The Women of Negros

Twenty-eight years ago, a handful of enterprising women from Negros (basically from Bacolod) organized themselves and mounted the Negros Trade Fair in Makati. Through the years, the fair has changed venues as it grew. This year, with the theme “Evolving Lifestyles,” the event goes back to its original setting, Makati, with increased participation of Negrenses, both women and men, enhancing the event with various new activities.

We remember getting stranded once in Bacolod due to a storm that inundated the Manila International Airport. That was when the golden tilapia was introduced to the market. We wonder now what has happened to this special fish species. We also remember friends who have gifted us with goodies from Bacolod, like piaya, native bags, and various accessories. Once, we trod the market of Bacolod on a dark night to witness the frantic activities of fishmongers. Indeed, we have fond memories of our visits to Bacolod.

On the last week of the month, from Sept. 25 to 29, Wednesday to Sunday, the goodies are here and the ladies and gentlemen of Negros are marking the 28th year of the trade fair with an expanded line-up of activities at its original venue, the Glorietta Activity Center in the heart of Makati’s commercial district.

Aside from product displays, some very interesting activities featuring enterprising and talented Negrenses, will be held, affording Manilans the chance to sample their hospitality and taste the Negrense flavors.

To kick off the big event on Sept. 25, professional chefs from the region like Manny Torrejon, Tom Bascon and Fernando Aracama will preside over “It’s Raining Men,” a culinary activity, “Negros Food with a Twist” that will have them create innovative dishes using indigenous Negrense produce and harvest.

On the following day, “Arte Negrense” will be highlighted. This will feature the popular and pretty handmade smocked dresses for young girls, ladies’ bags made of local materials and a collection of accessories.

Sept. 27 event will be “Tea Time with Ikebana International.” Floral arrangements in beautiful Negrense vases will be presented with the participation of the Flower Farm in Tagaytay. On Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m., Sabrina’s Kitchen with the lovely Sabrina will be demonstrating her original concoctions using Clara Ole olive oil variants, offering simple techniques that any housewife can follow in her own kitchen. Her cooking marathon will also feature cocktails and mocktails using McCormick flavoring mixes.         

Do you want to trace some relatives far remote in your genealogy? The trade fair is mounting “Six Degrees of Separation” sessions during the fair, called Small World Phenomenon, tracing persons six or more degrees removed around the world. Interesting. There are also representatives of the New Breed, mainly offering naturally produced vegetables.     

E-mail [email protected] for more details.

Here is a simple pasta recipe which takes very little time to prepare. Cook half a kilo of spaghetti noodles. When done, lace it with a teaspoon of olive oil, drain and set aside. In a pan, heat olive oil, sauté garlic (using the native variety), add a tin of anchovies (crushed using a fork) then 100 gms mushroom stems, including the liquid. Add a small pack of tomato sauce and a teaspoon of sugar plus a pinch of ground black pepper. Mix well and allow to simmer for a few minutes. Pour onto the pasta and serve.

Have a happy Sunday!

E-mail me at [email protected].