Bench Uncut gets wild with Coke Zero
MANILA, Philippines - What happens when the country’s hottest, fittest and sexiest wild it out and go all the way on one sizzling runway? Bench Uncut. Steady screams and outbursts of cheers once again rocked the Big Dome in Quezon City last July 2 as global clothing brand Bench made fashion and entertainment history again with its underwear and denim show. “This edition is more elaborate and with more focus on exquisite cultures that Bench has a strong presence in,” says Ben Chan, Bench founder and executive creative director.
Bearing the stimulating theme, “A Bold Look into the Future,” Bench Uncut took eager peepers to an all-out wild ride around the world with every jaw-dropping segment inspired by five of the globe’s most promising and culturally magnificent countries. Showcased in each was Bench’s remarkable artistry as a truly global Pinoy brand and its philosophy but with a decidedly universal appeal.
Coming from a string of celebrated past shows — “One Night Only” (2002), “Understatement” (2004), “Fever” (2006) and “Black Out” (2008) — Bench ultimately raised the bars way high for this fifth installment as it tapped renowned Filipino designers who perfected their craft in the Middle East to fuse Bench denim and underwear with their own collections. The result? Five impeccable segments of six-packs, juicy curves, feisty music and world-class creativity.
Putting the Philippines on superb display was Beirut-trained but now Cebu-based Cary Santiago. A futuristic Africa, on the other hand, was deftly exhibited by Dubai-based Ezra Santos. Doing equally phenomenal parades inspired by Brazil, China and Russia were Dubai’s prized fashion hotshots Val Taguba, Furne One and Michael Cinco respectively. “The most festive show yet” is what people said, as Bench Uncut gave fun, intense and sexy whole new bolder meanings as musical numbers by the country’s top-notch performers mixed with the high-energy hop-bopping of the acclaimed LA Dancers.
Yet the groundbreaking coming together of internationally acclaimed Pinoy haute-couture geniuses and heart-pumping showstoppers weren’t the only surprises Bench had planned. For the first time, it found itself a partner, a true master of the unexpected: Coke Zero. The world-renowned beverage that made possible the combination of Great Taste with Zero Sugar not only spiced up the show with the cutting-edge musical groove and moves of Japanese Singing sensation Amuro Namie with her hit song Wild, but it was also there to refresh everybody with its guilt-free, great cola taste as the night got hotter and hotter.
During the brand’s much-awaited moment during the Asia segment, actor Zanjoe Marudo, followed by supermodel hunks, showed how great it is to be lean, mean and oozing with verve. Intensifying the clash of these heavenly bodies was the spunky-edgy showcase of the exceptional dancing flair of Coke Zero’s Amuro through dynamic visuals that filled the entire screen walls. A perfect picture of sexy vitality intertwined with the pleasure found in chasing after extreme life passions — it’s what this “Wild” segment was all about.
“Being part of Bench Uncut, the sexiest show in the country, is just amazing! We feel so thrilled that we were able to once again make a shout-out to every Pinoy this time to dare to go out there and be vigorously wild while staying in top form just like all the gorgeous, free-spirited people who boldly paraded the ramp. We are one with Bench in celebrating every individual who takes on everyday runways with much gusto and stomps outside the borders to pursue his dynamic passions all while working a fit and sexy body; those who, with guts, prove being ‘Wild at Heart, Fit in Body’ is possible with an active, healthy lifestyle,” said Jenny Cinco, Coke Zero group brand manager.
No doubt it was the night of the “Wild at Heart, Fit in Body”! ABS-CBN Star Magic main man, entertainment extraordinaire Johnny Manahan and show director Robby Carmona did such a fantastic job in stripping down away the inhibitions of some of the country’s ace stars and A-class models allowing each to shine as they strutted their stuff and made the crowd go wild every time. Among these were sweet-sultry sirens Katrina Halili, Georgina Wilson, Sam Pinto, Iya Villania, Regine Angeles, Karylle, Shaina Magdayao and Carla Abellana who were sure crowd pleasers.
Making the ladies’ hearts pound unceasingly were their equally rousing counterparts Enchong Dee, Zanjoe Marudo, Dingdong Dantes, Jake Cuenca, Diether Ocampo, Rafael Rosell, Jon Avila, Coco Martin, Ejay Falcon, Christian Bautista, JayR, John Prats, Rayver Cruz, Carlo Guevarra and Ron Morales. Magnetic love pairs from rival networks Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal and Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson along with the newest Pinoy Big Brother top five and Starstruck Five finalist were also there to add that extra wholesome vibe to further spark the blazing mix.
What’s next after letting it all out in Bench Uncut? That’s another two grueling years before we find out. But for now, let’s savor all those vivid memories with an ice-cold Coke Zero in hand and continue to be wild at heart, fit in body.
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Can’t get over Bench Uncut? Visit the CokeZeroPH channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/cokezeroph to see how Coke Zero “wild” it up and to know more about Coke Zero’s newest campaign and endorser, Japanese Singing Sensation Amuro Namie. Wild at Heart. Fit in Body. Coke Zero. Great Taste, Zero Sugar.
