LOOK WHAT WE FOUND AT THE NEGROS TRADE FAIR

In the mind of a non-Negrense, the island of Negros is probably synonymous with sugarcane fields, volcanic terrain, and happy people who seem to always speak with a soothing melody even when they're angry.

- By CECILE J. BALTASAR

This is all true; but Negros is so much more than that.

Every year, for 39 years now, the Negros Trade Fair spends a week in Manila to show the Tagalog world the nuances of the Negrense culture. Organized by the Association of Negros Producers, this annual curated fair brings together artisans who create export-ready offerings, including food, clothing, accessories, home décor, and art.

From among the 90 vendors spread out at the SMX Convention Center Aura last Sept. 23-28, The Philippine STAR found five that particularly gave us a Negrense high.

LAKAT SUSTAINABLE SNEAKERS

Award-winning Lakat Sustainable Sneakers have toppers that are made of pineapple fibers woven with cotton.

Lakat ("walk" in Hiligaynon) is a brand of sustainable footwear made from pineapple fibers by Filipino communities. Last year was a big one for the brand, winning under the Object Making category at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Good Design Award Philippines. The brand, along with its parent company Creative Definitions, also won at the Good Design Award Japan 2024 “G Mark” under the Accessories and Wearable category.

Husband-and-wife co-founders Michael and Banj Claparols, in their mission to create more impact on the countryside, engages artisan communities in Negros to create their sustainable sneakers. It is for this reason their brand has won awards — they use natural fibers and engage communities (farmers, spinners, weavers, and shoe assemblers).