• Negros Trade Fair •

Traditionally, Christmas really begins on September in the Philippines. The “ber” at the end of the name of a month tugs a chord in the heart of every Filipino. This is started by the playing of Christmas carols on the radio. In a few days time, yuletide greetings will be posted on social media. This gives credence to the conventional wisdom that Christmas is celebrated longest in the Philippines.

In department stores and retail outlets, there is already the effort to dispose of existing stocks and replenish them with holiday items. The Philippine economy, being consumer driven leans towards this sales strategy. That it is the Philippine version of the Black Friday sales in the U.S. but somewhat longer in duration. Another evidence is the preponderance of “Tiangges” in almost all open spaces where people congregate.

It is also at this time that the Christmas List is prepared by those who do not want to be involved in the mad rush during the last days leading to Christmas. A smart alternative is to begin shopping for gifts and give-aways as early as September. It is also during this time that the above-mentioned disposal of stocks promoted as “SALE” are undertaken.

But having a good head start in buying gifts for the season does not only save the shopper from the stress generated by crowded shops and malls. This also offers the opportunity to choose gifts that are more meaningful and unique.

The 3^1st Negros Trade Fair gives the smart shopper a wide array of products to choose from. Be it foodstuffs unique only to Negros to handicrafts, woodcrafts and even furniture. These products are made by the people of Negros and showcases their 3 Cs. These are Culture, Crafts and Cuisine.

Be smart this coming Christmas. Shop early. Head to the 31st Negros Trade Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati city. The trade fair runs from September 14, 2016 to September 18, 2016. Like Christmas, the Negros Trade Fair happens only once a year!

Warmth, Smiles, and a Good Time at The Negros Trade Fair

Savor the sights, sounds and gustatory delights of Negros Island; best of all, enjoy the company of the people who keep the culture brimming with life. All these are transported to Manila every September during The Negros Trade Fair - the Philippines longest running provincial trade fair.

The 31st Negros Trade Fair happens at the Glorietta Activity Center on September 14 to 18, 2016. ......Read More

--------------------------------------------

OMG! This Video Makes Me Want To Go Home To Negros Island Right Now!

The Filipino, as a culture, has been said to be warm, friendly, hospitable, accommodating. And true enough, whichever island you choose to visit in this archipelago of 7,107 strong islands is going to welcome you with smiles, helpful souls and homes possibly open to hosting you for a day, a week, and some, even a month.

While some pundits would say that the archipelagic nature of the Philippines must be the symbolic reason of our purported disunity, we in Negros Island have beg to disagree: the archipelagic nature of the country may promote a differentiation of the Filipinos’ local cultures, but this serves to create different shades of what’s good about the Filipino.

Let us, then, zero in on the Negrense’s positive traits as a people.

We have established that the Filipino is a hospitable, friendly, caring and compassionate lot. So what shade does the Negrense lend to this beautiful trait of warmth and openness?

How about hospitality, friendliness, warmth and openness with an extra oomph of joy and a panache that comes out of a taste for the good life?

Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental is named the “City of Smiles,” and with good reason. The people of Bacolod know how to have a good time, and they know how to leverage culture and taste and make the best out of what they have.

Take for instance, the ubiquitous cup of coffee. A visitor once said, I have never tasted better coffee than what I’ve had from Bob’s of Bacolod, or at Oriental Cafe at the Central Market. It was like liquid gold.

And like the coffee that only the Bacolodnon can deliver, the Bacolodnon can deliver laughter, enjoyment and smiles, unlike any other: they know how to have a good time, and they do it with such burgeoning flair.

Shall we owe it to the opulence of the sugar boom? The remnants of the regal Spanish culture that has permeated this lovely city? The sweetness of sugar that has kept the culture in a symbolic sugar high?

We can surmise, but that would be pointless. How about choosing to enjoy the warmth and the laughter with the Bacolodnons? How about choosing to just throw "huya" to the wind and just allow yourself to be ushered into someone’s lola’s merienda feast?