FEU Launches Love, Marina: A Filipiniana Book Talk and Fashion Show at Tesoros Makati on March 3

On March 3, 2026, heritage, couture, and memory come together in Makati City as Far Eastern University, in partnership with Tesoros, presents Love, Marina, a coffee table book launch and fashion presentation honoring pioneering Filipina designer Marina Reyes Antonio. The invitation only event begins at 4:30 PM at Tesoros, located at 1016 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, a long standing destination for heritage textiles and Filipiniana craftsmanship.

More than a book launch, Love, Marina unfolds as a living archive that bridges four generations of designers shaped by a singular aesthetic legacy.


A Coffee Table Book That Preserves a Filipiniana Legacy

Written by Vicky Veloso-Barrera and edited by Thelma San Juan, Love, Marina is a carefully curated tribute to Marina Reyes Antonio, whose career began in the 1930s. At a time when local couture was still defining itself alongside American colonial influence and European silhouettes, Marina established a distinct design language rooted in Filipiniana tradition.

Her ternos were marked by masterful construction, delicate hand rolled floral embellishments, and fine hand painting on piña and jusi fabrics. Her work balanced femininity with architectural precision, creating garments that were both timeless and technically refined.

The book functions as both visual inspiration and practical reference. Archival photographs appear alongside personal recollections from family members, friends, and longtime clients. Together, these narratives form a textured portrait of a designer whose discipline and artistry shaped generations of women’s formalwear.

For students of Philippine fashion history, this release serves as important documentation of Filipina designers who built couture houses long before global fashion weeks defined visibility.


Four Generations of Designers, One Enduring Aesthetic

The March 3 event moves beyond retrospection through a live fashion presentation that highlights creative continuity across generations.

Malu Veloso

Malu Veloso interprets Marina’s romantic sensibility through lace, embroidery, and intricate beadwork. Her collections move between soft pastels and vibrant jewel tones, anchored by classic silhouettes that flatter the Filipina form. Her work expresses elegance through craftsmanship rather than excess.

Letlet Veloso

Letlet Veloso expands the vocabulary of formalwear through bold color stories and adventurous embellishment. She reworks traditional Filipiniana elements into statement couture pieces suited for contemporary galas and formal occasions, creating silhouettes that reflect modern sophistication while honoring heritage.

Hannah Barrera

Representing the fourth generation, Hannah Barrera explores the sculptural possibilities of haute couture. Drawing inspiration from European classicism while remaining grounded in Filipina identity, she crafts structured pieces distinguished by disciplined tailoring and modern artistry. Her work demonstrates how Filipiniana can evolve without losing its cultural core.

Together, these designers illustrate continuity through shared values such as meticulous construction, respect for material, and deep cultural grounding.


Why This Event Matters

In an era dominated by fast fashion and rapidly shifting trends, Love, Marina recenters attention on craftsmanship and heritage. Far Eastern University’s involvement underscores the academic importance of documenting Filipino design history. Hosting the book talk situates Filipiniana within institutional scholarship, not only commercial presentation.

Tesoros Makati serves as a fitting venue. For decades, it has been associated with Philippine textiles such as piña, jusi, and abel Iloko. Holding the launch in this space reinforces the connection between couture design and textile tradition.

This gathering celebrates intergenerational artistry, heritage preservation, and the enduring power of Filipino design.


Event Details

Event: Love, Marina Book Talk and Fashion Presentation
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM
Venue: Tesoros, 1016 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City
Presented by: Far Eastern University in partnership with Tesoros
Access: Invitation only

The program features a book talk offering deeper insight into Marina Reyes Antonio’s life and influence, followed by a curated fashion presentation showcasing four generations of couture craftsmanship.


Where to Buy Love, Marina

The book is available through TAMS Bookstore via TamsBookstore@feu.edu.ph and at Tesoros, 1016 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City.

Love, Marina stands as both tribute and documentation. It affirms that Filipiniana is not simply tradition preserved, but heritage continuously reinterpreted through skill, memory, and design.

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