ONE DREAMY DAY with FRANCINE DIAZ: Fragrance Launch with BENCH

It's been a while since we've covered a Bench event, and this comes at a very opportune time especially with one of the brightest stars in ABSCBN Francine Diaz launches her very own EDT scents today at the Trinoma main events center.

The first one is called Royal Dream, all filled with citrus notes and sweetness, Francine gives you something that would make you feel like a princess with one spritz of it. The second one is called Spring Day which is more of a floral scent which makes you feel like you're rolling around in a bed of flowers that's fresh and a tad grassy. Both of these are quite loved by Francine and Bench is making it with quality, lovely but still affordable in 60 ml bottles that you can carry around. If you are the kind that meets a lot of people, or have sudden schedule changes, you can smell sweet the whole day by merely putting a spritz or two on your clothes, skin and wrist areas. You're going to be loved even more people especially if you love Francine from her different projects like "Kadenang Ginto", her recent hosting stint at "It's Your Lucky Day" and beyond!

For those who don't know, Francine has been with Bench for 3 or more years now and has also graced different Bench Fashion Week shows throughout her career. She's gorgeous, beautiful but still has a lot of things to do in the coming years, and with this new fragrance, fans would be able to get a glimpse, smell of Chin, then use it everyday. 

This special event called "One Dreamy Day" at Trinoma Mall has been well attended by celebrity and ABSCBN friends, Bench executives (including Sir Ben Chan), her fans and by the media. Here's a glimpse of what happened during the program. 

This is our video coverage of the event sans some music changes, we got pretty much everything!

In the event, they also had a montage of Francine's younger photos, and the layout of what she did for Bench. She can dance, she can sing, she can act and host. Francine also too time to do a short interview with host Marlo Mortel. Albeit not posting much on IG, she makes it a point to do it when she feels like it, she lives authentic and says she does it to connect with her fans intimately. She adds "I am grateful because even if I am so busy with work, they prioritize my mental health and even help me finish school. I still can't make up my mind about the course but I want to be a surgeon, to be in business management, or things I want to do. I can't survive without family and my friends, they give me inspiration and guide me with whatever I do today. I recently got a necklace, it's special because of the way it was given to me. When I'm nervous I hold it and feel I have someone with me on days I have anxiety."

She adds "I thought it was just easy to choose scents, but I later found out there was a lot to choose from. I created memories about it first before choosing what we have here. It's elements that I love about different perfumes which are now combined here. Spring Day has strawberry, citrus and vanilla. I know I have followers who are still at school, so if you want your crush to take a look at you, this is recommended. I sprayed this on myself and even if I was about to sleep, I could still Royal Dream on the other hand is very fruity, it has Bergamot, Vanilla and Whipped Cream. I sometimes mix it and they complement well when I smell it."

She also mentions "I was surprised to hear from my friends from "It's Your Lucky Day", I build my confidence in hosting with them. I thought it was not going to be good in that, but I hear they like it. Thank you for that!"

Royal Dram and Spring Day will be available at all Bench Stores nationwide. Make sure to drop by the nearest one because from the looks of it, it'll run out fast!

MORE PHOTOS: Park Shin Hye for Bench

Maybe, just maybe, you've been a good person in your past life so we're giving you this treat. We have released a few photos already of Park Shin Hye a couple of weeks ago but I still have more on my DSLR that I decided to share today. Shot entirely at the press conference when she arrived, you'll see the lovely Korean lass while she gamely answers questions from the press and rub elbows with Bench CEO Mr. Ben Chan. This is part of the celebration of BENCH's 30 years in the clothing retail industry, and the Filipino's affinity to anything Korean these days so enjoy this treat!

The event was hosted by Sam Oh, she's Korean too so it was actually easy to talk to Park Shin Hye because she could understand the language and talk to her on the side. There was also an interpreter so nobody really got lost in translation LOL.

Then when she came out, it was like an angel came down fron heaven. She wore a little white dress for the occasion. She also started talking about the concert that they were going to do the next day.

Park Shin Hye is also helping less fortunate children in Manila via her Park Shin Hye Foundation. Bench is now part of the sponsors for this center which she opened last year. She also has donated to different organizations around the world and even helped secretly in some causes in Korea too. She also has a center in Ghana and continues to work hand in hand with private companies to fund these centers, even provide scholarships to kids that have no means to go to schools.

Don't you just love people who go the extra mile and use their popularity for the greater good? Thank you BENCH and congratulations on your 30th year!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Park Shin Hye for Bench On Their 30th Year

You have no idea how Bench is planning to celebrate their 30th Anniversary, but you can feel it. For KDrama fans out there who watched Stairway to Heaven, You're Beautiful, The Heirs, Pinocchio, and Doctor Crush last year, it would be the opportune time to set yourselves crazy to a trip in all Bench stores and buy off merchandise because the one and only Park Shin Hye is back! She's the newest International Benchsetter and yesterday we had a glimpse of what to expect when she does her #BenchEveryday concert entitled Flower of Angel later at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Quezon City. She promises REAL fan interaction as selected people will do things with her on stage plus a super cute and romantic singing session with the popular actress.

During the press conference yesterday, she says her fashion style was a little boyish so she loved the pants/jeans and simple shirts that Bench has in their stores. But said she wanted to have a good first impression on this day so she agreed to wear a dress and skirt. 

She also wanted her fans to know what she feels the love despite her being in Korea as a lot of you had been sending her messages online and she does read them. She's also on the way to make another KDrama program come September or October playing a Lawyer this time since she already did a Doctor last year, she wants it different everyday albeit not being too choosy in the roles. She confirms she chooses to do the projects that she finds would just jump to her, when she feels it would make a mark.

Her advise to women, take care of your skin. She doesn't have a set regimen at all and only gives importance to moisturize and putting sunscreen because you can never go wrong with that. If you just saw her in person, you would agree as she's absolutely gorgeous, I couldn't see her pores.

Tonight will be a special night for her fans and the patrons of Bench. Congratulations Sir Ben and everybody who made it possible for her to come to the Philippines. I'm sure there would be a lot of guys who would love to be her Oppa. Make sure you follow me @kumagcow (for more photos of her) and Bench's social media channels for updates about her show later! 

BENCH Brings Pietro Boselli to Manila + Bench Fashion Week Day 3

News spread like wildfire when well loved Filipino brand BENCH confirmed he's coming to town. Think about green eyes, locks of short brown hair, plus demigod like sculptured physique. Then think about a PhD in Engineering, teaching Math and Thermodynamics (which I didn't actually adore in college) with a super endearing personality and above average intelligence to boot.

We had lunch prior to the fashion show and during that time, he was asked if he had problems looking so perfect, he says "I don't think there are disadvantages, obviously if someone looks good you are prone to be approached. At the beginning of my career I kept it a secret that I was a model because I was afraid I would be exploited in the academe. It's funny they don't read "Dr." when they see it in forms, but they can always call me Pietro. I feel all my social media outlets, I get positivity, I only get a few hate. I get to see my fans and read comments and I feel surreal. I am into human interaction, I feel they meant it even more, I'm very surprised I have more male subscribers on Youtube because they follow tips, inspire themselves, even students ask for advise and that changes you a lot as a person. In a way I am educating a lot of people."

"What really enforced my being in the past was science, arts, architecture  and engineering. I sometimes utter words that I have to explain, I'm still a YES man so if I get the chance to act, I'll do it. My love for my hometown grew when I was away, I started teaching at 21 and someone found out that I was a model even if I was not on social media. I embrace everything now but when that went viral I was just about to finish my PHD and people were asking me to go to a show in L.A. and I wasn't going to do that. I find people who I can talk to attractive. Curiosity, generosity, someone who contributes big in your life, I find that attractive. I like a girl who takes care of herself, someone confident, even without make up, simple, but still looks fresh. I like someone who can surprise me, I have a habit of analyzing everything and it's funny I sometimes have to be proven wrong."

"I feel pretty confident about myself, in a way there must be some level to get better and I don't just sit, I train a lot and want even more the next day. You funnel everything that's negative and improve on it. Teaching math is a minor aspect of my life, I spent years doing research and I wish people could actually see me as a person that is evolving. I'm a model, an academic but you can call me any name and I don't really like labels. The photo went viral a year after it got posted and they even contacted me to apologize. But I grew up modelling, it was a natural thing when I was 6/7. It wasn't as prestigious as I see it then, it was a job and I didn't give prejudice but I wanted to do hard work and be successful in it. If you are kind to people, willing to sacrifice the hours, you'll get there. People are very quick in judging, they look at you and think you're not smart. I always have good faith in people, there are standards in beauty and I feel like if I was dating someone, I'd be better off with an intelligent one because when you get old you get left with that." 

He really made sense during this session I kinda get why he's so problematic about him getting first impressions (which models felt . Albeit not that positive sometimes, he always have that positive disposition and promised us that we're going to see a really good runway show later on in the day. We waited for him for a couple of hours, and it was so nice to see the last day of BENCH FASHION WEEK featuring Ziggy Savella, American Eagle Outfitters and my favorite BENCH!

After lunch, she called the hottest Math teacher in the world!

Kashieca, Vero Moda, Sassa Jimenez Starts Fierce Bench Fashion Week Day1

It's been a while since we've seen Bench do a shown on the runway. They've also grown their other brands over the years and have built partnerships with talented Filipino designers because they believe in our innate talent. This weekend, they're holding a 3 day BENCH FASHION WEEK and is featuring Kashieca, Vero Moda and the works of Sassa Jimenez. I lt was young, fresh, and elegant. I couldn't find more words to describe the show so I'll make you be the judge. I took photos of all the clothes in the runway and I hope you enjoy this! I barely slept editing photos last night so I hope you like this!

Oh and before the show, we saw real life sweethearts Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo. They were welcomed by the big man Ben Chan himself before they got to their seats. There were a couple of beauty queens, artists, models too but I was so excited to share these shots and got them all here for you to see. Follow me @kumagcow on IG and Twitter to say thanks, I'd appreciate that! :)

Daniel Padilla

Kathryn Bernardo

KathNiel with Ben Chan

Check out these runway shots, I hope you feel like you're in the front row after this!

Martin Del Rosario's Birthday at RSCC

One of GMA's most gorgeous hunks just celebrated his birthday at the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Quezon City. Martin Del Rosario, who has never done this before says he's looking forward to spend time with them and share his blessings courtesy of Monreo Biscuits, Magnolia, Oishi, Active White, Thai Tea, Mogu Mogu, Zagu and Kambal Pandesal. GMA Artist Center arranges these things for their artists and Martin said he hasn't been able to experience this in his former station. 

Martin was so happy to see the kids and he played games with the little ones, he gave them prizes too. 

They also gave away essentials so the center would be able to take care of the kids even better. 

We sat down with Martin after the event and asked him about his trip to South Korea a few days ago. He went there with some of the people behind the Indie film he starred in called "Sagwan (Paddle)" which was made last year. It was sent as an entry in ASEANA International Short Film Festival in Korea and they got the nomination. He went there with the Production Designer, Cinematographer and Director. He also roamed around the streets because he had so much time alone and he used that to get to know the country. This is different from the "Sagwan" movies shown in commercial release and this is new. It's about a boy who used to work pushing carts in train railways and got a life changing experience when he saw a paddling team in Manila bay. They followed his life there in the movie. This is directed by Heather Europa. There's still no commercial release here. He also heard plans from GMA but he's not counting them yet because it'll happen next year. He's also doing another indie next year. He's very happy with GMA and the culture is different. He says he also wants to work with Kris Bernal and Gwen Zamora if given the chance.

He says "It's a different feeling when you get to be with kids, I loved what happened here and I am looking forward to more of these things with GMA Artist Center. I am also celebrating my birthday in Macau next week with a couple of friends so I can unwind. It's mixed emotions here because I know how and where these kids came from, I am so happy because they make me feel happy. Most of them have no families, and I understand how happy they were earlier." 

I also asked him about the Bench The Naked Truth show and he adds "I was shocked because people were talking about it and calling my poses so many names. The fashion show needs you to be remarkable, you have one minute to impress and I tried my best not to be exploited or dirty looking around there. If asked to do sexy roles, I think they are planning to do drama and comedy with me but I can do it... it just depends on the story, treatment and the execution of the director. I worked in Daguitab with very Taboo topics and I'm proud of that because those are the ones I want to watch. I hope people get to see it on a commercial release, soon. The film is nice and I hope it does come out soon. I'll be doing some projects soon that are on the similar story line." 

He's now 22 and GMA has a lot of plans for him. It'll be mostly done next year when GMA comes out with new shows. Mark knows he's it's going to be a challenging run when that time comes. He's a great actor and if that continues to show in his projects here, he's bound to be one of the few who can take on lead roles in GMA's prime time slot. Serious and sexy roles would be fit too, is the audience ready for him when he goes this path? Time will tell, but by the looks of it... he sure does!

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

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http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter