MANILA, Philippines - Bench teamed up with the Department of Tourism in welcoming the candidates of Miss New Zealand Universe as they landed on Philippine shores for their international retreat. As the pageant’s official sponsor during their stay, Bench treated all 20 of the finalists to a three-day experience of true Filipino artistry and hospitality.
The day after the candidates’ arrival, they headed for Glorietta for an afternoon of beauty and retail therapy. They were given free 30-minute services at Bench Fix Salon and Bench Skin Expert, and then had a full hour of shopping at the mall’s Bench boutique. After that, they headed for the Bench Design Studio event at the Glorietta Activity Center where the girls were given the opportunity to purchase their own #LoveLocal Collaboration Tees — a special project between Bench and nine other iconic Filipino brands — or to exercise their creativity in designing their own Bench shirts. Their night ended with a dinner party with Bench chairman Ben Chan. Among the guests were Miss World 2011 runner-up Gwendoline Ruais, Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa, and Miss Universe Philippines 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
The next day, the candidates had an underwear photoshoot with top photographer Ronnie Salvacion. Clad in Bench Body pieces that accentuated their fit physiques, the girls posed like pros against the scenic backdrop of New World Hotel. The following day, they flew to Cebu and were also given a chance to do more shopping at Bench Ayala Center Cebu.
True to its signature “love local, think global” approach, Bench supported the Miss New Zealand candidates on their journey to the Miss Universe crown.