The making of a Bench billboard - Under the Grecian sun Sept 03, 2005 ANG SAYA! exclaimed a gleeful Kris Aquino. You’re too happy, Kris. Your smile is too big. Don’t be too happy! barked Jun de Leon from behind the camera, which was totally expected of the country’s top photographer and the official lensman of the Bench Body-Kris Aquino ad campaign. But could anyone blame Kris? After all, she was being caressed (some would say fondled — touch is relative) by three disarmingly gorgeous European male models in the pristine blue waters of Paradise Beach. This was on the isle of Mykonos in none other than Greece! Famous match-up In yet another brilliant and daring stroke of advertising genius, Bench teamed up with Famous—yes, those star-studded cruise voyages and trips to faraway destinations like Australia, Egypt and now Greece—to bring their most popular Bench Body endorser to the land of gods and goddesses. Famous 9, spearheaded of course by Keren Pascual, embarked on a week-long journey to Athens and Mykonos, an island off the coast of the capital. Aside from the photo shoot, on the agenda were exploring the Acropolis, hitting the Athenian nightlife, sunbathing on Paradise beach, and of course, wining and dining as the Greeks do. Upon arrival in Greece, Bench screened dozens of European models to find the perfect Adonis worthy of donning Bench Body wear and appearing on a billboard with Kris. Those who made the cut were Ivo Zachan, a tall easygoing Slovakian who clicks with Pinoy humor, and Maximilian Eisler of Germany, a dead-ringer for Ryan Philippe. A late addition to the roster was Jacob Sombiracoul, a half-Greek, half-Thai whose physique and handsome face so stood out while strolling along the boardwalk in Mykonos there was no doubt he would be a natural underwear model. Bench also tapped a pretty Danish blonde, 18-year-old Alexandria, to model the latest garments from Kashieca and Greyhound alongside the Philippines’ own Nicolette Bell, herself half-British. Perfect backdrop Shooting took place in Mykonos, a picturesque Mediterranean island-town. Windmills turning in the distance, white stone houses, and clear blue sea made for the perfect backdrop. Read more Author : Beia Formoso