Bench defines Forever



This writing was sent to Asia CEO Awards 2011 presented by American Express who recognizes most accomplished business individuals in South east Asia. The author, James Penalosa nominated Ben Chan under the Global Filipino Executive category. Bench a global brand from the Philippines is celebrating its 25 years in 2012. Photo courtesy of Rogue Magazine, September 2011 issue by Steve Tirona.



Who doesn’t want to have a gigantic billboard in EDSA? Every time that I would pass by in major Metro Manila thoroughfares, I always get amazed to these huge billboards that are seen everywhere, dreaming that someday I’ll have one wearing only my underwear. Just kidding, it is just astonishing to know that advertising has gone a long way in developing modern ways to sell products and because of that, Philippine fashion is now becoming more recognized by many. Who would have thought that almost 25 years ago, a small store selling t-shirts is now an iconic name that everybody looks up to.

Bench is a registered trademark of Suyen Corporation, one of the largest retailing conglomerates in the country who have put us in the map of world fashion. As everybody knows the brand is derived from the name of its founder and innovator, Ben Chan who is the son of Lib Chan, the man behind Liwayway Marketing Corporation that is known for its coffee, candles and starch trading and now renowned for their snack brand “Oishi” that is widely popular here and in China. Ben has a background of interior designing and has great passion for creativity and innovation. He has inherited the values of dedication, perseverance and hard work from her mother, See Ying who continued their family business after his father’s death. These values positively shape the foundation of the Chan’s partnerships also instilled by his siblings Nenita Chan Lim and Carlos Chan.

Today, Bench is a complete global brand that has brought phenomenal cross over from fashion to lifestyle that is a first to the Philippine market offering local and foreign apparel, footwear, accessories, home wares, snacks, fragrances, beauty salons, cosmetics, infant items and more including its newest venture in skin care through the Bench Dermatology Center in St. Luke’s Hospital dedicated in memory of his beloved parents. The group also pioneered in the use of top celebrity endorsers, celebrated fashion shows, television and giant billboards to promote its products and services at reasonable prices with unparallel quality available anywhere that even reaches as far as United States, Middle East and Asia. On top of that, Ben Chan has been publishing reading materials on Pinoy pop culture, nurturing talents through collaborations with local fashion designers and sponsoring projects that boost education, fashion, sports, environmental care and charity such as support to Philippine Volcanoes Ruby team, Earth Hour and Philippine fashion week.

Truly, this powerful brand is synonymous to Filipino ingenuity and the country owes it to Ben Chan who bravely envisioned that his imaginations are worth living for. As they always practice in Bench that, “When we create – we inspire, When we make – we innovate and When we lead – we serve”…There’s no more words to add in his visions, I’ll just have to say that Bench is Forever.

References:

www.benchtm.com

www.philstar.com;Sunday Life by Millet Mananquil October 9, 2011