Andres Muhlach
Kathryn Bernardo
The Bench Body of Work last Friday March 21 wasn’t only a one big jaw-drop at SM MOA Arena, it also set the internet on fire, garnering millions of views, easily the biggest event so far in the Philippines in 2025.
Ben Chan at curtain call with special guests Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres-Gomez
SB19
It was the first time it was held since 2017, and it was obvious to everyone, including the “Bench Body-virgins” (those watching it for the first time), that Ben Chan spared nothing to mount the biggest Bench spectacle that used more than 140 models and the top-tier entertainment/fashion/music celebrities in the Philippines, from Kathryn Bernardo to SB19. If you were not on the Bench Body runway, then you’re no gold-mint celebrity—not “in”—that was how people thought.
The Bench Body show, for a decade or so now, has been a live-show tradition that people look forward to, when actors/actresses and celebrities turn into hunks and sex bombs, wearing Bench casual wear and underwear, baring nearly all before a high-energy crowd. Bench Body has always been marked by explosive energy. It shakes up the entire coliseum or arena. It ante-dated the digital-native audience. Now, it has come so far and crossed generations of audiences. You realized that it could sweep even the Next Gen off its feet the moment Andres Muhlach and twin sister Atasha walked onstage. The reaction to today’s hottest Muhlachs was nearly delirious.
Alden Richards
Sunshine Cruz
But then so was the reception to almost all the stars, starting with Alden Richards, who obviously buffed up for this appearance, and all the way to the end of the show, with Michelle Dee, Sunshine Cruz, and Kathryn Bernardo in the finale.
Hidilyn Diaz
Kirk Bondad
Ben Chan and Bench pulled surprises such as the appearance of Olympian weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and P-pop idols SB19. 2024 Mr. World Philippines Kirk Bondad also grabbed the scene.
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- Joshua Garcia
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- David Licauco
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- Jake Cuenca
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- Ina Raymundo
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- Celeste Cortesi
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- Ara Arrida
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- Krishnah Gravidez
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- Janine Gutierrez
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- Priscilla Meirelles
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- Lovi Poe
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- Atasha Muhlach
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- Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin
The almost two-hour show was so fast-paced, the runway walk broken by awesome acrobatic stunts of the Les 7 Doigts. It must have taken some time to plan this show, the first since the pandemic. Creative director was Ben Chan himself.
Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali
Artistic director was the Canadian Gypsy Snider; fashion show director was Robby Carmona; creative consultant and head stylist was Noel Manapat; the artistic team for lights, music, video and acrobatic performances was Les 7 Doigts; stage design was Gino Gonzales.
The collaborating designers were Joey Samson, Herbert Custodio, Ricky Vicencio, Arnel Papa, Renan Pacson, Russell Villafuerte, Kristine Ordinario, Dylan Gallaza, Jeremiah Oribe, Chrisdale.
More than 140 models in Bench Body of Work
Visual buffet of a curtain call
When retail visionary Ben Chan pulls out all the stops to mount a show, the vision turns into hot images. Very very hot.
