I was one of about 25 people who modeled our national costume, the terno, for this charity event at a function room at Homebush Bay Drive.

I was glad to be part of this event for two reasons:

1) I get to breathe life into our national costume and uphold our heritage in front of other Filipinos (and John Aquilina hehe), and

2) I had the honor of wearing my lola's ("lola" means "grandma" in Filipino) vintage terno that she wore back in the 1950s. How lucky that we were able to preserve it. It's made of authentic material, and the sleeves are so old and brittle, and a bit yellowed, but are still in great shape. They don't make em like thus anymore. In Rob Dingle's words, "It should be in a glass case".


I was very close to my lola when she was alive, I miss her heaps. Also, she was one of the classiest and most stylish ladies I have ever known, and whenever I wear any of her clothes or jewelry, I feel like I'm wearing her.

This is for you, lola.