Mga Sayang Pumilaylay: A Tapestry of Tradition and Elegance

In celebration of the National Heritage Month this May, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), proudly unveiled the exhibit titled Mga Sayang Pumilaylay, a moving tribute to the timeless grace of the Terno and the life of Mrs. Isabelita Corazon “Lilith” Perez y Reyes on Thursday, May 15.

Held at the exhibit area of The Manila Metropolitan Theater (or in Filipino: Tanghalang Metropolitan, also known as the Metropolitan Theater, abbreviated as the MET), the exhibit brought together key figures in the cultural preservation sector, local historians, and esteemed members of the community.

The opening ceremony featured inspiring messages from notable speakers including Dr. Jaime C. Laya, Chairperson of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and Alvin R. Alcid, Deputy Executive Director of NHCP. Sister. Bernadette Eugenie Casas of the Religious of the Assumption, on the other hand, led the invocation, setting a solemn tone for the event.

In his message, Dr. Jaime Laya reflected on the significance of the Terno across various platforms this year, “from the bold interpretations at TernoCon 2025, to the nostalgic memories of Pitoy Moreno’s centenary at the Metropolitan Museum, and now, through the personal stories of Mga Sayang Pumilaylay.”

He shared that this exhibit uniquely captures the Terno from the perspective of a wearer, highlighting how it served as an expression of self and time.

His appreciation extended to the organizers, including the Emilio Aguinaldo Museum team led by Paulette M. Bedruz, Gina Geronimo Ayran, and Lean Aldea, along with Kawit Tourism’s Rhouz Camposanto, for their exceptional efforts in realizing the exhibit.

Highlighting the exhibit was the narrative of Mga Sayang Pumilaylay, which presented the visual story of Lilith Reyes-Perez’s cherished collection of Ternos. Each intricately crafted piece symbolizes the evolution of Filipino elegance, from the Baro’t Saya to the iconic Traje de Mestiza. Through these garments, visitors were invited to journey through decades of tradition, feminine strength, and cultural pride.

Reyes-Perez, a distinguished Caviteña with deep roots in local civic engagement and historical preservation, has been a symbol of community dedication. Her active involvement with organizations like the Marilao Social Circle Foundation and the Cavite Historical Society speaks to her unwavering commitment to cultural heritage.

Guests marveled at the exceptional craftsmanship of the Ternos, reflecting not only the personal history of Mrs. Reyes-Perez but also the collective memory of Filipina grace and resilience. The exhibit stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Terno and its place in modern Filipino identity.

Visiting Mga Sayang Pumilaylay is free and will be open for public viewing until June 15, providing an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the elegance and cultural significance of the Filipino Terno.

Also seen at the event are Cavite Historical Society members Architect Romeo Sayoc Cord-Cruz and Phillip Lacson Medina, former Senator Anna Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng, former Miss Universe and CCP Board of Trustee Maria Margarita Moran Floirendo and NHCP and NCCA officials.

National Heritage Month is celebrated every May per Presidential Proclamation No. 439. This nationwide event in the Philippines is aimed to foster consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of Filipino cultural history among the people.

MET – a historic Philippine Art Deco building located in Plaza Lawton in Ermita, Manila; is open Tuesdays to Fridays, from 9am to 4pm. Please email the MET (met.visitorsservices@ncca.gov.ph) to schedule your visit.#

Boks Musings is a storyteller, life observer, and a fan of honest conversations—especially over good coffee. Whether writing about news and features, Boks shares from the heart with humor, warmth, and a touch of sass.

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