Ternocon 2025: Revitalizing the Philippine Dress
Ternocon returns to honor and preserve the regal beauty of the Philippine dress.
Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of Ternocon 2025
November 4, 2024
As the fashion and design industry evolves, Ternocon remains committed to upholding our culture and heritage through fashion design.
In its fourth edition, Ternocon 2025—a renowned national terno-making convention and competition for Filipino designers—continues its advocacy to revitalize and preserve the Philippine dress.
Preservation and Promotion
Ternocon aims to showcase the intricate elegance of our traditional clothing by blending its classic designs with contemporary patterns suitable for everyday wear.
This year’s event draws inspiration from 20th-century Philippine contemporary art, reflecting movements and perspectives from established artists such as National Artists Ang Kiukok, Abdulmari Imao, Lao Lianben, and Anita Magsaysay-Ho.
Finalists had the opportunity to develop a three-piece collection, including a formal terno with a pañuelo, a balintawak with an alampay and tapis, a kimona (pullover blouse) with an alampay, and a patadyong (wraparound skirt).
From a total of 82 applications, Ternocon selected 12 finalists and 2 semi-finalists for the second part of the mentorship workshop.
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. The semi-finalists are Xioti Chiu and Jema Gamer.
Continuing the Legacy
Ternocon’s artistic director, Ricardo Eric Cruz, emphasizes that this edition aims to amplify and promote the ongoing mission of popularizing the terno as our national garment while adhering to proper measurements and wear. “We must find ways to improve it while conserving its core aesthetic elements,” Cruz stated.
The workshop includes discussions on the history of the terno, design parameters for balintawak and kimona, knitting and fabric manipulation, new technologies, colors and patterns, traditional techniques, understructure, and embellishments.
Ternocon demonstrates that merging our rich culture with contemporary trends is achievable by transforming the traditional terno into modern outfits.
Embracing Modernity
As traditional dresses evolve, Ternocon highlights the importance of maintaining their regal beauty while integrating current trends. This not only showcases the world-class talent and artistry of Filipino designers but also underscores the versatility of the Philippine dress as it adapts to our modern lives and styles.
