Anatomy of an Azkal

MANILA, Philippines - Bench welcomes its latest endorser, Aly Borromeo, team captain of the country’s national football team, otherwise known as the Azkals.

Born in 1983, Alexander Charles Luis “Aly” Borromeo was born in America, but now runs on local fields, as a footballer for local team Kaya, as well as the Azkals. Moving from a goalkeeper to a utility player — playing as a central midfielder or center forward for his club and mainly as a central defender for the national team — Aly demonstrates the versatility and heart that makes a true captain.

What’s more, Aly is the type of captain that plays with his team in mind. This insistence on shared, rather than personal, glory is evident in his career. Making his international debut playing in all four matches of the 2004 Tiger Cup among Southeast Asian countries, Aly played as a striker, assisting both goals by Emelio Caligdong. This then led the Philippines to its first-ever win in the competition, defeating Timor-Leste, 2 goals to 1.

Of course, the player proves to be a formidable scorer himself, scoring in the country’s 4–2 win against Cambodia, in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.

Illustrated prints make their debut with Aly as Bench endorser

And now, as Bench Body’s latest endorser, the football player shows off a toned physique, but it’s the hard work that went into the nonchalant making of this strong stance — the hours put into practice — that deserve undivided attention. Taking his sport very seriously, Aly plays football for the love of the sport and the discipline it builds, as well as the character it has created in him. It’s not about the man on the outside, but rather the formidable persona that lies within.

In the same way, Bench understands that it is as much about the man as it is about the trappings that clothe him. A holistic product line ensures that there is something to suit every personality and whim, and every interest that a person indulges in to make himself whole. Apart from the label’s popular jeans and shirts, Bench’s innerwear provides the comfy pieces for every active young man — graphically printed briefs with eye-catching waistbands, done up in comfy and breathable cotton.

Graphic waistbands lend a casual touch.