34th NTF to underscore Negros' timeless traditions

THE Association of Negros Producers (ANP) is gearing up for this year's Negros Trade Fair (NTF), the longest-running provincial trade fair in the Philippines, which will highlight the island's timeless traditions.

Now on its 34th year, the annual event will be held at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City on September 25 to 29, 2019.

NTF chairperson Michael Claparols, who spoke at the activity launching at L'Sea Function Room in Bacolod City, Wednesday, May 22, called for the cooperation of local producers amid the challenges in hosting this year's NTF.

Claparols, also the vice president for gifts, decors and housewares sector of ANP, said Glorietta is currently having its renovation thus, they expect a smaller venue this time.

“We are banking on the press, social media and the active cooperation of our members in promoting the event,” he said, adding that ANP is upbeat for another successful NTF this year.

In 2018, participating enterprises have generated a total sales of P31.8 million during the five-day 33rd Negros Trade Fair.

It was participated by 70 ANP-member and non-member producers including local government units (LGUs).

For this year's edition, which is still in collaboration with Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology, among others, the organization targets the same number of participating-producers.

“We will just have to adjust the space, but the number of producers will most probably be the same,” the chairperson said.

Themed “Timeless Traditions,” ANP said the 33rd NTF will not only focus on selling Negrense products, but more on selling Negros itself.

The NTF, it said, will underscore the island's lifestyle, culture, land, people, stories and history.

“We will showcase the skills behind the products, crafts, recipes and traditions that are family-based and passed on from generation to generation,” it said, adding that “the stories behind every product will make us the original and we will be sought for our authenticity.”

Like the previous years, there will be an Arima or opening night on September 24 and other pocket events within the week-long event.

Claparols said NTF goers could expect more new and innovative products as they are engaging with more suppliers and producers this year.

“We are not only catering to old clients, we want to introduce our traditions to the new generation,” Claparols said.

Thus, creativity and innovation play a big part of it, he added.