Friday, August 24, 2012

Benchingko Films Celebrate 25 Years of Bench


Benchingko Films Celebrate 25 Years of Bench



Just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any bigger, Bench proves otherwise by announcing the release of Benchingko Films­—a series of short films with an all-star cast paired with the finest directors in the country. The retail giant saw it fit to celebrate its 25th year milestone with a series of shorts to give back to its loyal customers who have supported the brand through the years. In the words of Bench founder and CEO Ben Chan: "Fashion keeps changing. Fashion is always evolving. Bench lasted this long because we figured out how to ride the waves of change. But movies and films are meant to last longer than fashion. Some are made to last forever. They make the foundation of a culture. The stay in people's minds and hearts. They become classics. It's the 25th anniversary of Bench, and this year we wanted to make something truly classic and ageless. So, we made these films. Movies are the backbone of Pinoy Pop Culture. "

Ben Chan

Piolo Pascual, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Lovi Poe & Ben Chan

Benchingko Films marks the first online short film initiative done by a retailer in the Philippines. The first batch to be released features Ben Chan and top stars Lucy Torres-Gomez, Piolo Pascual, Lovi Poe, Coco Martin, and Bella Flores.

25 Bens
The teaser for Benchingko Films was first unveiled during Bench's launch of the Rajo Uno and Rajo Dos fragrances at this year's Philippine Fashion Week. The campaign starts with "25 Bens" featuring none other than Ben Chan. The film, directed by Ianco dela Cruz, shows a humorous and candid peek at the many facets of the man behind the global fashion brand. In this short you'll see twenty-five Bens talking among themselves about the brand and how far it has come. Ben Chan's message of thanks to everyone who continues to believe in and support the brand is one of the film's key highlights.


Star Teacher
"Star Teacher" is a documentary featuring Lucy Torres-Gomez and the City of Ormoc. It shows how she traces her roots back to Ormoc City and visits a school where she makes environmental issues relevant to pre-schoolers by way of a read-along and puppet show. Director Marla Ancheta captures Lucy's close relationship with the school and her students and her love for Ormoc in this environmentally eye-opening and heartwarming short. It reveals a peek into the beauty of Ormoc City, the heart of its people and Lucy Torres-Gomez like you've never seen her before.


Perya
Set amidst the frenzy of an environment where image is key, "Perya" closely examines society's ideas on beauty and normalcy. Casting the lead was a
no-brainer—Piolo Pascual, having one of the most beautiful faces in the industry, was perfect for the role. Fans will marvel at how he transforms himself into a character imprisoned and forced to perform at a local carnival. It documents his origins, his struggles, how he stumbles on love and his flight to freedom. This drama directed by Toppel Lee boasts of stellar cinematography which the director is best known for and an emotionally moving script that will leave you in awe.


Kama
Director Borgy Torre takes the director's seat for "Kama", a musical starring Lovi Poe. Lovi turns the heat a few notches up by showcasing her beautiful singing voice as well as her dancing skills. Lou Veloso supports Lovi by playing a man on his deathbed who elevates her into the pinnacle of his fantasies.


Horsepower
Director Torre also takes the reins for "Horsepower", a short that revolves around a gritty jeepney drag-race featuring Coco Martin. Imagine a setting like "The Fast and the Furious" only with pimped up jeepneys! Coco's humble personality adds a nice contrast to the grit of the film that tackles the desire for fame, fortune, and love. Filled with rich metaphors it presents the choice between a gamble for a better life and the quiet safety of being with your family. Fans are sure to get hooked on the plot twists as they cheer for their primetime drama favorite in this pulse-pounding short.

Ben Chan & Bella Flores

Kontrabida pa rin at 84
Jose Javier Reyes joins the team by directing "Kontrabida pa rin at 84", where viewers get a glimpse into the mind of Bella Flores, Philippine Cinema's legendary and favorite female antagonist. The film will keep you laughing out loud in your seats as Bella takes the limelight and runs you through a crash course on "Kontrabida 101" or how to be the best evil villain possible. Post processing comic strip text effects add to the comedic experience. It won’t be a surprise if you turn into an instant fan after watching this: it's Bella Flores at her fiercest yet most comedic of roles.
           
Creative, unconventional, funny, and moving, Benchingko Films are packed with a little bit of everything for everyone. The short films will be unveiled via a big screen debut on July 27, 6PM at the SM Mall of Asia Center Stage theater. A Benchingko Films website that will house all films and make them available for online viewing will be launched soon.

For more updates like Bench official Facebook page and follow @benchtm via Twitter.

JULY 27, 2012   "MEDIA LAUNCH"






Lovi Poe

Piolo Pascual

Ben Chan