Mostly designed by a National Artist, Luz Magsaysay’s Ternos to be showcased at the Ramon Magsaysay Center

While Ramon Magsaysay regrettably did not complete his mandate as the President of the Republic of the Philippines, the widowed Luz Banzon Magsaysay dedicated the rest of her life to preserve her late husband’s lasting memory and lived a simple life. After all “Magsaysay is My Guy!” was known as the “Champion of the Masses.”

And yet looking back, in just three years and two months into her husband’s tenure — one of the shortest presidential terms in the country — and as the First Lady and hostess of Malacañang, she subtly — perhaps even unconsciously — contributed to the nation’s ever-evolving fashion scene.

Come 12 February the Benilde Fashion Museum — the very first of its kind in our islands — will spearhead its inaugural show, Magsaysay as Muse: Luz Banzon Magsaysay and the Terno as Cultural Identity, with hopes to continue the narrative of the Magsaysays.

The exhibit will spotlight on eight ternos — seven from her personal wardrobe, and one from the archives of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF). These long gowns carry history on their own.

From the seven national dresses — graciously and generously donated by her daughter Mila Magsaysay Valenzuela — five were designed by none other than National Artist for fashion Ramon Valera. He was known to modernize the traditional look of the baro’t saya. While the old pieces were split into three or four interconnected or matching ones, Valera brilliantly innovated and combined all these parts into a whole through zippers.

The other two were created by Aureo Alonzo, the “Prince of Philippine Haute Couture.” He was famously renowned for his tireless experimentations — which may have seemed blasphemous at the time — on the use of fabrics, as he incorporated nationalistic illustrations, bold colors, and refined silhouettes into the storied ternos we are familiar with today.

The final piece is a terno worn by Luz Magsaysay during the presidential campaign. It succinctly provides a glimpse into our political climate during a most tumultuous time — just before we were recognized as one of the most well-governed in Asia.

She redefined how this Filipino dress was perceived by the public, and its effects now ripple across decades — as the terno has gained popularity even as wear during non-official gatherings and affairs. 

These fabled dresses will soon find their way to the Laureate Library and Museum of the Ramon Magsaysay Center, to further inspire the current generation of fashion enthusiasts, and to spread awareness among the general public.

The exhibition will likewise host three lectures, with knowledgeable speakers such as Magsaysay Museum curator Noel Gaton; Benilde Fashion Museum director, architect Gerry Torres; and leading costume and fashion designer Eric Pineda.

¡Enhorabuena, Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation and the Benilde Fashion Museum!

Magsaysay as Muse: Luz Banzon Magsaysay and the Terno as Cultural Identity will run from 12  February  to 27 March at the Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila.