Sweets from the women of Negros

The sweets of Negros are definitely what have caught the fancy of visitors and a lot of others.

We are not aware of the current production statistics of sugar in Negros, but we have always known that it is a sugar producing province. We also know that the Negros women are a pampered lot, but in the midst of crisis, they rally behind a common cause. Because Negros abounds in sugar, its womenfolk, did not actually remain idle in either better or hard times. The enterprising ones turned to making sweets for their families and to sell. In previous visits to Bacolod, we have seen how active the women have been.

Some years ago we also witnessed the launch of the golden tilapia, a special breed. We were stranded in Bacolod due to a typhoon. We did not want to waste time, so at midnight we made the rounds and ended up in a bagsakan market where the fishermen brought their catch. Unfortunately we have not heard about how it has progressed since.

But the sweets of Negros are definitely what have caught the fancy of visitors and a lot of others. This is where its enterprising ladies have banded together and resolved to promote it and develop their own industry. Thus came about The Negros Trade Fair held every year in Manila since its inception 29 years ago. The ladies of Negros are behind this and most of the participating producers are women as well.

On the day we dropped by the fair at the activity center of Glorietta, a big crowd of women and a sprinkling of men milled about while others were settled at the round tables having their lunch. After a light lunch, we eagerly started checking the displays.

A familiar  brand, Virgie’s, caught our attention. Virgie, herself was manning the booth. She is a gracious lady who started making her sweets 40 years ago. Judging from the selection, we reckon she has expanded her line of home products through the years. She has the popular piyaya in small and regular packs, cookies, tarts, polvoron, galletas and  garlic bread. But what we got other than the usual piyaya, were her napoleones squares, 12 in a box for P270. Biting into the flaky, layered puff pastry filled with custard  reminded us of the napoleones of long ago. Come to think of it, we have not found them here in a long time.

Fresh Start is a company advocating organic and natural food. Our attention was caught by their artisan piyaya, done on a greaseless hot plate and infused with different flavors – squash, passion fruit, coco sugar and nectar (P20 per). They also carry coffee from Mount Kanlaon.

Our other buys included pickles from TFlavors and ham smoked bacon from Victoria’s Food Products.

The Negros products are good, unfortunately not all of them are available in any other part of the country. We have had the idea of having a permanent display of regional products here in Metro Manila to further promote the “Buy Filipino” campaign, but the idea has not yet caught fire.

Have a happy Sunday!

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