TernoCon 2024 Celebrates Filipino Culture on the Runway

July 4, 2024

The TernoCon 2024 weaves together contemporary couture with rich cultural influences.

In a spectacular display of fashion and heritage, the TernoCon 2024 took center stage at the Museo Del Galeon in SM Mall of Asia. The event captured the essence of the Filipinos’ vibrant traditions, showcasing a tapestry of colors, textures, and stories and bringing together talented designers, breathtaking creations, and a community dedicated to celebrating the Philippines’ independence through fashion. This year’s TernoCon is KKK: Kasarinlan, Kultura, Kasuotan.

Jojie Lloren brings a personal touch to his collection, “A Lullaby for my Mother,” which honors both his mother and the motherland.

Cary Santiago unveils “Ikonograpiya,” a collection inspired by the Philippine flag and iconic national symbols.

^{Jaggy Glarino presents “Lemlunay,” a collection that draws on the rich cultural heritage of Mindanao.}

Celebrating the 126th year of Philippine Independence, fashion designers presented a collection that highlights the rich history of Philippine culture, with the iconic terno on the runway. The event was also in collaboration with SM Supermalls, Bench/Lifestyle + Clothing, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), adding an impactful and memorable layer to the experience.

Models in Jojie Lloren’s “**A Lullaby for my Mother”** collection walk on the runway at TernoCon: Kasarinlan, Kultura, Kasuotan.

An homage to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee wears a Cary Santiago creation.

The highlight of the event was the three trailblazing fashion designers who mesmerized the audience with curated collections that paid homage to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The intricate embroidery and traditional motifs blended seamlessly with modern silhouettes, creating a stunning fusion of old and new. Each collection was a personal tribute, weaving stories of our heritage into every piece.

^{TV personality Maine Mendoza dons a Jojie Lloren design.}

^{Model Jo Ann Bitagcol in a Jojie Lloren creation.}

Model Marina Benipayo in a Jaggy Glarino design.

One of the standout moments of the evening was Lloren’s “A Lullaby for my Mother,” with 12 elegant terns that captivated the night by paying homage to his beloved mom and the Motherland.

Another highlight was Santiago’s “Ikonograpiya” which impressed the audience with 12 ternos, which celebrated the iconic Filipino symbols like the Sampaguita, the Philippine national flower, jeepney, and sorbetes (Filipino ice cream) in the vibrant colors of our national flag, which added a unique flair to the runway.

**(L-R):** Fashion designer Jaggy Glarino, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Vice Chair Carissa Coscolluela,fashion designer Jojie Lloren, CCP President Kaye Tinga, Bench/ lifestyle + clothing founder Ben Chan, First Lady of the Philippines Liza Marcos, SM Markets Chairman Herbert Sy, CCP Vice Chair Margie Moran, Suyen Corporation President Virgilio Lim, fashion designer Cary Santiago, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan

Bench/ lifestyle + clothing founder Ben Chan presents the TernoCon 2023 Catalog to the First Lady of the Philippines, Liza Araneta-Marcos.

^{Minimalist fashion designer Jojie Lloren}

^{Sculptural fashion designer Cary Santiago}

Avant-garde fashion designer Jaggy Glarino

Lastly, we have Glarino’s “Lemlunay,” which wowed the audience with 9 ternos and 3 barongs, influenced by the rich cultural heritage of Mindanao. The audience was treated to a wonderful journey where every detail reflected the essence of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

**(L-R):** Lucy Torres, Richard Gomez, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, and SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan

^{(L-R): SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, Philippine Airlines President Stanley Ng, and Bench/ lifestyle + clothing founder Ben Chan}

**(L-R):** Nicole Ortega, Carla Tengco, Bench/ lifestyle + clothing founder Ben Chan, Jojie Dingcong, Ching Cruz, Susan Joven, Wildflour’s Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, and Mia Borromeo

Bench/ lifestyle + clothing founder Ben Chan and TernoCon Artistic Director Gino Gonzales

**(L-R):** Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Kaye Tinga, CCP Vice Chair Margie Moran, SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan, Suyen Corporation President Virgilio Lim, and Suyen Corporation Vice President for Finance Nenita Lim

Guests from socialites and celebrities to fashion enthusiasts came in with their finest Filipino ternos, barongs, and modern Filipinianas. The event succeeded in embodying the Philippines’ cultural heritage and brimmed the atmosphere with a sense of national pride with its breathtaking fashion. It was a testament to the power of fashion as a medium for storytelling and a reminder of the beauty found in culture and tradition.

^{Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo}

**(L-R):** Model Tweetie De Leon, digital creator Myrza Sison, and model Apples Aberin

**(L-R):** Model Vanna Garcia, TV host Daphne Osena-Paez, and model Kelly Misa-Fernandez

There are a few days left until Ternocon 2024 ends on June 23. You can still have a chance to experience the 24 curated looks on the runway and discover the influences behind each piece by Llroren, Santiago, and Glarino.

Fashion designer Jojie Lloren (right) and muses, TV personality Maine Mendoza (left), and model Jo Ann Bitagcol (back).

Fashion designer Cary Santiago (right) with muse, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.

Fashion designer Jaggy Glarino (right) with muse, model Marina Benipayo (left).

Don’t miss out on this experience. Visit the TernoCon exhibit at the SM Mall of Asia and celebrate the KKK: Kasarinlan, Kultura, at Kasuotan.

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