The Negros Trade Fair is a non-profit program of the Association of Negros Producers, Inc. (ANP) which aims to provide the small and medium enterprises of Negros an affordable venue to showcase their individual ingenuity and a platform for possible export trade. It is also the country’s longest running provincial trade fair, held annually in Metro Manila since 1985.
This year, the fair runs from September 14-18, 2016 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. Now on its 31st year, the trade fair showcases the best of Negros products and services from ANP members and Negrense manufacturers.
Products ranging from food, natural and organic, fashion accessories and garments, furniture and furnishings, gifts, decor and housewares and tourism will be presented. Social enterprises also get a chance to present their products at the fair to support their advocacies.
ARIMA NA!
Arima is a Hiligaynon word that refers to the traditional practice of clanging the bell to gather the sugarcane workers at the crack of dawn for their day’s tasks.
The Arima! at the 31st Negros Trade Fair signifies the opening of the exhibition, to give support to Negrense entrepreneurs and lend prestige to it by their presence and endorsement. Set at the eve of the opening of the fair to the public, guests from the government, buyers, media and industry partners had a special preview of the various products intricately made by Negrense manufacturers. This year’s theme, Biodiversity in Tourism, showcases the care Negrenses have for their environment. This is reflected through their crafts and food products that will be available until September 18.
As an added highlight, the Arima! cocktail partnered with the Slow Food Negros Island Convivium who advocate for good, clean, and fair food. The presentation featured Slow Food recipes and ingredients, by prominent chefs advocating the Slow Food Movement, including Asia’s Best Female Chef Margarita Fores of Cibo and Grace Park, Fernando Aracama of Aracama’s, JP Anglo of Sarsa and Kafe Batwan, Mikel Zaguirre of Locavore, Josh Boutwood of Bistro Group of Restaurants, Miko Aspiras of Le Petit Souffle and Freezer Burn and Slow Food Negros Island’s Joeri Arro and Mia Gonzaga.
Experience the culture of the Negrense people as you step into the 31st Negros Trade Fair with over 100 booths showcasing the best of Negros products and services from ANP members and Negrense manufacturers. Products range from food, natural and organic items, fashion accessories and garments, furniture and furnishings, gifts, decor and housewares, as well as tourism. Social enterprises are also present with an array of products that support their advocacies.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Green tourism is synonymous with the Negros province, where the Negrenses are passionate about supporting the biodiversity of life. Slow Food Negros Island Convivium expounds on what protecting biodiversity means. “respecting all diversities, of places, bodies of knowledge and cultures. It means growing many different things, but on a small scale. It means producing less, but giving more value to what is produced and minimizing waste. It means eating mostly local food. It means promoting a system that is balanced, durable and sustainable. It means protecting the small-scale farmers and indigenous communities who understand the fragile equilibriums of nature and work in harmony with the ecosystems.”
Through the partnership with Slow Food Negros Island Convivium, visitors to the fair will not only touch and see Negros products but also taste the flavors of Slow Food Negrense cuisine that feeds the planet, and guarantees good, clean and fair food for everyone, starting with biodiversity.
For a taste of Negren fare, products and culture, be sure to visit the 31st Negros Trade Fair: One Sweet Spot at Glorietta Activity Center.
31st Negros Trade Fair: One Sweet Spot
September 14-18, 2016
Glorietta Activity Center
#ntf2016atglorietta