Las Casas hosts exhibit of Filipiniana gowns, ternos

LAS CASAS Filipinas de Acuzar is a heritage community that is dedicated to bring the traditions that have shaped our culture in the past back to the consciousness of the modern Filipino.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar recently opened an exhibit of Filipiniana gowns and ternos made by prestigious Filipino designers such as Francis Libiran, Renee Salud, Cary Santiago, Albert Andrada, Randy Ortiz, Edwin Uy, Dave Ocampo, Mikee Andrei, North Ortiz, Vince Sityar, Francis Calaquian, Maricis de la Peña, Marjorie Lee Gomabay, Dave Aguirre Lee, Jojo Alibio, and Patis Tesoro were included in the host of notable designers featured in the exhibit.

This exhibit was inspired by Betty Lalana’s article entitled, “The Origin and Evolution of Filipino-inspired Fashion.” Here, she discussed how the beautiful terno was able to evolve and withstand the test of time by saying, “What remains as a constant source of pride is the fact that the Philippine terno and barong were elevated to mean elegance and class. Today, these are worn in the most formal and grandest of occasions.”

The gowns on display were exquisite and beautifully made with their rich details and creative wonder. The exhibit was truly a sight to behold as 31 ternos and gowns graced the lobby of the resort’s Hotel de Oriente.

Alongside this, there was also a photo exhibit that celebrated the glorious days of the Manila Carnival Queens entitled, “The Fairest of the Fair: Manila Carnival Queens from 1908 to 1939.”

This exhibit paid homage to the Manila Carnival Queens who were the first

lakambinis that brought beauty with substance to the forefront of pageants in the country. The photos and research for the exhibit came from Mr. Alex Castro’s extensive collection of this era. A crown from the 1934 Manila Carnival Queen, Clarita Villarica Tan Kiang, was on display in the exhibit. This crown is a rare find from the Manila Carnival Queen’s era that still exists at present.

The 31 gowns in the terno and Filipiniana exhibit represent the 31 years of the majestic Manila Carnivals and the queens who reigned during this era.

The opening of the exhibit was followed by one of the biggest events the resort has hosted: the Lakambini

ng Las Casas pageant. This pageant is still a nod to the tradition of the Manila Carnival Queens. The pageant boasted the beauty of the 18 local Bataan

lakambinis who walked gracefully and full of confidence on the stage of the grand ballroom of the resort’s premiere convention center, Hotel de Oriente.