Is the F4 phenomenon baduy? Chinoys don’t think so!

I was probably one of the lucky few who was able to make it to the Bench press conference of Jerry Yan a.k.a Dao Ming Xi at Le Pavillon in Roxas Boulevard. I thought I was being a diligent writer when I was there at 9:30 a.m. but to my surprise, there was a queue already. And the biggest surprise of all was that I saw friends from Immaculate Conception Academy in Greenhills also lining up to get in. You see, there is this misconception that ICA, an all girls’ Chinese school, is the most sosyal of the Chinese schools in Manila.

I first heard about F4 when I got a text from my cousin: "Atchi when F4 comes, can you get me a backstage pass?" I thought to myself, F4, who they? I got to know who the F4 were – yet, although they were popular with most Filipinos I wondered how the Filipino-Chinese community felt about them?

I got my answer from my family.

My dad cancelled several Sunday family dinners to stay home and watch the Meteor Garden series on VCD. My mother told me that if a guy who looks like Dao Ming Xi would court me, she would give her stamp of approval right away. My twin brothers asked me if I had watched disc 19 of the series because it was so touching they almost cried. Finally, when I turned on my newly-fixed computer at home, I was surprised that our wallpaper had been changed to an F4 group photo.

And last Friday at the presscon, there were so many familiar Filipino Chinese faces there to support Bench and to see Jerry Yan in the flesh. So, contrary to popular belief that us Chinoys are nababaduyan with the F4 phenomenon, last Friday’s interview proved that this is untrue.

Here are the most interesting questions asked during the presscon of Jerry Yan?

What kind of music do you listen to?

I like jazz or hip hop but it all depends on my mood.

What is your favorite Bench item that you always bring with you?

Bench underwear. I use it all the time.

How do you keep fit?

I play any kind of sport like bowling and basketball but I am not choosy when it comes to food.

How did you feel about meeting the President of the Philippines?

Your President is a good person and an intellectual. I am happy that she let me meet cancer patients and orphans.

How does it feel to be a superstar and treated like a king wherever you go?

I do not feel like a king. I just want to be able to treasure this experience.

Are you willing to pose for the underwear brand of Bench?

(With a big smile) I hope so!

What do you think of the future of Bench in Asia?

I am hopeful about Bench’s future in Asia.

What are the qualities that you look for in a woman and how do you find Filipino women?

Lively. Here in the Philippines I see many beautiful women.