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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.”
- 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.
- 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].
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