Why You Need to Be at HIMBON 2025 The Negros Trade Fair Everyone’s Talking About

This year, the Negros Trade Fair is back with a bold new name and an even bigger celebration of Negrense creativity, cuisine, and culture. Welcome to HIMBON 2025.

Making its much-anticipated debut at SM Aura, HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair is more than just a shopping destination. It is a vibrant showcase of heritage, innovation, and the world-class talent that makes Negros a cultural powerhouse. Happening from September 23 to 28, the event promises unforgettable experiences for food lovers, fashionistas, design enthusiasts, and anyone proud of Filipino excellence.

Here are the top highlights you cannot miss at this year’s fair

World-Class Culinary Creations by Rising Negrense Chefs

Two standout chefs took center stage during the HIMBON media launch on August 26 and set the tone for what to expect at the fair. Their creations were nothing short of extraordinary.

Chef Cara Davis, the creative force behind Halong in Makati, trained in Michelin-starred kitchens from New York to San Sebastián. With roots in Mexican cuisine and a love for bold Asian flavors, she brings a fresh and fearless energy to Negrense cooking. Her uni toast with foie gras and her crab aligue pavé are just a glimpse of her masterful fusion of flavor, technique, and storytelling.

Chef Luis Locsin, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, has built an impressive career in kitchens from Jean Georges in New York to luxury resorts in Bali. Now known for his elevated private dining experiences, he brought a signature spread to the launch event featuring Negrense blue cheese, Don Papa rum pâté, and pâté en croûte. Paired with creamy stracciatella from Casa del Formaggio, olive oil, and confit tomatoes, it was a masterclass in flavor and pride of place.

These chefs are not just cooking food. They are reimagining what Negrense cuisine can be.

Heritage Fashion Reimagined for the Modern Wardrobe

Style takes center stage at HIMBON with a fashion showcase that fuses heritage craftsmanship and contemporary design. Discover handwoven Hablon, delicate hand-smocked dresses, and tropical fiber textiles like piña and abaca, all given a fresh, modern twist.

Paired with artisan-made accessories and locally crafted jewelry, these fashion pieces celebrate both cultural identity and modern expression. Whether you are after something classic or cutting-edge, you will find wearable art that tells a story.

Handcrafted Home Decor and Artisan Finds

Transform your living space with handcrafted homeware made by some of Negros’s most talented artisans. Using natural fibers like pandan, buri, and bamboo, they create timeless pieces that blend rustic charm with sophisticated design.

From elegant tableware to functional furniture and woven storage, every piece is thoughtfully made and proudly local. This is where sustainable living meets style, and where Filipino craftsmanship truly shines.

Pasalubong Favorites and Sweet and Savory Treasures

What is a Negrense fair without its iconic pasalubong treats

HIMBON brings together the region’s most beloved food makers. Stock up on classics like Mumshies delicacies and Virgie’s famous mango tarts and pastries. For savory cravings, grab a jar of Ereneta Manaloto’s bottled Chorizo de Bacolod or sample a range of local preserves, snacks, and sweets.

From traditional recipes to inventive new products, these edible treasures are perfect for gifting or indulging on your own.

Celebrate the Spirit of Negros

HIMBON is more than a trade fair. It is a full cultural experience. Sip on locally made wines and Don Papa rum. Listen to live acoustic music that brings the energy and soul of the region into the city. Explore travel booths that will inspire your next adventure to Negros — from sun-soaked beaches to historic haciendas and culinary tours.

Every booth is a photo-worthy moment and every product tells a story. Be sure to capture and share your favorite experiences along the way with your own Himbon Moments.

What HIMBON Means

Himbon is a Hiligaynon word that means to gather — and that is exactly what this fair is. A gathering of the best of Negros in one place. It is a place to celebrate traditions while embracing creativity and innovation. A place where food, fashion, design, and culture come together to honor heritage and ignite inspiration.

Negros is coming to the city and it is ready to impress

• When September 23 to 28
• Where SMX Convention Center at SM Aura
• What Taste shop and celebrate all things Negrense

Supporting Filipino MSMEs with SM Supermalls

HIMBON is presented in partnership with SM Supermalls, which is celebrating 40 Super Years of supporting Filipino businesses and communities. Through its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth, SM continues to empower Filipino MSMEs by giving them a platform to grow, connect, and thrive.

This year’s Negros Trade Fair is not just about shopping. It is about supporting local. It is about celebrating the beauty of our culture. And most of all, it is about coming together.