Discover Negrense artisans, local finds, and exciting experiences that deserve a spot on your plans

SM Supermalls and the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) formally open the Bulawan Trade Fair at SM City Bacolod, celebrating Negrense creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship while creating greater opportunities for local MSMEs to thrive. L-R: Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog Commanding Officer 303rd Brigade; Gov. Eugenio “Bong” Lacson; Mary Ann Colmenares, 40th Negros Trade Fair Chairperson; May Castro, Public Relations Manager of SM City Bacolod; and Lynna Joy B. Cardinal, DTI Negros Occidental Provincial Director.

The Bulawan Trade Fair is now in full swing at SM City Bacolod, attracting shoppers, creatives, and advocates of local craftsmanship in a lively celebration of Negrense artistry, innovation, and enterprise. After a strong opening day turnout, the three-day event continues to highlight locally made products and the inspiring stories of MSMEs from Negros Occidental, reinforcing why it remains a must-visit weekend destination.

Organized in collaboration with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), the group also responsible for last year’s successful Negros Trade Fair at SM Aura Premier, the Bulawan Trade Fair stands as a tribute to local creativity while also opening doors for MSMEs to reach broader national markets through SM Supermalls’ extensive retail network.

Here are five reasons why shoppers are loving the Bulawan Trade Fair at SM Bacolod:

1. It’s where Negrense craftsmanship meets modern innovation

Shoppers are especially flocking to the fair for highly sought-after Negrense delicacies, handcrafted home décor, artisanal fashion accessories, woven products, natural crafts, and locally made food favorites that showcase the distinct creativity and craftsmanship of Negros Occidental.

Proudly Negrense delicacies, artisanal creations, and handcrafted products take center stage at the Bulawan Trade Fair, showcasing the innovation and creativity of local MSMEs.

Visitors can also discover original and never-before-seen product concepts featured in SIBOL: The 33rd Bulawan Awards, 4th Pilak Awards, and 3rd ANP-PGNO Balik Salig Design Competition—a prestigious platform where new products and creative concepts are introduced, judged, and recognized for excellence and innovation.

The Bulawan Trade fair serves as a platform for Negrense artisans and entrepreneurs to champion their culture and distinct creative palates to a wider market of customers through SM Supermalls

“People now appreciate products with authentic stories and craftsmanship,” shared Eva Si of ChiEvs Stones and Crystals. “The Bulawan Trade Fair allows us to proudly showcase Negrense creativity to more customers and new markets.”products and creative concepts are introduced, judged, and recognized for excellence and innovation.

2. It’s a major boost for local and next generation Filipino MSMEs

As part of SM Supermalls’ continuing SM for MSMEs advocacy, the event provides entrepreneurs with greater visibility, stronger customer engagement, and opportunities to scale beyond their local communities. “SM Supermalls continues to open meaningful opportunities for MSMEs across the country,” said Joaquin San Agustin. “Through events like the Bulawan Trade Fair, we help local businesses connect with more customers, strengthen their brands, and become part of a larger movement that champions Filipino entrepreneurship.”

Local artisans proudly showcase their latest creations as guests flock to the Bulawan Trade Fair at SM City Bacolod.

3. It’s where future Negrense brands are discovered

SIBOL: The 33rd Bulawan Awards, 4th Pilak Awards, and 3rd ANP-PGNO Balik Salig Design Competition serves as a preview leading toward the milestone 40th Negros Trade Fair happening later this year in Manila. The competitions introduce new products and concepts to the market, where entries are judged based on innovation, craftsmanship, and design excellence before potentially being launched commercially after the judging on May 29.

Winning products often gain wider exposure through the Negros Trade Fair, including previous standouts such as Chorizo Hamonado and Recado in Chili Oil, which eventually became part of the Manila showcase.

The Bulawan Awards recognize products from ANP members and, this year, also welcome non-ANP participants under an Open Category—expanding opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and creators across Negros Occidental.

Negrense entrepreneurs connect with wider audiences through SM Supermalls’ MSME platform, transforming local craftsmanship into growing business opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Pilak Awards highlight products developed by MSMEs supported by the Negros Occidental Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) under the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, which empowers MSMEs, farmers, and marginalized communities through livelihood development, skills training, and enterprise support.

The ANP-PGNO Balik Salig Design Competition shines a spotlight on former conflict area communities, using creativity and weaving as tools for empowerment, peace-building, and sustainable livelihood generation. Through handcrafted products and cultural storytelling, participating communities showcase resilience, heritage, and hope.

For over four decades, ANP has championed Negrense entrepreneurship, design innovation, and craftsmanship by creating platforms that help local businesses grow and thrive. “The overwhelming support during opening day reflects the growing appreciation for proudly local products and Negrense talent,” shared Mary Ann Colmenares, 40th Negros Trade Fair Chairperson. “Through our partnership with SM Supermalls, we are able to give our artisans and MSMEs a stronger platform to reach wider audiences.” 

4. Visitors can experience more than just shopping

Beyond the exhibits, guests can immerse themselves in a dynamic lineup of creative workshops, industry meetups, talks, runway presentations, and live product judging sessions that celebrate the intersection of culture, creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Among the activities happening throughout the fair are macrame workshops, women-led art sessions, design talks, and fashion presentations featuring local arts and crafts. “It’s inspiring to see people not just buying products but also wanting to learn the stories and processes behind them,” shared CJ Jimenez of Vaca Japonesa. “That connection makes events like this very meaningful for makers like us.”

The Bulawan Trade Fair transforms SM City Bacolod into a vibrant marketplace showcasing the best of Negrense artistry and innovation.

5. Every purchase supports local communities

Every handcrafted product purchased at the fair directly supports local artisans, community-based enterprises, and livelihood programs across Negros Occidental. The event also features products from communities supported through the Balik Salig Awards, a collaborative initiative that empowers former conflict-affected communities through weaving, craftsmanship, and sustainable livelihoods.

Products developed by MSMEs supported by the Negros Occidental Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) highlight the power of livelihood development, creativity, and local enterprise.

By choosing to support local creators, shoppers contribute to a broader effort that preserves cultural heritage, empowers communities, and fosters Filipino entrepreneurship. At SM City Bacolod, the Bulawan Trade Fair and SIBOL Design Competition continue to showcase Negrense creativity, enterprise, and community empowerment, while also helping local MSMEs expand from regional artisans into brands with national recognition.

To learn more, visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email [email protected].

SM Supermalls and its government partners reaffirm their commitment to accessible, people-centered services with the opening of the Government Service Express at SM Center San Pedro. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Pag-IBIG Area Head Sally Banal; Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (CALABARZON) Chief P/Col. Gerald S. Dee; SSS South Luzon Division 1 Vice President Engr. Edwin Igharas; SM Supermalls SAVP Division Head John Jason Terrenal; San Pedro City Mayor Art Joseph Mercado; San Pedro City Vice Mayor Nina Almoro; Laguna Police Provincial Office Provincial Director P/Col. Sando J. DC Tafalia; SM Supermalls AVP South 3 Aurea Angelica Toreja; and San Pedro City Police Station Officer-in-Charge PLT/Col. Reynaldo N. Vitto.

SM Supermalls, together with the City Government of San Pedro and several national government agencies, formally launched the Government Service Express (GSE) at SM Center San Pedro on May 25, 2026, broadening public access to essential government services through a convenient one-stop location inside the mall.

The newly launched GSE is the 19th Government Service Express in SM malls across the country, highlighting SM Supermalls’ ongoing effort to evolve its malls into community hubs that extend beyond shopping—bringing together essential services, daily needs, and meaningful experiences in one place.

SM Supermalls and the City Government of San Pedro formally inaugurated the Government Service Express at SM Center San Pedro, expanding access to essential public services for the community.

The opening was attended by SM Supermalls representatives, local government officials, and partner agencies, marking another milestone in strengthening public-private collaboration and improving access to government services for the community.

Designed as a centralized one-stop hub, the Government Service Express allows customers to complete multiple government transactions more efficiently in one location—supporting workers securing employment requirements, entrepreneurs processing permits and clearances, families managing civil documents, and residents accessing healthcare and social protection services.

The Government Service Express at SM Center San Pedro brings together services from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Local Government Unit (LGU), Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Civil Registry Office, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to name a few, in one convenient and accessible hub.

Beyond Convenience: Supporting the Everyday Needs of Working Communities

More than accessibility, the Government Service Express plays a meaningful role in supporting the daily realities of Filipino workers and families. By integrating agencies like the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Local Government Unit (LGU), Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Civil Registry Office and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) within the mall environment, GSE allows individuals to:

• Process employment and documentation requirements including postal ID, without disrupting work schedules
• Access healthcare and social security services more efficiently
• Secure clearance including fire safety permits and benefits needed for career and livelihood opportunities

Representatives from SM Supermalls, officials from the San Pedro LGU, and partner government agencies officially open the Government Service Express at SM Center San Pedro.

With these government agencies present, communities also gain access to health-related services and programs, contributing to improved well-being while reducing the time and cost typically associated with multiple government visits. Functioning as a modern-day community service hub, GSE complements local government efforts by providing a more accessible, organized, and customer-friendly environment—particularly valuable for urban and working populations who prioritize efficiency and reliability.

Rather than serving as a space for one-time assistance, the SM Government Service Express empowers individuals to move forward—whether through employment, healthcare access, or financial security programs, now all in one place.

The rollout of the GSE at SM Center San Pedro underscores the strong partnership between the public and private sectors in enhancing the delivery of government services. By making government agencies more accessible to local communities, SM Supermalls helps lower barriers and promote more inclusive access to essential public services. Through programs like the Government Service Express, SM Supermalls further solidifies its position as the most loved mall—creating spaces that go beyond transactions to truly serve people and communities.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has strengthened its commitment to responsible resource management through water circularity programs, rolling out water conservation initiatives across its network of SM Supermalls nationwide since the late 1990s. Integrated into its day-to-day operations, SM Malls employs innovative water management solutions that help reduce consumption and minimize waste, lessening reliance on the national water supply while delivering long-term value amid growing climate and resource challenges.

Since its implementation, SM has achieved a 59% decrease in water wastage, equivalent to saving one 1.5-liter bottle of water every time a user operates a faucet for just seven seconds.

Macro to Micro: SM’s approach to water conservation

Against the looming possibility of an extended drought caused by El Niño, saving every drop of water finds greater importance for SM Supermalls. Designed with sustainability in mind, SM Malls use innovative water management systems that not only promote saving water from wastage but also significantly reduce consumption. This helps lessen the use of fresh water resources from national water systems and leave more water for its surrounding communities to use.

SM ensures sustainable water use through advanced recycling and rainwater harvesting systems. In 2025, sewage treatment plants in its 89 malls recycle an estimated 6.6 million cubic meters of property wastewater for non-potable use. The rainwater treatment facility in SM Baguio innovatively harvests and treats rainwater collected during the wet season and transforms it into water for kitchen and tenant use.

As a key customer touchpoint in water management, faucets also regulate the outflow of water for every use.  SM’s investments in “push delay” faucets create sustainable operations to strengthen water conservation. These faucets save water by preventing it from being left running by restricting water flow through a certain window of time.

Technology then paved the way for enhanced conservation, and SM started using no-touch, sensor type faucets in 2015, far before the sanitary restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sensor type faucets help save water by automatically shutting outflow of water once the sensor does not detect a user. Additionally, these types of faucets typically require less water pressure, which also reduces water waste. Significant investments in systems such as sensor faucets also reduce wear and tear on fixtures and equipment, resulting in long-term savings and improved water conservation.

With its implementation, SM saw a 59% reduction in water waste, translating to saving the equivalent of a 1.5-liter bottle of water per user using the faucet over just 7 seconds.

By installing water-efficient fixtures equipped with advanced technology across its most visited malls, SM is helping safeguard vital water resources for both its operations and the communities it serves. Guided by the Water for Tomorrow pillar of the SM Green Movement, the company continues to promote responsible water consumption, minimize its environmental footprint, and help ensure water availability for future generations.