t merely a shopping destination; it’s a living showcase of Negros’ evolving economic landscape. The fair’s programming highlights how traditional crafts can inform modern design, how heirloom recipes can find new audiences, and how a region’s tourism potential can be brought to life through immersive storytelling and authentic experiences.
Visitor experience and practical details
The 39th Negros Trade Fair runs through September 28, 2025, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, SM Aura. Visitors are invited to taste, shop, and experience the vibrant stories of Negros all in one place. With each booth offering a unique glimpse into Negros heritage—from family recipes passed down through generations to contemporary craft designs—the fair presents a holistic picture of a culture that refuses to stand still.
Why Himbon matters: heritage, gathering, and the future
Himbon embodies a philosophy of gathering—to share, to sustain, and to grow a resilient Negrense creative economy. As the fair invites more local and international audiences to engage with Negros heritage, it also encourages collaboration among producers, designers, and tourism partners. The grand opening signals a continued commitment to lifting up Filipino MSMEs and ensuring that Negrense heritage remains vibrant and visible on a global stage.
