Manila, Philippines — TernoCon, the esteemed fashion competition brought to life by Suyen Corp. of Bench fame, made its highly anticipated return early this year after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Under the mentorship of esteemed designers Inno Sotto, Dennis Lustico, Chito Vijandre, Ricky Toledo, and Joey Samson, 12 talented finalists showcased their innovative reinterpretations of the colonial-era balintawak, a precursor to the iconic terno.
The terno has long been celebrated as a symbol of Filipino culture and heritage, reflecting our rich history as a former Spanish colony, while also incorporating influences from Victorian England, Japan, and Latin America. This timeless garment serves as a testament to fashion’s ability to capture the spirit of any era.
While traditionally associated with formal occasions, TernoCon has been aiming to challenge the notion by breathing new life into the terno, reviving and reinventing it for the modern-day Filipino. The competition event has brought together emerging artists from across the country through the years, fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of this iconic national dress.
For this year’s TernoCon, 12 finalists from various regions were tasked with reimagining the terno to suit the sensibilities of contemporary Filipinos. Representing NCR were Yssa Inumerable from Parañaque, Geom Hernandez from Batangas, and Dee Javier from Manila. Luzon was represented by Amor Albano from Ilocos Norte, Glyn Alley Magtibay from Oriental Mindoro, Bon Hansen Reyes from Rizal, and Gabbie Sarenas from Rizal. From the Visayas, we had Bree Esplanada from Cebu, Karl Nadales from Iloilo, Al Rey Rosano from Negros Oriental, and Marc Carcillar from Iloilo. Lastly, from Mindanao, Glady Rose Pantua from Zamboanga showcased her talent.
Among the standout designers was Yssa Inumerable, who emerged as the winner of TernoCon 2023. Her modern interpretation of the Balintawak impressed the judges and captured the essence of the competition’s theme. Additionally, Gabbie Sarenas was recognized as the runner-up, receiving the prestigious Pura Escurdia award, while Glady Rose Pantua secured third place and was honored with the Ramon Valera award.
Dennis Lustico, Joey Samson, Chito Vijandre, and Ricky Toledo, renowned Filipino fashion designers and partners in this endeavor, unanimously agreed on the significance of the terno’s iconic butterfly sleeves. Without them, the dress loses its distinct identity and becomes indistinguishable from any other design. Their collective dedication to preserving the essence of the terno ensures that this cherished national dress continues to be a symbol of pride for generations to come.
Through TernoCon 2023, the Philippine culture gets to celebrate the talented Filipino designers who have breathed new life into the terno, infusing it with contemporary flair and capturing the imagination of the fashion world. The creations showcased the immense talent and ingenuity of Filipino designers, elevating the terno into a dynamic and evolving expression of our cultural heritage.
TernoCon serves as a platform to honor our past while embracing the future, reminding us that the terno remains a beloved and cherished emblem of Filipino identity. It is through events like TernoCon that we witness the true power of fashion to transcend time, celebrating our heritage and propelling Filipino creativity to new heights.