LIST: Brands to look for at Butlak: The 40th Negros Trade Fair this September
Ready na kamo magsinadya?
Every year, the Association of Negros Producers puts up the Negros Trade Fair, where they give Metro Manila folk a glimpse of the flavors, fashion, and style that make the Negros Island Region shine. This year's edition, Butlak, is especially poignant as it marks the fair's 40th year of bringing Negrosanon creativity to Manila.
Butlak is a Hiligaynon word that roughly translates to the rise of the sun, or first light. It signifies ANP's goal of looking forward while staying true to the organization's initial idea for the fair, which was to give Negrosanons an opportunity to reach a wider market.
"Behind every product on the trade fair's shelves is a story—a story of someone who took a chance to cultivate an idea, a skill, a heritage, a culture, and transform it into something new," said Christina Gaston, president of ANP, during the trade fair's media launch on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Butlak: The 40th Negros Trade Fair runs from Sept. 22 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center, Aura, Taguig City. It will feature 37 brands from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, the provinces that make up Negros Island Region.
Take a peek at some of the brands and products you can expect to see at the trade fair's 40th anniversary week.
Apparel: Jean Jaquet
Jean Jaquet describes itself as a "slow fashion Filipino islandwear brand" that uses tropical weather to keep its whimsical designs fun and comfortable to wear. The pieces focus on resort and lounge wear; they are not shy with color and texture.
Expect to see tops, skirts, vests, pants, and dresses during the fair. It's not just for women, though. Jean Jaquet also carries men's clothing.
Footwear: Lakat Sustainables
Aside from the comfortable round-toe designs of its sneakers, Lakat Sustainables' selling point is its commitment to its name. Each piece of footwear is made from piña fiber; truly sustainable. The company doesn't stop at sneakers, however. They also sell handmade bags and wraps, all produced by weavers and farmers in the Philippines.
Recently, the company launched its Traveler's Collection, offering sneakers made more durable to keep up with adventurers.
This brand, named after the Hiligaynon word for walk, is one of the regular vendors at Negros Trade Fair.
Food: Quan Delicacies
Frequent visitors in Bacolod know Quan Delicacies, or simply Quan, well. It began as a small puto stand in the '80s. With people clamoring for more native kakanin, the team behind Quan gradually added more native delicacies to their menu.
Today, in addition to their kakanin offerings, Quan also serves breads, cakes and pastries, pasalubong favorites, full meals, even frozen sud-an or cooked viands.
While you can get your fill of Quan's bestsellers at Butlak, you don't have to worry about waiting another year to buy more. In addition to its seven Bacolod branches and one Talisay branch, Quan has two others in Metro Manila: one on Dian St., Makati, and another in Eastwood, Quezon City.
Another kiosk you need to look for is Inasalan sa Dalan (roadside grill), which had the longest queue for its inasal offerings at last year's trade fair.
Jewelry: ChiEvs Stones and Crystals, and Koti Handcrafted
The jewelry section has always been one of the most colorful and creative areas in the Negros Trade Fair; this year's jewelry selection is no exception.
Koti Handcrafted creates handcut accessories out of indigenous materials, including Capiz, kabebe, Saddie oysters, and other mother-of-pearl organic gems. Each piece is supported by hypoallergenic stainless steel hardware.
Award-winning ChiEvs Stones and Crystals designs pieces that focus on stimulating positive energies and the natural healing qualities of the earth. Among the brands' customers is socialite Tessa Prieto, who snapped up one of ChiEvs' necklaces during the media launch.
Home accessories: Hacienda Crafts
This brand boasts "design that empowers" as all its pieces are made by rural artisans intent on carrying on their handcrafting traditions. Many of these creators are women working from home who depend on flexible livelihoods. More than a source of income, however, their work also guarantees that traditional handcrafting skills are passed on to the next generation.
Hacienda Crafts' slow-craft Inuma (from the farm) line incorporates sustainable local materials into the designs. You'll see pieces using pandan rope, coco twigs, and other natural fibers.
These brands are just some of the Negrense favorites offering their goodies at the fair. Remember, go hungry.
Entrance to Butlak: The 40th Negros Trade Fair is free. You can drop by from Sept. 22 to 27 at SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sinadya ta bala! Lakat ta.
