Heroically worn

MANILA, Philippines - Because she filled the nation with hope and helped restore democracy, Corazon “Cory” Aquino won not only a presidency but the hearts of the Filipino people who continue to support her beyond her lifetime.  Similar is the love and respect shown by the Filipino people for former Senator Ninoy Aquino.  Both have embodied loyalty to their people, and love for country.  It has been quite a long time since patriotism surged dramatically in the veins of the Filipino people.  It is so apparent today in various advocacies and quite simply in one’s choice of wear.  There are so many versions of the familiar map of the Philippines design on a collared shirt.  Stylishly and nationalistically speaking, it has been making the Filipino people confident to associate their “Proud to be Pinoy” attitude as part of everyday fashion. 

Bench has long had their own versions of this public symbol.  Among others, one version with a map and the iconic glasses of Senator Aquino, created in tribute to Senator Ninoy Aquino. Noynoy and his sister Kris Aquino-Yap have been seen proudly wearing these shirts on several occasions to remind everyone that there is hope for a better Philippines.

Now, the long-running label Pinoy Lab houses the many Pinoy Pop T-shirts of Bench. These include the widely popular, “I am Ninoy” and “I am Cory” lines in their distinct black, yellow and white variations, colors so closely associated with the Aquinos. These lines embody our pride in what they stand for and the belief that we can find a Ninoy or Cory within each and every one of us.

A twisted yellow ribbon, prolific during the wake of former President Cory Aquino, has become an iconic reference to her.  Bench has created several designs that include this symbol as well as the countenance of Cory Aquino, in tribute to the mother of democracy after martial law.  Having predicted the success of the “I am Ninoy” and “I am Cory” tees, Ben Chan made the Bohol Eco-Cultural Project the beneficiary of the proceeds in sold “I am Ninoy” and “I am Cory” shirts.

These collections and others that proudly proclaim our heritage are available at Pinoy Lab SM Mall of Asia, Pinoy Lab High Street in Taguig (inside Dimensione), Pinoy Lab Glorietta (inside Bench Gllorietta), Pinoy Lab TriNoma (inside Bench TriNoma), in other Pinoy Lab areas within Bench boutiques and soon in Pinoy Lab Greenbelt 5. It is heartwarming to know that this new wave of Filipinos looking for wearable nationalism, are finding their way to Pinoy Lab by Bench.  Those who are proudly Pinoy are proudly wearing Pinoy Lab by Bench.