New home for Luz Magsaysay’s Valera, Alonzo ternos

What started as an act of altruism has since snowballed and taken a life of its own as a larger movement for the preservation of the arts —this time, of the sophisticated creations of the country's most renowned fashion couturiers.

Stunning evening gowns by National Artist for Fashion Design Ramon Valera and Camel awardee Aureo Alonzo were graciously donated by Mila Magsaysay Valenzuela, the daughter of former First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay.

A lady in the truest sense of the word, Magsaysay captivated everyone with her utter simplicity. A devoted wife and dedicated mother, she is most remembered by an appreciative generation as the composed widow during the grim and grey days when her husband, President Ramon Magsaysay, perished in a tragic aircraft disaster which the entire country and diplomatic world mourned.

In the end, the surviving spouse lived a simple and quiet life surrounded by family and faithful friends, rarely venturing outside of their own confines. Yet, she still unwittingly captured the hearts of the public each time she donned Valera and Alonzo ensembles during state dinners and official functions at the Malacañang Palace, her temporary home from 1950 to 1957.

These wardrobes will eventually have their deserving permanent home at the Brother Miguel Febres Building, named after a member of the Brothers of Christian Schools and the first male Ecuadorian saint. Three floors of the once-known Instituto Cervantes within the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde campus will soon serve as a gallery and a library to preserve the legacy of iconic fashion luminaries.

"It is nothing short of a jackpot for the future fashion museum and library being planned by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. It is truly a worthy addition to Benilde's growing collection of Philippine fashion and we are grateful for this contribution to the education of our future fashion designers," Center for Campus Art director and curator Gerry Torres said.