The London Terno Ball Debuts; Bangs Garcia Walks Finale Showcasing John Herrera

LONDON, England — The inaugural London Terno Ball paid tribute to the Philippine terno in a spectacular celebration of fashion, culture, and Filipino pride in well-curated three- segment fashion showcase and ball.

Award-winning, London-based designer John Herrera unveiled his latest collection during the inaugural London Terno Ball coinciding with the recently-concluded London Fashion Week.

Herrera’s A/W 2026 couture collection, “Woven Dreams,” was Inspired by the Philippines’ rich basket-weaving tradition and the dramatic Elizabethan ruff, the collection masterfully fuses two cultures that shape Herrera’s creative identity — his homeland, the Philippines, and his adoptive home, the UK. The result: sculptural silhouettes woven with heritage and haute craftsmanship.

“I wanted to explore and meld different basket-weaving techniques with the Elizabethan ruff,” Herrera said.

“Both are crafts that require skill and patience in fabric manipulation which I found very challenging,’ he added.

PHOTOSHOOT- BY THIRDY ADO

Blending fine European fabrics with Piña Seda (pineapple silk), Herrera highlights the patience and precision required to merge distinct fibers — a metaphor for bridging cultures through dressmaking.

Bangs Garcia Walks the Finale

Actress and celebrity Bangs Garcia made her London Fashion Week runway debut as the show’s finale muse, describing the experience as unforgettable.

“It was amazing. I felt flattered to have been invited by John Herrera and Ms. Rose Eclarinal to do the finale walk. I’m grateful for their trust,” Garcia said.

In a playful social media post, Garcia shared a photo wearing the John Herrera creation alongside her husband Lloyd, captioning it: “Fourth wedding. Just kidding.” The post quickly drew mixed reactions online.

A Celebration of Filipino Pride

“When we speak of Filipino fashion, it is far more than garments—we speak of identity and a living tapestry woven through centuries of culture,” said Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. in his keynote address.

Filipino designers and brands were also featured on the show—Celso Dahil, Daryl Maat and PamPinay. The social enterprise brand PamPinay showcased a four-piece camouflage-Binakol aesthetic, reinterpreted in fresh new designs for the inaugural London Terno Ball.

Royal Honorees and Empowered Women Take the Runway

The London Terno Ball runway proved it was not only for professional models. In the Empowered Filipinas Segment—leaders, entrepreneurs, and community champions—walked with purpose, pride, and power in exquisite ternos by John Herrera, transforming the catwalk into a platform for advocacy and women empowerment.

Leading the unforgettable finale were three royal honorees recognized by Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III: British Empire Medalist Louie Horne (BEM), Jen Caguioa (MBE), and Joy Ongcachuy (OBE)—the senior nurses all received their medal for excellent professional work and service.

The Community Champions segment shone just as brightly, featuring 2021 Presidential “Banaag” Awardee Vanda Macion Brady and Councillor Myla Arceno—the first Filipina Mayor of Stevenage—both stunning in creations by Celso Dahil.

On 15 February 2026, they made history by walking together on one runway for the first time.

“Because we are here in the United Kingdom, we also want to showcase our beautiful culture,” said Councillor Arceno.

“I am here not only to promote the protection of the Philippine eagle, but also environmental conservation,” said Michael Apas, representing the Philippine Nurses Association UK, who attended the event wearing a Philippine eagle-inspired ensemble.

SURALITA WINDLE

Entrepreneur | EdeA TSW Formula FMS Director

Advocacy: Championing children’s philanthropy through the WEALTH Ambassador Cup and empowering youth through the TSW Talent League with Mission, fostering purpose-driven talent development.

CRYSTAL DIAS

Solicitor | Lawyery

Advocacy: A dedicated advocate for women’s rights, actively supporting empowerment initiatives through the Filipino Women’s Association (FWA) and Filipino Women’s Network (FWN).

CAROL MURPHY

Company Director | NHS Professional | Angels on Earth Foundation Stakeholder

Advocacy: Promoting mental health awareness and leading humanitarian outreach initiatives to create sustainable and meaningful social impact.

DONNA KUENZLER

Head of Procurement Process Excellence & Digital Transformation | ABB Robotics Board Member, Limbic Life

Advocacy: Championing Overseas Filipinos and advocating for the ethical and impactful use of technology for the greater good.

NORA ROXAS-SINCLAIR

Entrepreneur | CEO, Martin and Co Fife Advocacy: An award-winning community builder in Scotland, advocating for education access for underprivileged children in the Philippines.

ARLENE ELANO

Deputy Manager, Bodlondeb, Pendine Care Organisation President, Wrexham Filipino Society – UK

Advocacy: A community and church leader advocating for mental health awareness, social inclusion, and charitable support for cancer causes.

AGNES PANGA

Senior Marketing Director, Ayala Land International Marketing Ltd.

Co-founder, Filipino Parents with Special Needs Children in the UK

Advocacy: Advocating for inclusion, support, and empowerment of children with special educational needs (SEN) and their families.

VANGIE REBOT JORQUIA

Entrepreneur | Community Builder | Freelance Journalist

Advocacy: Championing the Filipino community through Adicon Charity and promoting health and wellness through sports with PEVA.

CHARMAINE SAN PEDRO

Entrepreneur | International Sales Director, Arthaland

Advocacy: Empowering women through financial literacy, helping them overcome barriers to property ownership, invest confidently, and build generational wealth.

Pad Paper Barong Collection Debuts in London

Filipino designer Daryl Maat brought playful innovation to the global stage as his Pad Paper Barong strutted down the runway.

Maat’s three-piece collection closed the Community Champions segment in standout style, worn by models Aaron, Andrea, and Matthew.

Designer John Herrera was also spotted in a Daryl Maat creation as he presented his A/W 2026 couture collection.

Timeless Filipinas Take the Spotlight

Three extraordinary women of substance, elegance, and pride were honored as Timeless Filipina awardees at the inaugural London Terno Ball on 15 February 2026.

Recognized for their impact across the Filipino diaspora, academe, philanthropy, and the promotion of Philippine arts and culture, this year’s honorees are:

   •   Dr. Melizza Hatchik, philanthropist and driving force behind the Berge and

Melizza Hatchik Foundation for Charities Inc. (USA)

   •   Dr. Cristina Juan of SOAS University of London

   •   Mrs. Ma. Lourdes “Louie” Barcelon Locsin, wife of Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin Jr.

Best in Terno Named

The evening featured a three-segment fashion show, with one of its most anticipated highlights being the selection of Best in Terno.

To ensure fairness, models, empowered Filipinas, and royal honorees who participated in the program were not eligible. The recognition was reserved exclusively for regular attendees of the ball.

Two outstanding Filipinas were adjudged winners:

   •   Ms. Linda Robledo Celestial of the Filipino Women’s Association UK (FWA-UK) — Best in Traditional Terno

   •   Molly Dos Palmas of Royaltys UK — Best in Modern Terno (Terno with a Modern Twist)

“I was speechless. What an incredible honor,” Celestial posted on social media following her win.

Their elegance, poise, and embodiment of Filipino heritage perfectly captured the spirit of the evening.

Fashion for a Cause

Held at Millenium Gloucester London, the landmark event was produced by HE London—John Herrera and Rose Eclarinal—and co-presented by Arthaland, whose Philippine-based executives flew in for the occasion.

“My fellow Presidential Awardees, with the honor of a medal comes responsibility. We carry a moral obligation to promote Philippine culture and shine a light on Filipinos overseas. I consciously do this through journalism, but I also wish to extend this advocacy to the cultural front through meaningful events such as this,” said Eclarinal in her welcome remarks.

She added, “Tonight, we pay tribute to the terno and to world-class Filipino craftsmanship—our designers, artisans, and performers—whose talents continue to command admiration on the global stage.”

The event also featured live performances by the award-winning Haraya Choir, violist RJ Demonteverde, Ireland-based rapper Loyd “Dot” Roldan, and The Voice Kids UK 2020 winner Justine Afante.

During dinner, guests were treated to a musical interlude by pianists Julia E. Murdock and Yuliia Mats, featuring works by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Chopin, and Mozart.

Hosting the evening were Carl Ellis, beauty queen Kiara Gregorio, and Isabel Da Costa.

Part of every ticket sold in the event will go to support the UP Adopt-A-Student Program, sponsoring one scholar for a full academic year.