BUTTERFLY SLEEVES AND BIG DREAMS

In the sunny city of Cebu, Jefferson and Kristy woke up excited. It was not just any ordinary day. It was the day of the Great Terno Show!

- By Zaida Marie A. Tambis

The terno, a stunning gown with large sleeves like butterfly wings, was something extraordinary in the Philippines. Jefferson and Kristy had only seen it from photographs. But today, they would watch it shine, spin, and flutter across the stage. Thanks to their designer Uncle Fred, they could be in the show.

Jefferson discovered his feminine side at a young age. His mother had really wanted to have a daughter, so he grew up with long hair, dressed in yellow and pink dresses with colored ribbons in his hair.

Kristy's and Jefferson's mothers were siblings. They were raised together and from their early years, Jefferson had been sharing dolls and other girly toys with Kristy. When they were in elementary, both started dreaming to be fashion designers like their Uncle Fred. They would use curtains and blankets to create robes and gowns for themselves.