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Paskong TernoCon 2023 at SM Aura Highlights Designs by Icons Lesley Mobo and Joey Samson

'Paskong TernoCon' was a unique celebration of Filipino heritage and artistry. And the collections of Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo showed a perfect marriage between 

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Metro.Style Team

<p>“<em>P’wede pala</em>,” <strong>SM Supermall</strong> president<strong> Steven Tan </strong>quipped when asked what his takeaway was after seeing the collections of fashion designers <strong>Joey Samson</strong> and <strong>Lesley Mobo </strong>for the “<strong>Paskong TernoCon</strong>” held at <strong>SM Aura</strong> last December 9. “<em>P’wede palang pang-araw-araw ang damit na terno</em>. <em>Hindi lang ito pang</em>-special <em>na</em> occasion.” </p><div><br/></div><p>The rest of those who witnessed this remarkable fashion event unfold can surely agree with Tan, as the traditional <em>terno</em> was presented and styled in different classic and creative interpretations. It was such a delight to feast our eyes on masterpieces that look young and modern yet still true to their traditional essence. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0586a3ad-1128-4301-866d-a0fcf43e7ecc_sm terno-107.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e8182050-3022-4855-94df-3b8181b6df48_sm terno-141.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>TernoCon</strong>, a biennial gathering  that unites top Filipino designers and showcases the beauty of traditional attire, is the brainchild of the <strong>Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)</strong> and<strong> Bench / lifestyle + clothing</strong>. Since its inception in 2018, its goal has always been to preserve and promote the <em>terno</em> and present it in unique and modern ways to maintain its relevance for the new and next generations. </p><div><br/></div><p>Tan was a regular guest at the past TernoCon events in CCP, and on one of those occasions, he talked to CCP vice chairperson <strong>Margie Moran</strong> and Bench founder <strong>Ben Chan</strong> and brought up the idea of putting a twist to the TernoCon. He told them, “Maybe it’s about time that we share it also with the Filipino people, to more people, to shoppers… They both agreed. They thought it was a great idea.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/21ba420d-d756-4c60-bdd8-f19f766d2c31_sm terno-110.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Lesley Mobo, Steven Tan, and Joey Samson"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Lesley Mobo, Steven Tan, and Joey Samson</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2651cfe7-a9b7-4143-8f40-7c4785a66517_sm terno-115.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Lesley Mobo, Ben Chan, Margie Moran, Steven Tan, and Joey Samson"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Lesley Mobo, Ben Chan, Margie Moran, Steven Tan, and Joey Samson</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Culture and couture</strong></div><p>Fast forward to today, this version of the TernoCon一the first collaboration between SM Supermalls, Bench, and the CCP一finally came to fruition, and what a success it truly was! The holiday timing couldn’t have been more perfect to bring together Filipino traditions, fashion, and family, as there’s nothing quite like a Pinoy Christmas celebration. </p><div><br/></div><p>Against the stunning backdrop of SM Aura’s <strong>33-foot Filipino-themed Christmas tree </strong>adorned with handmade ornaments using locally sourced materials, the runway set the tone for echoing the initiative’s overarching messages: Pinoy pride and the celebration of heritage, culture, and couture.  </p><div><br/></div><p>From the get-go, the concept came with a lot of heart and passion for Pinoy pride. Visionaries Samson and Mobo, with their innovative perspectives that have left an indelible mark on the industry, are the ideal designers to anchor the movement to celebrate Filipino heritage and artistry. “They’re very professional. Both Lesley and Joey are good friends of mine,” Tan said. “They really put their heart into their crafts. You can really tell. It shows in the outfits that they created.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/3f102247-8e31-4fba-80ba-06aedccdc9c3_sm terno-148.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0c2383aa-3617-4afc-9704-ee71552b167c_sm terno-145.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="SM Supermalls president Steven Tan"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">SM Supermalls president Steven Tan</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Paskong TernoCon, under the artistic direction of <strong>Gino Gonzales</strong>, was well-attended with celebrities and key personalities like Taguig mayor<strong> Lani Cayetano</strong>, First Lady<strong> Liza Marcos</strong>, <strong>Richard Gomez</strong>, <strong>Cris Villonco</strong>, <strong>Mikaela Martinez</strong>, <strong>Patty Laurel</strong>, <strong>Kelly Misa</strong>, <strong>Nicole Hernandez</strong>,<strong> Vanna Garcia</strong>, and <strong>Georgia Schulze-del Rosario</strong>. But bringing the <em>terno</em> closer to Filipinos was a goal that was likewise achieved. Mallgoers took a break from holiday shopping to watch and appreciate the fashion spectacle. </p><div><br/></div><p>Tan emphasized the importance of making traditional Filipino clothing relatable. “Look at my shirt,” he said, pointing to his<em> Barong Tagalog</em>. “I can wear this with jeans. Even Bench themselves, they were selling <em>ternos</em> made of denim fabric.” </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a49db2ca-559d-4cae-8683-2caa9a572f2c_sm terno-131.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Vanna Garcia, Nicole Hernandez, Mikaela Martinez, George Schulze-del Rosario, Kelly Misa, and Patty Laurel"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Vanna Garcia, Nicole Hernandez, Mikaela Martinez, George Schulze-del Rosario, Kelly Misa, and Patty Laurel</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Joey Samson: Minimalist Maestro</strong></div><p>Samson shares Tan’s sentiments on the advocacy of making the <em>terno</em> more appealing to Filipinos. But first and foremost, he pointed out that <em>terno</em> is a Philippine national dress and <em>not</em> a costume, which is a term that could give the impression that it’s only meant to be worn for certain events, say, a Linggo ng Wika celebration. Though it may not be used as everyday wear by some, it could still be a ubiquitous piece in people’s wardrobe. “They should see that it’s not a costume… [it’s] something that we can use an option to formal wear, and we should all take pride in wearing it,” Samson told <strong>Metro.Style</strong>. </p><div><br/></div><p>To him, a <em>terno</em> is instrumental in communicating pride and love for the Philippines. With the collection he presented at the Paskong TernoCon, Samson showed an array of classic design options for the <em>terno</em>, even presenting how men can also wear the <strong>Barong Filipino</strong> today. There was a lot of play on proportions and layering and an experimental, contemporary take on detailing and fabrication, all the more proving the versatility and flexibility of the <em>terno</em> silhouette and the traditional Filipino attire in general. </p><div><br/></div><p>To appeal to a younger audience, Joey said the <em>terno</em> “has to be something that’s really very modern in terms of fabrication and in terms of treatment.” He added that he treats <em>terno</em> the way he treats any other clothes he creates, noting that “the craftsmanship should be retained all the time.” </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/528decc1-848e-45a4-8376-2e937b1ffefa_sm terno-152.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Joey Samson"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Joey Samson</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/82e80ba0-367e-4341-98a9-fd90a1b5b054_sm terno-2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Janine Gutierrez opening the show for Joey Samson"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Janine Gutierrez opening the show for Joey Samson</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d0b35269-5eb4-4df1-bfba-2f1b01e4a295_sm terno-19.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Sabina Gonzalez"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Sabina Gonzalez</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>His show started with actress <strong>Janine Gutierrez</strong> wearing a plaid-patterned <em>terno</em> with accordion-like pleats on the bottom part. The collection segued into white, beige, and black pieces in sleek and volumized silhouettes. <strong>Sabina Gonzalez</strong>, daughter of supermodel Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, broke the series of neutral palettes on the runway, as she modeled a form-fitting printed midi <em>terno</em> dress with a choker that extends into a textured cape-like train. Top model and photographer <strong>Jo Ann Bitagcol </strong>made a splash on the runway in a white pantsuit-like <em>terno</em>, accentuated with a printed and tulle mullet train that forms a peplum silhouette on the waist. Actor <strong>David Licauco</strong> rocked a white long top and pants combo, topped off with a sparkly off-white jacket and worn with a pair of white sneakers.  </p><div><br/></div><p>Also notable in Samson’s collection was how he presented <em>terno</em> as an option for bridalwear, especially with <strong><a href="https://metro.style/people/society-personalities/ella-pangilinan-enrique-miranda-wedding-details/36918" target="_blank">Filipiniana</a></strong> becoming more and more popular as a wedding theme. Janine returned to the runway and ended Samson’s show in a white asymmetrical dress with a <em>terno</em> sleeve on one side and a voluminous cascading ruffle on the other.     </p><div><br/></div><p>Completing his ensembles are accessories like parasol umbrellas, hats, abanicos, gloves, woven bags, alpombras, among other locally made jewels. Overall, his collection featured pieces that are characterized by clean lines, romantic undertones, and timeless elegance.   </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/cc40fa47-cf39-43f0-93e8-b8e27da96607_sm terno-45.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Jo Ann Bitagcol"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Jo Ann Bitagcol</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e1ea366f-7d10-4f89-b8b9-82bf8581c5ff_sm terno-47.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="David Licauco"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">David Licauco</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/859dd425-fb17-4f86-80fa-78373e9fef94_sm terno-48.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Lesley Mobo: Maximalist Extraordinaire</strong></div><p>“When I think of <em>terno</em>, it should be fun because I want it to appeal to younger Filipinos,” Lesley Mobo said in an exclusive interview with us. “<em>Terno</em>, for me, should live with the young generation, and I’m trying to make it youthful and appealing to them.” This is why he made sure to make the most of a venue like the TernoCon to showcase the diversity of the <em>terno</em> and the endless possibility to reimagine it. </p><div><br/></div><p>In true Lesley Mobo avant-garde fashion, fun, festive, and fabulous are the perfect words that encapsulate his Paskong TernoCon collection一the very words that also define the holiday season. But also, his fit-and-flare pieces, serving as a continuation to his tropical <em>terno</em> collection, call to mind summer with the splash of bold colors and the generous serving of florals and polka-dot prints.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2347b92a-d416-4342-a58e-920763baf95b_sm terno-155.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Lesley Mobo"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Lesley Mobo</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/7976ac9c-fb85-43c7-8c75-339e053a2aad_sm terno-58.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Jasmine Maierhofer opened the show for Lesley Mobo"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Jasmine Maierhofer opened the show for Lesley Mobo</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/65d471bc-3a02-4d11-b6f5-0b78b2bd3f98_sm terno-75.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Yaofa Dela Cruz"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Yaofa Dela Cruz</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Opening his segment of the sartorial event was top model <strong>Jasmine Maierhofer </strong>in a floral <em>terno</em> with a thigh-high slit. Pushing the envelope further, this bold piece was accessorized with a floral headpiece, dangling earrings, gloves, a printed <em>pamaypay</em>, a bow, and an embellished pair of slippers. These accessories were seen in various iterations throughout the show. Fashion model <strong>Yaofa Dela Cruz </strong>emerged in a striking violet <em>terno</em> with a lilac tulle accent, accessorized with an equally vibrant bag. </p><div><br/></div><p>Miss Universe Philippines 2013 <strong>Ariella Arida </strong>gracefully walked the runway in a midnight blue <em>terno</em> with brown polka dot prints, an ensemble that also featured pops of pink through her accessories and a bow detailing on the dress. Wrapping up the collection was this black and white polka-dot <em>terno</em> with a flowy drape element, punctuated by red accessories and a white floral headpiece; the exquisite creation was fiercely and elegantly modeled by Miss Universe Philippines 2023 <strong>Michelle Marquez-Dee</strong>. </p><div><br/></div><p>With the vibrant pieces Mobo showed the audiences at Paskong TernoCon, it’s easy to picture a millennial or even a Gen Z-er attending formal events in such creations. Igniting visual mood boards, it’s likely a Filipino debutant could also be inspired to put a spin on the traditional debut party with a <em>terno</em> gown like Mobo’s designs. “If they [the young ones] can see what we’re doing, they can be proud that ‘oh my god, this is Filipino.’ When you start wearing something, you’re trying to say you love the Philippines… When you’re proud to be Filipino, you wear Filipino and that’s a good move. It’s a good start,” he remarked.     </p><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Terno </em>should really communicate <em>talaga</em> that you’re a Filipino. ‘I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud of our history,’” Mobo said, adding that he’s always so deeply inspired by the diversity of our culture and the influences that helped shape our nation’s identity. “A <em>terno</em> can be universal in a way but it’s unmistakably Filipino.”  </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6b2fceef-c6e3-4638-9012-7e4fffe340a4_sm terno-96a.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Ariella Arida"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Ariella Arida</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/f49dc521-4229-4520-9b3c-b79cdc7522d8_sm terno-100.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Michelle Marquez-Dee"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Michelle Marquez-Dee</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/c1430267-c106-4262-8795-dc0a7212560c_sm terno-101.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Watch the event highlights here:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmetrodotstyle%2Fvideos%2F375194338321517%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><div><br/></div><br/><div><br/></div><div><em><strong>To know more  about  Paskong  TernoCon  2023  and  SM  Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.</strong></em></div><div><br/></div><p>Photos and video by <strong>Pat Buenaobra</strong></p><div><br/></div>

'Paskong TernoCon' was a unique celebration of Filipino heritage and artistry. And the collections of Joey Samson and Lesley Mobo showed a perfect marriage between culture and relatable couture 