The Philippine Terno Gala made a stunning return to the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on June 28, 2025, drawing fashion luminaries and culture enthusiasts to the Pacific Grand Ballroom for a night celebrating the country’s iconic national attire.
Now on its third edition, the event featured the creative direction of Cebu’s own Cary Santiago, who led the gala with a collection that reimagined the terno through a bold, contemporary lens.
Joining him were five celebrated Filipino designers – Edwin Ao, Jun Escario, and Protacio Empaces from Cebu, alongside Manila-based couturiers Joey Samson and Jojie Lloren.
Co-presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and supported by the Cebu City Tourism Commission under City Councilor Joy Pesquera, the event once again positioned Cebu as a cultural and creative capital. Junjet Primor directed the evening’s program.
Design highlights included Protacio Empaces’ heritage-driven embroidery work, Jun Escario’s cosmopolitan Filipiniana in silk and piña, and Edwin Ao’s striking architectural silhouettes in crisp red and white.
From Manila, Joey Samson’s tuxedo-terno hybrids and Jojie Lloren’s emotionally resonant tribute to his mother added depth and innovation to the show.
Among the muses and sponsors were prominent women from business and society including Bea Zobel de Ayala Jr., Alice Eduardo, Mariquita Yeung, and Yedda Romualdez, who lent support and elegance to the occasion.
Guests were treated to Cebuano cuisine before the show, culminating in Santiago’s couture finale: a nature-inspired collection rich in textures and symbolism, blending feathers, fine tailoring, and cultural pride.
The Philippine Terno Gala once again affirmed its role as a platform for artistry, identity, and national pride—Cebu style.
CebuLifestyleChannel.ph