TernoCon 2025 was a true celebration of Philippine culture. It trained the spotlight on Filipino artistry and craftsmanship proving that the future of Filipino fashion is in capable hands.
The fourth edition of TernoCon, held at the Philippine International Convention Center’s Reception Hall, concluded with Peach Garde of Capiz taking home the prestigious Pacita Longos Award, the gold medal.
Garde’s winning design was a bold, architectural creation inspired by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, renowned for his Bauhaus-inspired style. Her vision of Filipino fashion impressed judges and attendees alike, securing her the top prize in the competition.
This year’s TernoCon tasked 12 finalists with creating three distinct looks inspired by the works of both living and deceased Filipino artists. Garde’s pieces, which showcased precision tailoring and innovative silhouettes, were lauded for their refined elegance while maintaining a strong connection to the Philippine artistic heritage.
The event also saw Bryan Peralta receive the Pacita Escurdia Award (silver medal) for his designs influenced by National Artist Jose Joya, while Ram Silva’s collection, inspired by the pastoral works of Fernando Amorsolo, earned him the Ramon Valera Award (bronze medal). Windell Madis was honored with the Joe Salazar Award (chef mentor’s medal), having drawn inspiration from the work of National Artist H.R. Ocampo.
Ben Chan, founder and chairman of Suyen Corp., the company behind Bench, expressed pride in the competition, which saw 82 contestants whittled down to the final 12. Mentored by design veterans Rhett Eala, Lulu Tan-Gan, and Ezra Santos, the finalists presented a diverse and captivating array of creations that celebrated Filipino artistry.
During his opening speech, Chan explained the challenge posed to the finalists: “They were tasked with the most challenging edition of the terno thus far. They were asked to create garments to celebrate our culture, using the works of 20th-century Philippine contemporary artists as their inspiration.”
Chan also expressed his anticipation for the finalists’ contributions to the future of the national dress, stating, “We look forward to your contribution to the evolution of our national dress in the future.”
Throughout the evening, mentors also showcased their own collections, with Eala channeling the works of Lao Lianben, Tan-Gan interpreting Ang Kiukok’s art, and Santos reimagining Abdulmari Imao’s legacy. Last year’s gold medalist, Ysa Inumerable, returned to present a vibrant collection inspired by Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s works.
The event, a collaboration between Suyen Corp. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), attracted a distinguished crowd, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, renowned designer Inno Sotto, actors Alden Richards, Dingdong Dantes, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, Dawn Zulueta, and beauty queens Chelsea Manalo, Michelle Dee, and CJ Opiaza. CCP President Kaye Tinga was also in attendance to show support for Filipino fashion.
