The evolution of the Filipino terno, once a symbol of elegance and tradition, has taken a comical turn. It has morphed into a bewildering array of absurdities.

The “jeans terno” screams, “I want to be formal, but I’m here to party!” The “cleavage terno” transforms an iconic outfit into an unfortunate fashion statement. The “one shoulder terno” seems to suggest that balance is overrated.  The “above-the-knee terno” seems to make a bold statement about worldwide inflation. And even “sexy dancers” have joined in this disgusting bastardization of the queenly dress as we know it. As for the “pant suit terno?” Let’s not even go there!

In this race to redefine a classic, we’ve turned the terno into a fashion Frankenstein, sacrificing grace for gimmicks. It’s time we resurrect the terno’s dignity and put an end to this parade of sartorial sacrilege.

We can’t bring back Imelda Marcos to her glory days as the international poster woman for the terno, but we can always reinstate the reverence that this great representation of a stunningly beautiful nation so rightly deserves.