Everything is mine and © Adly Velasco unless otherwise stated. Please do not use them without permission or call them your own. You can contact me 
02:33PM, Sep 12 2012 
Benchingko Films Premiere
Bench is a retail brand that has become a household name to the Philippine people. In celebrating its 25th anniversary, they decided to do something out-of-the-box. Hand-in-hand with directors and Bench’s wide array of celebrity endorsers, they showcased six short films last July 27 at Center Stage, Mall of Asia.
The red carpet premiere was graced by the films’ stars (Lucy Torres-Gomez, Piolo Pascual, Bella Flores and Lovi Poe) along with other local Bench celebrity endorses and supporters.
Event buddies: Moe, Jesrhel and Gian
Forever 21 MOA Opening
I already had plans of going to the Mall of Asia for the Forever 21 store opening since I lined up for the Uniqlo one - I just didn’t expect to be there as one of the Forever 21 contest winners. It’s such a blessing to be chosen as one of the winners.
This was the look I submitted on the last day of entry submissions at their website, Forever21ph.com. I didn’t get a lot of votes since it was a late entry but I’m happy the editors of Meg Magazine deemed it as a stylish enough look.
Forever21 bodycon dress worn as top | NY Square floral mullet skirt | suede pumps from Greenhills
It was nice to meet the other winners. We talked a lot about fashion and blogging as well (most of us were bloggers.) We even raided the Topshop sale together.
Gian, Timmi, Alissa and Cez
I couldn’t help but compliment their outfits. Here are some of the details I managed to capture:
Cez DIY-ed this floral headpiece
Since we were asked to be at the store by 10, I managed to score a 500 peso discount coupon plus the 1000 peso gift certificate I won from the contest. You know what follows after that - loads of shopping!
Impalpable by Michael Cinco for BENCH
Michael Cinco’s works have been the talk of the town especially after the girls from America’s Next Top Model wore his gowns made out of recycled materials in one season. Needless to say, I became a fan.
His first public debut in the Philippines was the show for popular beauty brand, L’oreal. I remember wishing I could watch his show then lo and behold, a few seasons later I get to see his works come alive with my own eyes. Only this time for a branch we Filipinos all know and love, BENCH.
The show was held to launch Michael Cinco’s perfume for BENCH aptly titled, Impalpable.
Im·pal·pa·ble adj: incapable of being felt by touch; intangible.
And that was exactly how everything on stage felt like - surreal, aloof and untouchable. The stage was crafted out of the things fairy tales are made of. A pristine white gazebo, a romantic white swing and an eerie life-size sculpture.
The gowns looked very precious, almost fragile if you will. From big and layered to slinky and body-hugging, each one shone in the light. Not one was short of the word “beautiful”.
Fans of America’s Next Top Model (myself included) were given an extra treat, All-Stars Allison Harvard and Dominique Reighard graced the show with their presence. While Dominique was very alluring, Allison was eerily enchanting.
A group of men clad in BENCH underwear dominated the show towards the end. Then the designer himself, Michael Cinco appears and closes the show with a bang.
Designer Rajo Laurel presented his collection in the adjacent function room. Unfortunately, I didn’t watch it because it was also a special occasion for me and my boyfriend who waited for me while I watched the show. We had dinner instead. All’s well that ends well.
PFW Day 5 Photo Diary
Weekends are meant for rest and relaxation. So what better way to take a break from schoolwork than watching a few fashion shows?
Breathtakingly beautiful and astonishingly intricate, the Luxe Wear and Grand Allure collections took my mind off my worries. It’s amazing to see the amount of effort and creativity the Filipino designers put into their work. Truly, proudly Pinoy!
Luxe Wear
Beautiful tattoo-like accents by Anthony Ramirez
PFW Day 3 Photo Diary
If I were to observe myself during a fashion show, I think I’d find myself with dilated pupils, which is sort of a given since the lighting is focused on the clothes and the models. I’d find my heart rate get a little higher when I see something very beautiful or very eye-catching like rhinestones and sequins. Then there’s the sudden loss of breath over a look that translates into a walking masterpiece, something people in the medical field would call apnea.
With that being said, I think runway shows are a sensory experience best appreciated by the eyes. I guess that’s why front row seats are so highly regarded. So I’m sharing my Philippine Fashion Week experience the best way I know people will enjoy it, which is visually.
Albert Andrada
Oriental-inspired pieces and intricate headpieces.
