The first-ever Negros Trade Fair took place in 1985, when the wives of sugar planters from Negros Occidental brought together 30 vendors at the Makati Carpark to showcase Negrense identity and craftsmanship in Manila. Now, almost four decades later, Himbon has successfully grown into the longest-running provincial trade fair in the country and is set once again to spotlight the Visayan region of Negros in its 39th edition.
139 participating vendors and partners are ready to showcase their handcrafted clothing lines, accessories, delicacies, and more at this year’s edition of the fair. “The word ‘himbon’ means ‘to gather,’” Christina Gaston, President of the Association of Negros Producers, told Rolling Stone Philippines. “So it is our goal to gather our craftspeople and honor their work, especially now that there is a new generation of craftspeople from Negros taking on the tradition.”
“This year, we wanted to bring everyone together to remind us of the stories and values that unite us: our shared identity, community, and heritage,” said Mary Ann Colmenares, Co-Chair of the Negros Trade Fair in the event’s official statement. “Each year, we are also guided by our goal of expanding opportunities for our MSMEs [micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises].”
Himbon: The 39th Negros Trade Fair will run from September 23 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura.
