The 39th edition of the Negros Trade Fair (NTF), the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair, will take place from September 23 to 28, 2025, at its new venue—SMX Convention Center Aura at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.
The Association of Negros Producers (ANP) organizes the annual event, which continues to showcase the creativity, resilience, and evolving identity of Negrense enterprise.
On Friday, May 30, 39th NTF chairperson Mary Ann Colmenares officially launched this year’s theme, HÍMBON, a Hiligaynon word meaning “to gather.”
For her, the theme speaks for the fair’s aim to bring together makers, people, communities, and stories that define the Negrense spirit.
She said that the 2025 fair design will feature six mandalas that symbolize key aspects of life in Negros Occidental: gastronomy, fashion, heritage, home, ingredients, and natural resources.
Colmenares added that this year’s collaboration with the Design Center of the Philippines allows the visual identity to reflect “the art of slow and mindful living” in the province.
Meanwhile, ANP chairperson Arlene Infante said the shift to SMX Aura is a strategic move to reach a wider urban market and attract more visitors through curated exhibits and culinary showcases.
She added that the fair supports local producers by giving them access to a modern venue where they can expand their networks and reach new markets.
The launch of the 39th NTF builds on the success of key ANP events including the 32nd Bulawan Awards, the 3rd Pilak Awards, and the 2nd ANP-PGNO Balik Salig Awards.
ANP and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental collaborated on these programs to celebrate design excellence, cultural heritage, and inclusive enterprise growth.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.