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.
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
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).
Lakat processes pineapple fibers harvested from Negros Occidental, blends these with cotton from Negros Oriental, converts everything to yarn in the DOST Philippine Textile Research Institute facility in Taguig, dyes the yarn, which is then sent back to Negros for weaving into the “uppers” of the sneakers. A shoemaking community in San Mateo, Rizal for finishing.
Lakat’s parent company, Creative Definitions, also sells scarves, wraps, and shawls, among other things.
Visit them on IG—@lakatsustainables, @creativedefinitionsonline; on FB—LAKAT, Creative Definitions. Learn more at www.creativedefinitions.com.
Jeanjaquet and Arete
“We celebrate slow fashion here,” said Jeanjaquet owner and designer Mia Jeanjaquet, who carries two brands: Jeanjaquet and Arete.
There are lots to appreciate about Arete’s jewelry and Jeanjaquet’s clothing, all of which are handmade.
Arete’s multi-way Capiz collection—“Our wearable windows,” Jeanjaquet called it—can be used in eight ways. Wear them as two studs, four drops, or two pendants. They can even be worn in reverse.
JeanJaquet pieces are similarly hardworking. Many of the brand’s clothes, including the popular Bougainvillea Camisa on display at the Negros Trade Fair, are unisex and reversible, making it easy to wear them to casual events then elevate them at night.
“All our pieces are locally made and locally sourced. Each piece is unique to the Philippines,” said Jeanjaquet. Aside from materials from Negros, fabric is also sourced in Ilocos and Abra.
Learn more about Jeanjaquet and Arete at www.jeanjaquet.com and on IG: @jeanjaquet, @arete.ph. Email them at info@jeanjaquet.com.
Humán
Pronounced hoo-MÁN, this four-month-old clothing brand was born out of a specific need.
“I started the brand because of my difficulty of finding clothes that fit me well,” said Humán owner and designer April Joy Baldevia.
With much of the retail market focused on small and extra-small sizes, Humán provides a breath of fresh air with its limited-edition pieces ranging from medium to large and beyond. One remarkable piece is a drawstring skirt that can go from extra small to 5XL.
The lightweight and durable clothes are breathable because everything is made with pure linen, which is sustainable as it is made of plant fiber.
“I make only 15 pieces per design; not to create scarcity but to make each piece special,” said Baldevia. “I make simple designs because I want them to be used over and over again with different styles. And with my focus on fabric and craftsmanship, my pieces can be passed on.”
Find Humán on IG: @humaneveryday_ and FB: Humán Everyday
Fresh start organic & natural
In its native Bacolod, the farm-focused brand launched by offering only farm produce. Eventually, it ventured into making the produce into food, which led to the opening of an organic café. Following this was the development of the brand’s own take on a Bacolod favorite: piaya.
“Piaya has been around for a long time. But the different thing about ours is that we use raw muscovado,” said Nikki Marañon, co-owner of Fresh Start Organic & Natural. “We also use real flavors; all fresh, no preservatives.”
Marañon and her team of cooks, led by chef Joseph, offered two exciting flavors aside from the original raw muscovado: peanut and calamansi, their bestseller. Owing to the organic nature of the brand, only fresh calamansi and peanuts are used in the recipe.
“Our piaya is perfect with coffee,” promised Marañon.
Find Fresh Start Organic & Natural at www.freshstartorganic.com.
Fashion art
Emma Demerre, 93 years old, a native of Negros Oriental, was probably the oldest participant in this year’s Negros Trade Fair. But she was one of the most creative.
Her stall was filled with colorful baubles—boxes of chunky necklaces, shiny earrings on holders, and floral rings—made by hand from recycled materials.
Among many other pieces, she had native choir angels made from corn husks, native parasols made of bamboo, intricate earrings made with pistachio shells, brooches with pressed flowers, and fabulous rings with blooms made of sinamay.
A former dressmaker in Dumaguete, Demerre said she was used to working with her hands.
“I raised five children without a maid. I did all the household chores,” she told The Philippine Star.
“My inspiration for all my designs comes from the Lord,” she said.
* * *
All vendors at the annual Negros Trade Fair are members of the Association of Negros Producers. Find them on Facebook (ANPHub) and Instagram (@associationofnegrosproducers).