“Terno” Takes Center Stage During Philippine Embassy Hosting of the Tokyo Women’s Club
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, herself wearing a Philippine “terno” top, during her welcome remarks at the Tokyo Women’s Club Meeting featuring a cultural presentation on the Philippines’ iconic traditional dress on 23 May 2025 at the official residence of the Ambassador.
TOKYO, 23 May 2025 – As part of the Philippine Embassy’s celebration of National Heritage Month, Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano hosted the meeting of the Tokyo Women’s Club, featuring a cultural presentation on the Philippines’ iconic traditional dress – the terno – at the official residence in Kudan.
“Today’s occasion is a fitting tribute as we celebrate this month the National Heritage Month in the Philippines. The official residence itself is a special heritage building with cultural and historical significance, which has been bestowed the National Historical Landmark status by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It serves as an ideal backdrop to today’s lecture on the Philippines’ most beloved iconic traditional dress – the terno,” said Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano during her welcome remarks.
Ms. Leonora Luisa “Len” Cabili, fashion and Philippine textile advocate, and founder and creative director of the Filipino clothing and accessories brand Filip+Inna, during her lecture on the “terno”.
The terno presentation featured one of the Philippines’ most sought after speakers on fashion and an advocate of Philippine textile, Ms. Leonora Luisa “Len” Cabili, who took the members of the Tokyo Women’s Club on a journey through the evolution of the terno from its traditional roots to its contemporary interpretation, and the use of indigenous textiles to create beautiful and artistic pieces. Ms. Cabili is the founder and creative director of the Filipino clothing and accessories brand Filip+Inna whose products are carefully crafted by local artisans from 22 indigenous and traditional groups around the Philippines.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (center) with Ms. Valerie Moschetti, President of the Tokyo Women’s Club (right), and Ms. Len Cabili (left) by the Philippine “terno” exhibition featuring five exceptional pieces by renowned Filipino designers showing the evolution of the iconic dress from its traditional roots to contemporary interpretation.
Members of the Tokyo Women’s Club and other guests admire the Philippine “terno” exhibition (left photo) and enjoy the sumptuous Filipino buffet (right photo) during the Philippine Ambassador’s hosting of the Tokyo Women’s Club Meeting in celebration of National Heritage Month.
The event also included an exhibition of five exceptional terno pieces designed by Filipino designers Lulu Tan Gan, Joey Samson, Renz Reyes, Filip+Inna, and Pepito Albert whose work is from the personal collection of Ms. Irene Marcos Araneta, sister of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
Sixty (60) members of the Tokyo Women’s Club and guests from the diplomatic corps were captivated by the engaging lecture of Ms. Cabili and the terno exhibition, as well as the beauty, heritage and history of the official residence. To cap off the cultural presentation, a tourism video highlighting the must-see tourist sites and must-do activities in Metro Manila and nearby areas, including cultural tours and wellness activities in Tagaytay and Batangas, and the Philippine Pavilion at World Expo Osaka 2025 was shown.
As that cultural heritage also expands to cuisine, a sumptuous buffet with Filipino favorites such as pork adobo, pancit guisado and taho was prepared by Japan-based Filipino chefs Chef Jane Magat-Kemmochi and Chef Marlyn Okawa.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Valerie Moschetti, President of the Tokyo Women’s Club, extended her utmost appreciation to Ambassador Garcia-Albano for her gracious hospitality, and for the insightful lecture on the terno. She emphasized that in today’s time of fast fashion, the resurgence of the Philippines’ iconic traditional dress reinforces the value of sustainable fashion. “It is better to wait for a while for a beautiful dress to be made like the Philippine terno but be able to keep it your whole life,” said Ms. Moschetti.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (seated, 5th from left) with the Tokyo Women’s Club and other guests at the gardens of the official residence in Kudan.
The Tokyo Women’s Club was founded in 1908 as the Tokyo Ladies’ Debating Society under the leadership of British scientist Dr. Marie Stopes. It was renamed in 1913 as an organization focused on providing support and assistance through charity activities, and undertaking events that promote friendship and cultural interactions.
