The Bulawan Trade Fair is officially in full swing at SM City Bacolod, drawing shoppers, creatives, and supporters of local craftsmanship into a vibrant showcase of Negrense artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Following a successful opening day turnout, the three-day fair continues to spotlight proudly local products and meaningful stories from MSMEs across Negros Occidental — proving why this event deserves a spot on everyone’s weekend plans.
Organized in partnership with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), the same organization behind the highly successful Negros Trade Fair at SM Aura last year, the Bulawan Trade Fair serves as both a celebration of creativity and a gateway for MSMEs to connect with wider national opportunities through SM Supermalls’ expansive 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 dƩcor, artisanal fashion accessories, woven products, natural crafts, and locally made food favorites that showcase the distinct creativity and craftsmanship of Negros Occidental.
3. It’s where future Negrense brands are discovered
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| Negrense entrepreneurs connect with wider audiences through SM Supermalls’ MSME platform, transforming local craftsmanship into growing business opportunities. |
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.
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. Through our partnership with SM Supermalls, we are able to give our artisans and MSMEs a stronger platform to reach wider audiences.” ~Mary Ann Colmenares, 40th Negros Trade Fair Chairperson
4. Visitors can experience more than just shopping
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| The Bulawan Trade Fair transforms SM City Bacolod into a vibrant marketplace showcasing the best of Negrense artistry and innovation. |
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. That connection makes events like this very meaningful for makers like us.” ~CJ Jimenez of Vaca Japonesa
5. Every purchase supports local communities
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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.
By supporting local makers, shoppers become part of a larger movement that helps preserve culture, uplift communities, and strengthen Filipino entrepreneurship. The Bulawan Trade Fair and SIBOL Design Competition at SM City Bacolod continue to celebrate Negrense creativity, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment—while opening doors for local MSMEs to grow from regional artisans into nationally recognized brands.