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 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.
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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.”
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| 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 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.
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