The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the vibrant hues of handcrafted goods hung heavy in the air of Glorietta Activity Center. Amid the bustling crowd, Mike Claparols stood as a quiet force, his eyes reflecting the resilience and innovation that defines the spirit of Negros.

As a prime mover of Negros trade and founder of LAKAT Sustainable Sneakers, Claparols isn’t just a businessman; he is a storyteller, weaving narratives of Negros’ rich history and charting a path towards a sustainable future.

He is a driving force for the Negros Trade Fair, Manila’s longest-running trade fair, which is more than just a marketplace. Claparols consider it a testament to the indomitable spirit of a community.

“It started in 1985,” Claparols explains on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, a time when Negros was reeling from the collapse of the global sugar market. Unemployment skyrocketed, and people were desperate for solutions.

It was during these tumultuous times that 14 landlord wives of and one visionary governor, Daniel “Bitay” Lacson, sowed the seeds of what would become a legacy, said Claparols.

“Initially, 14 wives of sugar estate owners (hacienderos) and one man came up with the idea of selling products from Negros in Metro Manila. These products were originally from Negros itself, and the group recognized that the key to creating jobs was to diversify beyond sugar-based goods. They decided to focus on making handicrafts.”

“To start, they traveled to Manila to learn from TESDA and DTI, gaining essential skills and knowledge. Eventually, these 14 housewives realized they needed to find a market for their products.”

Today, the Negros Trade Fair has grown exponentially, now featuring 86 exhibitors who showcase everything from delicious Bacolod chorizo to world-class silk and artisanal crafts. “Our trade fair is more than just a marketplace,” Claparols said. “It’s a celebration of our culture. This year’s theme, HALAD — a Hiligaynon word meaning ‘offering’ — honors our heritage and promotes sustainability.”

The 38th Negros Trade Fair held from 17 to 22 September 2024, at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City captures the essence of generosity and unity that defines the Negrense community.

The fair’s theme emphasizes a collective commitment to making a meaningful impact, “one offering at a time.” It reflects the spirit of collaboration and the shared dedication to showcasing the best of Negros’ rich cultural heritage, artisanal products and innovations.

A total of 95 exhibitors participated in the 2024 edition which featured a vibrant mix of local crafts, food, fashion, and more, offering visitors a chance to experience the diverse talents and offerings from the province of Negros Occidental.

Celebrating its 38th year, the Negros Trade Fair holds the distinction of being the longest-running provincial trade fair in the Philippines, a testament to its enduring legacy in promoting local industries and talent.

Sustainability as a mission

Sustainability, for Claparols, is not just a buzzword but a holistic mission. As the founder of LAKAT Sustainable Sneakers, he has pioneered the use of pineapple and cotton fibers to create eco-friendly footwear. These sneakers are made in partnership with a facility in San Mateo, Rizal, where raw fibers are transformed into sustainable shoes. “My dream,” Claparols shares, “is to set up a similar facility in Negros, particularly for converting raw fibers into yarns, which would create more jobs in the province.”

This vision is grounded in an unwavering advocacy to provide employment opportunities in rural areas rather than in Metro Manila.

According to Claparols, natural fibers are abundant in Negros — pandan, rattan and teakwood leaves, to name a few.

“It’s just a matter of converting them into something wearable or usable.”

Sustainability also involves ensuring the long-term availability of these raw materials. Claparols strongly believes in regenerative farming as a way to maintain and even enhance the soil’s productivity. “Regenerative farming is the key to a sustainable future.”

As the Negros Trade Fair entered its 38th year, Claparols is optimistic about the future.

Diversification, the idea that Bitay Lacson once advocated, is happening now. With advancements in technology and growing government support, it’s only going to move faster in the next five to ten years, Claparols notes.

For Claparols, the trade fair launched a pad not just for sales but for collaborations. “It’s not just about retail; it’s about finding potential distributors and creating new opportunities,” he explains. His own dream is to expand LAKAT Sustainable Sneakers to the export market.

In the future, he hopes to collaborate with agencies like the Design Center of the Philippines and even international experts to elevate their offerings further.

Beyond commerce, the trade fair promotes Negros as a tourist destination and cultural hub. This year’s logo, the Slipper Orchid — a delicate flower endemic to Negros — perfectly embodies the resilience and artistry of its people.

As the trade fair continues to draw crowds, Claparols remains focused on its broader mission. “Our goal is sustainability in every sense — environmental, social, cultural and economic. We owe it to our past and future generations to keep the spirit of Negros alive,” he declares.

For the people of Negros, the Negros Trade Fair is more than an event; it’s a reminder that, like the Slipper Orchid, they can thrive even in the harshest conditions. And with leaders like Mike Claparols at the helm, the future is as promising as the vibrant products on display.