The Negros Trade Fair is back and now on its 37th glorious year. After taking a 2-year hiatus because of the pandemic, NTF is once more giving it a shot as they proudly showcase Negrense products. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP) will present products that are made by Negrense pastry makers, chefs, artisans and craftsmen.
This is scheduled to happen on September 26 to October 1, 2023 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City.
Negros Trade Fair is also a gathering of SMME’s (small, micro-medium entrepreneurs) in the hope of uplifting local products to the mainstream market, and give them more opportunities to have their products introduced nationwide.
NTF LAUNCH: AMUMA
The event was well attended by provincial government officials, ANP representatives and Gov. Eugenio “Bong” Lacson (center)
The 37th Negros Trade Fair was held via an Exhibitors’ Briefing Media Launch last August 23 at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City. This year’s theme– AMUMA, (a hiligaynon word which means to care for or to nurture) is how one feels when you are inside a Negrense home. Negrenses are known for being hospitable and generous in welcoming guests who come and visit their abode.
The event was graced by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio “Bong” Lacson. In his message, he said, that “AMUMA” gives meaning to what the Negrense culture is-hospitable, generous and loving especially to those who visit their homes.
This year, the ANP is looking forward to a bigger opportunity to show to the world what the province of Negros Occidental has to offer. This will truly be a big leap after the pandemic especially with the support of the provincial government.
FOOD CHOICES, HANDICRAFTS AND MORE AT THE NEGROS TRADE FAIR
Felicias Ube Ensaimada, Grazing platters with cheeses made by Casa del Formaggio in Murcia Negros, Occcidental, assorted native kakainin by Quan, Shiena”s Peanuts, Shiena’s Peanut Butter -(photo by dhadha garcia) and Virgies goodies are among the mouthwatering delights you can choose from
The Negros Trade Fair is one of the most awaited event by Negrenses living in Manila. I lived there for quite a long time and I remember my mom and I would always be present in this annual event. We would go to Glorietta in Makati and check the stall displays and activities lined up for the event. This is also a nice time for Negrenses to see familiar faces, meet old folks and exchange pleasantries.
I remember, aside from pasalubong and local goodies, you can also order Negrense favorites like chicken inasal, KBL (kadios-baboy-langka), napoleones and pancit molo in the food stalls.
For those living in Manila, savoring Negrense food gives a comforting feeling. A cure for homesickness, that’s what this event is all about.
For this year’s launch of the 37th Negros Trade Fair, producers, SMEs and their home grown deliciously made products were presented to the media and bloggers.
Manila based Negrenses who miss local food products will surely enjoy these yummy delicacies. Famous pasalubong goodies like piaya, barquillos, polvoron and barquiron top the list of the NTF’s best sellers.
Negrenses who have tasted Felicia’s ensaimada would really come back for the cafe’s Ube Ensaimada.
I love it! Soft ensaimada twisted roll filled with creamy ube filling and topped with grated cheddar cheese. And yes, it’s not too sweet and overpowering, it’s best eaten with a cup of hot tea.
Other local product participants joining the 37th NTF are Sugarlandia Barquillos, Quan Native Delicacies, Clara’s Goat’s Milk Barquillos, ELG Gourmet Foods, Shienah’s Peanuts, Hons Pastries, El Ideal Bakery Silay City and Ereneta-Manaloto Chorizo.
Aside from being known as the sugar bowl of the South, Negros Occidental also takes pride in having talented artisans and craftsmen who create, design and paint shirts, bags, jars and other native products. It was also in this event where I met Ms. Anne Makilan of Happy Beginners School. Her products are hand painted native bags, jars and hats. What makes these items extra ordinary is that these are hand painted and crafted by children aged 10 and above with disabilities (PWDs). Their special creations will be part of the NTF in Manila and this will showcase not only the product’s beauty but more so, the children’s skills and talent to be able to come up with such designs.
Locally produced goods are also NTF’s much sought items. Hopefully, these products will make it soon in the international market.
Be at the 37th Negros Trade Fair at the Glorietta Mall, Makati City-September 26 to October 1, 2023 and enjoy Negros Occidental’s home grown creations.