Himbon: A Grand Gathering of Culture, Craft, and Community at the 39th Negros Trade Fair

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the sun rises on a new chapter for one of the country’s most beloved regional celebrations, all eyes turn to Taguig City. From September 23 to 28, 2025, the 39th Negros Trade Fair makes its much-anticipated return—this time at the SMX Convention Center Aura, SM Aura Premier.

This year’s theme, “Himbon”, takes center stage—not just as a name, but as a movement. Rooted in the Hiligaynon word meaning “to assemble, gather, or come together,” Himbon breathes life into a collective vision: a celebration of unity through diversity, tradition, and innovation. It beckons Filipinos from all walks of life to come together with intention and rediscover the profound soul of Negros Island through its proud heritage.

The Art of Slow Living and Purposeful Connection

This year’s visual identity, developed in partnership with the Design Center of the Philippines, is more than aesthetic—it's a philosophy. Inspired by the concepts of slow living, local craftsmanship, and pag tan-aw—a Visayan term meaning “seeing wholeness through reflection”—the visual elements offer a meditative pause in a chaotic world. At its heart lies a mandala, a timeless symbol of balance and unity, capturing the essence of the Negros Trade Fair as a vibrant convergence of people, culture, and purpose.

Each handcrafted design, artisanal creation, and sustainable innovation on display becomes a thread in this mandala—a part of a greater whole that reflects the ingenuity, resilience, and creative spirit of the Negrense people.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future

Himbon is more than a theme—it is a declaration. A commitment to gather the meaningful pieces of the past and use them as building blocks for the future. From the rich agricultural roots of sugarcane and cacao, to the textile traditions of weaving and embroidery, to the mouthwatering legacy of Negrense culinary arts—every product showcased tells a story. A story of survival. Of reinvention. Of artistry passed down through generations.

This fair is not just about buying and selling. It’s about connecting—with heritage, with communities, with possibilities. It is a living, breathing exhibit of Negros Island Region’s transformation, proof that by staying grounded in tradition while embracing innovation, local industries can flourish on the national and even global stage.

What to Expect at the 2025 Himbon Experience

Visitors to the SMX Convention Center Aura will be treated to an immersive sensory journey that includes:

Artisanal food and beverages made with heirloom recipes and locally-sourced ingredients

Handmade fashion and accessories that elevate indigenous materials and craftsmanship

Sustainable home décor and lifestyle products that marry form with function

Live demonstrations and cultural performances celebrating Negrense identity

Networking opportunities for buyers, entrepreneurs, and advocates of heritage industries

This is the perfect venue for local patrons, global visitors, cultural enthusiasts, and conscious consumers to support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Negros while indulging in their world-class offerings.

A 39-Year Legacy of Impact

Organized by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), the Negros Trade Fair stands as the longest-running provincial trade fair in the Philippines. Over nearly four decades, it has empowered thousands of artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs, many of whom have become household names in ethical and sustainable commerce.

But beyond its economic impact, it has nurtured a deep cultural awakening, reminding us that local is not just beautiful—it’s essential.

Save the Date—Be Part of the Mandala

So mark your calendars for September 23 to 28, 2025. Himbon is more than a showcase—it’s a homecoming, a heartfelt reunion with tradition, creativity, and community. Whether you’re there to shop, to support, or to simply be inspired, the 39th Negros Trade Fair promises to be a gathering like no other.

Join the movement. Experience Himbon. Come together—because wholeness begins when we reconnect with what truly matters.

Venue: SMX Convention Center Aura, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig City

Follow @thenegrostradefair on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes previews.

Jordan Clarkson’s Historic Move to the Knicks Sparks Cultural Revolution in New York

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the city where legends are born and dreams never sleep, another chapter is about to be written—and this time, it’s inked with Filipino pride.

Jordan Clarkson, the electrifying NBA guard with Filipino roots and Gilas Pilipinas heart, is reportedly heading to the New York Knicks. And if the deal closes, it won’t just be a monumental basketball acquisition—it will be a seismic cultural event.

From Manila to Manhattan: A Milestone in Motion

Should the contract be finalized in the coming days, Clarkson will become the first-ever Filipino player in the New York Knicks’ long and storied franchise history. For a team synonymous with basketball royalty and a city that pulses with multicultural spirit, his arrival is a long-overdue acknowledgment of a fanbase that’s loved this game fiercely from afar for decades.

More than 80,000 Filipinos call New York City home. But until now, they’ve never seen one of their own suit up in blue and orange inside Madison Square Garden. Clarkson isn’t just filling a roster spot—he’s planting a flag.

This is heritage hitting hardwood. This is puso at center court.

Beyond the Stats: A Legacy in Motion

Born to a Filipino mother, Jordan Clarkson has long been a global ambassador for Philippine basketball. He wasn’t just the first full-time NBA player to suit up for the national team—he chose to represent the Philippines when others might have passed.

In doing so, he became more than an athlete. He became a symbol.

From dropping buckets in Utah to standing tall in international competition for Gilas Pilipinas, Clarkson has carried the weight of a nation’s hopes with grace and grit. And now, he brings that same fire to the most iconic court in the league.

A Perfect Fit for the Empire State

On the court, Clarkson checks every Knicks box: shot creator, scoring machine, battle-tested veteran. He averaged double figures for six straight seasons with the Utah Jazz and bagged the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021. His style? Fearless. His game? Flammable.

In a Knicks system that thrives on hustle, depth, and resilience, Clarkson adds another layer of dynamic offense and playoff poise. New York’s been thirsting for swagger that shines under pressure—and Clarkson, with his calm confidence and street-ready handles, delivers just that.

Off the court, he’s built for the Big Apple. With a wardrobe as loud as his crossover, a charisma that crosses cultures, and a brand that resonates with Gen Z and OG fans alike, Clarkson isn’t just joining New York—he’s becoming its vibe.

Cultural Currency: What This Means for Filipino America

This is bigger than basketball.

Clarkson's move is a mirror held up to every Filipino kid who grew up watching NBA highlights past midnight in Quezon City. It’s validation for the millions of Pinoys who’ve packed NBA arenas, bought jerseys, and flooded social media with chants of "Laban Pilipinas!"

New York isn't just getting a player—it's getting an entire nation of believers.

Expect the ripple effects to stretch from MSG to Manila: Filipino flags waving in the rafters, jeepney art popping up in Brooklyn, Filipino food trucks outside the Garden, and chants of “Puso!” shaking the rafters.

And for the Filipino diaspora—particularly in New York—it’s a powerful reminder: You belong. You matter. You’re seen.

The Dawn of a New Era

For years, Filipinos have been the NBA’s most loyal fans. Now, one of their finest is center stage at the Mecca. And that changes everything.

Jordan Clarkson isn’t just making history—he’s rewriting it. He’s bridging two worlds, carrying a legacy, and lighting a path forward. In a league that often overlooks Southeast Asia, he stands tall, not just as a player but as a movement.

So when he laces up under those legendary MSG lights, know this: the roar you’ll hear isn't just a cheer for a new Knick.

It’s the sound of millions of Filipino hearts beating in unison.

Welcome to New York, Jordan Clarkson.

Welcome to the era of Filipino fire in the Mecca.

Squid Game Season 3 Shatters Netflix Records, Cementing Global Supremacy of the K-Drama Phenomenon

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The game is far from over—and the world is watching like never before.

Netflix has crowned a new all-time launch champion, and to no one’s surprise, the honor goes to the brutal, brilliant, and culturally seismic titan: Squid Game. With the explosive debut of Season 3, the South Korean dystopian thriller has once again rewritten the rules of television history, pulling in a jaw-dropping 60.1 million views within just three days of its release. It’s a staggering feat that makes even the streaming giant’s past blockbusters look tame in comparison.

And this isn’t just about clickbait headlines or inflated hype. The 368.4 million hours watched in its opening weekend catapults Squid Game: Season 3 into the top ranks of Netflix's most-watched TV seasons of all time—claiming the #9 spot with unprecedented velocity.

A Global Phenomenon Reignites

Ever since it erupted onto the scene in 2021 like a Molotov cocktail of social satire and survival horror, Squid Game has become more than a series—it’s become a global movement. The show, masterfully helmed by creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, blends dystopian desperation with savage critiques of capitalism, inequality, and the price of human dignity. It's television as warfare—and audiences worldwide are addicted to the carnage.

Season 2 had already proven that the phenomenon wasn’t a fluke, raking in 68 million views in four days. But Season 3 managed to eclipse that figure a full day earlier, sending a clear message: the obsession with Squid Game isn’t waning. It’s mutating into something even bigger.

The Metrics of Mayhem

Netflix’s updated methodology—calculating “views” by dividing total hours watched by the show's runtime—means that those 60.1 million views likely represent fans who devoured the entire season in one sitting. It’s not just an indicator of popularity, but of compulsion. Viewers didn’t just want more Squid Game. They needed it—urgently, hungrily, perhaps even maniacally.

And this urgency translated across borders and time zones. While Netflix hasn’t released region-specific stats, Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, is believed to be a crucial engine behind the show’s meteoric rise. Hwang Dong-hyuk himself has praised the fervent support of Asian fans, recognizing their role in propelling the series into the stratosphere.

More Than Just Numbers: A Cultural Touchstone

The real power of Squid Game isn’t just in its viewership—it’s in its impact. Few shows have so thoroughly dominated social media, inspired fashion lines, prompted philosophical debates, and been referenced in political discourse. Its masked villains, haunting playgrounds, and agonizing dilemmas have become universal shorthand for the cruelty of modern life.

It’s not just a Korean drama. It’s the drama of a generation.

The Future of the Franchise

So, where do we go from here?

While Netflix has yet to confirm a Season 4, fans are already clamoring for another round of psychological warfare. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has hinted at his willingness to return, stating that if Netflix calls again, he’ll “absolutely” lead the next chapter. No US remake has been greenlit either—but with numbers like these, the question isn’t if, but when.

And if history is any indication, Squid Game doesn’t do silence. It makes noise—and lots of it.

Game On, World

With its brutal aesthetic, soul-crushing suspense, and relentless emotional stakes, Squid Game: Season 3 has proven itself not just a show, but a juggernaut. One that commands screens, dominates conversations, and dares viewers to question the very systems we live in.

It is, once again, the reigning monarch of streaming. And in this kingdom, the games are only getting deadlier.

So buckle up. The game may have started as fiction—but for millions, it now feels all too real.

Let the next round begin.