Top 3 Things You Can’t Miss at HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair

Two Negrense talents wowed the crowd and stole the spotlight during the  media launch of Himbon: The 39th Negros Trade Fair last Aug 26, 2025—and their names are worth remembering. Their gastronomic menu was just a taste of what’s possible: innovative, world-class, and proudly Negrense! 

Chef Cara Davis (Halong, Makati) – trained in Michelin-starred kitchens  from New York to San Sebastián, she now fuses bold Asian flavors with her  

Mexican culinary background. Think uni toast with foie gras and crab aligue pave — just some of the inventive  dishes she crafted, alongside many other culinary creations. 

Chef Luis Locsin (private dining star) – CIA-trained, with global stints from  Jean Georges NYC to Bali, he now curates private dining. His charcuterie  spread at the launch featured Negros blue cheese, Don Papa rum pâté.  Proudly Negrense, globally trained. Pâté en croute, and Casa del Formaggio Stracciatella, olive oil, and confit tomatoes 

This year, the Negros Trade Fair makes its historic debut at SM Aura—and it’s bringing with it  the flavors, fashion, and flair of Negrense heritage. Here are the main reasons of must experiences for foodies, fashionistas, and lifestyle lovers you don’t want to miss: 

#1 Heritage Weaves, Modern Fashion & Accessories 

Handwoven Hablon, hand-smocked dresses, and chic tropical fibers  reimagined for today’s wardrobe. Paired with striking local jewelry and  artisanal accessories, these pieces prove heritage and modernity can  walk the runway together.

#2 Handcrafted Home Finds 

From pandan to bamboo to buri—Negrense  artisans transform natural fibers into elegant  accents for your home. Discover design-forward  décor and furnishings that bring timeless  Negros craftsmanship into modern living  spaces. 

#3 Artisan Sweet & Savory & Pasalubong 

Stock up on flavors that define Negros: – From  Mumshies’ delicacies to Virgie’s home-made mango tarts and pastries, plus savory favorites  like the Ereneta-Manaloto’s bottled Chorizo de  Bacolod and a lot more— Sweet or savory,  these iconic bites are made for gifting—or for  keeping all to yourself. 

Experience More at HIMBON 

Beyond shopping, HIMBON is a celebration of Negrense culture. Sip on Don Papa rum and locally crafted wines as live acoustic  music fills the air, bringing the warmth of Negros hospitality right to the city. Let the fair inspire your next adventure with  showcases of pristine beaches, heritage haciendas, and food tours—each one an invitation to experience Negros firsthand.  And of course, every artisan booth and styled corner is a story waiting for your feed, so don’t forget to capture your  #HimbonMoments along the way. 

At its core, HIMBON means “to gather.” And this fair is exactly that—a gathering of food, fashion, and heritage that  celebrates both tradition and modern creativity. 

• Save the Date: Sept 23–28 | SMX Convention Center, SM Aura 
• Taste. Shop. Celebrate. Experience Negros like never before.  

About SM Supermalls MSMEs 

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and  operators with 88 malls nationwide—marks a new era of connecting communities and redefining the malling experience  through sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. SM also champions Filipino entrepreneurship, empowering MSMEs— driving local growth, showcasing homegrown talent, and fueling the Filipino spirit of enterprise.