The Curious Mom

Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.

One afternoon at SM Aura was enough to show why generations of shoppers have made the Negros Trade Fair a much-awaited celebration. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), together with SM Supermalls, officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair with a preview that brought together the flavors, fashion, craftsmanship, stories, and creative spirit of Negros. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the landmark anniversary edition will bring 178 brands from the Negros Island Region to the SMX Convention Center Aura.

A Journey to Negros—Without Booking a Flight!

One of the media launch’s most evocative moments was the unveiling of the official BÚTLAK video. Taking viewers through the places, flavors, craftsmanship, and stories of Negros, the film offered the kind of visual journey that could make anyone want to book a flight and experience the island for themselves. 

But there is no need to pack a suitcase. This September, Negros is coming to Manila for six days of food, fashion, art, homeware, and handcrafted discoveries at SMX Aura.

ANP President Christina Gaston opened the program, emphasizing the fair’s role in helping creativity become enterprise. “For ANP, MSME development is about giving people the opportunity to discover what they can create, what they can become, and where their creativity can take them. Over 40 years, we have seen small businesses grow into enterprises and local products reach markets once thought beyond their reach,” Gaston said. 

ANP leaders, partners, and Negrense culinary personalities share a celebratory moment at the BÚTLAK media launch.

This was followed by welcome remarks from SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, who underscored how platforms such as the Negros Trade Fair can connect Filipino culture with greater economic opportunity. “Our role is to help open doors. For us, the Negros Trade Fair is a wonderful example of how culture and enterprise can grow together,” Tan said. Through SM for MSMEs, SM Supermalls continues its collaboration with ANP by connecting homegrown businesses to a high-traffic marketplace, greater visibility, new customers, partners, and growth opportunities.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and style icon Tessa Prieto celebrate the color, craft, and unmistakable creative spirit of Negros.

Broadcast journalist Ces Drilon serves as host, guiding guests through an afternoon celebrating Negrense creativity, enterprise, and heritage.

A taste of Negros: Guests sample regional flavors and culinary favorites during the media launch—a delicious preview of what awaits at the fair.

That journey continued at the table as guests sampled a taste of what awaits at the fair, with Negrense culinary personalities JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, and Chef JP Anglo sharing the flavors and stories of the province. The tasting offered just a first bite of the experience—from comforting regional favorites and heirloom recipes to fresh interpretations by a new generation of food entrepreneurs. 

For Joel Torre—actor, restaurateur, and owner of JT’s Manukan—the pride behind the food is just as important as its flavor. “I’m a proud Negrense. I’m very proud of Negros products,” Torre said

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Chef JP Anglo linked that same pride to the fair’s ability to keep evolving. “Life is always changing; it’s a constant evolution,” Anglo said. “And that’s why the Negros Trade Fair is thriving through the years—it’s because of that chase to perfection and love for craftsmanship.”

Food, fashion, crafts—and 178 brands to discover

That same spirit is carried by a new generation of brands. Stephanie and Cristina Claparols of Lakat Sustainables described the fair as a place where ideas are exchanged and makers support one another: “To us, this really feels like a family gathering, and there’s a lot of new brands to discover, especially coming from the new generation. I think that’s the most exciting part of it.

Food remains one of the fair’s biggest draws. Visitors can look forward to well-loved names such as Bob’s Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products, alongside newer food concepts, regional specialties, sweet treats, pantry staples, and pasalubong finds. 

As Basti Escalante of the Antonio’s Group put it, “Negrense food goes beyond inasal—there’s a lot more to discover.” 

Beyond the table, the fair offers plenty to wear and bring home. Arête creates handcrafted island-style accessories using indigenous Philippine materials, while Ellege Handcrafted Fashion brings Negros Occidental’s intricate hand-smocking tradition into contemporary clothing. Other fashion and lifestyle labels will showcase resort wear, jewelry, woven pieces, and modern designs rooted in local culture. Home and craft enthusiasts can explore pieces by Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts Industries, Artisana Island Crafts, NVC Foundation, and other makers transforming abaca, rattan, bamboo, capiz, ceramics, wild pandan, and repurposed materials into distinctive décor, houseware, art, and furniture. Many of these pieces also sustain artisan livelihoods and help keep community craft traditions alive.

The fair will feature 178 brands across food, fashion, furniture, homeware, art, and local crafts—bringing come for the names they already love and leave with a new favorite—or several. 

Leaders and partners behind BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair come together during the media launch. From left: Royce Cabuñag, AVP and Head of SM Communities; Chef JJ Yulo; Mary Anne Colmenares, NTF Chairperson; Chef Tony Boy Escalante, owner of Antonio’s; Francis Esteban, owner of Breakfast at Antonio’s; Christina Gaston, ANP President; Antonio Sebastian Escalante of Antonio’s; Pats Lim Dy, SAVP for SM Communities; and Joaquin San Agustin, EVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls.

A 40-year legacy designed for the next 40

ANP Vice President Mary Anne Colmenares captured the meaning behind the anniversary theme: “Our roots are found in the traditions, skills, and stories handed down to us. Our blooms are the new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations emerging from those roots. After 40 years, Negros continues to bloom—and its brightest chapters are still ahead.” The milestone edition is therefore both a homecoming and a new beginning. “We’re celebrating 40 remarkable years—but we’re equally excited about the next 40,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin.   More than shopping, this is a celebration of talent, heritage, and heart. Bring your family and friends, support local, and take home a piece of Negros! See you at BÚTLAK!

OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN REACH. Across SM malls nationwide, jobseekers are finding new ways to connect with jobs, skills, and brighter possibilities.

For thousands of Filipinos, finding the right job begins with having the right opportunity within reach. SM Job Fair marked a major milestone while widening access to employment and skills development—from celebrating its 500th nationwide job fair and bringing SM Group employers directly to communities, to working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to connect technical-vocational training with careers. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ continuing commitment to make the journey from preparing for work to finding meaningful employment more accessible to Filipinos.

500 JOB FAIRS—AND COUNTING! 

On August 12, SM City Daet hosted the 500th SM Job Fair, marking an important milestone in SM Supermalls’ nationwide jobs advocacy.  As of its 500th Job Fair, the program has connected around 330,000 jobseekers with thousands of employers nationwide, resulting in more than 42,000 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS). Behind those numbers are individual journeys—from fresh graduates looking for their first break and career shifters starting again to breadwinners and experienced professionals taking their next step.

500 JOB FAIRS, THOUSANDS OF NEW BEGINNINGS. At SM City Daet, a nationwide milestone became personal as another jobseeker walked away hired on the spot.

Through partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), employers, and industry organizations, SM continues to use its nationwide mall network to bring jobs closer to communities.

FROM OPPORTUNITY TO EMPLOYMENT AT THE SM GROUP JOB FAIR

The momentum continued on August 18 at SM City Fairview, where the SM Group Job Fair connected jobseekers with career opportunities across the SM Group. 

Applicants met recruiters face-to-face, explored vacancies, submitted applications, and underwent interviews in one accessible venue—simplifying the hiring journey while helping participating companies meet potential talent from the community.

ONE STEP CLOSER TO A CAREER. Jobseekers meet SM Group recruiters face-to-face, turning applications and interviews into possibilities for a fresh start.

For fresh graduate May Stephanie, the search for her first job ended with good news when she was hired by Savemore. “Masaya po kasi mahirap po maghanap ng work lalo po pag fresh grad ka po.” Her experience reflects the human impact behind every successful match: a chance to begin a career, earn a livelihood, and build toward a more secure future. 

FROM SKILLS TO OPPORTUNITIES WITH TESDA

SKILLS IN ACTION. Hands-on training turns learning into practical skills that can open doors to the workplace.

As industries evolve, Filipinos need both access to jobs and the skills to succeed in them. Last August, SM Supermalls and TESDA brought the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) to SM malls nationwide in celebration of 2026 National Tech-Voc Day, connecting technical-vocational graduates and jobseekers with employers and industry partners.

READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT. From technology to creative skills, Filipino talent gets hands-on experience for an evolving world of work.

At the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on August 24, more than 1,000 jobseekers met 54 participating employers offering more than 4,000 job opportunities. Job matching was complemented by skills demonstrations in HVAC, autonomous robotics, driving, animation, and coffee barista—showing how practical training can translate into workplace readiness.

For Jeff Justine Geraga, a BS IT student at the University of Makati who took Computer Systems Servicing through TESDA, gaining additional skills has helped strengthen his confidence in a competitive job market. 

“Definitely tumaas ang value ko dahil may added skills ako from TESDA, more opportunities for me. Requirement na po ang upskilling dahil competitive po ngayon.”

A key highlight was the launch of the TESDA Skills Compass, a career guidance and job-matching platform that helps Filipinos explore career pathways and connect their competencies with in-demand jobs. For some participants, the connection between skills and employment became immediate. 

After traveling from Mindoro in search of work, Cristyl Faith Robles was hired on the spot as a barista at French Baker.  

“Masaya po kasi last week pa po kami nag-aapply ng work kasi galing pa po kami sa Mindoro... Para po ito sa magulang ko at sa kapatid ko para matulungan ko po siya sa college.”

Employers also recognize the value of skills-based training. CJ Bajamunde, HR Assistant at SMC Repairs and Maintenance, shared that TESDA training and certifications are among the qualifications the company looks for when recruiting skilled workers. 

 “Nakatulong po talaga ang TESDA hindi lang sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho, kundi sa aming mga employers din.” 

Through the World Café of Opportunities, SM and TESDA are helping turn skills into employability—connecting training, talent, and industry needs in ways that can lead to meaningful careers.

LEARNING THAT MOVES PEOPLE FORWARD. Free upskilling brings future-ready knowledge closer to learners in SM communities.

MORE JOBS AND SKILLS THIS SEPTEMBER

The momentum continues this September as SM Job Fair brings another nationwide lineup of employment activities to SM malls, complemented by government career opportunities and upskilling sessions with partners.

SEPTEMBER JOB FAIR SCHEDULE

• September 1 – SM City Sto. Tomas

• September 3 – SM City Manila

• September 4 – SM City Sta. Mesa

• September 7–8 – SM City Butuan

• September 8–9 – SM City Iloilo

• September 8–9 – SM City Davao

• September 9 – SM City Baguio

• September 9–10 – SM City Cebu

• September 9–10 – SM CDO Downtown Premier

• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires

• September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa

• September 10 – SM City Tuguegarao

• September 10 – SM City North EDSA

• September 10 – SM City Zamboanga

• September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa

• September 12 – SM City La Union

• September 12 – SM City San Pablo

• September 14 – SM Center Antipolo

• September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier

• September 16–17 – SM Seaside City Cebu

• September 22–23 – SM Seaside City Cebu

• September 23 – SM City Calamba

• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires

• September 24 – SM Center Pulilan

• September 24 – SM City Bacoor

*Schedules, venues, and participating partners may be subject to change.

UPSKILLING SESSIONS

Jobseekers and learners can also take advantage of upskilling activities scheduled throughout the month:

• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires

• September 12 – SM Center Sangandaan

• September 12 – SM City North EDSA 

• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires

MORE THAN JOBS

SM’s employment advocacy continues beyond recruitment. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry organizations, SM Supermalls has provided free upskilling opportunities to more than 1,600 learners, covering artificial intelligence, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and other emerging workplace competencies. In select malls, SM Government Service Express (GSE) also brings essential government services closer to communities, with selected locations serving as Upskilling Hubs.

From reaching the 500th SM Job Fair to helping a fresh graduate land a first job, and from gaining a technical skill to finding where it can lead, August demonstrated what can happen when employment, learning, services, and strong partnerships come together.

THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE. Beyond the 500th milestone, SM Job Fair continues to connect more Filipinos with employers and possibilities closer to home.

And as SM Job Fair moves beyond its 500th milestone, the work continues—helping more Filipinos find jobs, build relevant skills, and move toward better futures closer to home. To learn more about upcoming SM Job Fairs and free upskilling opportunities, visit the SM Supermalls website or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

EVERY CONVERSATION CAN OPEN A DOOR. Jobseekers meet recruiters face-to-face at SM Job Fairs, taking another step toward their next career opportunity.