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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider Bench and the Embassy of Japan in the PH unveil 'Threads of Dreams' exhibition

Bench and the Embassy of Japan in the PH unveil 'Threads of Dreams' exhibition

Published Jun 9, 2026 03:34 pm  |  Updated Jun 10, 2026 11:05 am
Last April, Bench Fashion Week didn’t just become a platform for Filipino designers and brands to showcase their latest visions—it also became a vessel for a visual narrative reflecting the 70-year relationship between the Philippines and Japan. Titled “Threads of Dreams,” this runway segment featured the works of Filipino designers Rhett Eala, Jaggy Glarino, and Joey Samson, presenting collections that merged the beauty and cultural influences of both nations.
Suyen Corporation chairman Ben Chan and vice president for Finance Nenita Lim with Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife madame Akiko Endo
Suyen Corporation chairman Ben Chan and vice president for Finance Nenita Lim with Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and his wife madame Akiko Endo
This time, Philippine retail giant Bench has once again joined forces with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and Japan Foundation Manila as they continue the celebration with the opening of the “Threads of Dreams” exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Manila.
Unveiled on June 2, the exhibition gives guests a closer look at the collections presented during the fashion festival. More than 60 garments are on display, showcasing contemporary fashion, textile traditions, and personal narratives. Through these works, the exhibition examines how the Philippines and Japan have shaped one another through craftsmanship, migration, design, and cultural exchange.
Miguel Pastor and Stanley Ng
Miguel Pastor and Stanley Ng
JC Buendia
JC Buendia
Jo Ann Bitagcol
Jo Ann Bitagcol
Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, and Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tinga
Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, and Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tinga
Jojie Lloren, Josie Natori, Randy Ortiz, and Gino Gonzales
Jojie Lloren, Josie Natori, Randy Ortiz, and Gino Gonzales
Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez
Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez
Joey Samson, Ben Chan, and Rhett Eala
Joey Samson, Ben Chan, and Rhett Eala
Bryan Peralta, Myrrh Lao To, Rhett Eala, Koko Gonzales, Aaron Charles, Geom Hernandez, and Patrick Lazol
Bryan Peralta, Myrrh Lao To, Rhett Eala, Koko Gonzales, Aaron Charles, Geom Hernandez, and Patrick Lazol
Leading the event were Endo Kazuya, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines; Ben Chan, founder of Bench; and Suzuki Ben, director of Japan Foundation Manila.
Running until July 26, “Threads of Dreams” positions fashion as a cultural bridge—revealing how clothing can preserve stories, reflect shared histories, and foster dialogue across borders and generations. The exhibition is open to the public during museum hours at standard museum admission rates.
To know more about the collections featured in "Threads of Dreams," click here.
Get a tour of the exhibition below:
Jaggy Glarino

Joey Samson

Rhett Eala

Related Tags

fashion and beauty people and events Bench Japanese Embassy
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