Himbon which means “to gather” is this year’s 39th Negros Trade Fair, which aims to gather more than 100 Negrense brands to showcase and promote.

In a powerful affirmation of regional innovation and cultural resilience, the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) is set to host the 39th Negros Trade Fair, under the evocative theme “Himbon,” from September 23 to 28, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City. The event is anticipated to draw business leaders, policymakers, and cultural enthusiasts seeking authentic, sustainable, and locally-rooted products and stories.

For the 2025 trade fair, ANP is orchestrating a high-impact cultural and commercial platform that will feature over 100 Negrense brands, spanning categories from food and fashion to home and heritage. This year’s strategy reflects a deeply collaborative effort with local government units (LGUs) and tourism offices, ensuring that the showcase reflects the full vibrancy of Bacolod, also known as the City of Smiles and the Province of Negros Occidental, known as the Sweet Spot of the Philippines.

In addition to the weeklong trade exposition, ANP is also organizing two landmark events—the ARIMA Governor’s Night on September 23 and Bacolod Day on September 27—that aim to bridge regional stakeholders, cultural advocates, and business communities. These events serve both as celebrations and as strategic spaces to discuss investment, creative economy policies, and innovation in rural enterprise development.

Himbon: Gathering Innovation and Identity

f“Himbon”, a Hiligaynon term meaning “to assemble” or “to gather,” is the soul of the 39th Negros Trade Fair—and a resounding call to unity in diversity. More than a theme, it reflects a cultural movement rooted in collaboration, heritage, and transformation. The Design Center of the Philippines, in close partnership with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), ideated and crafted the fair’s visual and conceptual direction. Their approach centers on the philosophy of “Pag Tan-aw”—to reflect and to see interconnectedness. This concept manifests visually through six intricately rendered mandalas, each representing a vital aspect of Negrense life: gastronomy, fashion, heritage, home, ingredients, and natural resources. These visuals are not just decorative; they serve as cultural mirrors, mapping out how traditions evolve when viewed through the lens of design and sustainability. The Design Center’s vision is evident in the fair’s aesthetic: a seamless blend of local materials, cultural symbols, and modern design principles, all aimed at reinforcing the Negrense identity while inviting new perspectives. Himbon, thus, is both an artistic and economic platform—inviting makers, storytellers, and communities to gather, share, and co-create a future where heritage fuels innovation.

Creative Visionary Bridging Heritage and Sustainability

At the heart of this vision is Mary Ann Feria Colmenares, Chairperson of the 39th Negros Trade Fair and a respected creative entrepreneur in her own right. Known for her work with Artisana Island Crafts, Colmenares has made waves for championing eco-conscious designs such as the Yolantern—a signature ornament made from hand-carved coconut shells that blends environmental responsibility with artistic flair.

Colmenares unveiled the Himbon concept on May 30, 2025, positioning it as a cultural convergence—an assembly of makers, stories, and communities that reflect the resilient and artistic spirit of Negros. Central to her concept is the design of six symbolic mandalas, each representing an essential dimension of Negrense life: gastronomy, fashion, heritage, home, ingredients, and natural resources.

ANP’s partnership with the Design Center of the Philippines has helped translate this vision into a visual identity inspired by “Pag Tan-aw”, or “to reflect.” The design invites audiences to see the deeper connections between Negros and Siquijor—two islands whose shared values and histories are essential to understanding regional identity in the Visayas.

ANP: Building a Movement of Makers

Established in 1985, ANP has become a cornerstone institution in the Visayas for its unwavering commitment to empowering countryside entrepreneurs. As a nonprofit organization, ANP has consistently supported micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Negros Island through a comprehensive approach that includes enterprise training, strategic marketing, and product innovation.

Over the years, ANP has transformed the Negros Trade Fair into the longest-running provincial trade fair in the Philippines, earning national recognition for its efforts to elevate local craftsmanship into globally relevant offerings. This work extends to their management of the ANP Hub in Bacolod, a dynamic space that serves both as a showroom and an incubation hub for emerging Negrense brands. Within this space, local producers are equipped not only to sell but to evolve—with curated mentorship, design support, and access to broader markets.

Cultural Storytelling as Economic Strategy

Visitors to Himbon 2025 can expect a dynamic and immersive showcase of Negrense excellence. The trade fair will feature a diverse portfolio of handcrafted goods—from artisanal food and beverages rooted in heirloom recipes, to indigenous textiles and accessories that celebrate local material culture. The fair will also spotlight sustainable home décor that fuses form, function, and environmental mindfulness.

Beyond the commercial offerings, live cultural performances and interactive demonstrations will amplify the narrative power of each product—transforming the trade floor into a living museum of Negrense identity.

What Business Visitors Can Expect

At Himbon 2025, attendees will be immersed in a vibrant and purposeful experience that goes beyond a traditional trade fair. The event will feature a curated array of authentic regional products, crafted with indigenous materials that reflect the deep connection of Negrense artisans to their land, history, and culture. These products span from delicately woven textiles to hand-formed ceramics, each telling a story of tradition reimagined for the modern world. The fair will also come alive through live cultural performances and interactive craft demonstrations, offering visitors a chance to witness the artistry behind every creation—from ancestral weaving techniques to indigenous culinary preparations. Emphasizing the principles of ethical production, slow fashion and sustainable home décor will take center stage, showcasing how beauty, utility, and environmental consciousness can coexist. Beyond the exhibits, Himbon 2025 serves as a platform for dynamic networking opportunities with local government units (LGUs), tourism officers, and visionary creative entrepreneurs, opening avenues for collaboration, market expansion, and policy dialogue. Two landmark events—the ARIMA Governor’s Night on September 23 and the celebratory Bacolod Day on September 27—will punctuate the fair, serving as cultural milestones that bring together leaders, makers, and advocates of countryside innovation in a shared commitment to uplift the region’s creative economy.

Learn more about Himbon here.