WHAT MAKES A WINNING TERNO?

GOLD MEDALS IN BALINTAWAK TERNO & FORMAL EVENING TERNO: MARLON TUAZON from Angeles, Pampanga

What was the inspiration for your ternos?

Ever since I was a kid I loved pearls, so every time I stepped out, I wanted my mother to have a pearl. So when I was finally able to work, I bought many pearls, and that was the inspiration for my gown. What was the best advice your mentor, JC Buendia, gave you? Many, many, many things. He taught me how to work harder, and to make things possible.

SILVER MEDAL IN FORMAL EVENING TERNO: MARIA NENITA MORDEN from Villasis, Pangasinan

What was the inspiration for your terno?

I was inspired by the Boxer Codex with the pintados, the tattoo ink from the Visayan region, and this is their tattoo. Actually it’s all hand-beaded and embroidered. It took about three weeks to finish, but I kept stopping because I have a two-year-old baby I have to take care of. But it was all worth it. What was the best advice your mentor, JC Buendia, gave you? Just do whatever you like. If your idea’s there, that’s it.

SILVER MEDAL IN BALINTAWAK TERNO: DAN RYAN DURAN from Siaton, Negros Oriental

What was the inspiration for your terno?

I was comparing Thailand and Philippines, and Thailand wasn’t colonized. When I went there, the inspiration for their Westernized clothing was their queen having couture made, and people saw it and became western, so I was translating it to my garments, especially the Balintawak. It’s supposed to be inspired by Madeline Vionnet. It’s one cut — the entire fabric is connected together, except for the sleeves.

What was the best advice your mentors Inno Sotto and Cary Santiago gave you?

Don’t overthink. I tend to think too much about my clothes, but once I get going, it’s free flowing.