The who’s who and who’s that of the retail industry showed up at chic Salon de Ning of Peninsula Manila for the launch of the Bench MasterCard.
Fashion retail leader Bench teamed up with another namedroppable in the banking industry—BDO, no less—making sure you get the best deals for shopping with the new card, palanggas.
Tons of Bench followers, including moi, were there during the launch. Bench MasterCard endorsers Isabelle Daza and Dingdong Dantes were très visible. VIPs received their Bench MasterCard—a fab treat!
Ben Chan’s success story was recalled that night. A true pioneer, Bench became the first company to have a bevy of celebrity endorsers and image models, hiring young actor Richard Gomez as an image model in 1988.
Bench’s “A Day in a Sculler’s Life” TV commercial created in 1991 by Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre won several awards at the Philippine Advertising Congress.
In 1997, Bench pioneered the first underwear show in the Philippines, and it has been holding the show regularly, making the whole country go gaga.
Today, Bench has spread its wings all over the globe.
BDO, of course, is the country’s biggest bank. BDO has the most credit cards—MasterCard, Visa, American Express, JCB and Union Pay. It has now tied up with Bench for the Bench MasterCard, natch!
Users of this card earn double rewards points for purchases made at Bench and partner stores. They get priority access to sales events and special invites to exclusive events, with zero-percent installment options at three and six months. Since it carries the MasterCard brand, it has worldwide acceptance.
Users get exclusive discounts and freebies from Bench and its partner stores, such as Celio, Charles and Keith, The Face Shop, F&X, Human, Kashieca, Patchi and Repetto.
It’s obvious there are great awesome reasons to grab the Bench MasterCard today, di bala, palanggas?
Fashion rocks
It was intensity 9 of excitement when Metrowear Rocks the Runway was held at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La.
Models wearing aquatic-theme designs sashayed down the runway as Basti Artadi and Wolfgang played rock anthems.
My palangga Randy Ortiz closed the segment with a neutral-theme collection of superbly tailored jackets, cocktail dresses, elegant gowns and men’s formal wear, dahlings.
Kjwan led by Marc Abaya energized the fashion show by performing their hit “What About Us.”
Cary Santiago’s designs stood out for their use of wool and lace, accented by intricate beading, and for his ultra-modern tuxedo worn by movie idol Zanjoe Marudo.
Also a standout was talented Jojie Lloren’s incredible little black dress, with bold turquoise accessories and black headpiece, natch.
Francis Libiran with his flowing red gown, made a grand entrance, modeled by gorgeous Kim Chiu.
Modern Filipiniana was the theme of JC Buendia’s collection, while Kermit Tesoro presented avant-garde fashion that played on shapes and silhouettes in his first Metrowear appearance.
Avel Bacudio presented a pink-and-white collection of tailored and classic pieces with tight-nipped waists, dahlings.
Closing the part was Eric de los Santos, who used natural hablon layered with red lace for a modern look.
The Metrowear show benefited Sagip Kapamilya, a division of ABS-CBN Foundation which provides relief and rehabilitation to victims of natural calamities, said Michealle Torres, Metro editor in chief.
The show was held in partnership with Edsa Shangri-La Manila, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In that connection, chef Warren Brown created “Designer Chocolate Bars,” inspired by designs featured during the show.
Check out the yummy and calorific sweet treats which are being auctioned off at Heat until the end of May, for the benefit of Sagip Kapamilya and Isla de Cocomo, palanggas.
Chivas 18
A trés exclusive happening called Chivas 18: Crafted for the Senses took place at Skye on W High Street.
Guests enjoyed the smooth taste of Chivas, which has dark chocolate bursts and hints of citrus and spices.
According to Chivas master blender Colin Scott: “I believe the creation of a superb and smooth blend of whisky is the result of creativity, experience, inspiration and patience, coming from being ‘Crafted’ from Chivas Regal 18’s ingredients, with an intricate process of distillation and blending, aged no fewer than 18 years prior to blending.”
Chivas 18, added Scott, provides a multi-sensorial experience, from the impressive bottle shape to the arresting colors, inviting aroma and truly remarkable taste.
The venue was lavishly decorated with golden accents and trims. Guests were encouraged to pair their drinks with an array of yummy treats—from dark chocolate truffles to sultanas, hazelnuts, panna cotta, and crème brûlée.
Guests later on danced to the edgy tunes provided by Techy Romantics.
Co-sponsors of the show were Mini Cooper and Anonimo Firenze.
“Chivas 18: Crafted for the Senses” was hosted by Pernord Ricard Philippines Inc., exclusive importer and distributor of Chivas Regal.
