Our scent is part of our identity. It plays a big role in how we evolve over time, how we want to present ourselves, and how we want others to perceive us. It goes hand in hand with every look we put together, adding more dimension to our image. 

This is exactly what actor Daniel Padilla explained as he sat down among us to talk about his newly launched fragrance line in collaboration with Bench.

“Hindi ako masyadong nag-sti-stick ng matagal sa isang pabango (I don’t really stick so long with one perfume). Laging nag-eevolve din siya kasi nagbabago din yung ano ko eh—I mean, ako rin nag-grogrow ako ([My scent] always evolves because, I mean, even I grow as well),” explained Daniel on his fragrance preferences. “At pag naaamoy ko yung sarili ko, ako rin—pati yung personality ko nagbabago rin siya (And when I smell myself, even my personality changes). Parang ganun, dinadala niya ako (Something like that, [my scent] carries me).”

He also talked about being greatly influenced by both his parents, as well as his uncle, in his journey of olfactory discovery. This journey, seemingly an endless one for Daniel, has brought him to this point of curating a new fragrance line with Bench, a part of himself that he can share with the world.

On a warm Saturday evening in October, guests were invited to get an exclusive first peek at the three distinctive products that make up this collection. Over dinner and drinks at the Electric Garden in BGC, we were introduced to Shiroi, Earth, and Akai. Inspired by the actor’s passion for the outdoors and elements of Japanese culture, each fragrance is meticulously tailored to echo different facets of Daniel’s overall lifestyle.

The Shiroi, an eau de toilette, is a light, clean fragrance that is perfect for everyday use. It features a blend of orange, garden accord, bergamot, jasmine rose, musk, and notes of sandalwood. Next in the collection, the Earth, which is a body spray, is a deeper, more masculine scent that alludes to a scenery of untamed landscapes and azure skies. Its fusion of bergamot, lavender, nutmeg, patchouli, apple, musk, and notes of tonka bean creates an aroma that allows the wearer to give a stronger impression. Finally, the Akai, also a body spray, is an option that is more sensual yet fresh. It showcases a combination of tender rose petals, spicy pink pepper, and warm amber, creating a romantic scent that lasts.

With an array of different individual scents fused together in unique ways, we are able to have a better understanding of who Daniel truly is. Beyond what we think we know about him through his appearances on film and TV, the Bench x Daniel Padilla fragrance line gives us a glimpse of his off-screen personality and his most authentic self. That is, someone who is straightforward, uncluttered, and timeless, which is also reflected in this special collection.

The Shiroi, Earth, and Akai fragrances are now available. You can find them exclusively in Bench stores nationwide and online at shop.bench.com.ph, Bench on Shopee, and Bench on LazMall.