To mark its 30th year as a retail empire, Bench celebrated “Young Love” and “Showbiz Royals” at its spectacle called “Under The Stars” at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 18.
At the denim and underwear show, there were supermodels, beauty queens, screen idols and sports stars, of course. But the jam-packed arena quivered every time a young star emerged in every state of undress. More so, if they strut down the constellation-bedecked runway in pairs.
Matinee-idol-in-the-making Ruru Madrid and singer-actress Gabbi Garcia, who became breakout stars in GMA’s Encantadia, gave fans more than a reason to act like giggling girls.
“La Luna Sangre” costars reigning Teen King Daniel Padilla gave Teen Queen Kathryn Bernardo a kiss on the chin, sending their stans on a shrieking frenzy.
Newly engaged Kapuso couple Pancho Magno raised temperatures with his sexy posturings with fiancee Max Collins.
Richard Gutierrez, the “Supremo” in “La Luna Sangre,” played escort to the “Phenomenal Star” Maine Mendoza of “Eat.. Bulaga,” who brought the house down with her cute antics.
Richard, son of the legendary Eddie Gutierrez, led a group of next-generation stars who are taking over the showbiz landscape.
Needless to say, an endorsement deal with Bench when you’re a fledgling wannabe in Tinseltown, is a steppingstone to stardom. Preen on posters wearing the brand’s staple shirts and pants, have your Bench Beauty Fix face splashed across billboards or proudly flaunt your physique across magazine spreads and fame is yours for the taking.
Piolo Pascual’s boy, Inigo, is following on his dashing dad’s career trajectory.
Another beautiful Barretto, Julia, carries on the good genes of her mom Marjorie and aunts Gretchen and Claudine.
The love child of Gary Estrada (son of George Estregan) and Cheska Diaz (daughter of Paquito), Kiko Estrada, is all grown up, buff, and and with acting chops to boot.
Diego Loyzaga, son of Cesar Montana and Teresa Loyzaga, showed his biceps in a sporty ensemble.
But Lani Lobangco’s boy, Bruno Santos, almost showed everything when he ditched his Jaggy Glarino jacket and confidently showed his underwear.
Still under the radar but definitely handsome is Anjo Damiles, nephew of Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1996 Aileen Damiles.
GMA’s leading-man-in-the-making Derrick Monasterio, ‘70s sexy star Tina’s son, flashed his washboard abs, wearing only denims and a mischievous demeanor.
Michelle Dee, the towering daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez and former action star Derek Dee, could be our country’s next global beauty queen.
A reigning queen, though, is Winwyn Marquez, daughter of screen goddess Alma Moreno and comedian Joey Marquez, who came home to a rousing welcome after winning Reina HispanoAmericana in Bolivia.
Amid the hype and hysteria, libido bursting at the seams, Lovi Poe (with Pietro Boselli behind) closed the hottest show of the year in a yellow two-piece with fur designed by Ricky Vicencio as accessory. She was the Queen of the Night. Befitting, as she’s the daughter of the King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr. after all.
