Be Bench Beyond 20: The Grand Finals Night: Bench Endorsers

Aired last September 9, 2007 on ABS-CBN.

In that segment featuring Bench endorsers Shaina Magdayao and Rayver Cruz, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, Mikee Lee, Enchong Dee, John Prats, Don Mendoza, AJ Wrinkler, Doug Kramer, Andrew Wolfe, Jon Avila, Angelica Panganiban, Bruce Quebral, Rafael Rosell, Jake Cuenca, Francine Prieto, Iya Villania, Rica Peralejo, Zanjoe Marudo, Diether Ocampo, Jomari Yllana, Piolo Pascual and Kris Aquino.

Aside from them, some of these Kapamilya, Kapatid and Kapuso stars as Bench endorsers and models are absent in the said show are Carla Abellana, Isabelle Abiera, Aljur Abrenica, Ellen Adarna, Asia Agcaoili, LA Aguinaldo, Carlene Aguilar, Johan Aguilar, Sam Ajdani, Marco Alcaraz, Leila Alcasid, Victor Aliwalas, Benjamin Alves, Nico Antonio, Ariella Arida, Paulo Avelino, Phoemela Baranda, Edward Barber, Julia Barretto, Alfonso Bautista, Christian Bautista, Kathryn Bernardo, Benj Besa, James Blanco, Josh Barfuss, Warren Cabban, Melai Cantiveros, Gian Carlos, Paul Jake Castillo, Rainier Castillo, Alex Castro, Zeus Collins, Sam Concepcion, Luke Conde, Geneva Cruz, Rodjun Cruz, Ken Chan, David Chua, Gil Cuerva, Mathew Custodio, Anjo Damiles, Kelley Day, Franco Daza, Isabelle Daza, John Vic de Guzman, Puma de Borja, Alessandra de Rossi, Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma, JC de Vera, AJ Dee, Michelle Dee, Kisses Delavin, Francine Diaz, Joaquin Domagoso, Kim Domingo, Robi Domingo, Bryce Dyer, Ryan Eigenmann, Jacob Ejercito, Maymay Entrata, John Estrada, Kiko Estrada, Rhys Miguel Eugenio, Ejay Falcon, Frencheska Farr, Grae Cameron Fernandez, Jason Francisco, Marco Gallo, Coleen Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, Tanya Garcia-Lapid, Ylona Garcia, Enrique Gil, PJ Go, Juliana Gomez, Beauty Gonzalez, Jeric Gonzales, Catriona Gray, Marco Gumabao, Raymond and Richard Gutierrez, Katrina Halili, Jon Hall, Kristine Hermosa, Solenn Heussaff, Brent Javier, Luke Jickain, Tibo Jumalon, Karylle, Kian Kazemi, Emil Khodaverdi, Bianca King, Andre Lagdameo, Sarah Lahbati, Maureen Larrazabal, MJ Lastimosa, Kris Lawrence, David Licuaco, Xian Lim, Sanya Lopez, Diego Loyzaga, Ruru Madrid, Ehra Madrigal, Michelle Madrigal, Pancho Magno, Bianca Manalo, Rissa Mananquil-Samson, Robby Mananquil, Borgy Manotoc, Joseph Marco, Coco Martin, Teejay Marquez, Winwyn Marquez, Michael Martinez, Bailey May, Alicia Mayer, Jessy Mendiola, Maine Mendoza, Jennylyn Mercado, Sam Milby, Derrick Monasterio, Angelina Montano, Diva Montelaba, Julia Montes, Iwa Moto, Andres Muhlach, Rocco Nacino, Marc Nelson, Miho Nishida, Manny Pacquiao and Jinkee Jamora, Bela Padilla, Daniel Padilla, Juliana Palermo, Bubbles Paraiso, Inigo Pascual, Manolo Pedrosa, Tyrone Perez, Enzo Pineda, Sam Pinto, Magui Planas, Lovi Poe, Pokwang, Cassandra Ponti, Camille Prats, Dex Quindoza, Angeline Quinto, Rufa Mae Quinto, Addy Raj, Wendell Ramos, Iago Raterta, Miko Raval, Keanna Reeves, Alden Richards, Raphael Robes, Katarina Rodriguez, Shaun Rodriguez, Tom Rodriguez, Dominic Roque, Suzuki Sadatsugu, Paul Salas, JB Saliba, Johan Santos, Jome Silayan, Jay-R Siliona, Steven Silva, Liza Soberano, John Spainhour, Prince Stefan, Geoff Taylor, Mike Tan, Geoff Taylor, Cynthia Thomalla, Dennis Trillo, Juancho Trivino, Nicole Uysiuseng, Alfred Vargas, Railey Valeroso, Ian Veneracion, Arron Villaflor, Ahron Villena, Corey Wills, Georgina Wilson, Maggie Wilson, Valerie Weigmann and Megan Young and basketball players Paul Lee, Andre and Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, Anthony and David Semerad, Jeric and Jeron Teng, Caelan Tiongson, Arnold van Opstal and James Yap.

Robi was took part in "Uncut: A Bold Look at the Future" Denim and Underwear Show at the Araneta Coliseum when he tore his sando in the Furne One's Far East segment.

A Twitter user who said "Nakakatawa yung ginawa ni Robi Domingo sa Bench Uncut."

The loveteam of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, wearing elaborate costumes, closed the segment.

BRAZIL. The show reached its peak during the Brazil segment.

Kapuso sexy actress Katrina Halili, who was surprisingly well-received by the crowd inside the Big Dome, was the first celebrity to appear.

She was immediately followed by Be Bench winner Carl Guevara; Eurasian model Benjamin Tang; returnees Rafael Rosell and Andrew Wolff; Wowowee girls RR Enriquez, Saicy Aguila, and April “Congratulations” Gustilo.

Wendell Ramos remains to be one of the biggest attractions in the Bench fashion shows. The 31-year-old actor wore the skimpiest underwear of all the celebrities that night, showing his flawless buttocks to the delight of the crowd.

Meanwhile, comedienne Pokwang almost stole the show with her grand entrance. Wearing a feathery gown which covered almost all parts of her body, the Wowowee co-host passed through a sea of almost naked gorgeous Caucasian models lying on the floor on her way to the ramp.

Pokwang was followed by Kapuso actress Carla Abellana and Kapamilya heartthrob Enchong Dee.

"The colorful Brazil portion was inspired by exotic birds of the Amazon, according to designer Val Taguba. The most action-packed segment featuring accidental porn star Katrina Halili and young heartthrob Enchong Dee." ('Bench Uncut': It's a tradition!', CHUVANESS By Cecile Van Straten, The Philippine Star, July 7, 2010)

“When Enchong Dee made his entrance at this year’s Bench Universe show, he owned the night in no less than an aerial canoe, looking every bit the gladiator with his toned body and feisty stance.” (Metro Magazine, November 2012)

Some senators in favor of extending Luzon-wide lockdown

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Some senators are in favor of extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) being implemented in Luzon due to the lingering threat of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the government should prioritize the health and safety of Filipinos in deciding whether or not to lift the ECQ.

“Have to study it well. Balance safety and economy. I agree with the thinking, ‘Life first, economy later’,” Sotto told reporters in a text message.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto also said the government should conduct the mass testing for all persons suspected of having COVID-19, as well as the the sick, before lifting the ECQ.

“Mass testing and isolation/quarantine to reduce infections. Thereafter, mass treatment. Only then can you relax [the] ECQ,” Recto said.

“How long? Depends on how fast government does its work and be ahead of the virus,” he added, appealing to concerned agencies to “act faster.”

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said with the planned mass testing on April 14, “we are left with no other choice but to extend the ECQ by at least two weeks.”

Echoing Recto, he said the mass testing of persons under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs) “is the only way to determine if we are winning the war or not.”

“Without mass testing, we are totally blind. And when we are blind, the risk is higher of spreading the virus again, thereby wasting the 30-day EQC,” Gatchalian added.

Sen. Joel Villanueva said the increasing number of COVID-19-positive individuals “tells us that the pandemic is not yet over.”

Saying he also supports an extended quarantine period, he reiterated that the government should instead coordinate with the supply chain sector for their exemption, especially the food, manufacturing, and delivery sector.

“This is to ensure that we have sufficient supplies of food and basic necessities while we continue our quarantine,” Villanueva said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he is likewise supportive of extending the Luzon-wide quarantine to April 30.

“We are only beginning to see data of symptoms post-quarantine. And I see some data that shows it is effective. But too early to tell. An extra two weeks would help,” Drilon said in a statement.

Like his colleagues, however, the opposition senator also pointed out the need to ensure a steady food supply and the free movement of essential goods and services.

He said the government could consider relaxing the quarantine rules between May 1 to May 31, to allow an unimpeded food and non-food supply chain movement, as well as “critical construction” of power plants and other key infrastructure. He also proposed the resumption of operations of some public transport, “but not jeepneys, only those where you can practice social distance (LRT, buses).”

“This way, more people have income,” Drilon said. “What is essential is more jobs and livelihood as well as access to food and supplies.”

At the same time, travel to and from Luzon is still prohibited, and no mall operations, church events, and other mass gatherings shall be allowed.

He said authorities may consider opening more food, retail and consumer services by June 1.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, acknowledged that it would be difficult to decide between flattening the COVID-19 curve and the economic impact of the continued inactivity.

He said it the decision should depend on authorities who have all the data to decide “which is the best course of action to take moving forward.” On the other hand, he said the government should decide “soon enough” to allow concerned sectors to prepare, “but not too late to make things worse.”

For his part, Sen. Francis Tolentino said “the decision should have empirical basis taking into consideration the health of the individual members of society as well as the health of the economy.”

“I leave that decision to the President. However, we should have an economic stimulus law to resuscitate the economy in the long term, which is likewise a job of Congress,” he noted.

Businessmen have been pushing for a “selective quarantine” in local government units wherein food manufacturing and agriculture operations, as well as limited public transportation, shall be allowed to resume while mass gatherings are still prohibited.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases is still finalizing the guidelines in deciding to lift or extend the ECQ, which will end on April 12.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/03/some-senators-in-favor-of-extending-luzon-wide-lockdown/

Allow some businesses to resume, government urged

Businessmen are facing a tough choice on whether to push for an extension of the Luzon-wide quarantine to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic or allow some businesses to resume to address hunger and prevent social unrest.

Some 60 business leaders and association heads have formally asked the government to shift to selective quarantine from the current Luzon-wide quarantine to allow some businesses to return to regular operations.

This was among the four recommendations raised by the business sector to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, in a letter sent by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Concepcion III.


The recommendations are aimed at aiding the country transition into a “new normal” while preserving the gains from the government’s early response to safeguard the country’s public health, Concepcion said in his letter.

The recommendations are: shift from Luzon-wide lockdown to selective quarantine at the barangay level; allow all manufacturing, construction and agriculture to operate based on demand, wherein all cargo would be able to move freely without passes; keep the ban on all mass gatherings including malls, schools and entertainment venues; allow reduced public transportation services – limiting them to business areas where employers can transport workers safely with strict guidance on social distancing, wearing of masks and other public health measures.


“Given the choice – life or money – life is the most important but in the crisis we have today, we need to provide jobs to people as this is the only sustainable way or else hunger will set in, which can lead to social unrest,” Concepcion said in a separate message to The STAR.

“If ever the government decides to open public transportation, we are saying we can start with the MRT and LRT. We are also saying that no mask, no entry policy to any public place should be enforced,” Concepcion said.

The business leaders arrived at the recommendation at a recent Zoom meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) last March 29.

Also present at the meeting were Ayala chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, the Sy Group’s Hans Sy, Alliance Global Group CEO Kevin Tan, Gokongwei Group’s Lance Gokongwei, Bounty Fresh’s Tennyson Chen, Philippine Chamber of Commerce Inc.’s George Barcelon and Sergio Ortiz-Luis, and LT Group president and COO Michael Tan.

On the other hand, tycoon Ramon Ang, president and COO of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), who was not at the March 29 IATF meeting, said he is in favor of extending the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, as he downplayed its negative impact on the economy.

“At this point, what is more important are lives, not money. We can make money again but life, once you lose it, it’s gone forever. So between life and money, I’d choose life,” Ang said in a recent interview with CNN. The current quarantine will end on April 12.

The government has unveiled a P200-billion aid package for 18 million poor households that are seen to suffer most from the impact of the Luzon-wide quarantine, set in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 which has already claimed thousands of lives in the Philippines and across the globe.

Senators back extension

Senators, meanwhile, are supporting an extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

But they said the quarantine – and its possible extension – would only achieve its aim of containing the spread of COVID-19 if there is mass testing and if the delivery of economic aid to vulnerable families and businesses is guaranteed.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said an extension should be for another two weeks or as the reported mass testing shall have started, while Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon suggested that it could be extended up to April 30 with a gradual relaxation of restrictions from then on.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the matter of extending or not the enhanced community quarantine, which ends on April 12, is a difficult decision to make.

“We have to study it (extending) well. Balance safety and economy. I agree with the thinking, ‘life first, economy later’,” Sotto told reporters.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto pressed the government to work faster by mass testing all persons under investigation (PUIs), persons under monitoring (PUMs) and those who may have symptoms, and isolate those positive for the disease.

“Likewise, do mass treatment of the sick. Determine from public health scientists when the infection rate is manageable or less than one. Only then can you transition to relaxing (the quarantine). How long? Depends on how fast government does its work and be ahead of the virus,” Recto said.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the matter is a “most difficult decision to strike a balance between flattening the curve of COVID-19 and the looming economic recession due to a wide swath of business inactivity.”

“Thus, it is better left to those who have almost unlimited access to all the relevant data to decide which is the best course of action to take moving forward,” Lacson said.

On the other hand, there is no perfect system of distribution of aid considering the number of families involved in the cash dole-out, further complicated by a less efficient database due to the late implementation of the national ID system, he said.

“Just as intelligence information can spell the difference between success and failure in my previous life in intelligence and law enforcement work, data is the key for our policymakers to make the right decisions at this critical time,” Lacson said.

Sen. Joel Villanueva warned the increasing incidence of COVID-19 positive individuals “tells us that the pandemic is not yet over.”

“I am in favor of extending the quarantine. At the same time, we have to consult our supply chain experts as we need to probably exempt some sectors in this lockdown, especially the food, manufacturing and delivery sector,” Villanueva said.

“This is to ensure that we have sufficient supplies of food and basic necessities while we continue our quarantine. Tapping the experts for me is very important,” he said.

“We have sacrificed so much to prevent a further spread of COVID-19 and a total collapse of our health system. It will be a total waste if we lift prematurely the enhanced community quarantine,” Drilon said.

He, however, said the extension must also ensure food supply and movement of essential goods and services.

Drilon proposed the relaxing of the enhanced community quarantine from May 1 to 31 but still no travel to and from Luzon. He said the ban on mass gatherings in malls and churches should remain.

“But what is essential is more jobs and livelihood as well as access to food and supplies. Hence, open to more manufacturing (especially food, but also non-food and supply chain) and critical construction (power plants, infrastructure). This way, more people have income. To facilitate, open some public transportation, but not jeepneys, only those where you can practice social distance,” he said.

From June onwards, the government can consider opening more retail and consumer services, markets and malls, he said.

Gatchalian said the announcement of chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. that mass testing can only be conducted on April 14 has “left us with no other choice but to extend the enhanced community quarantine by at least two weeks.”

“Mass testing of PUMs and PUIs is the only way to determine if we are winning the war or not. Without mass testing, we are totally blind. And when we are blind, the risk is higher of spreading the virus again, thereby wasting the 30-day enhanced community quarantine,” Gatchalian said.

Sen. Francis Tolentino said whatever decision the government makes must have empirical basis, “taking into consideration the health of the individual members of society as well as the health of the economy.”

“I leave that decision to the President, however we should have an economic stimulus law to resuscitate the economy in the long term, which is likewise a job of Congress,” Tolentino said. – With Paolo Romero

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/04/04/2005321/allow-some-businesses-resume-government-urged