Bench Universe: The 2012 Denim and Underwear Show - Part 1

Hi guys! How are you? =) Well I know most of you are eagerly awaiting the photos of your idols. Some of you might be models from the show or designers that would want to see what happened in the Bi-Annual Bench Underwear and Denim show. I'll tell you the story... so you guys who were not able to go there would feel like you are also watching BENCH UNIVERSE while in front of your PC's.

Before I start, would you mind following me on Twitter @kumagcow and like my Facebook page first?

NOTE: Please do not copy/download or modify any photos on this post. Refer your friends to this article instead, clear? :)

Are you ready? =)

We were in situated in the front, center of the mosh pit. I wanted a good vantage point and its a good thing almost everyone would probably be like 2 feet away from where I was in the show. The stage was grand! Those lights on the sides served as curtains and lifted up when the show started. I was in the mosh pit in the front and there was another mosh pit in the center. If that ain't gonna convince you that Bench is going all out with this one, just compare it to other shows and you know what I mean =)

Then a 3 minute countdown started. It was loud, almost deafening beeps and everyone was excited because it was about to start!

Then there was total darkness...

Then graphics of cosmos and stars was projected in the triple layered screen in the stage. After that we were signaled to turn on our glow sticks. Everyone was given one and I had one too! ^_^

Can you just imagine the whole place was glowing like this? :) It was even nice to see some were spinning em!

It's started! :) Everyone applauded seeing this on the screen!

Then this guy came out!

Yeap! That's Mig Ayesa. He's a Pinoy who grew up in Australia, went to London and joined the Rock Star: INXS competition. He placed third and was the crowd favorite. Aside from that, he appears in the local adaptation of Rockstar (the movie that was performed on stage). He's 1/4 Filipino, Ilonggo to be exact! :)

He's got abs, I dont.. =P

Then they came out in full force! I've never seen so many bodies in one putting LOL

As you can see the one who designed this line is indicated on the wall. It's Ezra Santos, another fashion designer from Dubai. He's been featured in shows and magazines the world over!

Furry, reminds me of poodles. But they don't wear things like these :)

When they proceeded to the "back of the stage" I saw someone familiar in the monitor. Is that who I think it is? =)

Sorry it's a little too noisy. Facebook does that to photos :) and I was too far too from the stage so I know you understand. But this is KIM CHIU! Yay!

Ahh now isn't she gorgeous? I know a lot of Kimerald or Kimxi fans would love this! :)

Someone familiar to me is Joseph Marco. I've seen him on TV and a couple of programs in ABSCBN. Being a benchsetter myself, I often see him in Bench events since he's an endorser. #angkapalkono? hehe

Okay ladies, it's your turn to drool :D

Okay I have to insert something for Men here hehe

Vavavoom!

Do you know her? Let me know her name please! :)

And here's a familiar face. She's Janine Gutierrez.

I really feel the Lotlot and Monching statements coming from you guys, she looks nice no?

My spot was very close to them I had to even step back just to get a shot like this :)

Next up is someone from GMA, he's a mystery guy. Nahh just kidding! Here's Steven Silva!

I think they were playing roles or something, this was the part where he kinda screamed LOL

Oh btw, I like the details of his bolero. I think that's what they call it right? :)

Then he did something to the delight of the ones beside me... kids, cover your eyes. NSFW!

He really did that.... LOL

Then after that scene, we had someone from ABSCBN just passing by... hehe

This is Sam Concepcion

Then a few models walked the ramp... I hope that Sam Concepcion overload was enough for you...

Then someone I love suddenly appeared...

I stopped shooting because of her LOL... She's Sophie Sumner of UK vs US ANTM Season where she won. ^_^♥

My favorite shot of her is this one below!

Love you Sophie! :)

Then came Jake Cuenca... I interviewed him a couple of months ago for a movie remember?

Of course that's his signature pose! =)

 

Then when you think he was done with the walk.... he suddenly did this!

He took it off... then after that....

Then everyone else came out of the stage :) 

Kim Chiu is just stunningly beautiful! =)

Now you guys should stay tuned about who's up next because he's going to be flying literally via a row boat =) If you know who's on the next photo comment on this post and let me know!

Part II of this series will include more stars, models, singers and dancers too! The party just started so watch out for the next BENCH UNIVERSE post only here on KUMAGCOW.COM! Yeap, we've got more where this came from! :)

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Happiest Pinoy 2012: Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions

We Filipinos are genuinely happy. With the things we experience everyday of the year, one must wonder where we source our happiness. Personally I don't know how to even gauge it. A few days ago I was able to see what it means for a lot of people. When we attended an event for Cebuana Lhullier Insurance Solutions a few days ago, it got me think a lot about how it is to live in this country of ours. Our difference talks a lot about how we became resilient despite of all the hardships we have encountered over the years. We're not first world after all but we are hopeful. We still want to be better people.

Cebuana Lhullier has been one of the most trusted brands in the country, and why not. They know how "happiness" thrives in the country and this is their attempt to honor the HAPPIEST PINOY and they have been doing this for a few years now. Isn't it so nice to see a private corporation make waves throughout the country making and giving honor to the same people that harness happiness as their primary tool to help people and themselves.

Happy lover boy Drew Arellano hosted the show. All the finalists were present and they have already won 25K just by being one. The grand winner will be receiving a hefty amount of sum to continue their personal goals and community projects. Here are some of them:

Arnel Alipao - An environment advocate. He started initiatives for several community members and NGO's education so they would never forget about carbon footprint and caring for the environment no matter how much we want to improve our lives.

 

Gilda Altez- Family Counseling and Community Work. She has done countless seminars and public engagements and has done remarkable work in the field of rebuilding Family Relationships. Being a single Mom herself she knew how much important it is to save the basic unit of a community. It takes a lot of learning on both parties and she has to date have made a lot of progress in different areas in the Philippines. She's still doing the deed until now, how noble.

Rommel Arellano - Even at his condition had done countless community work and matters for persons with disability. He mentioned a story about a lady who suddenly asked him out of nowhere why he is actually happy in spite of his condition. He found happiness in slippers because with this tool he was able to move around and help those who are also in the same condition. He does charity work also using the slippers with his bare hands, that's how he finishes stuff. He was emotional and even cried at the mere nomination and recognition... later on he was announced the grand winner and Happiest Pinoy for 2012!

 The judges include these good looking guys over here. Yes, that's Miguel Zubirri.

Philippe J. Lhullier says "We do not run out of things to be happy about" that is why Cebuana Lhullier thought about this campaign and it has won them various accolades here and around the world!

Connie Emborong (One in Red)-  Does Muslim and Christian Community work in Marawi City.  Even on war stricken places, she spearheads movements and organizations so they can help the less fortunate and start classes all over again in these areas. She gets so much out of seeing kids get back on their feet and study again even if their homes are in conflict areas.

Marcelo Otinguey - Works in preserving indigenous and cultural heritage. Being an educator, he starts in his own turf. He shows the same outside and make more efforts so that others can learn from it too. They do performances and other mediums so it could be a visual treat!

John Gabriel Pelias - Math Wizard, has got the highest gpa in UP's history and chose to stay in the country to become an educator in UP.

There were a lot more nominees and it was so nice seeing them beaming with their smiles as they tell their stories. Everyone deserved to win!

Jean Henry Lhullier says happiness is but a choice. If we always keep a positive outlook in whatever we do, we will be good at it and it is true! Cebuana Lhullier Insurance Solutions has really made a noble act by honoring those who have helped countless lives in their own little way. Happiness is being used as a tool to help the community, and themselves without asking for anything in return.

Congratulations Mr. Rommel Arellano for being the Happiest Pinoy this 2012. Cebuana Lhullier Insurance Solutions, this is a great cause and I expect the next one to be even bigger, better than ever! Congratulations to all the nominees, in our minds, you all deserve to win!

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Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions