Summer eruption

MANILA, Philippines - Recent winner of the A5N Division 1 championship, the Philippine Rugby Volcanoes turn the summer heat a notch higher with their sizzling new ads for retail giant Bench. Before flying to Hong Kong for the 2012 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament, the rugby team participated in a photo shoot for Bench Body at F1 Hotel, the first premier hotel at The Fort. The hotel was also the official residence of the players for three days.

The athletes posed like professional models — flaunting their chiseled bodies and killer smiles. The overall theme of the pictorial focused on comfort and style. During the first part of the shoot, members posed shirtless wearing Bench low-cut denims. The Philippine Rugby Volcanoes then stripped down to reveal the newest styles of briefs, boxers and boxer briefs from Bench Body. Polished with makeup that simulated sweat and dirt and armed only with their Bench underwear and a rugby ball, the Volcanoes did demo poses that captured action in the rugby field. The mix of fun and fierce action shots revealed the durability and comfort of the brand.

Bench founder and CEO Ben Chan was present at the shoot. He awarded the members with their Bench-sponsored official rugby uniforms which they wore at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament. The 12-squad members representing the Philippines are Terry Carroll, Mark Chatting, Justin Coveney, Chris Hitch, Jake Letts, Michael Letts, Joseph Matthews, Luke Matthews, Patrice Olivier, Matt Saunders, Oliver Saunders, and Jake Ward.

All for Bench: The Philippine Rugby Volcanoes in their Bench sponsored official uniforms with Ben Chan

The 2012 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the world’s largest rugby sevens tournament, took place last March 23 to 25 at the Hong Kong Stadium. It is a prestigious by-invitation-only event where only top teams compete. Unlike the Rugby Union where there are 15 men per team, Sevens Rugby is faster in pace and more exciting with only seven men on the field per team. According to Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) president, Alvin San Diego, “This invitation to the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens marks a milestone in the history of the union. It’s a testament to the hard work of our players, coaches and supporters and more importantly, proof that Filipinos can excel in the sport of Rugby.”

Bench’s sponsorship of the Philippine Rugby Volcanoes is a testament to the retail giant’s continued support not just to Filipino artists and musicians but to athletes as well. Join Bench as it celebrates its yearlong 25th anniversary and its quest for ageless excellence.