Ternocon 2025 centered on fusing art with fashion, as designers drew inspiration from National Artists to reimagine the iconic terno
The fourth edition of Ternocon celebrated the rich heritage and evolving artistry of the Filipino terno, transforming the traditional garment into a canvas for contemporary creativity. Organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in partnership with BENCH, the competition gathered twelve talented designers from across the archipelago, showcasing the diversity of Filipino artistry. Designers were challenged to reinterpret and elevate Filipino traditional garments, including the terno, the balintawak, and the kimona. This year’s theme draws inspiration from the works of Filipino National Artists such as Jose Joya and Leandro Locsin, celebrating the movements that shaped the nation’s cultural and artistic identity.
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“Ternocon promises to be a spectacular display of creativity, showcasing the fusion of art, fashion, and Filipino identity. It also underscores the CCP’s role as a steward of Philippine arts which includes fashion and our traditional attire,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga. “We are glad that Ternocon remains to be a key calendar event for the creative industries, as it helps promote and sustain our collective identity through clothing.”

From the vibrant landscapes of Ilocos Norte to the dynamic streets of Davao, the finalists each represented a mosaic of Filipino talent: Bryan Peralta (Makati City), Patrick Lazol (Tarlac), Windell Madis (Ilocos Norte), Jared Servano (South Cotabato), Peach Garde (Capiz), Geomarie Hernandez (Batangas), Ram Silva (Iloilo), Jema Gamer (La Union), Irene Subang, (Negros Occidental), Monina Gatan (Quezon City), Jericho Gonzales (Mandaluyong City), and Lexter Badana (Capiz). Under the mentorship of industry stalwarts Inno Sotto, Lulu Tan-Gan, Ezra Santos, and Rhett Eala, the finalists drew from 20th century art influences, blending contemporary art with bold craftsmanship. The result was a celebration of the terno, not only as a symbol of Filipino identity but also as an ever-evolving art form that bridges the past and present.
The grand finale of Ternocon 2025 unfolded last night, January 26, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the culmination of months of creativity and dedication. Alongside the highly anticipated competition, the audience was treated to special collections from Ternocon 2023-winning designer Yssa Inumerable and this season’s esteemed mentors Lulu Tan-Gan, Rhett Eala, and Ezra Santos.

From the twelve exceptional finalists, Windell Madis was recognized with the prestigious Joe Salazar Award, Ram Silva received the Ramon Valera Award (bronze), Bryan Peralta earned the Pura Escuria Award (silver), and Peach Garde took home the top honor, the Pacita Longos Award (gold).
Windell Madis, Joe Salazar Awardee
A celebrated creative from Batac, Ilocos Norte, Madis showcased his innovative artistry with a collection inspired by the vibrant geometric style of National Artist Hernando R. Ocampo. His journey began in 2015 as a finalist on Project Runway Philippines Season 3, where his unique approach to fashion caught the attention of big industry names. He further solidified his place in fashion as a finalist in Ternocon in 2020. Beyond designing, Madis has nurtured the next generation of talent as a mentor at the Costume Laboratory, while his training in fashion draping and creative process continues to fuel his artistic vision.

Madis reinterpreted Ocampo’s dynamic and geometric abstractions into striking designs that balanced structure and fluidity. Each piece in his collection reflected a masterful interplay of vibrant hues and precise tailoring, bringing the artist’s signature style to life in wearable form. With a career rooted in both technical expertise and creative exploration, Madis’s Ternocon 2025 entry reaffirmed his status as a visionary in modern Filipino fashion.

Ram Silva, Ramon Valera Awardee (Bronze)
Ram Silva’s Ternocon 2025 capsule pieces are a heartfelt tribute to the Filipino countryside, drawing inspiration from National Artist Fernando Amorsolo’s romanticized depictions of rural life.

“Amorsolo’s works—rich in romance and simplicity—mirror my own beginnings, where every day felt like a timeless painting,” the designer shared. His designs celebrate the quiet strength and soulful beauty of the women in Amorsolo’s paintings, whom he likens to his grandmothers, whose influence shaped his perspective on fashion.
In crafting this collection, Silva also stayed true to his Ilonggo roots, incorporating 95% handwoven materials such as piña from Kalibo, hablon from Miagao, and natural fibers like raffia. “While innovation is essential, I believe it’s equally important to return to our roots. No matter how far we progress, we must preserve and respect where we came from. It’s not about extravagance but preserving the essence of the terno while honoring the artistry of our weavers and artisans,” he explained. With every stitch and silhouette, Silva demonstrates his commitment to protecting Filipino heritage, ensuring that its legacy endures for future generations.


Bryan Peralta, Pura Escuria Awardee (Silver)
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for modern art, Bryan Peralta drew inspiration from the bold strokes and vibrant palettes of National Artist Jose Joya for his Ternocon 2025 collection. Known for his minimalist yet impactful signature designs, the Makati-based designer translated Joya’s dynamic abstractions into designs characterized by clean lines and striking patterns, further emphasizing the synergy between art and fashion.

His pieces exuded modern elegance, balancing structure and fluidity to create silhouettes that are both timeless and contemporary. The vibrant hues and geometric patterns in his collection captured the essence of Joya’s artistry, while Peralta’s signature meticulous craftsmanship ensures every detail tells a story.

Peach Garde, Pacita Longos Awardee (Gold)
For his winning collection at Ternocon 2025, Peach Garde expertly drew inspiration from the architectural brilliance of National Artist Leandro Locsin, translating the strength and sharpness of brutalist design into fashion. “The look was inspired by the brutalist works of National Artist Leandro Locsin,” the Illongo designer shared with MEGA. “I was drawn to Locsin’s architectural approach, particularly his bold, geometric forms and striking lines. His work provided the perfect canvas for me to infuse my love for sharp tailoring, allowing me to create designs that were both structured and fluid.” Garde’s collection was characterized by its striking geometric lines, angular silhouettes, and carefully tailored constructions that echoed Locsin’s mastery of form and structure. He used a mix of modern fabrics, including textured wool and linen, to create pieces that combined architectural sharpness with fluidity.


The capsule collection’s minimalist palette—black, white, and gray—further emphasized the clean lines and bold shapes that are central to both Locsin’s work and Garde’s aesthetic. The innovative use of pleating, asymmetric cuts, and intricate draping techniques gave the garments both structure and movement, allowing them to capture the same sense of modernity and elegance found in Locsin’s iconic buildings. Through this collection, Garde showcased his ability to merge Filipino artistry with fashion, honoring the country’s cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.

While the winners’ collections undoubtedly stood out for their innovation and craftsmanship, the remaining finalists also presented powerful pieces that showcased their unique interpretations of the traditional Filipino garments:
Geomarie Hernandez
Geomarie Hernandez’s journey into fashion has been anything but conventional. With a degree in Hospitality Management and a background in banking and the food & beverage industries, he shifted gears to pursue his true passion for the arts. In 2015, Hernandez completed a dressmaking course at Slim’s Fashion & Art School, later working as an assistant designer to Joseph Aloysius Montelibano. In 2018, he launched his own bespoke brand, QUIM, which specialized in bridal and formal wear.
For this year’s edition of the Ternocon, Geom Hernandez’s designs draw from the dynamic lines, shapes, and colors of National Artist Hernando Ruiz Ocampo’s paintings. He sought to refresh the traditional terno, balintawak, and kimona, from the visual elements found in Ocampo’s Analogy and Dreams, particularly the reds and blues that represent the Filipino flag. For him, the collection marks the culmination of his hard work and growth throughout his Ternocon journey. A finalist in both the 2018 and 2023 editions, his latest collection highlights his continued dedication to blending tradition with modern design.


Jema Gamer
Jema Gamer, a fashion designer from La Union, is known for her fusion of tradition and modernity, with a strong focus on local artistry and sustainable fashion. As the creator behind Modista, she advocates for the preservation of Ilocano craftsmanship, particularly Iloko hand weaving, and is committed to promoting creativity within her community. Recognized as a leader in both local and global design spaces, Gamer’s achievements include notable accolades and her role as a finalist in Ternocon 2025.
Gamer found inspiration for her capsule collection in National Artist Vicente Manansala’s Community. As she explained, “I sketched the painting and then translated its cubist style into fashion through patching and beading. This collection is dedicated to the community of creatives I work with, as Modista is rooted in social entrepreneurship.” Through her work, Gamer honors the collaboration and connection that are central to both her design philosophy and her local heritage.

Patrick Lazol
Patrick Lazol, hailing from Capas, Tarlac, made a bold shift from a business background to pursue his passion for fashion design. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, Lazol quickly rose through the ranks, gaining mentorship from industry leader Francis Libiran and sharing his expertise with aspiring designers as an instructor. Now the director and owner of the Fashion Institute of the Philippines – Ortigas Main, he continues to advocate for inclusivity and open-mindedness in fashion education.
His three-piece capsule collection was inspired by the abstract expressionism of National Artist Jose Joya, capturing the artist’s sweeping brushstrokes and vibrant colors in dramatic terno silhouettes. “Jose Joya is one of the foremost abstract expressionists in the country,” Lazol told MEGA. “So I thought of incorporating colors into a swift movement because he’s known for that single stroke. We used one fabric, and then draped and folded that to mimic Joya’s style, creating a sense of fluidity and emotion in every piece.”

Jericho Gonzales
Based in Mandaluyong City, Jericho Gonzales began his creative journey with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines, focusing on visual communication and pattern making. His career spans roles in visual merchandising, creative direction, and design management. Since 2015, he’s been running his own label, specializing in bespoke bridal and formal wear with a focus on detailed craftsmanship and unique designs.
Taking cues from visual artist Onib Olmedo’s exploration of the human form and psyche, Gonzales created pieces that evoke depth and emotion. “I chose him because he was the one I was not familiar with in the list. I didn’t want to take inspiration from a well-known artist, but when I saw his works, they resonated with how I create,” Gonzales explained to MEGA. “Before fashion, I studied Fine Arts, and his style of drawing and painting mirrors my own approach to design.” Using materials like sheer fabrics, double organzas, pinya, Gonzales’s collection blends visual weight with ease, capturing both emotional depth and wearability.

Irene Subang
Irene Subang is an avant-garde designer known for her bold, sustainable creations that merge sculptural draping with organic fabrics. After initially studying Mass Communications and exploring various fields, she found her true passion in fashion, graduating from SoFA Design Institute in 2012. Over the years, her designs have gained attention both locally and internationally, and she’s played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Philippine fashion as an educator and advocate for sustainability.
Subang’s terno collection reflects the mastery of form seen in National Artist BenCab’s work, particularly through his iconic muse, Sabel. Through her intricate, draped designs, Subang channels BenCab’s ability to depict strength and vulnerability, translating it into a modern interpretation of the Filipino garment that balances structure with flowing movement.

Lexter Badana
Hailing from Roxas City, Capiz, Lexter Badana channeled his coastal upbringing and love for architecture into his designs for the fourth edition of Ternocon. After earning a degree in nursing, he pursued his passion for fashion and refined his craft at Slim’s Fashion & Arts School. His eponymous brand is known for blending timeless sophistication with modern functionality, celebrating classic styles while embracing contemporary design.

For his pieces, the designer took inspiration from the sculptural works of National Artist Ramon Orlina, using sleek, glass-like forms to bring a unique elegance to his terno. “The greens and blues in my designs reflect the coastal landscape of Roxas City, where I grew up surrounded by the sea. I also used resin to mimic the glass details in Orlina’s sculptures,” he shared with MEGA. With this collection, Badana merges his love for his hometown and Orlina’s artistry into a powerful visual statement, fusing nature, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Jared Servano
Jared Servano, a cultural advocate and indigenous textile designer from South Cotabato, has made a mark in the fashion world by blending his Filipino heritage with modern design sensibilities. Known for his bold creations that celebrate both sustainability and Filipino craftsmanship, Servano has showcased his work globally, from London Fashion Week to Somerset House.
The geometric abstraction of visual artist Nena Saguil shaped his three-piece Ternocon 2025 collection; influenced by her dynamic, bold use of form and color, Servano incorporated structured geometric patterns and shapes into his designs, blending indigenous textiles with contemporary design elements. Through his Ternocon entry, Servano continues to tell the story of Filipino culture while championing the use of sustainable materials and practices.

Monina Gatan
Monina Gatan, an alumna of Slim’s Fashion & Arts School, has built a career marked by craftsmanship and a deep passion for fashion innovation. With a notable presence at Amsterdam Fashion Week, Gatan has consistently pushed the limits of design innovation in her work. Her expertise lies in bridal and terno formal wear, with notable pieces like her velvet terno for Sandy Lim-Higgins.
For Ternocon 2025, Gatan’s collection reimagines the sculptural artistry of Impy Pilapil with thoughtful, symbolic details. The kimona top and patadyong were adorned with a wavy dagger at the waist—an homage to the kimona’s historical role as a subversive garment, once used to prevent the concealment of weapons. For the balintawak, a striking resin see-through sleeve mirrored the transparency of the traditional cañamazo sleeve. The final look featured a sculptural resin butterfly wing emerging from a cutout terno sleeve, a poignant reminder of the terno sleeve’s evolution through history, connecting the past to the present in a bold and innovative way.

Photographed by KIERAN PUNAY