Be Bench/The Model Search

Bench, the clothing company that now sells a whole new different lifestyle, (and progenitor of such controversial albeit much anticipated, shows such as Bench Fever), is currently producing a model competition, Star Circle style, in tandem with ABS CBN, in search of their next image (or images) from a nationwide pool about to be unveiled.

Be Bench/The Model Search is a reality-based TV show on the abovementioned channel will have its pilot episode on Sunday, July 30 at 10:30 in the evening. It's interesting to note that Cebu-based models Janet Emmrich, Marco Aranas and Martin Grogaard, handpicked from about 200 hundred hopefuls who auditioned a month ago at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, made it to the top 30 (from among a thousand nationwide). Under the banner of M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu, the three have quite a merry mix where lineage is concerned. Janet Emmrich who was born and grew up in Cologne but considers Cebu and Bohol home, is now the rave among the national press. Marco Aranas, a soft-spoken boy of Spanish descent with the body of a Spartan, is one of Cebu's top print and runway model and invaded Manila for a couple of high profile shows including Bench Fever. Per Martin Grogaard from Norway has a Cebuana mother and a Filipino upbringing. He is also enjoying his male-model-of-the-moment monicker in the local fashion arena.

Every Sunday, the finalists will be thrust into the harsh spotlight and experience firsthand what big league modeling is all about, plus of course, to unleash their star quality. They will do pictorials, shows and publicity stunts in weekly eliminations leaving one male and one female contender to garner an endorsement deal with Bench, a talent-management contract with ABS CBN, cash prizes and the ever elusive sweet success and fame.

To Janet Emmrich, Marco Aranas and Martin Grogaard, bravissimo!