Discover Negrense artisans, local finds, and
exciting experiences that deserve a spot on your plans
SM Supermalls and the
Association of Negros Producers (ANP) formally open the Bulawan Trade Fair at
SM City Bacolod, celebrating Negrense creativity, craftsmanship, and
entrepreneurship while creating greater opportunities for local MSMEs to
thrive. L-R: Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog Commanding Officer 303rd
Brigade; Gov. Eugenio “Bong” Lacson; Mary Ann Colmenares, 40th Negros Trade
Fair Chairperson; May Castro, Public Relations Manager of SM City Bacolod; and
Lynna Joy B. Cardinal, DTI Negros Occidental Provincial Director.
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.
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.
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.”
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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About SM Supermalls – MSMEs
SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 90 malls nationwide—creates business opportunities through its SM for MSMEs advocacy program, by providing market access, visibility, mentorship, and a marketplace where enterprises can grow and thrive. By connecting entrepreneurs to communities and customers, SM enables businesses to scale and succeed. Because when MSMEs thrive, communities grow stronger—reflecting SM’s commitment to building a future designed All For You. To learn more, visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email customercare@smsupermalls.com.
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