The new generation Bench ambassadors

MANILA, Philippines - Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, John Manalo, and Albie Casiño are perhaps four of the most pressured teens in the television industry today. They have been tasked to fill in big shoes when they were chosen to play the main roles in the remake of one of the most famous and defining soap-operas in the country. The original soap, Mara Clara, was not only successful at capturing the Filipino people in the ’90s, it also created some of the biggest stars today.

Then there’s AJ Perez and Joseph Marco who have been recently lined up to prove themselves worthy to transition as mature young actors following in the footsteps of Enchong Dee and Ejay Falcon as they topbill a late afternoon TV series. Six young stars at their prime, out to prove themselves worthy to be called “real actors” as they finally veer away from teenybopper roles.

Of the six, four are, however, non-newbies in the industry. Kathryn, Julia and John have been seen on the tube as young comedians in ABS-CBN’s Going Buililit. Kathryn also recently wowed television fans portraying the role of young Victoria in Magkaribal. Julia has appeared in TV commercials as early as four years old and portrayed important roles in various TV series and movies. AJ has starred in numerous short TV series and was part of a group of young heartthrobs, “gigger boys.” John perhaps is the most veteran, being in the movies as early as 2001 and winning acting awards for TV and movies before he even turned 10.

Kathryn Bernardo wears a roundneck top with raglan cut and shorts.

Albie and Joseph, although the newest in the bunch, have had experience playing lead guy roles. Albie has won the hearts of many young girls in 2009’s Your Song and Joseph has numerous commercials and soaps under his belt.

At present, the ratings of their shows say something about their potential in the industry. They are responding well to the pressure and have created a whole new batch of young stars that the new generation now admires, adores, “hates,” and truly relates to. They are no doubt six of the most recognizable young stars of today.

Kathryn, Julia, John, Albie, AJ, and Joseph are six of the newest idols of today’s young generation, making them perfect new models for one of the most respected clothing lines in the country — Bench. Together, they define youthful, energetic, semi-serious and promising clothes that will help welcome “summer 2011. 

Julia Montes plays Clara whom viewers love to have a love-hate relationship with.

This year’s summer collection for young adults is all about flat knit fabric, simple and striped tees, walking shorts and OJ denims. The clothes are wearable for a stroll in the mall, for an out-of-town gimmick with the barkada or an early night out with classmates and friends. Simple, easy to wear and mix and match yet still full of character; similar to the personalities of the newest Bench models Kathryn, Julia, John, Albie, AJ, and Joseph who may still be young, perky, and easy-going but are also seriously taking on the new pressures of heavier and mature roles on television.

The six new additions to the Bench family join the star-studded line of Bench models for this year’s summer collection dubbed “Bench: Return to Temptation.” Away from the usual let’s-head-to-the-beach-and-party-all-summer-long campaigns, Bench becomes a bit serious this summer, just like the six young stars, as it dares to dwell on the issues of environmental stewardship and renewal of values.

Kathryn, Julia, John, Albie, AJ, and Joseph, the new Bench ambassadors, represent the youngest generation in the group of travelers who will return to the past for a mission to go on a quest to right the wrongs of the past.

Sabel casts AJ Perez and Joseph Marco as the new bench ambassadors.