Ternocon, a national convention and competition for Filipino designers, continues its mission of preserving and promoting the traditional Philippine terno, now in its fourth edition.
To make its return, Ternocon announced the 12 finalists and two semi-finalists who took part in the second workshop-mentoring which was occurred on October 17 to 21 at the Bench Tower in BGC, Taguig.
Chosen from 82 applications, the 12 finalists are Windell Madis, Geomarie Hernandez, Johnoel Marin, Patrick Lazol, Jericho Gonzales, Irene Subang, Bryan Peralta, Peach Garde, Ram Silva, Lexter Badana, Jared Palmejar, and Monina Gatan. Meanwhile, the the 2 semi-finalists are: Xioti Chiu and Jema Gamer. The designers come from Ilocos Norte, La Union, Tarlac, Batangas, Capiz, Silay, Iloilo, South Cotabato, Davao, Makati, Taguig, Quezon City, and Manila.
The finalists had their first mentoring-workshop from June 17 to 22 at the Training Center of the Baguio Country Club where they started working on their capsule three-piece collection consisting of a formal terno with pañuelo, a formal balintawak with an alampay and tapis, and a formal kimona (a camisa or pull-over blouse) with an alampay and a patadyong (a tube-like wraparound skirt).
Guided by some of the country's experts in design, this year's workshop is led by Ternocon's Chief Mentor since 2018, Inno Sotto, along with Ezra Santos, Lulu Tan-Gan, Rhett Eala, TernoCon's Founding Artistic Director Gino Gonzales and present Artistic Director Ricardo Eric Cruz.
The workshop lectures include topics on the history of the terno, balintawak and kimona design parameters; knitting and fabric manipulation; new technology, colors and patterns; traditional techniques, understructure and embellishments.
"It has always been our passion to promote Filipino culture through fashion design. With Ternocon, we preserve an integral part of our Filipino heritage through education, exhibition, and public awareness," said Suyen Corporation Chairman and CEO Ben Chan in his speech.
"For this Ternocon, we are celebrating not just one but many facets of the traditional Filipino dresses. In addition to the terno and the balintawak, Ternocon will put the spotlight on the kimona. The mentors and the finalists are also tasked to create pieces inspired by the works of Filipino artists. As we have championed over the years, we can expect a showcase of Filipino talent and artistry brought to life," he added.
A collaborative initiative of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Bench, Ternocon 2025 draws inspiration from 20th century Philippine contemporary art, encompassing various movements, perspectives, and principles, such as works embodied by National Artist Ang Kiukok, National Artist Abdulmari Imao, Lao Lianben, and Anita Magsaysay-Ho.
"The goal is to continue what was already started: to popularize the Terno as our national garment and stick to the proper measurement, how it should be worn. These are the garments that somehow stand out and differentiate us from our Asian neighbors and our Western counterparts. We have to find ways on how to improve it, while at the same time conserving its core aesthetic elements," said Ternocon artistic director Ricardo Eric Cruz.
The CCP and Bench continue to champion the best of Philippine arts and culture through Ternocon, highlighting the importance of preserving tradition while adapting to contemporary trends. With the rise of the terno in modern outfits today, it is essential to maintain its correct form despite the many variations it takes on.
Through Ternocon, the legacy of the Philippine dress is revitalized and sustained as it is seamlessly integrated into everyday lives.
As CCP President Kaye Tinga said, "The creativity of our young designers all while remaining deeply rooted to Filipino design and craftsmanship has been nothing short of inspiring. It is this blend of innovation and tradition that makes Ternocon truly special."
"As we approach the final competition day, the excitement is palpable. Our finalists are feeling the pressure, but we're all eagerly anticipating the moment when the stage lights up, showcasing the beautiful ternos created by both our mentors and finalists. It promises to be another fabulous and meaningful evening, celebrating the best of Filipino design and craftsmanship," she finally noted.