Bench, SM Supermalls and CCP present Ternocon: Kasarinlan, Kultura, Kasuotan

We have never seen anything like this before.  “TernoCon: Kasarinlan, Kultura, Kasuotan” last June 10 was truly an unprecedented, revolutionary event marking our 126th Independence Day.

A collaboration between Bench, SM Supermalls and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, it featured three fashion revolutionaries: Cary Santiago representing Visayas with his iconic national symbols in colors inspired by the Philippine flag; Jaggy Glarino with his collection that draws on the rich cultural heritage of Mindanao; and Jojie Lloren of Luzon with his ternos honoring both his mother and the motherland.

Venue was the Museo del Galeon at the SM Mall of Asia, a huge work in progress that will open in 2025.

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ben Chan, Bench founder and creative director, says: “SM Supermalls generously opened the Museo exclusively for TernoCon.  Its raw state, with exposed concrete and industrial construction details, as well as its imposing ceiling dome height, was the perfect venue to show the impressive collection of the three designers.”

Steven Tan, SM Supermalls president, explains: “The Museo del Galeon celebrates the historic Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade and its legacy. When it opens in 2025, it will be the first experiential maritime museum in the Philippines, showing the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas in the past, and stands as a testament to the exchanges that continue to shape our world today.”

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.

Kaye Tinga, CCP president, states that “the presence of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra transformed the show into a rich cultural experience appreciating our past in a modern structure.”

This partnership between Bench, SM Supermalls and CCP follows the success of the 2023 Paskong TernoCon at SM Aura, where it brought a fresh narrative to Filipino cultural celebrations.

The Museo del Galeon at SM MOA, in its unfinished state with concrete and industrial construction details, as well as its imposing ceiling dome height, was the perfect setting for TernoCon

“The partnership,” adds Chan, “brings the best of Philippine fashion and the country’s rich heritage closer to more Filipinos through the malls.  Yes, the thrust is to bring the terno to a growing audience.” This SM MOA event was made open to the public as well through online pre-registration.

Add to the things you can do in a mall (shopping, dining, etcetera): History watching.