Photo via BENCH (@benchtm) / Instagram
The Bench ‘Body of Work’ fashion show, held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena last night, was one of the season’s most highly anticipated events. The show brought together an impressive lineup of A-list celebrities, models, beauty queens, and influencers, all in one place. From iconic actors to rising stars, the night showcased some of the best talents in the entertainment industry.
The opening act featured Alden Richards, one of the most beloved stars in Filipino entertainment. Richards, known for his role in the highest-grossing Filipino film Hello Love Again, kicked off the runway show with style. Kathryn Bernardo, his co-star in the film, made a stunning finale appearance. However, it was their interactions backstage that got people talking. During the grand finale, cameras caught Kathryn chatting with Joshua Garcia, despite Alden being just an arm’s length away. The moment sparked curiosity among fans.
While Alden and Kathryn were undoubtedly stars of the night, SB19, the popular Filipino P-pop group, captured the crowd’s attention. Members Ken, Stell, Justin, Josh, and Pablo had fans screaming as they performed their new song “DAM” live for the first time. The group’s performance was the highlight of the event, with their music resonating with the audience in a way that only SB19 can.
The night was also a debut for the Muhlach twins, Atasha and Andres, who walked the runway as showbiz royalty. Their stunning appearance marked their entry into the fashion world, proving their star power. In addition to them, FranSeth, Sofia Pablo, and Allan Ensay brought their unique energy to the show, showing off the latest in school fashion.
The segment with Ina Raymundo, Sunshine Cruz, Priscilla Meirelles, and Max Collins also left a lasting impression. These women, known for their striking beauty and strong presence, showed that age is just a number when it comes to style.
As a longstanding event, the Bench underwear show has evolved significantly over the years. Kervin Lao, a pageant coach and commentator, noted the changes in the show’s format. “I’ve seen the Bench underwear show since 2006, and while this year’s show had an impressive lineup, it was more demure compared to earlier years like Bench Fever (2006) and Bench Uncut (2010).” She added that the show felt more refined this time around, focusing on style over shock value.
One of the night’s memorable moments was Michelle Dee singing her single “Reyna”, showcasing her vocal talents debut. The finale also included a touching tribute to Bench founder Ben Chan, with iconic couples Richard and Lucy Gomez and Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera honoring his legacy.
For many, the standout stars of the event were the members of SB19. Their performance, combined with the overwhelming support from their fans, created an atmosphere akin to a concert. Fans of the group, also known as A’TIN, were in full force, showing their love and enthusiasm. As Kervin Lao mentioned, “It seems we got a free concert last night, or at least a teaser of their coming Simula At Wakas World Tour kickoff this May.”
As the show came to a close, there was a palpable sense of excitement for the future. Bench, which has continually evolved over the years, left fans eager for what’s next. Kervin hopes that the brand will continue its tradition of hosting such events every two years, promising even more thrilling performances and surprises in the future.
In the end, Bench ‘Body of Work’ was more than a fashion show; it celebrated talent, beauty, and Filipino culture. With stars from various fields, the night proved Bench remains a major force in fashion and entertainment.
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