At the root of our collective history are the various customs and traditions that shape who we are as a people. Across the Visayas alone, each place has its own nuances — reflected in its food, crafts and culture — that both set it apart and draw everyone in. The Negrense take pride in what their province has to offer — from rum and piaya to pitaw and batwan — transforming these into national favorites. The highly anticipated “Halad: The 38th Negros Trade Fair,” running from 17 to 22 September at the Activity Center of Glorietta 2 (Palm Drive), is proof that people can’t get enough of all things Negros.

If there is one thing that remains evident, even after 38 years, it is the heart that goes into organizing the annual fair. Even when the world went into lockdown, they shifted to virtual platforms. After the pandemic, the organizers decided to add an Ilonggo word to the name of the event, inspired by the spirit of the artisans who continued to participate in the fairs. “We started with Hidlaw, which means you missed something. The second year, we had Amuma, which means to take care,” explains Negros Trade Fair co-chair Mary Anne Colmenares. “This year, we have Halad, which means offering, to represent what Negros creates to share with others.” To symbolize this is the Slipper Orchid. “It is endemic to the island, and it represents resilience and strength, as it thrives despite climate change,” Colmenares adds. The careful balance needed to cultivate the Slipper Orchid reflects the group’s mission to protect and sustain the natural beauty and cultural legacy of Negros Island.