The most famous and elegant ternos created by Ramon Valera in the ‘50s were worn by lovely ladies at the Kahirup’s annual balls, when Rigodon de Honor was danced, the hightlight of the event.
Emma Benitez Araneta and Rosie Osmeña Valencia
Kahirup was the elite group composed of prominent men and women of the South. Truly the cream of high Visayan society.
As expected, many of ladies went to Valera for their gowns. They included Emma Benitez Araneta, Rosie Osmeña Valencia, Nelly Lovina, Baby Araneta Fores and Imelda Romualdez Marcos.
Valera, then future National Artist, was without equal when it came to formal gowns, especially ternos. In the words of Glenn Gale in the Valera book, ‘Cada traje es una obra maestro.’ (Every gown is a masterpiece.)
Baby Araneta Fores and Nelly Lovina
The Kahirup ball every February was much awaited as it dictated the fashion trend of the year. It ended in the ‘70s, when Martial Law was proclaimed. — RKC