With the mentorship of industry veterans led by Inno Sotto and a creative direction inspired by the works of National Artists Ang Kiukok and Anita Magsaysay-Ho, these 14 finalists are on a path to innovate the Philippine terno for Ternocon 2025
The fourth edition of Ternocon is in full swing. The national convention and competition represents a renewed dedication to honoring the heritage of the Philippine attire. Envisioning a new look while celebrating its significance towards our identity, the Ternocon 2025 unites designers from across the archipelago in a dynamic space where rising talents seek to reinterpret the traditional dress.
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This year, 12 finalists—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—and the two semi-finalists, namely Xioti Chiu and Jema Gamer, showcased their passion and talent, earning their places in Ternocon from a competitive pool of 82 applicants. They recently participated in the second mentoring workshop from October 17 to 21 at Bench Tower in BGC, Taguig.
These designers, from diverse provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Iloilo, and Davao, are challenged to create a capsule collection that includes a formal terno, balintawak, and kimona. Their initial workshop in Baguio last June immersed them in the essence of Filipino formalwear, setting them on a path toward artistic mastery.
Under the guidance of a distinguished team of veteran designers led by Chief Mentor Inno Sotto, these emerging talents are mastering the techniques of terno-making while also becoming stewards of this garment. They explore lessons in fabric manipulation, structure, and embellishment—grounded in tradition but open to contemporary perspectives. With Sotto at the helm, and joined by Ezra Santos, Lulu Tan-Gan, Rhett Eala, and Ricardo Eric Cruz, they are refining their craft and expanding their vision.
Ternocon’s 2025 theme draws inspiration from 20th-century Philippine contemporary art, celebrating movements and perspectives that modernly shaped our heritage. The works of National Artists like Ang Kiukok and Anita Magsaysay-Ho inform this year’s creative direction, underscoring the event’s cultural relevance. But beyond the art references, it’s the commitment to keeping the terno relevant today that drives this initiative.
The conference began with a fashion show presenting the works of TernoCon 3 Gold Medalist Yssa Inumerable, and mentors Rhett Eala, Lulu Tan-Gan, and Ezra Santos.
“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,” says Ricardo Eric Cruz, Ternocon’s Artistic Director. “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.”
For Ben Chan, Chairman and CEO of Suyen Corporation, Ternocon is more than a competition—it’s a mission. “It has always been our passion to promote Filipino culture through fashion design,” he said. “With Ternocon, we preserve an integral part of our Filipino heritage through education, exhibition, and public awareness.”
As the finalists shape their collections for Ternocon 2025, they hold the privilege of preserving their heritage. They are participants in a national competition and play a crucial role in the evolution of Filipino fashion through a dress steeped in our identity. Among these 14 talented designers may be the next star ready to capture the world’s attention and elevate the Philippines’ presence in the fashion landscape.
Photos: BENCH
