Pro Active

The battle of underwear ad campaigns continues.  Renowned fashion retail brand Bench unfolds its latest Bench Body campaign featuring no less than Philippine Azkals' captain Alexander Charles Luis Borromeo.  More commonly known as "Aly", the towering 6'1 hunk who's gorgeously gifted with stunning looks and sculpture-like physique sizzles in the most fashion forward underwear collection.  One the oldest and strongest members of the team, this modern day sports icon redefines a new meaning to sexy. 
Sexy today is all about looking good and feeling good--getting into sports becomes a platform and channel for healthy living.  At this day and age where this activity has become part of the contemporary lifestyle, athletes have become living icons of the youth.  Bench, the leader in the local retail landscape, present this outstanding and aspirational campaign of Aly Borromeo which hopefully inspires everyone to get into the active lifestyle.  This fusion of sports and fashion pioneered by Bench Body is currently creating an movement of optimism that goes beyond the parameters of style.  The collection boasts of the latest colors and prints in a variety of cuts and styles suited for everyone.  What's great is the fit and comfort it offers with high a standard of quality.  The complete ad campaign channels the change in lifestyle as the current call of the times.  The arresting images was photographed by top fashion photographer Ronnie Salvacion.  

Bench Body is available in all Bench outlets and leading department stores nationwide.

Heavenly Bodies

After appearing on the billboards more than two weeks ago, Bench's recent sensational underwear ads featuring the most sought after athletes has exploded on the headline news with monumental proportions.  The awe-inspiring imagery call to mind iconic global campaigns such as Calvin Klein, Ambercrombie & Fitch, Dolce & Gabbana and the likes taking local advertising scene to international standards.  One may probably recall or be familiar with something seen on the pages of Vogue, GQ, Details, Vman, Harper's Bazaar, Numero, W, Elle or as visuals displayed on the streets and show windows of department stores in New York, Paris, London, Milan, Tokyo and even nearby HK, Singapore and Bangkok. The hottest and most sizzling to hit the Manila, the fearless and inspiring imagery marks another milestone in the Philippines as it promotes fitness, sports and health in a non-traditional and refreshing perspective. The shoot was a fusion of artistic and portrait-like execution which created a stir the moment the images were flashed all over the colossal Mandaluyong billboards. Evidently, the heavenly bodies are a sight to behold and caused more than just a commotion. 

Arnold Aninion and Darran Centillas Seeto.

Kenneth Capinpin Stern, Patrice Ortiz Olivier and Chris Alamil Everingham.

Jake Robrigado Letts.

Patrice Ortiz Olivier.

Ned Plarizan Stephenson.

Chris Alamil Everingham.

Michael de Guzman.

Francisco Bagis Guerra IV.

Terrence Javier Carrol.

Nicholas Ergina Perry.

Darran Centillas Seeto.

Arnold Aninion.

Oliver Joseph Abalos Saunders.

The lone Azkal bench endorser Aly Borromeo.

Either way and more importantly, one's personal reaction to these visual expositions remain subjective because anyone is entitled to their own opinion.  There are two sides of the coin but whether pro or con, we all fall back to the century old cliche "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". And whatever points of view, in a democratic and developing country such as the Philippines, lies one of the greatest values fought for through the passing of history which we should never forget--freedom of expression. 


All photos from Bench

The return of Borgy Manotoc

After a long hiatus in the advertising world, Borgy Manotoc is back with a bang.  Not only is he back now as a full grown man with an impeccable godlike body, debonair looks and dusky appeal, but also a homecoming to a brand where it all began--Bench.  A decade ago, the 17 year old "IT" boy was known as the Bench Body Spray endorser. Fast forward to today, Borgy has remarkably transitioned from the typical boy-next-door to one of the hottest personalities in the Philippine entertainment and style landscape as the latest endorser of Bench Body. To date, this grandson of the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and son of re-elected Ilocos Norte representative Imee Marcos has resurfaced with a stunning comeback that give competitors a run for their money.  Borgy is blessed with a perfect physique, towering height, a stellar personality with a lot of sense in between his ears. And with this new ad campaign, watch out Manila, Borgy is definitely stylesetting sexy back!

Photography by Mark Nicdao and fashion styling by Noel Manapat.  Shot on location at the Rizal Memorial Stadium along Vito Cruz street in Manila.